bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Vanishing Left Ventricular Outflow Tract Mass: An Uncommon Manifestation of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Ananthakrishna Rajiv , Moorthy Nagaraja , Bhat Prabhavathi , Nanjappa Manjunath C
Published: March 2014

Mini‐Abstract

A 27‐year‐old female with a history of second trimester abortion was referred for evaluation of transient ischemic attack. Echocardiography revealed a large, irregular, mobile mass attached to the right coronary cusp of aortic valve. Investigations were consistent with antiphospholipid antibody syndrome, secondary to systemic lupus erythematosus. She was started on oral anticoagulation. Serial echocardiography showed regression of the mass, with complete resolution at 2 months. We highlight an uncommon manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus, in the setting of a prothrombotic milieu. Prompt recognition is essential for appropriate therapy and averts the need for surgery.
Spatial variation in vegetation damage relative to primary productivity, small rodent abundance and predation
Authors: Hoset Katrine S. , Kyrö Kukka , Oksanen Tarja , Oksanen Lauri , Olofsson Johan
Published: March 2014

The relative importance of top‐down and bottom‐up mechanisms in shaping community structure is still a highly controversial topic in ecology. Predatory top‐down control of herbivores is thought to relax herbivore impact on the vegetation through trophic cascades. However, trophic cascades may be weak in terrestrial systems as the complexity of food webs makes responses harder to predict. Alternatively, top‐down control prevails, but the top‐level (predator or herbivore) changes according to productivity levels. Here we show how spatial variation in the occurrence of herbivores (lemmings and voles) and their predators (mustelids and foxes) relates with grazing damage in landscapes with different net primary productivity, generating two and three trophic level communities, during the 2007 rodent peak in northern Norway. Lemmings were most abundant on the unproductive high‐altitude tundra, where few predators were present and the impact of herbivores on vegetation was strong. Voles were most common on a productive, south facing slope, where numerous predators were present, and the impacts of herbivores on vegetation were weak. The impact of herbivores on the vegetation was strong only when predators were not present, and this cannot be explained by between‐habitat differences in the abundance of plant functional groups. We thus conclude that predators influence the plant community via a trophic cascade in a spatial pattern that support the exploitation ecosystems hypothesis. The responses to grazing also differed between plant functional groups, with implications for short and long‐term consequences for plant communities.
A bias‐free two‐alternative forced choice procedure to examine intersensory illusions applied to the ventriloquist effect by flashes and averted eye‐gazes
Authors: Vroomen Jean , Stekelenburg Jeroen J.
Published: March 2014

We compared with a new psychophysical method whether flashes and averted eye‐gazes of a cartoon face induce a ventriloquist illusion (an illusory shift of the apparent location of a sound by a visual distracter). With standard psychophysical procedures that measure a direct ventriloquist effect and a ventriloquist aftereffect, we found in human subjects that both types of stimuli induced an illusory shift of sound location. These traditional methods, though, are probably contaminated by response strategies. We therefore developed a new two‐alternative forced choice procedure that allows measuring the strength of an intersensory illusion in a bias‐free way. With this new procedure we found that only flashes, but not averted eye‐gazes, induced an illusory shift in sound location. This difference between flashes and eye‐gazes was validated in an EEG study in which again only flashes illusorily shifted the apparent location of a sound thereby evoking a mismatch negativity response. These results are important because they highlight that commonly used measures of multisensory illusions are contaminated while there is an easy yet stringent way to measure the strength of an illusion in a bias‐free way.
The Representationalism versus Relationalism Debate: Explanatory Contextualism about Perception
Authors: Nanay Bence
Published: March 2014

There are two very different ways of thinking about perception. According to representationalism, perceptual states are representations: they represent the world as being a certain way. They have content, which may or may not be different from the content of beliefs. They represent objects as having properties, sometimes veridically, sometimes not. According to relationalism, perception is a relation between the agent and the perceived object. Perceived objects are literally constituents of our perceptual states and not of the contents thereof. Perceptual states are not representations. My aim is to argue that if we frame this debate as a debate about the individuation of perceptual states, rather than the nature of perception, then we can reconcile these two seemingly conflicting ways of thinking about perception.
Does the Reversibility Thesis Deliver All That Merleau‐Ponty Claims It Can?
Authors: Daly Anya
Published: March 2014

Merleau‐Ponty's reversibility thesis argues that self, other and world are inherently relational, interdependent at the level of ontology. What is at stake in the reversibility thesis is whether it overcomes skeptical objections in both assuring real communication and avoiding solipsism in assuring real difference; the Other must be a genuine, irreducible Other. It is objected that across the domains of reversibility, symmetry and reciprocity are not guaranteed. I argue that this is a non‐problem; rather the potentialities for asymmetry and non reciprocity in fact guarantee the irreducibility of the Other; reversibility needs to be appreciated as dialectical or aesthetic, not as a literal or ‘mechanistic’ reversal. A further criticism targets the viability of ontology itself, whether alterity is ever compatible with ontology. This paper considers these objections from two of Merleau‐Ponty's contemporaries—Claude Lefort and Emmanuel Levinas. Levinas developed a philosophy which while intersecting with Merleau‐Ponty's at important junctures, nonetheless arrived at an entirely different destination. I argue alongside Martin Dillon against the objections of Lefort, and alongside Dan Zahavi against the objections of Levinas. Both of these interpreters, I propose remain faithful to the core directions and spirit of Merleau‐Ponty's endeavours without becoming diverted by the less significant inconsistencies.
First record of Pityophthorus solus (Blackman, ) in Europe
Authors: Goldarazena A. , Bright D. E. , Hishinuma S. M. , López S. , Seybold S. J.
Published: March 2014

First records of Pityophthorus solus (Blackman, ) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) for Europe are reported. Twenty one specimens were obtained unintentionally during surveys for Ips sexdentatus (Boemer, 1767) and for Pityophthorus juglandis Blackman, using multiple funnel traps baited with specific attractants for both species in the Basque Country (Northern Spain).
A new record for the flora of Turkey: Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms (Pontederiaceae)
Authors: Uremis I. , Uludag A. , Arslan Z. F. , Abaci O.
Published: March 2014

Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms (Pontederiaceae) is reported for the first time for the flora of Turkey. This invasive alien plant was observed in the Asi River (also called the Orontes River), which runs from Lebanon, through Syria to Turkey. The observation was made in the river near the border with Syria. This site is the in the district of Altinözü in the province of Hatay in the East Mediterranean region. Turkey is divided into grids for floral purposes by the book ‘Flora of Turkey’ and the plants described were collected in grid sector C6. The authors concluded that E. crassipes (water hyacinth) can establish and spread in Turkey.
What determines human body odour?
Authors: Hamada Kaoru , Haruyama Sanehito , Yamaguchi Takashi , Yamamoto Kayo , Hiromasa Kana , Yoshioka Manabu , Nishio Daisuke , Nakamura Motonobu
Published: March 2014

Human body odour and earwax type are genetically dependent on a single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) located in the ABCC11 gene. So far, it still remains to be clear how SNP in the ABCC11 gene is associated with human malodour. In a recent issue of Experimental Dermatology, Baumann et al. propose one of the underlying molecular pathways. Although one of the amino acid conjugated of the odorants, Cys‐Gly‐3‐methyl‐3‐sulfanylhexanol (3M3SH), was not taken up by the transporter ABCC11, glutathione conjugate of 3MSH (SG‐3MSH) was transported by ABCC11. Moreover, SG‐3MSH was processed to 3M3SH by γ‐glutamyl‐transferase 1 (GGT1), which was abundantly expressed in apocrine sweat glands. These findings may pave a way for the pharmacogenetics of human body odour and the development of innovative deodorant products.
Cardiovascular biomarkers in patients with psoriasis
Authors: Gerdes Sascha , Osadtschy Swetlana , Buhles Norbert , Baurecht Hansjoerg , Mrowietz Ulrich
Published: March 2014

Psoriasis is a systemic inflammatory disease of the skin with associated comorbidity. Severe forms of psoriasis are associated with increased mortality, which might be due to cardiovascular (CV) comorbidity. In this study, we investigated in 79 patients with psoriasis compared to 80 healthy volunteers different biomarkers that play a role in vascular disease and inflammation, such as C‐reactive protein (CRP), human soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L), oxidized low‐density lipoprotein (ox‐LDL), human matrix Gla protein (MGP) and fetuin‐A. Our results showed that CRP (P < 0.0001), sCD40L (P < 0.0001) and MGP (P < 0.0001) were increased in the patient cohort. Fetuin‐A showed decreased serum levels in patients with psoriasis (P < 0.0001), whereas ox‐LDL did not show any significant difference. In multivariate analyses controlling for sex, age and BMI, these findings were confirmed. Thus, CV biomarkers are altered in patients with psoriasis. If the decrease in fetuin‐A as well as the increase in sCD40L can be proven in further studies, these biomarkers may help to characterize a subgroup of patients who are at risk to develop CVD and/or monitor the effect of therapeutic antipsoriatic strategies on concomitant diseases. This knowledge may be useful in the management of high‐need patients with psoriasis.
TLR2 and TLR4 expression in atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis and psoriasis
Authors: Panzer Rüdiger , Blobel Conrad , Fölster‐Holst Regina , Proksch Ehrhardt
Published: March 2014

The aim of the study was to investigate the expression of Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) 2 and 4 on keratinocytes in atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, and psoriasis by PCR and by immunohistochemistry including confocal microscopy. Confocal microscopy revealed a granular intra‐cellular expression pattern for TLR 2 and a homogenous intra‐cellular expression pattern for TLR 4 in normal and diseased skin. TLR 2 was constitutively expressed in the suprabasal layers in normal skin, but limited to the basal epidermis in diseased skin. TLR 4 expression was concentrated to the basal layers in normal skin, whereas it was pronounced in upper layers in diseased skin. The shift in the TLR expression may be related to the disturbed skin barrier and a need for enhanced immune surveillance because of invading microbes. Also, there must be a balance between sufficient immune response and overstimulation.
Cationic membrane‐active peptides – anticancer and antifungal activity as well as penetration into human skin
Authors: Do Nhung , Weindl Günther , Grohmann Lisa , Salwiczek Mario , Koksch Beate , Korting Hans Christian , Schäfer‐Korting Monika
Published: March 2014

Cationic antimicrobial peptides are ancient natural broad‐spectrum antibiotics, and several compounds also exhibit anticancer activity. However, most applications pertain to bacterial infections, and treatment for skin cancer is less frequently considered. The cytotoxicity of melittin, cecropin A, protegrin‐1 and histatin 5 against squamous skin cancer cell lines and normal human keratinocytes was evaluated and compared to established drugs. The results show that melittin clearly outperforms 5‐fluorouracil regarding antitumor activity. Importantly, combined melittin and 5‐fluorouracil enhanced cytotoxic effects on cancer cells and reduced toxicity on normal keratinocytes. Additionally, minimum inhibitory concentrations indicate that melittin also shows superior activity against clinical and laboratory strains of Candida albicans compared to amphotericin B. To evaluate its potential for topical applications, human skin penetration of melittin was investigated ex vivo and compared to two non‐toxic cell‐penetrating peptides (CPPs), low molecular weight protamine (LMWP) and penetratin. The stratum corneum prevents penetration into viable epidermis over 6 h; however, the peptides gain access to the viable skin after 24 h. Inhibition of digestive enzymes during skin penetration significantly enhances the availability of intact peptide. In conclusion, melittin may represent an innovative agent for non‐melanoma skin cancer and infectious skin diseases. In order to develop a drug candidate, skin absorption and proteolytic digestion by skin enzymes need to be addressed.
Optimization of sugarcane farming as a multipurpose crop for energy and food production
Authors: Sabatier Damien , Martiné Jean‐François , Chiroleu Frédéric , Roussel Camille , Letourmy Philippe , van Antwerpen Rianto , Gabrielle Benoit , Ney Bertrand
Published: March 2014

Sugarcane is a multipurpose crop whose components may be used, in addition to sugar production, for various energy carriers or end‐products (electricity, liquid biofuels and heat) which enhance its economic potential. For many years, plant breeders and agronomists have focused on increasing sucrose yields per hectare and millers on increasing recoverable sucrose per ton of sugarcane in sugar mills. Attempting to exploit the energy potential of sugarcane more fully, calls for a more holistic approach focusing on both sucrose and lignocellulosic components of sugarcane biomass, and gaining some insight into the management practices required to optimize sugarcane cropping systems in these respects. Such options include genotype selection, harvest date with respect to the crop's growing cycle, crop type (plant crop vs. ratoon crops) and harvesting systems (mechanical vs. manual). The effects of these factors are strongly modulated by climate and soil properties, and these interactions are overall poorly known. Here, we set out to examine sugarcane infield management × environmental interactions with respect to (i) sugarcane yield and partitioning of the aboveground biomass; and (ii) sugarcane milling products (recoverable sucrose yield and amounts of coproducts) and their derived energy carriers. Three Saccharum cv. cultivars (R570, R579 and R585) were planted in three locations on La Reunion Island with contrasting management practices and climatological conditions. Quality characteristics of the samples were assessed by conventional and near infrared spectroscopy methods. Product, coproducts and potential energy production were measured and computed using transfer equations and a mill‐operating model. Yields and quality characteristics from cultivars and harvesting systems were affected differently by environmental factors – low temperature and radiation, and water stress. The current study also provides valuable information on how combinations between environments, genotypes and practices affect yield and partitioning of the aboveground biomass, and food and energy production.
Can we produce carbon and climate neutral forest bioenergy?
Authors: Repo Anna , Tuovinen Juha‐Pekka , Liski Jari
Published: March 2014

Harvesting branches, stumps and unmercantable tops, in addition to stem wood, decreases the carbon input to the soil and consequently reduces the forest carbon stock. We examine the changes in the forest carbon cycle that would compensate for this carbon loss over a rotation period and lead to carbon neutral forest residue bioenergy systems. In addition, we analyse the potential climate impact of these carbon neutral systems. In a boreal forest, the carbon loss was compensated for with a 10% increase in tree growth or a postponing of final felling for 20 years from 90 to 110 years in one forest rotation period. However, these changes in carbon sequestration did not prevent soil carbon loss. To recover soil carbon stock, a 38% increase in tree growth or a 21% decrease in the decomposition rate of the remaining organic matter was needed. All the forest residue bioenergy scenarios studied had a warming impact on climate for at least 62 years. Nevertheless, the increases in the carbon sequestration from forest growth or reduction in the decomposition rate of the remaining organic matter resulted in a 50% smaller warming impact of forest bioenergy use or even a cooling climate impact in the long term. The study shows that carbon neutral forest residue bioenergy systems have warming climate impacts. Minimization of the forest carbon loss improves the climate impact of forest bioenergy.
Detection of changes in the locus coeruleus in patients with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease: High‐resolution fast spin‐echo T1‐weighted imaging
Authors: Takahashi Junko , Shibata Toshihide , Sasaki Makoto , Kudo Masako , Yanezawa Hisashi , Obara Satoko , Kudo Kohsuke , Ito Kenji , Yamashita Fumio , Terayama Yasuo
Published: March 2014

Aim

Neuronal degeneration in the locus coeruleus occurs in the early phase of Alzheimer's disease, similar to mild cognitive impairment. The locus coeruleus produces norepinephrine, a deficiency of which causes both memory disturbance and psychological symptoms. Thus, we evaluated signal alterations in the locus coeruleus of patients with Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment using a high‐resolution fast spin‐echo T1‐weighted imaging.

Methods

A total of 22 patients with Alzheimer's disease, 47 patients with mild cognitive impairment and 26 healthy controls were prospectively examined by high‐resolution fast spin‐echo T1‐weighted imaging at 3 Tesla. Signal intensities in the locus coeruleus were manually measured and expressed relative to those in the adjacent white matter structures as contrast ratios.

Results

Locus coeruleus contrast ratios were significantly reduced in patient groups with Alzheimer's disease, mild cognitive impairment that converted to Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment that did not convert to Alzheimer's disease (1.80–16.09% [median, 9.30%], 3.45–14.84% [median 6.87%] and 3.01–19.19% [median 7.72%], respectively) compared with the healthy control group (6.24–20.94% [median 14.35%]; P < 0.0001). The sensitivity and specificity for discriminating these diseases were 85.0% and 69.2%, respectively, which suggests that this measurement can be carried out reliably. There was no significant difference in the locus coeruleus contrast ratios among the Alzheimer's disease, mild cognitive impairment‐converted and mild cognitive impairment‐non‐converted groups.

Conclusions

High‐resolution fast spin‐echo T1‐weighted imaging can show signal attenuation in the locus coeruleus of patients with Alzheimer's disease or with mild cognitive impairment whose pathology may or may not eventually convert to Alzheimer's disease. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 334–340.
When Does Service Delivery Improve the Legitimacy of a Fragile or Conflict‐Affected State?
Authors: Mcloughlin Claire
Published: March 2014

Received wisdom holds that the provision of vital public services necessarily improves the legitimacy of a fragile or conflict‐affected state. In practice, however, the relationship between a state's performance in delivering services and its degree of legitimacy is nonlinear. Specifically, this relationship is conditioned by expectations of what the state should provide, subjective assessments of impartiality and distributive justice, the relational aspects of provision, how easy it is to attribute (credit or blame) performance to the state, and the characteristics of the service. This questions the dominant institutional model, which reduces the role of services in (re)building state legitimacy to an instrumental one. A more rounded account of the significance of service delivery for state legitimacy would look beyond the material to the ideational and relational significance of services, and engage with the normative criteria by which citizens judge them.
Cultivar × binary mixture interaction effect on agronomic traits in orchardgrass
Authors: Xie Wengang , Robins Joseph G. , Escribano Sandra , Bushman B. Shaun , Zhang Xinquan
Published: March 2014

A study was conducted from 2009 to 2012 to evaluate and characterize the agronomic value of seven agronomic traits, including dry matter yield and forage quality of 25 orchardgrass cultivars grown in monoculture and binary mixtures with alfalfa. The irrigated Millville, UT, USA (41°41′24″N, 111°49′48″W) field site was characterized by a semiarid climate and elevation over 1300 m. The cultivar × mixture interaction was significant for all traits but flag leaf height, and contained a substantial crossover component among the cultivars. Differences among cultivar means were significant for all traits in both the monoculture and mixture settings. Yet, concordance for high cultivar performance in both monoculture and mixture was low. Thus, the strong underlying cultivar × mixture interaction found in this study complicates the identification of best cultivars in both settings. Yet, for each trait cultivars were identified that possessed statistically high phenotypic performance under the monoculture and mixed sward conditions. Thus, despite the substantial cultivar × environment effect, it should be possible to develop orchardgrass cultivars with improved agronomic performance under both management conditions.
Influence of different toothpaste abrasives on the bristle end‐rounding quality of toothbrushes
Authors: de Oliveira GJPL , de Aveiro JM , Pavone C , Marcantonio RAC
Published: March 2014

Objectives

To evaluate the influence of different toothpaste abrasives on the bristle wear and bristle tip morphology of toothbrushes with different degrees of hardness.

Material and methods

Ninety samples of bovine incisor teeth were used in this study. The samples were randomly divided into three groups according to the bristle hardness of the toothbrush used: soft bristles (S); extra‐soft bristles (ES); hard bristles (H). The toothbrushes of each group were randomly divided into six subgroups with five toothbrushes each, according to the abrasive of the toothpaste used in the simulation: Negative control (distilled water); toothpaste 1 (silica); toothpaste 2 (hydrated silica); toothpaste 3 (calcium carbonate, calcium bicarbonate and silica); toothpaste 4 (tetrapotassium pyrophosphate, silica and titanium dioxide); toothpaste 5 (calcium carbonate). The samples were placed in a toothbrushing simulating machine that simulating three months of brushing. The toothbrush bristles were evaluated by the bristle wear index, and the bristle tips morphology was evaluated by the bristle tip morphology index.

Results

The ES brush presented the highest bristle wear among the toothbrushes. Additionally, the S brushes showed better morphology of the bristles followed by ES and H brushes. The type of abrasive only influenced the bristle tip morphology of the ES brushes. The toothpaste 3 induced the worse bristle tip morphology than all the other toothpastes.

Conclusions

Different abrasives have influence only on the bristle tip morphology of the ES brushes.
Hypoxic condition promotes differentiation and mineralization of dental pulp cells in vivo
Authors: Ito K. , Matsuoka K. , Matsuzaka K. , Morinaga K. , Inoue T.
Published: March 2014

Aim

To investigate the behaviour of dental pulp cells under hypoxic conditions in vivo using an experimental animal model.

Methodology

A mini‐screw was inserted into the inferior dental nerve canal of rats to arrest the blood supply, which resulted in a reduced oxygen level in the dental pulps of molar teeth used for the experimental group. The decrease in blood supply was evaluated by injected India ink in transparent specimens. The hypoxia marker hypoxyprobe‐1 was investigated by immunohistochemical staining. The mRNA expressions of ATP‐binding cassette transporter (ABC) G2 (ABCG2) which is a marker for the capacity to excrete metabolites and for stem‐like cells as well as dentine sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) and osteocalcin (OCN) which are markers for mineralization were evaluated by RT‐PCR. Protein was evaluated by immunohistochemical staining using ABCG2, dentine sialoprotein (DSP) and OCN.

Results

The evaluation of India ink indicated a decreased blood supply in the transparent specimens, and hypoxyprobe‐1 immunohistochemical staining showed positive expression. ABCG2, DSPP and OCN mRNA expressions increased at 7 and 14 days. Immunohistochemically, ABCG2, DSP and OCN‐positive cells were localized in the odontoblastic layer.

Conclusions

Hypoxic conditions promoted mineralization and differentiation of dental pulp cells of the odontoblastic layer.
Effects of Molar Ratio of Acetylacetone to Aluminum Precursor on the Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (Y3Al5O12, YAG) Formation by a Sol–Gel Process
Authors: Ho Yung‐Shou , Wu Cheng‐Heng , Chen Yi‐Siou , Liu Chih‐Kun
Published: March 2014

In this study, effects of the molar ratio of acetylacetone to aluminum precursor on crystallization and morphology of yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) were investigated. YAG nanopowders were synthesized by a sol–gel process incorporating different amounts of acetylacetone as a chelating agent and fuels. The dry gels and powders were characterized using FTIR, SDT, XRD, and FESEM. The results showed the lowest YAG crystallization temperature at 800°C when the ratio of acetylacetone/aluminum precursor was two. This is 150°C lower than that without acetylacetone. The crystallite size of YAG powders was about the same, around 20–30 nm.
CD14+CD16+ monocytes rather than CD14+CD51/61+ monocytes are a potential cytological marker of circulating osteoclast precursors in multiple myeloma. A preliminary study
Authors: Petitprez V. , Royer B. , Desoutter J. , Guiheneuf E. , Rigolle A. , Marolleau J. P. , Kamel S. , Guillaume N.
Published: March 2014

Introduction

Osteolytic bone destruction is a major clinical problem in multiple myeloma patients. Osteoclasts can differentiate in vitro from bone marrow‐resident monocyte progenitors, such as common monocyte progenitors, as well as circulating monocytes. Various types of monocytes, including osteoclast precursors, appear to circulate systemically.

Methods

We investigated the possibility of demonstrating, by in vitro differentiation and flow cytometry, a circulating osteoclast precursor population in multiple myeloma (MM) patients by studying the distribution of CD14+/++ CD11b+ CD51/61+ and CD14+/++ CD16+/− populations.

Results

Under short‐term in vitro osteoclastic differentiation conditions, almost all CD14 monocytes acquired CD51/61 and CD16 expression. Flow cytometry studies failed to demonstrate a statistically significant increase in circulating CD14+/++ CD11b+ CD51/61+ populations in 20 MM patients with osteolytic lesions. However, the minor circulating CD14+/++ CD16+ fraction was significantly increased in MM patients compared with healthy volunteers (109.3 ± 63.1/mm3 vs. 65.3 ± 34.9/mm3; P = 0.005), but with no correlation with markers of tumour burden. The CD14+/++ CD16+ to CD14+/++ CD16− ratio was higher in MM patients.

Conclusion

The circulating CD14+/++ CD11b+ CD51/61+ fraction was not correlated with bone lesions in MM patients. However, CD14+/++ CD16+ monocytes may be a candidate marker. A larger study must be conducted to confirm these promising results for the diagnosis and follow‐up of MM patients.
Life‐space mobility and social support in elderly adults with orthopaedic disorders
Authors: Suzuki Tomoko , Kitaike Tadashi , Ikezaki Sumie
Published: March 2014

The purpose of this cross‐sectional survey was to explore relationships between life‐space mobility and the related factors in elderly Japanese people who attend orthopaedic clinics. The study measures included surveys of life‐space mobility (Life‐space Assessment (LSA) score), social support (social network diversity and social ties), physical ability (instrumental self‐maintenance, intellectual activity, social role), orthopaedic factors (diseases and symptoms) and demographic information. The questionnaire was distributed to 156 subjects; 152 persons responded, yielding 140 valid responses. Mean age of the sample was 76.0 ± 6.4 (range, 65–96 years), with 57.9% women (n = 81). In a multiple regression analysis, the six factors were significantly associated with LSA. Standardized partial regression coefficients (β) were gender (0.342), instrumental self‐maintenance (0.297), social network diversity (0.217), age (−0.170), difficulty of motion (−0.156) and intellectual activity (0.150), with an adjusted R2 = 0.488. These results suggest that outpatient health‐care providers need to intervene in not only addressing orthopaedic factors but also promoting social support among elderly Japanese.
Who provides nursing services in Cambodian hospitals?
Authors: Sakurai‐Doi Yukie , Mochizuki Noriko , Phuong Keat , Sung Chao , Visoth Pheng , Sriv Bun , Amara Sar Rath , Murakami Hitoshi , Komagata Tomoko , Fujita Noriko
Published: March 2014

In Cambodia, the number of nurses is insufficient and details of nursing services are unknown and undocumented. This research explored who provides nursing service activities in Cambodia. The study was conducted at nine hospitals in Cambodia. Findings indicate that non‐invasive medical care such as vital signs taking was designated to nurses. In performing more complex medical interventions, nurses shared the tasks with medical doctors. Conversely, simpler nursing tasks, including maintaining bedside environment/hygiene and supporting patient activities, tasks were shared by nurses with patients' family. This study elucidated an optimal personnel mix and task shared between nurses, doctors and patients' families. There are important implications for nursing legislation related to streamlining the production of nurses to provide an adequate and qualified nursing service in Cambodia.
Changes of urinary bladder contractility in high‐fat diet‐fed mice: The role of tumor necrosis factor‐α
Authors: Fan Eric Wen‐Chou , Chen Li‐Jen , Cheng Juei‐Tang , Tong Yat‐Ching
Published: March 2014

Objectives

To study the role of tumor necrosis factor‐α in bladder dysfunction associated with obesity.

Methods

Male 8‐week‐old C57BL/6J mice were divided into three groups: (i) control mice; (ii) vehicle‐treated high‐fat diet‐fed mice; and (iii) etanercept‐treated high‐fat diet‐fed mice. High‐fat diet feeding lasted for 12 weeks, vehicle or etanercept (0.8 mg/kg/day, a tumor necrosis factor‐α antagonist) treatment was given during the last 4 weeks. At the end of the treatment period, serum tumor necrosis factor‐α, total cholesterol, triglyceride and blood glucose were measured. Bladder strip contractile responses to 1 μmol/L acetylcholine or 50 mmol/L KCl were studied in an organ bath. Bladder protein kinase Cζ, nuclear factor‐κB and intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 expressions were analyzed using western blots.

Results

Serum levels of tumor necrosis factor‐α total cholesterol, triglyceride and glucose were significantly elevated in high‐fat diet‐fed mice; and the levels were not ameliorated by etanercept treatment. High‐fat diet‐fed mouse bladder showed reduced contractile responses to acetylcholine and KCl stimulation accompanied by high expression levels of phospho‐protein kinase Cζ, nuclear nuclear factor‐κB and intercellular adhesion molecule‐1. Etanercept restored normal bladder contractile responses, as well as protein kinase Cζ nuclear factor‐κB and intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 expressions.

Conclusions

A high‐fat diet induces bodyweight gain, hyperlipidemia and hyperglycemia in mice. Elevated serum tumor necrosis factor‐α level associated with increased protein kinase Cζ phosphorylation, nuclear factor‐κB nuclear migration, intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 expression and impaired muscle contractility are shown in the high‐fat diet‐fed mouse bladder. Tumor necrosis factor‐α antagonist treatment restores normal bladder contractility, and protein kinase Cζ nuclear factor‐κB and intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 levels.
Equal reproductive success of phenotypes in the Larus glaucescens–occidentalis complex
Authors: Megna Libby C. , Moncrieff Andre E. , Hayward James L. , Henson Shandelle M.
Published: March 2014

Glaucous‐winged gulls Larus glaucescens and western gulls L. occidentalis hybridize extensively where their ranges overlap along the coasts of Washington and Oregon, producing a continuum of phenotypic intergrades between the two parental species. This zone often is considered an example of geographically bounded hybrid superiority, but studies of relative success among parental types and hybrids have not provided consistent support for this model. We tested the predictions of the dynamic‐equilibrium and geographically bounded hybrid superiority hypotheses by studying mate choice and reproductive success among gulls on Protection Island, Washington, the largest breeding colony of glaucous‐winged/western gulls within the hybrid zone. The dynamic‐equilibrium hypothesis posits that hybridization due to dispersal balances selection against less fit hybrids and assortative mating is adaptive. Geographically bounded hybrid superiority posits that hybrids are better fit than parental types within an ecotone between the environments to which the parental species are adapted, and a preference for hybrid mates is adaptive. Additionally, we investigated whether hatching success and nest site choice are correlated for Protection Island gulls. We assigned a hybrid index to each sample bird by examining plumage melanism and bare part coloration in the field. Sheltered nests contained larger clutches and exhibited increased hatching success, but choice of nest habitat was not associated with hybrid index. Western gull‐like pairs produced smaller third eggs; however, hybrid index was not correlated with clutch size or hatching success. Protection Island gulls did exhibit assortative mating. In short, we did not find strong support for either geographically bounded hybrid superiority or the dynamic‐equilibrium hypothesis.
Use of methodological tools for assessing the quality of studies in periodontology and implant dentistry: a systematic review
Authors: Faggion Clovis M. , Huda Fahd , Wasiak Jason
Published: March 2014

Objective

To evaluate the methodological approaches used to assess the quality of studies included in systematic reviews (SRs) in periodontology and implant dentistry.

Materials & Methods

Two electronic databases (PubMed and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews) were searched independently to identify SRs examining interventions published through 2 September 2013. The reference lists of included SRs and records of 10 specialty dental journals were searched manually. Methodological approaches were assessed using seven criteria based on the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. Temporal trends in methodological quality were also explored.

Results

Of the 159 SRs with meta‐analyses included in the analysis, 44 (28%) reported the use of domain‐based tools, 15 (9%) reported the use of checklists and 7 (4%) reported the use of scales. Forty‐two (26%) SRs reported use of more than one tool. Criteria were met heterogeneously; authors of 15 (9%) publications incorporated the quality of evidence of primary studies into SRs, whereas 69% of SRs reported methodological approaches in the Materials/Methods section. Reporting of four criteria was significantly better in recent (2010–2013) than in previous publications.

Conclusion

The analysis identified several methodological limitations of approaches used to assess evidence in studies included in SRs in periodontology and implant dentistry.
Effect of treatment with methotrexate and coal tar on adipokine levels and indices of insulin resistance and sensitivity in patients with psoriasis vulgaris
Authors: Rajappa M. , Rathika S. , Munisamy M. , Chandrashekar L. , Thappa D.M.
Published: March 2014

Background and Objectives

Recent studies have implicated adipokines in the pathogenesis of the immune‐mediated inflammatory disease, psoriasis and its associated comorbidities. Hence, we undertook to study adipokine levels and indices of insulin resistance and sensitivity in patients with psoriasis vulgaris, in comparison with controls and their association with disease severity and response to therapy.

Methods

Sixty cases of psoriasis vulgaris and 60 age‐ and gender‐matched healthy controls were included in this study. Severity grading according to psoriasis area severity index scoring was done in all psoriatics. Serum levels of adipokines [leptin, adiponectin, resistin and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6)] and insulin were estimated in all psoriatics at baseline and at 12 weeks on follow‐up and in controls.

Results

Baseline levels of the inflammatory adipokines (leptin, resistin and IL‐6) and insulin resistance indices were significantly higher in psoriatics, as compared to controls, while that of the anti‐inflammatory adipokine, adiponectin and insulin sensitivity indices were significantly lower in psoriatics, as compared with controls. Baseline inflammatory adipokines, serum insulin level and insulin resistance indices demonstrated a significant positive correlation with the severity of psoriasis, while the anti‐inflammatory adipokine, adiponectin and insulin sensitivity indices demonstrated a significant negative correlation with the disease severity. After 12 weeks of therapy (both topical and systemic), there was a significant reduction in the levels of inflammatory adipokines and a significant increase in the levels of anti‐inflammatory adipokine‐adiponectin. However, a significant decrease in insulin levels and insulin resistance indices were observed only with systemic therapy with methotrexate.

Conclusion

The present results implicate that adipokines are significantly associated with pathogenesis of psoriasis and hence adequate and early control of psoriasis may contribute to the decreased development of metabolic syndrome, including the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Public knowledge and perceptions of connected health
Authors: Barr Paul J. , Brady Shauna C. , Hughes Carmel M. , McElnay James C.
Published: March 2014

Rationale, aims and objectives

This study aims to examine the public's knowledge and perceptions of connected health (CH).

Methods

A structured questionnaire was administered by face‐to‐face interview to an opportunistic sample of 1003 members of the public in 11 shopping centres across Northern Ireland (NI). Topics included public knowledge of CH, opinions about who should provide CH and views about the use of computers in health care. Multivariable analyses were conducted to assess respondents' willingness to use CH in the future.

Results

Sixty‐seven per cent of respondents were female, 31% were less than 30 years old and 22% were over 60 years. Most respondents had never heard of CH (92%). Following a standard definition, the majority felt CH was a good idea (≈90%) and that general practitioners were in the best position to provide CH; however, respondents were equivocal about reductions in health care professionals' workload and had some concerns about the ease of device use. Factors positively influencing willingness to use CH in the future included knowledge of someone who has a chronic disease, residence in NI since birth and less concern about the use of information technology (IT) in health care. Those over 60 years old or who felt threatened by the use of IT to store personal health information were less willing to use CH in the future.

Conclusion

Increased public awareness and education about CH is required to alleviate concerns and increase the acceptability of this type of care.
Comparative effectiveness of implementation of a nursing‐driven protocol in reducing bronchodilator utilization for hospitalized children with bronchiolitis
Authors: Pinto Jamie M. , Schairer Janet L. , Petrova Anna
Published: March 2014

Objective

The goal of our study was to determine whether the administration of bronchodilators is affected by implementation of a nursing‐driven protocol in the care of children hospitalized with bronchiolitis.

Methods

We included children less than 2 years old, hospitalized with bronchiolitis, but without chronic lung problems, immunodeficiencies or congenital heart disease in the 1‐year periods before, during and after implementation of a nursing‐driven bronchiolitis protocol. The protocol is based on nursing assessments of respiratory status prior to initiation and continuation of bronchodilator therapy. Utilization rates of bronchodilators were compared with respect to implementation of the nursing‐driven protocol using Chi‐square, analysis of variance, and regression analysis that is presented as adjusted odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) of the OR.

Results

Among the 80 children who were hospitalized before, 63 during and 89 after the implementation of the nursing‐driven bronchiolitis protocol, 70.0, 60.3, and 29.2%, respectively, received treatment with bronchodilators (P < 0.0001). Reduction in the use of bronchodilators in association with the implementation of the nursing‐driven bronchiolitis protocol was also observed after controlling for the child's age and evidence of pneumonia (OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.61–0.79). The mean number of bronchodilator doses administered among patients in the three groups who received at least one treatment was comparable.

Conclusions

Implementation of a nursing‐driven bronchiolitis protocol was associated with significant reduction in initiation of bronchodilator treatments, which suggests a benefit from nursing involvement in the promotion of evidence‐based recommendations in the management of children hospitalized with bronchiolitis.
Analysis of asphaltic binders modified with PPA by surface techniques
Authors: DOURADO ERICO R. , PIZZORNO BIANCA S. , MOTTA LAURA M. G. , SIMAO RENATA A. , LEITE LENI F.M.
Published: March 2014

Samples of unmodified and modified asphalt binders containing 1% polyphosphoric acid were studied. Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy was used to evaluate the structural indices of the functional groups present in the samples and the results indicated there was a strong interaction between the polyphosphoric acid and oxygenated species. Contact angle measurements indicated that adhesion of the binder to the aggregate depended on the polyphosphoric acid content. Atomic force microscopy was used to relate features observed on the surface of the asphalt binder 50/70, with their local mechanical properties such as stiffness and elasticity. It was observed that the surface of the sample containing 1% polyphosphoric acid provides stiffness values lower than the unmodified asphalt binder.
Distribution of caveolin in the muscle spindles of human skeletal muscle
Authors: Peikert Kevin , Kasper Michael , May Christian Albrecht
Published: March 2014

The aim of the present study was to demonstrate the location of the different members of the caveolin (cav) family in human muscle spindles. Twenty spindles of three human muscles (vastus medialis, ischiocavernosus, bulbospongiosus) from 12 cadavers were immunohistochemically stained for cav‐1, cav‐2, and cav‐3, and the equatorial and polar regions evaluated. All layers of the outer and inner spindle capsule and all blood vessels within the spindle stained for cav‐1 and cav‐2. In the muscle spindle, intrafusal muscle fibres stained selectively for cav‐3, but with a patchy appearance. Caveolinopathies may therefore also include changes in muscle spindle function.
What's So Funny Now? The Strength of Weak Pronouns in Catalonia
Authors: Woolard Kathryn , Ribot Bencomo Aida , Soler Carbonell Josep
Published: March 2014

John Gumperz's foundational analyses of linguistic convergence and of code‐switching in bilingual and multilingual settings continue to influence work in interactional sociolinguistics, where these phenomena are seen as systematic mobilizations of the bilingual repertoire to cue interlocutors to the ongoing construction of situated meaning. However, the utility of Gumperz's approach is not restricted to interactional, micro‐social questions. As Gumperz's own earliest work showed, varying patterns of code‐switching and of linguistic convergence can reveal significant macro‐social differences in communities across space as well as changes within a community across time. In earlier work, I have used code‐switching and convergence as tracers to help gauge sociopolitical change in Catalonia across several decades, particularly by examining the changing patterns of mixed‐language practices that make people laugh. In this article, I analyze new Catalan mass‐media data (2006–2013) in order to assess the evolution of the serio‐comic situation of Catalan three decades after I first investigated it as a student of Gumperz at the moment of the return to Catalan political autonomy.
(Mis)understanding and Obtuseness: “Ethnolinguistic Borders” in a Miniscule Speech Community
Authors: Haviland John B.
Published: March 2014

Building on two of Gumperz's foundational concerns—multilingual speech communities and linguistically linked intercultural miscommunication—I extend (or perhaps reduce) a couple of Gumperzian concepts to an almost limiting case: a single extended family in Chiapas, Mexico, where three deaf siblings interact with their hearing relatives of three generations. Here a spoken Mayan language (along with a little Spanish) is used side by side with a spontaneously emerging homesign or sign language. Linguistic tension emerges from misunderstandings and failures of communication in even this tiny speech community, and the complex pattern of interaction between its members suggests analogues of ethnolinguistic divisions, here even between siblings or parents and children, as well as nascent ideologies of language, mind, and identity familiar from much larger and more diversified speech situations. In particular I examine the crucial nexus of linguistically mediated social relations between the first deaf individual in the family and four categories of others: her parents, her deaf siblings, her hearing siblings, and her young (hearing) child.
Gumperz and Social Justice
Authors: Heller Monica
Published: March 2014

John Gumperz's work was characterized by a concern for social justice. This article traces some of the ways this concern manifested itself through such concepts as “key situation,” and in research foci on moments of social selection in powerful state institutions. It reviews some critiques of Gumperz's approach to the problem of how social difference is tied to social inequality, and some of the productive responses to those critiques, anchoring Gumperz's work as a major contribution to critical sociolinguistics.