bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pretreatment 25‐Hydroxyvitamin D Levels and Durability of Anti–Tumor Necrosis Factor–α Therapy in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
Authors: Zator Zachary A. , Cantu Stephanie M. , Konijeti Gauree Gupta , Nguyen Deanna D. , Sauk Jenny , Yajnik Vijay , Ananthakrishnan Ashwin N.
Published: October 2013

Introduction: Emerging evidence supports an immunologic role for 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Here we examined if pretreatment vitamin D status influences durability of anti–tumor necrosis factor (TNF)–α therapy in patients with Crohn's disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC). Methods: All IBD patients who had plasma 25(OH)D level checked <3 months prior to initiating anti–TNF‐α therapy were included in this retrospective single‐center cohort study. Our main predictor variable was insufficient plasma 25(OH)D (<30 ng/mL). Cox proportional hazards model adjusting for potential confounders was used to identify the independent effect of pretreatment vitamin D on biologic treatment cessation. Results: Our study included 101 IBD patients (74 CD; median disease duration 9 years). The median index 25(OH)D level was 27 ng/mL (interquartile range, 20–33 ng/mL). One‐third of the patients had prior exposure to anti–TNF‐α therapy. On multivariate analysis, patients with insufficient vitamin D demonstrated earlier cessation of anti–TNF‐α therapy (hazard ratio [HR], 2.13; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03–4.39; P = .04). This effect was significant in patients who stopped treatment for loss of response (HR, 3.49; 95% CI, 1.34–9.09) and stronger for CD (HR, 2.38; 95% CI, 0.95–5.99) than UC (P = NS). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that vitamin D levels may influence durability of anti–TNF‐α induction and maintenance therapy. Larger cohort studies and clinical trials of supplemental vitamin D use with disease activity as an end point may be warranted.
Adolescent resource control
Authors: Findley Danielle , Ojanen Tiina
Published: October 2013

This study examined adolescent coercive and prosocial resource control strategies in relation to various indices of peer-reported behaviors and peer regard ( N = 384; 12–14 years). Coercive control was uniquely positively related to physical and relational aggression and peer disliking, and negatively to prosocial behaviors when controlling for prosocial control, which, in turn, was uniquely negatively related to physical aggression and social withdrawal, and positively to prosocial behaviors, peer liking, and popularity. Findings from person-centered analyses augmented these findings, indicating that bi-strategic, coercive, prosocial, typical, and non-controllers exhibit divergent patterns of social adjustment among peers. Implications for the study of adolescent social adjustment are discussed, including increased understanding of adolescent resource control and aggression among peers at school.
Instrumental and reactive functions and overt and relational forms of aggression
Authors: Ojanen Tiina , Kiefer Sarah
Published: October 2013

This study examined the development of adolescent self-reported instrumental-overt, instrumental-relational, reactive-overt, and reactive-relational aggression during middle school ( N = 384; 12–14 years; 53% boys). Growth modeling indicated average increases in instrumental-relational aggression, and decreases in reactive-overt and reactive-instrumental aggression over time. Further, overt and relational aggression driven by reactive reasons (functions) predicted gains in aggression driven by instrumental reasons, and overt form of aggression predicted increases in relational form of aggression across time.
The effects of action observational training on walking ability in chronic stroke patients: a double-blind randomized controlled trial
Authors: Bang Dae-Hyouk , Shin Won-Seob , Kim Sun-Yeob , Choi Jong-Duk
Published: October 2013

Objective:

To investigate the effect of action observational training on walking ability with chronic stroke patients.

Design:

A double-blind randomized controlled trial.

Setting:

Inpatient rehabilitation hospital.

Participants:

Thirty chronic stroke patients.

Interventions:

Patients in both groups underwent treadmill training for 30 minutes. The action observational training group ( n = 15) watched a video of treadmill walking actions taken at various speeds before treadmill training for 10 minutes. The control group ( n = 15) watched a nature video unrelated to gait training for the same amount of time. All participants received training five times a week for a period of four weeks.

Main measures:

Timed up and go test, 10-metre walk test, 6-minute walk test and maximal flexed knee angle in the swing phase during walking.

Results:

There were significant improvements in timed up and go test (–4.47 vs. –2.47 seconds), 10-m walk test (0.35 vs. 0.16 m/s), 6-minute walk test (93.13 vs. 32.53 m) and maximal flexed knee angle in the swing phase during walking (7.11 vs. 4.58 degrees) in the action observational training group compared with the control group ( P < 0.05). Small to huge effect sizes of 1.27, 0.57, 2.34 and 0.37 were observed for timed up and go test, 10-m walk test, 6-minute walk test, and maximal flexed knee angle in the swing phase during walking, respectively.

Conclusion:

These results suggest that action observational training is an effective method for improvement of the walking ability in chronic stroke patients.
Congenital Cutaneous Histiocytosis in a Piglet
Authors: Hélie P. , Kiupel M. , Drolet R.
Published: October 2013

A 2-week-old crossbred male piglet with numerous congenital, variably sized macules, plaques, and papules distributed all over the body was submitted for necropsy. Significant gross and histological lesions were restricted to the skin. On light microscopic examination, these cutaneous lesions corresponded to dermal and/or subcutaneous masses composed of spindle-shaped to round cells that multifocally contained hemosiderin; epidermotropism was not observed. Immunohistochemically, the neoplastic cells were strongly positive for CD204; moderately positive for CD163, lysozyme, and vimentin; and negative for Mac 387, α-1-antitrypsin, S-100 protein and E-cadherin; frozen tissues were not available for CD1a and CD11c. Transmission electron microscopic examination of sections from formalin-fixed tissues did not reveal Birbeck’s granules. The clinical, morphological, and immunohistochemical results were consistent with a congenital cutaneous histiocytosis of non-Langerhans cell origin. The condition most resembled juvenile xanthogranuloma in humans, a generally skin-limited non-Langerhans histiocytic disorder that can be congenital. Cutaneous and/or systemic histiocytic disorders are well characterized in dogs and have been described in cats, and a case with some similarities to ours has been reported in a neonatal piglet, but this is to our knowledge the first immunohistochemically supported report of histiocytosis in the pig and congenital histiocytosis in animals.
Parental preferences to music stimuli of devices and playthings for babies, infants, and toddlers
Authors: Sulkin Idit , Brodsky Warren
Published: October 2013

Music communications and interactions are important to child development. Yet modern day technology may have caused social modifications of musical engagement for parents and their children. Today, music-based electronic devices seem too often to be used in place of human musical interactions. The current investigation developed an alternative music based on pre-language sounds (for devices and playthings) that we assume can engage babies, and presented these to parents for their judgment. In Study 1, parents of babies in waiting rooms of child development centers completed a survey after listening to three different music genres (classical music themes, well-known folk tunes, and paralanguage songs). Study 2 replicated Study 1 but within home settings. Study 3 engaged mothers and babies in a music-movement group. The results indicate that not only are parents open to alternatives, but they can envision purchasing devices and playthings which employ new more adaptive music genres that might be more age appropriate and developmentally sound.
Knowledge sharing behaviour influences
Authors: Islam Md. Anwarul , Ikeda Mitsuru , Islam Md. Maidul
Published: October 2013

The prime focus of this study is to measure knowledge sharing behaviour of Information Science and Library Management (ISLM) faculties in Bangladesh. Determining factors that may influence knowledge sharing behaviour constitutes an important area of research. A survey questionnaire was developed and used to collect data on faculties’ demographic and academic information, perception, attitude, intention and intrinsic motivation to share knowledge. In order to analyze the influence of faculties’ demographic and individual characteristics on their attitude, intention and intrinsic motivation, Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests were carried out. Results showed that no significant difference was found between knowledge sharing behaviour of LIS educators with different Major Research Questions (MRQs). The researchers found a significant relationship 0.000 (p-value<0.05) between attitude of educators toward knowledge sharing and their intention to share knowledge. It is believed that the findings will assist knowledge managers charged with the design of flexible knowledge sharing system. This is the first time an effort has been made to assess faculties’ perception, attitude, intention and intrinsic motivation to share knowledge of ISLM faculties in Bangladesh. The authors feel that this study may encourage more such research on knowledge sharing behaviour in Bangladesh and further.
Non-librarians as managers
Authors: Khurshid Zahiruddin
Published: October 2013

This article defines non-librarians, also called accidental librarians, or non-degreed librarians, identifies their categories according to the nature of jobs, and whether they are suitable for managerial positions, particularly the high profile academic position of the Dean of Library Affairs at state university libraries in Saudi Arabia. Non-librarian deans having no library credentials face a lot of difficulties in managing libraries as efficiently as a librarian dean would have managed. The management styles of non-librarian deans are also discussed to present how much they differ from those of librarian deans. The paper also suggests that the university administration should prepare a group of highly motivated librarians and send them on scholarships to library schools famous for their doctoral programs in North America and Europe. Once they get their PhD degree, bring them back and replace all non-librarians with them as the current practice of appointing non-librarian is affecting libraries negatively.
Establishing information literacy principles as a foundation for cross-curricular scholarly investigation in England
Authors: Shenton Andrew K
Published: October 2013

A fundamental problem with the educational system in the United Kingdom is that the subject-based emphasis of the curriculum leads to a separation in the teaching and learning of related skills. Using a framework previously prepared by the author, which positions Information Literacy within the wider domain of scholarly investigation, this paper employs a meta-synthesis approach to construct a meta-model that unites much of the material currently dispersed across England’s National Curriculum, and draws on the totality of the assembled content to outline a series of generic skills. The structure proposed here enables teachers to make connections between key aspects of what they cover in their own subjects and those addressed by colleagues concerned with other disciplines, and helps information professionals to recognize areas where their particular interventions will be most beneficial, in terms of promoting Information Literacy specifically and skills of more direct interest to subject practitioners.
Enhancing awareness of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in academic libraries
Authors: Harris Sasekea
Published: October 2013

This paper documents strategies that can be used to enhance Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) awareness in academic libraries. A case study approach was used to provide insights from the author’s fellowship experience and personal reflections from working as a science librarian in academic and special library settings. In this regard it revealed six strategies that academic librarians can implement to enhance STEM awareness. These strategies target users, non-users and staff. This paper is unique in that it is the first publication on the initiatives of a Jamaican academic library in promoting the STEM concept. This study is of value as it includes strategies that can be used to enhance STEM awareness; allows for benchmarking; and points to the need for further research in the area.
Blurred Boundaries: Gender and Work–Family Interference in Cross-National Context
Authors: Ruppanner Leah , Huffman Matt L.
Published: October 2013

Although well theorized at the individual level, previous research has neglected the role of national context in shaping overall levels of nonwork–work and work–nonwork interference. This study fills this gap by examining how a national context of gender empowerment affects the likelihood of experiencing nonwork–work and work–nonwork interference at the individual and national levels. Controlling for individual-level differences in the distribution of job demands and resources, results from our multilevel models indicate that women’s empowerment has significant net gender and parenthood effects on nonwork–work interference. By contrast, gender empowerment equally structures work–nonwork interference for these groups. Our results highlight the need to investigate interference bidirectionally and in a multilevel context.
Generative Strategies, Working Memory, and Word Problem Solving Accuracy in Children at Risk for Math Disabilities
Authors: Swanson H. Lee , Moran Amber S. , Bocian Kathleen , Lussier Cathy , Zheng Xinhua
Published: October 2013

This study investigated the role of generative strategies and working memory capacity on word problem solving accuracy in children with math difficulties (MD). Within classrooms, children in Grade 3 with MD ( n = 69) were randomly assigned to one of three treatment conditions: paraphrase question propositions (Restate), paraphrase relevant propositions (Relevant), and paraphrase all propositions (Complete), or to an untreated control. An additional control group included children without MD ( n = 22). Mixed regression modeling showed that generative strategies significantly improved posttest scores for children with MD compared with the control condition, but outcomes were related to the type of dependent measures. The Relevant and Complete treatment conditions improved problem-solving accuracy, the Complete condition improved problem component identification, and the Restate and Relevant conditions improved operation span performance when compared with the control conditions. Only the Relevant and Complete generative learning treatments allowed children with MD to catch up to children without MD, but the results were moderated by working memory capacity.
Maternal Use of Cigarettes, Pipes, and Smokeless Tobacco Associated With Higher Infant Mortality Rates in Cambodia
Authors: Singh Pramil N. , Eng Carlin , Yel Daravuth , Kheam They , Job Jayakaran S. , Kanal Koum
Published: October 2013

In the Western Pacific Region, rural women use loose tobacco in betel quid chewing and pipe smoking. We examined the relation between maternal use of tobacco and infant mortality (IM) in a national sample of 24 296 birth outcomes in adult women (n = 6013) in Cambodia. We found that (1) age-adjusted odds of IM were higher for maternal use of any tobacco (odds ratio [OR] = 1.69; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.27-2.26); (2) age-adjusted odds of IM were higher for cigarette use (OR = 2.54; 95% CI = 1.54- 4.1), use of pipes (OR = 3.09; [95% CI = 1.86-5.11]), and betel quid chewing (OR = 1.55; 95% CI = 1.10-2.17); and (3) these associations remained after multivariable adjustment for environmental tobacco smoke, malnutrition, ethnicity, religion, marital status, education, income, occupation, and urban/rural dwelling. In addition to finding the established association with cigarettes, we also found that maternal use of smokeless tobacco and pipes was associated with higher rates of infant death in Cambodia.
Incorporating Change Information Into Sexual Offender Risk Assessments Using the Violence Risk Scale–Sexual Offender Version
Authors: Olver Mark E. , Beggs Christofferson Sarah M. , Grace Randolph C. , Wong Stephen C. P.
Published: October 2013

We examined the use of risk-change information in sexual offender risk assessments featuring the Violence Risk Scale–Sexual Offender version (VRS-SO), a sex offender risk assessment and treatment planning tool. The study featured a combined international sample of 539 sex offenders followed up an average of 15.5 years post-release. Pre- and posttreatment VRS-SO ratings were amalgamated from two treated samples of sex offenders from Canada and New Zealand. Analyses focused on examinations and applications of change data and its relationship to sexual and violent recidivism. VRS-SO change scores were significantly associated with decreases in these outcome criteria with, and without, controlling for indicators of pretreatment risk (e.g., Static-99R score) and individual differences in follow-up time. Applications of logistic regression using fixed 5-year follow-ups generated estimated rates of sexual and violent recidivism at different VRS-SO score thresholds. The use of logistic regression demonstrated a clinically useful and systematic means of combining risk and change information into posttreatment risk appraisals. Implications for the use of change information in the assessment and management of sexual offender risk are discussed.
Is it worthwhile to conduct a randomized controlled trial of glaucoma screening in the United Kingdom?
Authors: Burr Jennifer , Hernández Rodolfo , Ramsay Craig , Prior Maria , Campbell Susan , Azuara-Blanco Augusto , Campbell Marion , Francis Jill , Vale Luke
Published: October 2013

Objectives

To assess the value of conducting a glaucoma screening randomized controlled trial in the UK.

Methods

Decision model based economic evaluation and value of information analysis. Model derived from a previous health technology assessment. Model updated in terms of structure and parameter estimates with data from surveys, interviews with members of the public and health care providers and routine sources.

Results

On average, across a range of ages of initiating screening (40–60 years), glaucoma prevalence (1–5%), screening uptake (30–100%), and the performance of current case finding, screening was not cost-effective at a £30,000 threshold per quality adjusted life year (QALY) from the perspective of the National Health Service (NHS). The societal value of removing all uncertainty around glaucoma screening is £107 million at a threshold of £20,000 per QALY. For informing policy decisions on glaucoma screening, reducing uncertainty surrounding the NHS and personal social care cost of sight impairment (£74 million) was of most value, followed by reducing uncertainty in test performance (£14 million) and uptake of either screening or current eye care (£8 million each).

Conclusions

A glaucoma screening trial in the UK is unlikely to be the best use of research resources. Further research to quantify the costs of sight impairment falling on the NHS and personal social services is a priority. Further development of glaucoma tests and research into strategies to promote the uptake of screening or current eye care such as through the use of a behavioural intervention would be worthwhile.
Association between parental socioeconomic position and prevalence of asthma, atopic eczema and hay fever in children
Authors: Hammer-Helmich Lene , Linneberg Allan , Thomsen Simon Francis , Glümer Charlotte
Published: October 2013

Aim: To determine the prevalence of asthma, atopic eczema and hay fever among children in different age groups and examine the associations with parental socioeconomic position. Methods: A cross-sectional health survey of four complete birth-cohorts in the municipality of Copenhagen was conducted. Children aged 11 and 15 years and parents of children aged 3 and 6 years completed questionnaires on symptoms and diseases. Data were linked to national registers on demographics and socioeconomic position measured as education, employment and income. In total, 9720 children/parents responded (50.5%). Results: The prevalence of asthma and hay fever increased with increasing age; asthma: from 3.2% among children aged 3 years to 15.4% among children aged 15 years; hay fever: from 3.1% among children aged 3 years to 21.3% among children aged 15 years. The prevalence of atopic eczema did not vary with age and ranged between 15.5% and 17.8%. Odds Ratios for children of parents with the lowest vs. the highest educational level were 1.50 (95% CI = 1.17–1.91) for asthma; 1.68 (95% CI = 1.35–2.10) for hay fever; and 0.75 (95% CI = 0.64–0.89) for atopic eczema. Unemployment was significantly associated with a decreased risk of atopic eczema and eczema symptoms. There was no independent association between household income and any of the outcomes. Conclusions: The prevalence of asthma and hay fever, but not atopic eczema, increased with increasing age. Atopic eczema was associated with high parental educational level, whereas asthma and hay fever were associated with low educational level. No association with household income was found.
Method for evaluating yield strength of laser weldments of maraging steels using hardness test
Authors: Yu M , Meng F Y , Liang C , An J
Published: October 2013

This paper describes a new method for predicting fracture location, joint efficiency and yield strength of laser weldments of Fe–Cr–Ni–Mo–Ti–Cu stainless maraging steel and 18 Ni maraging steel using hardness distribution analysis and incorporating Tabor's relationship between hardness and yield strength for metallic materials. Fracture location of weldment can be determined by a parameter LF, hardness ratio of heat affected zone (HAZ) to fusion zone (FZ) or HAZ to parent material zone (PMZ). Whether or not the yield strength of weldments is improved as compared with as received material via various post-weld heat treatments can be estimated qualitatively by a parameter YI, hardness ratio of predicted fracture location to as received parent material. The yield strength of weldments is well predicted in as weld and heat treated conditions using hardness modeling, the maximum errors of predicted yield strength are 3·3 and 2·5 of measured yield strength for weldments of Fe–Cr–Ni–Mo–Ti–Cu and 18Ni maraging steels respectively. These results confirm the usefulness of the proposed method as engineering tool to predict yield strength of maraging steels laser weldments in different heat treated conditions without performing tensile tests, and to optimize post-weld heat treatments.
Effects of Cu content on magnetic properties of nanocrystalline Fe–Cu–Nb–Si–B alloy ribbons
Authors: Li P , Zheng Z X , Su H L , Wu Y C
Published: October 2013

Nanocrystalline Fe74·29–xCuxNb2·9Si13·56B9·25 ( x = 0·8–1·1) alloy ribbon cores were prepared by the single roller melt spinning technology and the subsequent annealing treatment. The Cu content dependences of the thermal stability, crystallisation behaviour, and soft magnetic properties of Fe74·29–xCuxNb2·9Si13·56B9·25 alloys were investigated. The alloy's coercivity Hc firstly increased and then decreased with increasing Cu content from 0·8 to 1·1, while the saturation induction Bs and the effective permeability μe showed the opposite variation tendencies. The alloy with the Cu content of 0·9, which had the minimum Hc of 0·59 A m−1, the maximum Bs of 1·26T and the maximum μe of 120800, was found to exhibit the relatively best soft magnetic properties. When the Cu content was more than 0·9, the soft magnetic properties deteriorated obviously. This is due to the growth of the alloy's nanograins caused by the increase in the Cu content and suggests that the proper Cu content is effective to improve the soft magnetic properties.
Overproduction of NOX-derived ROS in AML promotes proliferation and is associated with defective oxidative stress signaling
Authors: Hole Paul S. , Zabkiewicz Joanna , Munje Chinmay , Newton Zarabeth , Pearn Lorna , White Paul , Marquez Nuria , Hills Robert K. , Burnett Alan K. , Tonks Alex , Darley Richard L.
Published: October 2013

Key Points

More than 60% of primary AML blasts constitutively produce high levels of NOX-derived reactive oxygen species (ROS), which drives AML proliferation. High ROS AMLs show depleted antioxidant defenses but evade the oxidative stress response through suppression of p38MAPK signaling.
A Mendelian predisposition to B-cell lymphoma caused by IL-10R deficiency
Authors: Neven Bénédicte , Mamessier Emilie , Bruneau Julie , Kaltenbach Sophie , Kotlarz Daniel , Suarez Felipe , Masliah-Planchon Julien , Billot Katy , Canioni Danielle , Frange Pierre , Radford-Weiss Isabelle , Asnafi Vahid , Murugan Dhaarini , Bole Christine , Nitschke Patrick , Goulet Olivier , Casanova Jean-Laurent , Blanche Stéphane , Picard Capucine , Hermine Olivier , Rieux-Laucat Frederic , Brousse Nicole , Davi Frederic , Baud Véronique , Klein Christoph , Nadel Bertrand , Ruemmele Frank , Fischer Alain
Published: October 2013

Key Points

Human inherited IL-10 receptor deficiency is associated with a very high risk of non-EBV–related diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. IL-10 signaling may be involved in the immune control of germinal center B-cell lymphoma.
Potential of recombinant inorganic pyrophosphatase antigen as a new vaccine candidate against Baylisascaris schroederi in mice
Authors: Xie Yue , Chen Sijie , Yan Yubo , Zhang Zhihe , Li Desheng , Yu Hua , Wang Chengdong , Nong Xiang , Zhou Xuan , Gu Xiaobin , Wang Shuxian , Peng Xuerong , Yang Guangyou
Published: October 2013

The intestinal nematodeBaylisascaris schroederiis an important cause of death for wild and captive giant pandas. Inorganic pyrophosphatases (PPases) are critical for development and molting in nematode parasites and represent potential targets for vaccination. Here, a new PPase homologue,Bsc-PYP-1, fromB. schroederiwas identified and characterized, and its potential as a vaccine candidate was evaluated in a mouse challenge model. Sequence alignment of PPases from nematode parasites and other organisms show thatBsc-PYP-1 is a nematode-specific member of the family I soluble PPases. Immunohistochemistry revealed strong localization of nativeBsc-PYP-1 to the body wall, gut epithelium, ovary and uterus of adult female worms. Additionally,Bsc-PYP-1 homologues were found in roundworms infecting humans (Ascaris lumbricoides), swine (Ascaris suum) and dogs (Toxocara canis). In two vaccine trials, recombinantBsc-PYP-1 (rBsc-PYP-1) formulated with Freund complete adjuvant induced significantly high antigen-specific immunoglobulin (Ig)G but no IgE or IgM responses. Analysis of IgG-subclass profiles revealed a greater increase of IgG1 than IgG2a. Splenocytes from rBsc-PYP-1/FCA-immunized mice secreted low levels of T helper (Th)1-type cytokines, interferon-γ and interleukin (IL)-2, while producing significantly high levels of IL-10 and significantly elevated levels of IL-4 (Th2 cytokines) after stimulation with rBsc-PYP-1 in vitro. Finally, vaccinated mice had 69.02–71.15% reductions (in 2 experiments) in larval recovery 7 days post-challenge (dpc) and 80% survival at 80 dpc. These results suggest that Th2-mediated immunity elicited by rBsc-PYP-1 provides protection againstB. schroederi, and the findings should contribute to further development ofBsc-PYP-1 as a candidate vaccine against baylisascariasis.
H3N2 canine influenza virus causes severe morbidity in dogs with induction of genes related to inflammation and apoptosis
Authors: Kang Young Myong , Kim Heui Man , Ku Keun Bon , Park Eun Hye , Yum Jung , Seo Sang Heui
Published: October 2013

Dogs are companion animals that live in close proximity with humans. Canine H3N2 influenza virus has been isolated from pet dogs that showed severe respiratory signs and other clinical symptoms such as fever, reduced body weight, and interstitial pneumonia. The canine H3N2 influenza virus can be highly transmissible among dogs via aerosols. When we analyzed global gene expression in the lungs of infected dogs, the genes associated with the immune response and cell death were greatly elevated. Taken together, our results suggest that canine H3N2 influenza virus can be easily transmitted among dogs, and that severe pneumonia in the infected dogs may be partially due to the elevated expression of genes related to inflammation and apoptosis.
Lupus-like oral mucosal lesions in mercury-induced autoimmune response in Brown Norway rats
Authors: Seno Kei , Ohno Jun , Ota Nobutaka , Hirofuji Takao , Taniguchi Kunihisa
Published: October 2013

Background

Administration of mercury at nontoxic doses induces systemic autoimmune disease in Brown Norway (BN) rats. The pathogenesis of lupus-like oral mucosal lesion by mercury-induced autoimmunity is still unclear, even though the oral mucosa is observed to be commonly affected in mercury-treated BN rats. In this study, we investigated the immunopathology of lupus-like oral mucosal lesions in a model of mercury-induced systemic autoimmunity.

Methods

Brown Norway male rats were injected subcutaneously with either phosphate-buffered saline (control) or mercury at a dose of 1.0 mg per kilogram of body weight on days 0, 3, 5, and 7. Blood, kidney, and tongue samples were taken at various timepoints for evaluation by immunohistochemistry, RT-PCR, and lupus band test (LBT).

Results

Oral mucosal lesions were classified according to three consecutive temporal phases on the basis of infiltration of immunocompetent cells as follows: (phase I) infiltration of MHC class II+dendritic cells (DC) and macrophages; (phase II) addition of ED1+macrophage infiltrates; and (phase III) focal infiltration of pan T cells following increased infiltration of DC and macrophages. Dense infiltration of DC and macrophages was observed in the basement membrane (BM) zone of the oral epithelium. Tissue expression of IL-4 mRNA was detected in early lesions (phase I), suggesting that locally produced IL-4 may be responsible for Th2-mediated immune response. A linear and continuous smooth pattern of fluorescence was observed in the oral epithelial BM in addition to renal glomeruli, indicating immune complex deposits.

Conclusions

Local autoimmune responses are involved in the pathogenesis of mercury-induced lupus-like lesions of the oral mucosa.
A case of rectal tumor in which the shape altered with regression in short period
Authors: Nakamura Fumihiko , Sakamoto Taku , Nakajima Takeshi , Saito Yutaka , Taniguchi Hirokazu , Matsuda Takahisa
Published: October 2013

Background

Histological regression of solid tumors in adults receiving no treatment is rare. Specifically, spontaneous partial and complete regression of colorectal cancers account for less than 2% of such cases and those without metastasis are exceedingly rare.

Case presentation

A 60-year-old male underwent total colonoscopy following a positive fecal occult blood test at the referring hospital. A flat elevated lesion with central reddish depression, 10 mm in diameter, was detected in the lower rectum. Biopsy results from the referring hospital showed a well-differentiated adenocarcinoma and the patient was referred to our hospital for diagnosis and treatment. Preoperative colonoscopy was performed to determine the therapeutic strategy; however, we found only scar tissue and there were no endoscopic features to suggest malignancy. Biopsy from the scar revealed normal rectal mucosa and we performed diagnostic endoscopic submucosal resection with a ligation device (ESMR-L) one week later. The resected specimen showed a 1 mm well-differentiated adenocarcinoma with low-grade atypia and no lymphovascular invasion. The macroscopic type was 0-IIb, the depth of invasion was intramucosal, and the vertical and lateral margins were negative. There has been no evidence of recurrence for 18 months following treatment.

Conclusion

We report a case of a rectal tumor showing regression over a short period without treatment. Spontaneous regression of malignant tumors is a rare and unexplained phenomenon. Further research and understanding of the mechanism holds the key for treatment and prevention of cancer in the future.
Cerebellar cavernous malformations with and without associated developmental venous anomalies
Authors: Zhang Peifeng , Liu Lingtong , Cao Yong , Wang Shuo , Zhao Jizong
Published: October 2013

Background

The clinical profiles of cerebellar cavernous malformations (CCMs) with and without associated developmental venous anomalies (DVAs) are not well known. The aims of this study were to analyze the clinical and radiological characteristics of CCMs and to assess the various therapeutic strategies.

Methods

A consecutive series of 41 patients with identified CCMs were retrospectively reviewed. Of these, 11 patients (26.8%) were found to have associated DVAs. We compared the clinical profile of the two groups of patients (CCMs with and without DVAs). The CCMs with DVAs cases underwent radical resection of the CCMs, and the distal radicles of the DVAs that directly drain from the CCMs were coagulated and dissected at the length of the CCMs.

Results

There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups with regard to age, sex, location and size of lesions, multiplicity, and surgical prognosis. The patients with CCMs with DVAs did not experience any brain swelling or hemorrhagic tendency intraoperatively. The postoperative course was uneventful for all of the 36 surgical patients with the exception of two of the patients with CCMs with associated DVAs, who suffered from serious cerebellar edema, and one of these two patients underwent an emergency suboccipital decompression craniotomy. With the exception of three patients who were lost to follow-up (mean, 22.3 months), all of the CCMs patients exhibited good long-term prognosis (modified Rankin scale values of 0–2) and no reoccurrence.

Conclusions

It is not rare that associated DVAs occur in CCMs. The total removal of the CCM combined with the coagulation and dissection of the distal radicles of DVA at the length of the associated CCM may result in good long-term prognosis in patients.
A study to evaluate the acceptability, feasibility and impact of packaged interventions (“Diarrhea Pack”) for prevention and treatment of childhood diarrhea in rural Pakistan
Authors: Habib Muhammad Atif , Soofi Sajid , Sadiq Kamran , Samejo Tariq , Hussain Musawar , Mirani Mushtaq , Rehmatullah Asmatullah , Ahmed Imran , Bhutta Zulfiqar A
Published: October 2013

Background

Diarrhea remains one of the leading public health issues in developing countries and is a major contributor in morbidity and mortality in children under five years of age. Interventions such as ORS, Zinc, water purification and improved hygiene and sanitation can significantly reduce the diarrhea burden but their coverage remains low and has not been tested as packaged intervention before. This study attempts to evaluate the package of evidence based interventions in a “Diarrhea Pack” through first level health care providers at domiciliary level in community based settings. This study sought to evaluate the acceptability, feasibility and impact of diarrhea Pack on diarrhea burden.

Methods

A cluster randomized design was used to evaluate the objectives of the project a union council was considered as a cluster for analysis, a total of eight clusters, four in intervention and four in control were included in the study. We conducted a baseline survey in all clusters followed by the delivery of diarrhea Pack in intervention clusters through community health workers at domiciliary level and through sales promoters to health care providers and pharmacies. Four quarterly surveillance rounds were conducted to evaluate the impact of diarrhea pack in all clusters by an independent team of Field workers.

Results

Both the intervention and control clusters were similar at the baseline but as the study progress we found a significant increase in uptake of ORS and Zinc along with the reduction in antibiotic use, diarrhea burden and hospitalization in intervention clusters when compared with the control clusters. We found that the Diarrhea Pack was well accepted with all of its components in the community.

Conclusion

The intervention was well accepted and had a productive impact on the uptake of ORS and zinc and reduction in the use of antibiotics. It is feasible to deliver interventions such as diarrhea pack through community health workers in community settings. The intervention has the potential to be scaled up at national level.
Protective effects of Zhuyeqing liquor on the immune function of normal and immunosuppressed mice in vivo
Authors: Gao Hong-ying , Li Guo-yu , Huang Jian , Han Ying , Sun Fu-zhou , Du Xiao-wei , An Li-juan , Wang Hang-yu , Wang Jin-hui
Published: October 2013

Background

Zhuyeqing Liquor (ZYQL), a well-known Chinese traditional health liquor, has various biological properties, including anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunoenhancement and cardiovascular protective effects.

Methods

The protective effects of Zhuyeqing Liquor (ZYQL) on the immune function was investigated in vivo in normal healthy mice and immunosuppressed mice treated with Cyclophosphamide (Cy, 100 mg/kg) by intraperitoneal injection on days 4, 8 and 12. ZYQL (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) was administered via gavage daily for 14 days. The phagocytotic function of mononuclear phagocytic system was detected with carbon clearance methods, the levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) in serum were detected with Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Immune organs were weighed and organ indexes (organ weight/body weight) of thymus and spleen were calculated. Meanwhile, the activity of lysozyme (LSZ) in serum and the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase (CAT) in spleen tissue were measured.

Results

ZYQL significantly upgrades the K value for clearance of carbon particles in normal mice treated with ZYQL (400 mg/kg) and immunosuppressed mice treated with ZYQL (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) together with Cy (100 mg/kg) in vivo. The treatment of ZYQL (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) effectively increased the activity of serum lysozyme as well as promoted the serum levels of IL-6 and IFN-γ in normal mice and immunosuppressed mice. Furthermore, ZYQL (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) had an antioxidant effects in immune system by enhancing the antioxidant enzyme activity of SOD, CAT and GSH-Px in vivo. In addition, ZYQL (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) effectively elevated the Cy-induced decreased organ index (thymus and spleen).

Conclusions

The present work shows that the dose-dependent administration of ZYQL is capable of influencing immune responses, which implying that its valuable functional health may be attributed partly to its protective effects for the immune function.
Protective effect of Zhuyeqing liquor, a Chinese traditional health liquor, on acute alcohol-induced liver injury in mice
Authors: Gao Hong-ying , Huang Jian , Wang Hang-yu , Du Xiao-wei , Cheng Suo-ming , Han Ying , Wang Li-fei , Li Guo-yu , Wang Jin-hui
Published: October 2013

The study first evaluated the hepatoprotective effect of Zhuyeqing Liquor (ZYQL) against acute alcohol-induced liver injury in mice. Animals were administered orally with 50% alcohol 12 ml/kg at 4 h after the doses of ZYQL everyday for fourteen consecutive days except mice in normal group. The protective effect was evaluated by biochemical parameters including serum aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transferase (ALT), total-bilirubin (TBIL) and reduced glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) in liver tissue. The result were confirmed histopathologically and the expression of TNF-α in mice liver was determined by immunohistochemistry analysis. HPLC-PDA was used for phytochemical analysis of ZYQL, and the plant source of each compound was claritied by UPLC-TOF-MS. The result showed that pretreatment with ZYQL exhibited a significant protective effect by reversing the biochemical parameters and histopathological changes in a dose depended manner. HPLC analysis indicated that ZYQL contained flavonoids, iridoids, terpenoids and phenolic acids, which might be the active chemicals. This study demonstrated the hepatoprotective activity of ZYQL, thus scientifically supported the function of its health care.
Home administration of maintenance pemetrexed for patients with advanced non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer: rationale, practicalities and phase II feasibility study design
Authors: Lal Rohit , Bourayou Nawel , Hillerdal Gunnar , Nicolson Marianne , Vikstrom Anders , Lorenzo Maria , D’yachkova Yulia , Barriga Susana , Visseren-Grul Carla
Published: October 2013

Background

Home-based care in oncology is mainly reserved for patients at the end of life. Regulations regarding home delivery of cytotoxics differ across Europe, with a notable lack of practice guidelines in most countries. This has led to a lack of data addressing the feasibility of home-based administration of cytotoxic chemotherapy. In advanced non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer, pemetrexed is approved as maintenance therapy after first-line chemotherapy. In this setting, patients have the potential to be treated long-term with maintenance therapy, which, in the absence of unacceptable toxicity, is continued until disease progression. The favourable safety profile of pemetrexed and the ease of its administration by 10-minute intravenous infusion every 3 weeks make this drug a suitable candidate for administration in a home setting.

Methods

Literature and regulations relevant to the home-based delivery of cytotoxic therapy were reviewed, and a phase II feasibility study of home administration of pemetrexed maintenance therapy was designed. At least 50 patients with advanced non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 0–1 and no progressive disease after four cycles of platinum-based first-line therapy are required to allow investigation of the feasibility of home-based administration of pemetrexed maintenance therapy (500 mg/m2 every 3 weeks until progressive disease or unacceptable toxicity). Feasibility is being assessed as adherence to the home-based administration process (primary endpoint), patient safety, impact on patients’ quality of life, patient and physician satisfaction with home care, and healthcare resource use and costs. Enrolment of patients from the UK and Sweden, where home-based care is relatively well developed, commenced in December 2011.

Discussion

This feasibility study addresses an important aspect of maintenance therapy, that is, patient comfort during protracted home-based chemotherapy. The study design requires unusual methodology and specific logistics to address outcomes relevant to the home-delivery approach. This article presents a study design that offers a novel and reproducible model for home-based chemotherapy, and provides an up-to-date overview of the literature regarding this type of treatment.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01473563
Clinical features and outcomes of neck lymphatic metastasis in ovarian epithelial carcinoma
Authors: Chen Chien-Wen , Torng Pao-Ling , Chen Chi-Ling , Chen Chi-An
Published: October 2013

Background

Neck lymph node metastasis (NLNM) in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is rare and treated as advanced stage cancer. However, ovarian cancer with lymphatic metastasis may manifest a different clinical course from peritoneal carcinomatosis.

Methods

The authors retrospectively assessed 20 patients with EOC and pathologically diagnosed as NLNM between January 2001 and December 2010. The patients were divided into two groups according to the time of NLNM identification. Statistical methods included Kaplan-Meier, log-rank, and Cox regression analysis.

Results

Eleven patients were diagnosed with NLNM at the same time of surgical exploration of EOC (Group A) and nine patients at cancer recurrence 43.3 months after initial surgery (Group B). In Group A, patients with tumors confined to the pelvic cavity had no recurrence or had isolated lymph node recurrence (ILNR), and survived longer than patients with abdominal tumor spreading (P = 0.0007). In Group B, 2 patients showed ILNR. The median survival time after NLNM was 42 months in Group A and 6 months in Group B (P = 0.01). Cox model demonstrated that non-serous histology, brain metastasis, and NLNM identified at cancer recurrence were major predictors for poor overall survival (Hazard ratio [HR] = 18.67, 6.93, and 4.52; P = 0.01, 0.02, and 0.04, respectively).

Conclusions

A subgroup of EOC patients with NLNM who presented limited pelvic cancer had much better overall survival than patients who had cancer spreading beyond the pelvic cavity or were diagnosed with NLNM at cancer recurrence.
The effects of rituximab on serum IgE and BAFF
Authors: Dasgupta Angira , Radford Katherine , Arnold Donald M , Thabane Lehana , Nair Parameswaran
Published: October 2013

Background

There are few treatment options for patients with severe atopic asthma. Antagonism of IgE is an effective strategy. We investigated, by utilizing serum samples from a clinical trial of Rituximab in patients with Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura, if B cell depletion would decrease serum IgE and therefore be a potential therapeutic option.

Findings

In a placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial of Rituximab, an anti-CD20 molecule, there were no significant differences in serum levels of IgE or BAFF levels between the two treatment groups at 3 or 6 months irrespective of the baseline serum IgE levels.

Conclusions

Since Rituximab did not significantly decrease serum IgE levels, this proof of concept study suggests that Rituximab may not be a useful treatment strategy for patients with severe IgE mediated disease.
Wnt6 is required for maxillary palp formation in Drosophila
Authors: Doumpas Nikolaos , Jékely Gáspár , Teleman Aurelio A
Published: October 2013

Background

Wnt6 is an evolutionarily ancient member of the Wnt family. In Drosophila, Wnt6 loss-of-function animals have not yet been reported, hence information about fly Wnt6 function is lacking. In wing discs, Wnt6 is expressed at the dorsal/ventral boundary in a pattern similar to that of wingless, an important regulator of wing size. To test whether Wnt6 also contributes towards wing size regulation, we generated Wnt6 knockout flies.

Results

Wnt6 knockout flies are viable and have no obvious defect in wing size or planar cell polarity. Surprisingly, Wnt6 knockouts lack maxillary palps. Interestingly, Wnt6 is absent from the genome of hemipterans, correlating with the absence of maxillary palps in these insects.

Conclusions

Wnt6 is important for maxillary palp development in Drosophila, and phylogenetic analysis indicates that loss of Wnt6 may also have led to loss of maxillary palps on an evolutionary time scale.