bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ethnic Discrimination Among Recent Immigrant Adolescents: Variations as a Function of Ethnicity and School Context
Authors: Closson Leanna M. , Darwich Lina , Hymel Shelley , Waterhouse Terry
Published: November 2013

This study examined ethnic discrimination among immigrant adolescents (N = 2,220) from seven ethnic groups who moved to Canada within the past 2 years. Among these newcomers attending 66 high schools, associations between discrimination and school context were explored, including indices of school composition and school climate. Results showed that less discrimination was reported in schools with higher proportions of same‐ethnicity peers and recent immigrants. Diversity support at school significantly predicted discrimination, beyond the effects of school composition. Ethnicity significantly moderated associations between diversity support and discrimination, indicating that the protective function of adults and peers at school differs for recent immigrants, depending on their ethnic background.
First Report of Dragon Fruit (Hylocereus undatus) Anthracnose Caused by Colletotrichum truncatum in China
Authors: Guo Li We , Wu Yi Xin , Ho Hon Hing , Su Yuan Ying , Mao Zi Chao , He Peng Fei , He Yue Qiu
Published: November 2013

Anthracnose disease was detected from dragon fruit (Hylocereus undatus) at a market of Yuanjiang County, Yunnan Province, China. The results of pathogenicity test, morphology studies and sequence analyses based on ITS and β‐tubulin loci indicated that the disease was caused by Colletotrichum truncatum. The pathogen produced elliptic, yellow spots with chlorotic halos on the surface of the fruit, and the lesion become depressed gradually. Grey to black acervuli appeared on the lesion surface in concentric circles later. This is the first report of dragon fruit anthracnose caused by this pathogen in China.
First Report of Cercospora Leaf Spot of Burcucumber Caused by Cercospora citrullina in Korea
Authors: Hong Sun‐Hee , Park Ji‐Hyun , Cho Sung‐Eun , Shin Hyeon‐Dong
Published: November 2013

Burcucumbers (Sicyos angulatus) showing necrotic leaf spots were found in several locations in Korea during 2008–2012. The causal agent was a fungus that was identified as Cercospora citrullina, based on morphological characteristics as well as sequences of the ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer region. Although C. citrullina has been known to attack various cucurbitaceous plants, this is the first report of this fungus on S. angulatus.
Phoma Leaf Spot Disease of Tinospora Cordifolia and its Effect on Secondary Metabolite Production
Authors: Shivanna Manchanahally B. , Achar Karthikere G. Somashekhara , Vasanthakumari Madhugiri M. , Mahishi Parinitha
Published: November 2013

Tinospora cordifolia is one of the important medicinal climbers growing extensively in Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnataka, India. The plant foliages were found infected with Phoma putaminum in different parts of the sanctuary. A three‐year (August 2006–July 2009) study of the disease due to the pathogen indicated that the disease incidence (DI) ranged from 0 to 100% (maximum in Kakanahasudi), while disease severity (DS) ranged from 1.60 to 45.00% (maximum in Madhuguni). The environmental parameters like rainfall and relative humidity (RH) correlated significantly with DI and DS, while temperature correlated negatively. The regression analysis indicated that DI and DS were affected due to increase in RH and decrease in temperature and rainfall. The spatial heterogeneity of the foliar disease determined by the binary form of modified Taylor's power law indicated that the disease incidence showed the regular pattern of dispersion (P < 0.001) in seven forest regions and heterogenous pattern (P < 0.001) in one forest region. The result also indicated that the alkaloid content decreased drastically following infection with P. putaminum, while phenol, flavonoid and steroid contents increased with increase in the severity of infection.
The Myth of Chinese Barbies: eating disorders in China including Hong Kong
Authors: Getz M. J.
Published: November 2013

Accessible summary

Eating disorders have been found in Chinese populations.

Chinese patients may not report the fear of gaining weight.

Westernization may be linked to an increase of cases, but its role is unclear.

Much of the literature on eating disorders deals with Western subjects. Although the majority of those seen in clinical settings are Caucasians, reports from Asia suggest that anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa do occur in the Chinese, sparking debate as to whether or not it is the result of Westernization. This project begins with a review of the current literature on eating disorders in Chinese populations and the role of culture as a mediating factor. A psychodynamic conceptualization and the potential role of traumatic experiences are explored in the emergence of pathological eating habits. Research suggests that applying Western models for Chinese subjects with eating disorders may not always be appropriate.
Values and valuing mental health nursing in primary care: what is wrong with the ‘before and on behalf of’ model?
Authors: Lakeman R. , Cashin A. , Hurley J.
Published: November 2013

Accessible summary

The present model of employment specified in the Mental Health Nurse Incentive Program (MHNIP) is closely aligned to a traditional practice nurse model whereby the nurse is employed to assist and extend medical practice.

Mental health nurses working within MHNIP typically possess post graduate qualifications and a breadth of experience characteristic of a specialist and advanced practitioner in mental health.

Mental health nurses ought to enjoy the same status, level of remuneration, professional esteem and accountability of other health professionals.

The Mental Health Nurse Incentive Programme (MHNIP) provides funding to organizations to enable mental health nurses (MHNs) to provide care to people with complex needs in primary care settings in Australia. The programme is based on a ‘for and on‐behalf of’ practice nursing model whereby the MHN is presumed to have no specialist knowledge, skills or professional autonomy, and rather extends the reach of medicine. This paper provides a profile of MHNs working in the MHNIP derived from an online survey. A content analysis of responses establishes that nurses who work within MHNIP are highly experienced, and have extensive postgraduate qualifications particularly in psychotherapy. Nurses have negotiated a range of complex employment and contractual arrangements with organizations and pushed the boundaries of the programme to realize good outcomes. The ‘practice nurse model’ of employment and the underpinning assumptions about MHNs and their skill set relative to other professions is critically examined. Changes to the programme funding mechanism and programme specifications are recommended.
Hepatitis C virus infection alters lipid metabolism depending on IL28B polymorphism and viral genotype and modulates gene expression in vivo and in vitro
Authors: Rojas Á. , del Campo J. A. , Maraver M. , Aparcero R. , García‐Valdecasas M. , Diago M. , Carmona I. , Andrade R. J. , Solà R. , Romero‐Gómez M.
Published: November 2013

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) interacts with lipid receptors to enter the cell, circulates as lipoviroparticle and is secreted as VLDL. We aimed to investigate the role of the rs12979860 polymorphism in the IL28B gene in 143 with chronic hepatitis C genotype 1, 144 infected with genotype 3, 90 genotype 4 and 413 noninfected individuals on lipid profile and to test the impact of HCV infection in an in vitro model on VLDL biosynthesis‐related gene expression rs12979860 polymorphism was analysed using real‐time PCR coupled to Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET). Huh7.5 (rs12979860 CT) and Huh7 (genotype CC) cells were infected with JFH‐1 particles and serum from patients infected with genotypes 1 and 3. Gene expression of apolipoprotein B (apoB), microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP), acetyl CoA carboxylase (ACC), diacylglycerol acyltransferase 2 (DGAT2), diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 (DGAT1) and low‐density lipoprotein receptor (LDLr) genes were determined by semiquantitative RT‐PCR in vivo and in vitro. Genotype CC rs12979860 polymorphism was associated with significantly higher serum LDL and total cholesterol levels in patients with hepatitis C genotype 1 but not in patients with hepatitis C genotype 3, genotype 4 and control (noninfected) population. Genotype CC was more often seen in genotype 3 and healthy people in comparison with genotype 1; P = 0.001. In vitro results showed that HCV infection promotes lipid metabolism gene expression induction depending on viral genotype, but to a lesser extent in cells with CT genotype. These results demonstrate that IL28B genotype influences lipid metabolism in patients with hepatitis C but not in noninfected and it seems to be viral genotype‐mediated. HCV infection modifies lipid‐related genes expression (DGAT1 and DGAT2) in cultured cells based on viral genotype and IL28 polymorphism.
Autoimmune hepatitis in the Alaska Native population: autoantibody profile and HLA associations
Authors: Ferucci Elizabeth D. , Choromanski Tammy L. , Hurlburt Kathy J. , Livingston Stephen , Plotnik Julia , Manns Michael P. , McMahon Brian J. , James Judith A.
Published: November 2013

Background & Aims

The Alaska Native population is one of few populations in the world with a high prevalence of autoimmune hepatitis. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency and HLA and clinical associations of autoantibodies in Alaska Native people with autoimmune hepatitis.

Methods

Alaska Native individuals with autoimmune hepatitis were recruited in clinics conducted statewide. Sera were tested for the presence of autoantibodies described in either autoimmune hepatitis or rheumatic disease. Associations between autoantibodies and HLA alleles and clinical features were assessed.

Results

Seventy‐one patients were included. At the study visit, 34 patients (47.9%) had antibodies to double‐stranded DNA by immunofluorescence; 27 (38.0%) had anti‐neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies; and 11 (15.5%) had anti‐Ro antibodies. Only one person had antibodies against soluble liver antigen, and in that person, anti‐Ro was absent. Associations were found between autoantibodies and HLA alleles, including positive associations between HLA DR3 and anti‐double‐stranded DNA antibodies and between HLA DR14 and antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies. There was no association between autoantibodies and clinical outcomes.

Conclusions

As in other populations, the prevalence of anti‐double‐stranded DNA antibodies and antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies is high in Alaska Native people with autoimmune hepatitis. In contrast to data from other populations, there is a lower prevalence of anti‐soluble liver antigen and a lack of association between anti‐Ro and anti‐soluble liver antigen. In addition, the HLA profile and associations with autoantibodies are unique. No clear prognostic implications of autoantibodies have emerged in this population.
Inhibition of tumour angiogenesis and growth by small hairpin HIF‐1α and IL‐8 in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Choi Sung Hoon , Kwon Oh‐Joon , Park Jun Yong , Kim Do Young , Ahn Sang Hoon , Kim Seung Up , Ro Simon Weonsang , Kim Kyung Sik , Park Jeon Han , Kim Seungtaek , Yun Chae‐Ok , Han Kwang‐Hyub
Published: November 2013

Background & Aims

Hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α), a key transcription factor in the cellular response to hypoxia, and interleukin 8 (IL‐8), a key mediator of angiogenesis, are important in cancerous tumour growth. In this study, we evaluated the effects of HIF‐1α and IL‐8 knockdown on angiogenesis and tumour growth in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

Hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines were infected with adenoviruses expressing small‐hairpin RNA (shRNA) specific for HIF‐1α or IL‐8, cultured under hypoxic conditions (1% O2), and examined for their levels of HIF‐1α, IL‐8, and angiogenesis factors using immunoblot. The effects of adenovirus‐mediated shRNA‐induced HIF‐1α and IL‐8 knockdown on tumour growth and angiogenesis were also investigated in a subcutaneous Hep3B‐tumour mouse model.

Results

Hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α knockdown directly repressed tumour growth, whereas IL‐8 knockdown indirectly repressed tumour growth. Combined knockdown of HIF‐1α and IL‐8 increased survival rates of mice. HIF‐1α and IL‐8 knockdown also decreased microvessel density and tumour volume in vivo. Similarly, HIF‐1α and IL‐8 knockdown inhibited the angiogenic effects of HCC cell‐conditioned media on tube formation and invasion by endothelial cells in vitro.

Conclusion

These findings indicate that shRNA‐induced HIF‐1α and IL‐8 knockdown inhibit angiogenesis and tumour growth in HCC. Further development of HIF‐1α and IL‐8 shRNA technologies could lead to effective therapies for HCC.
Long‐term changes of liver stiffness values assessed using transient elastography in patients with chronic hepatitis B receiving entecavir
Authors: Kim Mi Na , Kim Seung Up , Kim Beom Kyung , Park Jun Yong , Kim Do Young , Ahn Sang Hoon , Han Kwang‐Hyub
Published: November 2013

Background & Aims

Liver stiffness (LS) measurement using transient elastography allows for accurate evaluation of liver fibrosis in patients with chronic liver disease. We aimed to investigate the influence of antiviral treatment using entecavir (ETV) on LS values in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB).

Methods

121 patients with CHB who completed a 3‐year ETV treatment were recruited. LS values were measured before starting ETV (baseline) and after the completion of the 3‐year treatment. A significant decline in the LS value was defined as a ≥30% drop from the baseline.

Results

The median baseline LS value of the patients was 14.3 kPa. However, it decreased significantly to 7.3 kPa after 3‐year ETV treatment (P < 0.001). A higher baseline LS value was the single independent predictor of a significant decline in LS value on multivariate analysis (P<0.001; hazard ratio [HR], 1.155; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.073–1.243). Using an optimal cutoff baseline LS value of 11.5 kPa (area under receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.781; 95% CI, 0.698–0.863, P < 0.001; sensitivity 75.6%; specificity, 62.8%), patients with baseline LS values of ≥11.5 kPa had a greater probability of experiencing a significant decline in the LS value than those with baseline LS values of <11.5 kPa (P < 0.001; HR, 5.240; 95% CI, 2.340–11.732).

Conclusions

In patients with CHB, LS values were decreased significantly after a 3‐year ETV treatment. A higher baseline LS value was the single independent predictor of a significant decline in the LS value.
Coffee consumption in NAFLD patients with lower insulin resistance is associated with lower risk of severe fibrosis
Authors: Bambha Kiran , Wilson Laura A. , Unalp Aynur , Loomba Rohit , Neuschwander‐Tetri Brent A. , Brunt Elizabeth M. , Bass Nathan M. ,   the Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis Clinical Research Network (NASH CRN)
Published: November 2013

Background & Aims

Coffee has inverse relationships with both type 2 diabetes and hepatic fibrosis in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Relationships were explored between coffee intake and insulin resistance (IR) with respect to NAFLD histologic severity.

Methods

We analyzed data from 782 adults (≥18 years) in the Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis Clinical Research Network (NASH CRN) from 2004 to 2008. IR was assessed using the HOMA‐IR. We modeled associations between coffee intake and NAFLD histologic severity using multiple logistic regression; and interactions between coffee and IR on NAFLD histology were explored.

Results

Among 782 participants, 38% (n = 295) were men, 12% (n = 97) were Latino, mean age (± standard deviation) was 48 ± 12 years. Median BMI was 33.5 kg/m2 [interquartile range, 29.7–38.3] and median HOMA‐IR was 4.3 [2.7–7.2]. Diabetes was present in 24% (n = 189). NASH was present in 79% (n = 616), and 25% (n = 199) had advanced fibrosis. The frequency of coffee intake (cups/day, cpd) was as follows: 0 cpd, n = 230 (29%); <1 cpd, n = 219 (28%); 1 to <2 cpd, n = 116 (15%); ≥2 cpd, n = 217 (28%). The effect of coffee on fibrosis varied with degree of IR (interaction P = 0.001). Coffee consumers with less IR, defined as HOMA‐IR<4.3, had a lower odds of advanced fibrosis [OR = 0.64; 95% CI, (0.46–0.88), P = 0.001]. There was no protective effect of coffee on advanced fibrosis among individuals with higher HOMA‐IR [OR = 1.06, 95% CI (0.87–1.28), P = 0.6].

Conclusions

Coffee intake is inversely associated with advanced fibrosis among NAFLD patients with lower HOMA‐IR. Our findings warrant further investigation given the worldwide ubiquity of coffee intake.
Protective effect of Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum CECT7765 against induced bacterial antigen translocation in experimental cirrhosis
Authors: Moratalla Alba , Gómez‐Hurtado Isabel , Santacruz Arlette , Moya Ángela , Peiró Gloria , Zapater Pedro , González‐Navajas José M. , Giménez Paula , Such José , Sanz Yolanda , Francés Rubén
Published: November 2013

Background & Aims

Intervention in the gut ecosystem is considered as a potential strategy to treat liver diseases and their complications. We have evaluated the effects of Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum CECT7765 on bacterial translocation and the liver status in experimental cirrhosis.

Animals & Methods

Liver damage was induced in Balb/c mice by weight‐controlled oral administration of carbon tetrachloride. Laparotomies were performed at week 12. One week prior to laparotomy, animals received B. pseudocatenulatum CECT7765 (109cfu/daily) or placebo intragastrically. All animals received Escherichia coli (107cfu/single dose) intragastrically 24 hours before laparotomy. A group of naïve non‐treated animals was included as control. Liver tissue specimens, mesenteric lymph nodes, intestinal content and blood were collected. Liver histology, profibrogenic genes expression, bacterial DNA translocation, serum endotoxaemia and liver cytokine levels were measured.

Results

Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum CECT7765 showed no significant effect on structural liver damage, as determined by histological evaluation, alpha‐smooth muscle actin distribution, profibrogenic gene expression levels, total hydroxyproline levels and malon dialdehyde production compared with mice receiving placebo. Interestingly, bacterial DNA translocation and serum endotoxin levels were significantly decreased in mice receiving the Bifidobacterium strain compared with placebo. Gut barrier integrity markers were up‐regulated in mice receiving B. pseudocatenulatum CECT7765 and quantitatively correlated with intestinal gene copy numbers of the bifidobacterial strain. Gene expression levels of several anti‐inflammatory mediators were also increased in mice receiving B. pseudocatenulatum CECT7765 compared with placebo.

Conclusion

Oral administration of B. pseudocatenulatum CECT7765 is associated with improved gut barrier integrity and shows a beneficial effect against induced bacterial antigen translocation in the CCl4‐model of cirrhosis.
Recent progress and challenges in population genetics of polyploid organisms: an overview of current state‐of‐the‐art molecular and statistical tools
Authors: Dufresne France , Stift Marc , Vergilino Roland , Mable Barbara K.
Published: November 2013

Despite the importance of polyploidy and the increasing availability of new genomic data, there remain important gaps in our knowledge of polyploid population genetics. These gaps arise from the complex nature of polyploid data (e.g. multiple alleles and loci, mixed inheritance patterns, association between ploidy and mating system variation). Furthermore, many of the standard tools for population genetics that have been developed for diploids are often not feasible for polyploids. This review aims to provide an overview of the state‐of‐the‐art in polyploid population genetics and to identify the main areas where further development of molecular techniques and statistical theory is required. We review commonly used molecular tools (amplified fragment length polymorphism, microsatellites, Sanger sequencing, next‐generation sequencing and derived technologies) and their challenges associated with their use in polyploid populations: that is, allele dosage determination, null alleles, difficulty of distinguishing orthologues from paralogues and copy number variation. In addition, we review the approaches that have been used for population genetic analysis in polyploids and their specific problems. These problems are in most cases directly associated with dosage uncertainty and the problem of inferring allele frequencies and assumptions regarding inheritance. This leads us to conclude that for advancing the field of polyploid population genetics, most priority should be given to development of new molecular approaches that allow efficient dosage determination, and to further development of analytical approaches to circumvent dosage uncertainty and to accommodate ‘flexible’ modes of inheritance. In addition, there is a need for more simulation‐based studies that test what kinds of biases could result from both existing and novel approaches.
Spatial transcriptomes of iron‐deficient and cadmium‐stressed rice
Authors: Ogo Yuko , Kakei Yusuke , Itai Reiko Nakanishi , Kobayashi Takanori , Nakanishi Hiromi , Takahashi Hirokazu , Nakazono Mikio , Nishizawa Naoko K.
Published: November 2013

Although the genes involved in metal homeostasis have been investigated over the past few decades, many genes related to metal homeostasis remain uncharacterized, and a comprehensive analysis of the expression of these genes is required.

In the present study, we investigated the spatial gene expression profile of iron (Fe)‐deficient and cadmium (Cd)‐stressed Oryza sativa (rice) using laser microdissection and microarray analysis. Roots of Fe‐deficient and Cd‐stressed rice were separated into the vascular bundle, cortex, and epidermis plus exodermis. In addition, vascular bundles from new and old leaves at the lowest node, which are important for metal distribution, were analyzed separately.

The spatial expression patterns were distinct in each tissue type. Fe deficiency and Cd stress also had significant effects on the transcriptomes, although these were less pronounced than the spatial effects. Genes encoding transporters involved in metal homeostasis, proteins associated with heavy metal detoxification, and phytohormone‐related proteins were comprehensively investigated. Additionally, cis motifs involved in the regulation of these diverse expression changes in various tissue types were predicted.

The spatial transcriptomes presented here provide novel insight into the molecular mechanisms of metal homeostasis.
The Frugal City
Authors: SOLERI PAOLO
Published: November 2013

The megacities arising around the planet are like the Internet where many events are taking place simultaneously. The urban scape today is becoming more a space of flows—migrants, trade, capital, information, microbes—than a space of places rooted in an historical identity.

The megaurban condition today encompasses many realities, from the glittering generic city‐state of Singapore to the slums climbing up the hillsides around Mexico City or Sao Paulo. In these spaces we work, love and live out the intimate moments of our lives. In these spaces we consume and spew out climate warming gases.

In this section, two of the world's “star architects”—Rem Koolhaas and Frank Gehry—the visionary “arcologist” Paolo Soleri and the Turkish novelist and Nobel laureate, Orhan Pamuk, grasp at chronicling the reality of where we live.
Correlation of Blood Flow of the Preovulatory Follicle to its Diameter and Endocrine Profile in Dairy Buffalo
Authors: Varughese EE , Brar PS , Honparkhe M , Ghuman SPS
Published: November 2013

Contents

Blood flow of the preovulatory follicle (POF) wall can be used as a predictor of the quality of POF. Our aim was to determine the correlation of blood flow of POF with the POF diameter, and intra‐follicular and plasma concentrations of Insulin‐like Growth Factor‐I (IGF‐1) and oestradiol in dairy buffalo. Nine Murrah buffalo subjected to an ovulation synchronization protocol (Ovsynch) were assessed on day 10 of the protocol for diameter and blood flow of POF, followed by the aspiration of follicle fluid. Prior to follicular aspiration, blood samples were obtained from jugular vein for estimation of IGF‐1 and oestradiol. The vascularity of POF was determined (Range: 250–967 pixel2) along with intra‐follicular and plasma concentration of IGF‐1 (Range: 9.3–31.8 ng/ml and 14.7–29.7 ng/ml respectively) and oestradiol (Range: 124.2–447.9 ng/ml and 0.25–1.05 ng/ml respectively). Diameter of the POF was weakly correlated (r = 0.21, p < 0.01) with blood flow to it. As compared to POF diameter, the blood flow of POF had greater positive correlation with intra‐follicular and plasma concentrations of hormones (IGF‐1 and oestradiol). A strong positive correlation was recorded between intra‐follicular IGF‐1 and oestradiol. Also, plasma concentrations of oestradiol and progesterone were negatively correlated In brief, assessment of the blood flow of the POF is a non‐invasive and reliable indicator of its functional competence as compared to the POF diameter.
Effects of nebulized high‐dose budesonide on moderate‐to‐severe acute exacerbation of asthma in children: A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study
Authors: Chen Ai‐huan , Zeng Guang‐qiao , Chen Rong‐chang , Zhan Jie‐yi , Sun Li‐hong , Huang Shun‐kai , Yang Cui‐zhen , Zhong Nanshan
Published: November 2013

Background and objective

The efficacy of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) in asthma exacerbation are yet to be clarified. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of nebulized ICS in children with moderate‐to‐severe acute exacerbation of asthma in an emergency room setting in order to elucidate the potential use of ICS as the first‐line therapy in the management of acute exacerbation of asthma.

Methods

This was a prospective, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study. Paediatric patients with moderate‐to‐severe acute exacerbation of asthma in emergency room were randomized to receive nebulized salbutamol and ipratropium bromide, with the addition of nebulized high‐dose budesonide (BUD group, n = 60) or normal saline (control group, n = 58), three doses in the first hour.

Results

The improvement in forced expiratory volume in 1 s was similar in both groups at 0 h after three doses of nebulization, but there was significantly further improvement at 1 and 2 h in the BUD group (0.095 ± 0.062 L and 0.100 ± 0.120 L, respectively) compared with the control group (0.059 ± 0.082 L and 0.021 ± 0.128 L, respectively), P = 0.013 and 0.001, respectively. Complete remission rate was significantly higher (84.7% vs 46.3%, P = 0.004) and need for oral corticosteroids was significantly lower (16.9% vs 46.3%, P = 0.011) in BUD group than in control group.

Conclusion

On the basis of nebulized short‐acting bronchodilators, addition of nebulized high‐dose budesonide resulted in clinical improvement in children with moderate‐to‐severe acute exacerbation of asthma, suggesting that nebulized high‐dose ICS can be used as first‐line therapy for non‐life‐threatening acute exacerbation of asthma in children.
Activation of p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase in ovalbumin and ozone‐induced mouse model of asthma
Authors: Liang Li , Li Feng , Bao Aihua , Zhang Min , Chung Kian Fan , Zhou Xin
Published: November 2013

Background and objective

Ozone exposure worsens the development of allergen‐induced asthma. The p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway plays an important role in the development of the inflammatory response, airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and airway remodelling. In this study, the role of the p38 MAPK pathway on the effects of chronic ozone exposure in ovalbumin (OVA)‐sensitized and ‐challenged mice was investigated.

Methods

Mice were sensitized and challenged with OVA followed by ozone exposure. Dexamethasone (Dex) and SB239063, a p38 MAPK inhibitor, were used as preventive treatment.

Results

Compared with OVA‐challenged mice, ozone exposure of OVA‐challenged mice led to enhanced recruitment of inflammatory cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, increases in inflammation scores, collagen accumulation, bronchial wall thickness and messenger RNA levels of inflammatory cytokines, along with activation of p38 MAPK/HSP27 and downregulation of MAPK phosphatase‐1 (MKP‐1) in the lung tissue. Dex treatment partially attenuated lung inflammation, while the cotreatment of Dex and SB239063 effectively reduced lung inflammation, inhibited airway remodelling, inactivated p38 MAPK/HSP27 and upregulated MKP‐1 in the lung tissue.

Conclusions

Ozone exposure aggravated airway inflammation, airway remodelling, activation of p38 MAPK and downregulation of MKP‐1 in OVA‐sensitized and ‐challenged mice, which was ineffectively controlled by corticosteroids. p38 MAPK activation is a likely pathway involved in corticosteroid insensitivity.
Assessment of salivary total antioxidant levels and oral health status in children with Down syndrome
Authors: Subramaniam Priya , Girish Babu KL , Mohan Das Lakshmi
Published: November 2013

Down syndrome (DS) is an autosomal chromosomal disorder caused by trisomy of all or a critical part of chromosome 21. Individuals with DS have high levels of oxidative stress throughout their lifespan. It has been suggested that levels of antioxidants could be altered in response to an infection or disease. Aim: To assess the total antioxidant capacity (TAC), nitric oxide (NO), and sialic acid (SA) of saliva in children with DS and its relation to their oral health status. Materials and methods: Thirty‐four noninstitutionalized children in the age group of 7–12 years having DS formed the study group. The control group consisted of 34 normal, healthy children. The W.H.O. criteria were used for diagnosis and recording of dental caries. Oral hygiene status was assessed using the simplified oral hygiene index. Estimation of TAC, NO, and SA levels in saliva was done. Data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis. Results: In comparison to normal children, DS children showed significantly lower TAC of saliva and significantly higher salivary SA levels. In both groups of children, dental caries was higher in primary dentition when compared to their permanent dentition.
Availability of informal caregivers in surviving stroke patients in Belgium
Authors: Francois Silke , Borgermans Liesbeth , Van Casteren Viviane , Vanthomme Katrien , Devroey Dirk
Published: November 2013

Objective

To quantify the availability of informal caregivers in surviving stroke patients residing at home in Belgium.

Methods

National estimates on the availability of informal caregivers were made using data from a nationwide observational registration of family physicians working in sentinel practices and a nationwide administrative database for reimbursement of hospitals in Belgium.

Results

A total of 189 Belgian family physicians (FPs) from 141 practices participated in the study and recorded 326 patients (144 men and 182 women) with stroke. These FPs reach 1.5% of the Belgian population. After 1 month, 71% of the male and 75% of the female stroke survivors received support from family caregivers (p = 0.547). After 6 months, the percentage of male patients who received support from family caregivers decreased to 60% compared with 75% in female (p = 0.038). Of all patients with stroke admitted to Belgian hospitals during the reference year 2009 (n = 16.437), 8.997 returned home. Based on the findings from the sentinel practices, it is estimated that a mean of 73% (n = 6.568) and 67.5% (n = 6.073) of surviving patients with stroke can rely on informal caregivers in their home setting after one and 6 months, respectively.

Conclusions

A vast majority of surviving stroke patients in Belgium can rely on informal caregivers in their home setting, but their availability rapidly decreases 6 months after the event. These findings underline the importance of proactive health policy making in stroke care taking into account the potentially decreasing number of available informal caregivers in the decades to come.
Late Neogene sequence stratigraphic evolution of the Foz do Amazonas Basin, Brazil
Authors: Gorini Christian , Haq Bilal U. , dos Reis Antonio Tadeu , Silva Cleverson Guizan , Cruz Alberto , Soares Emilson , Grangeon Didier
Published: November 2013

The margin of the Foz do Amazonas Basin saw a shift from predominantly carbonate to siliciclastic sedimentation in the early late Miocene. By this time, the Amazon shelf had also been incised by a canyon that allowed direct influx of sediment to the basin floor, thus confirming that the palaeo‐Amazon fan had already initiated by that time (9.5–8.3 Ma). Above this interval, during a prolonged lowstand, Messinian third‐order sequences are preserved only in the incised‐valley fills of the canyon with no equivalent strata on the shelf. Third‐ and fourth‐order sequences younger than Messinian are preserved on the shelf after sea‐level rise above the shelf by the early Pliocene. Sequences younger than 3.8 Ma often show fourth‐order cyclicity with an average duration of 400 ka (larger scale eccentricity cycles) often preserved in high‐sedimentation‐rate areas of river deltas. Mass wasting and transportation of slope sediments to the basin began to play an important role in sediment dispersal at least as far back as the mid‐Pliocene, after rapid progradation had produced steeper slopes more prone to failure.
Psychosocial correlates of the motivation to abstain from sexual intercourse among Indonesian adolescents
Authors: Leerlooijer Joanne N. , Ruiter Robert A. C. , Damayanti Rita , Rijsdijk Liesbeth E. , Eiling Ellen , Bos Arjan E. R. , Kok Gerjo
Published: November 2013

Objectives

Adolescents in Indonesia have limited access to sexuality education, resulting in increased risk of sexually transmitted infections and unplanned pregnancies. This study aimed to understand psychosocial correlates of sexual abstinence intentions to inform future sexuality education.

Methods

Data were collected in 79 secondary schools among 2315 students, aged 14–20 years, in Jambi, Lampung, Jakarta and Bali. A self‐completed questionnaire measured attitudes, risk perception, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control and intentions towards sexual abstinence.

Results

Significant associations with intention to abstain from sexual intercourse were found for experience with sexual intercourse, perceived behavioural control, attitude and subjective norms of peers and parents, explaining 31% of the variance in abstinence intention.

Conclusions

To promote adolescents' informed sexual decision‐making, sexuality education programmes in Indonesia may benefit from addressing past sexual behaviour and perceived behavioural control, subjective norms of peers and attitudes.
T‐cell suppression by red blood cells is dependent on intact cells and is a consequence of blood bank processing
Authors: Long Kristin , Meier Cindy , Bernard Andrew , Williams Dennis , Davenport Dan , Woodward Jerold
Published: November 2013

Background

Red blood cells (RBCs) suppress T‐cell responsiveness through a mechanism requiring cell–cell contact. Questions remain as to whether this effect is an allogeneic response, related to cell death, or dependent on particular components of the RBCs.

Study Design and Methods

Peripheral T cells were isolated from healthy donors and exposed to stored allogeneic RBCs or autologous RBCs after processing. RBCs were lysed by hypotonic solvent to produce cellular ghosts. Tritiated thymidine proliferation assays were utilized. Cultures were saturated with interleukin (IL)‐2 to determine whether impaired IL‐2 synthesis played a role.

Results

T‐cell proliferation was suppressed by both autologous and allogeneic RBCs. RBC membrane integrity does enhance T‐cell suppression. T‐cell death is not responsible for the suppressive changes. IL‐2 synthesis is suppressed in RBC‐exposed T cells but addition of exogenous IL‐2 does not rescue proliferative capabilities. Proliferation of T cells was inhibited with RBC exposure but mitigated with the addition of fresh RBCs.

Conclusions

T‐cell suppression is enhanced by intact RBCs but this effect is unrelated solely to alloantigens. Neither apoptosis nor necrosis of T cells contributes to this phenomenon. IL‐2 synthesis is suppressed after RBC exposure as a consequence of T‐cell inhibition, but is not the primary cause of suppression. Fresh RBCs do not mediate T‐cell suppression, indicating that changes in the RBC and development of the storage lesion may occur during initial blood bank processing.
Model and Stability of the Traffic Flow Consisting of Heterogeneous Drivers
Authors: Yang Da , Zhu Liling , Pu Yun
Published: November 2013

Although traffic flow has attracted a great amount of attention in past decades, few of the studies focused on heterogeneous traffic flow consisting of different types of drivers or vehicles. This paper attempts to investigate the model and stability analysis of the heterogeneous traffic flow, including drivers with different characteristics. The two critical characteristics of drivers, sensitivity and cautiousness, are taken into account, which produce four types of drivers: the sensitive and cautious driver (S-C), the sensitive and incautious driver (S-IC), the insensitive and cautious driver (IS-C), and the insensitive and incautious driver (IS-IC). The homogeneous optimal velocity car-following model is developed into a heterogeneous form to describe the heterogeneous traffic flow, including the four types of drivers. The stability criterion of the heterogeneous traffic flow is derived, which shows that the proportions of the four types of drivers and their stability functions only relating to model parameters are two critical factors to affect the stability. Numerical simulations are also conducted to verify the derived stability condition and further explore the influences of the driver characteristics on the heterogeneous traffic flow. The simulations reveal that the IS-IC drivers are always the most unstable drivers, the S-C drivers are always the most stable drivers, and the stability effects of the IS-C and the S-IC drivers depend on the stationary velocity. The simulations also indicate that a wider extent of the driver heterogeneity can attenuate the traffic wave.
Flow and Heat Transfer of Nanoencapsulated Phase Change Material Slurry Past a Unconfined Square Cylinder
Authors: Reza Seyf Hamid , Wilson Michael R. , Zhang Yuwen , Ma H. B.
Published: November 2013

Numerical solution is carried out to analyze the effect of nanoencapsulated phase change material (NEPCM) slurry on forced convection heat transfer of steady laminar flow past an isothermal square cylinder. The base fluid is water while the NEPCM particles material is n-octadecane with an average diameter of 100 nm. A parametric study was performed for different volume fraction of nanoparticles ranging from 0% to 30%, two melting temperature ranges, i.e., 10 K and 20 K, and different inlet Reynolds numbers ranging from 15 to 45. The governing equations of flow and energy are solved simultaneously using a finite volume method (FVM) on collocated grid arrangement. It was found that for both NEPCM slurry and pure water, local and average heat transfer coefficients increases with increasing Reynolds number. The results of heat transfer characteristics of slurry flow over the square cylinder showed remarkable enhancement relative to that of the base fluid. The enhancement intensifies for higher particle volume concentrations and higher Reynolds numbers. However, utilizing the slurry can cause higher shear stress on the wall due to higher viscosity of mixture compared to the pure water. The melting temperature range of NEPCM particles has slight effect on heat transfer, although with increasing volume fraction and Reynolds number, lower melting range leads to higher heat transfer coefficient.
Modeling and Control of an Electric Variable Valve Timing System
Authors: Ren Zhen , Zhu Guoming G.
Published: November 2013

This paper presents a model of an electric variable valve timing (EVVT) system and its closed-loop control design with experimental validation. The studied EVVT uses a planetary gear system to control the engine cam timing. The main motivation of utilizing the EVVT system is its fast response time and the accurate timing control capability. This is critical for the combustion mode transition control between the spark ignition (SI) and homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) combustion, where the engine cam timing needs to follow a desired trajectory to accurately control the engine charge and recompression process. A physics-based model was developed to study the characteristics of the EVVT system, and a control oriented EVVT model, with the same structure as the physics-based one, was obtained using closed-loop system identification. The closed-loop control strategies were developed to control the EVVT to follow a desired trajectory. Both simulation and bench test results are included.
Representative Volume Element Based Modeling of Cementitious Materials
Authors: Shahzamanian M. M. , Tadepalli T. , Rajendran A. M. , Hodo W. D. , Mohan R. , Valisetty R. , Chung P. W. , Ramsey J. J.
Published: November 2013

The current work focuses on evaluation of the effective elastic properties of cementitious materials through a voxel based finite element analysis (FEA) approach. Voxels are generated for a heterogeneous cementitious material (type-I cement) consisting of typical volume fractions of various constituent phases from digital microstructures. The microstructure is modeled as a microscale representative volume element (RVE) in ABAQUS® to generate cubes several tens of microns in dimension and subjected to various prescribed deformation modes to generate the effective elastic tensor of the material. The RVE-calculated elastic properties such as moduli and Poisson's ratio are validated through an asymptotic expansion homogenization (AEH) and compared with rule of mixtures. Both periodic (PBC) and kinematic boundary conditions (KBC) are investigated to determine if the elastic properties are invariant due to boundary conditions. In addition, the method of “Windowing” was used to assess the randomness of the constituents and to validate how the isotropic elastic properties were determined. The average elastic properties obtained from the displacement based FEA of various locally anisotropic microsize cubes extracted from an RVE of size 100 × 100 × 100 μm showed that the overall RVE response was fully isotropic. The effects of domain size, degree of hydration (DOH), kinematic and periodic boundary conditions, domain sampling techniques, local anisotropy, particle size distribution (PSD), and random microstructure on elastic properties are studied.
Gaseous Slip Flow Mixed Convection in Vertical Microducts With Constant Axial Energy Input
Authors: Sadeghi Arman , Baghani Mostafa , Saidi Mohammad Hassan
Published: November 2013

The present investigation is devoted to the fully developed slip flow mixed convection in vertical microducts of two different cross sections, namely, polygon, with circle as a limiting case, and rectangle. The two axially constant heat flux boundary conditions of H1 and H2 are considered in the analysis. The velocity and temperature discontinuities at the boundary are incorporated into the solutions using the first-order slip boundary conditions. The method considered is mainly analytical in which the governing equations in cylindrical coordinates along with the symmetry conditions and finiteness of the flow parameter at the origin are exactly satisfied. The first-order slip boundary conditions are then applied to the solution using the point matching technique. The results show that both the Nusselt number and the pressure drop parameter are increasing functions of the Grashof to Reynolds ratio. It is also found that, with the exception of the H2 Nusselt number of the triangular duct, which shows an opposite trend, both the Nusselt number and the pressure drop are decreased by increasing the Knudsen number. Furthermore, the pressure drop of the H2 case is found to be higher than that obtained by assuming an H1 thermal boundary condition.
Electrochemical Oxidation of Methanol at Pt Modified Electrode in Carbonate Solution
Authors: Ibrahim M. A.
Published: November 2013

In this paper, we discuss the effect of Pb, Cd, Ni, Zn, and Mn adatoms on the rate of methanol oxidation at the Pt electrode in the carbonate solution. In Na2B4O7, the presence of Cd, Ni, Mn, and Zn adatoms increased the electrocatalytic current density while the presence of Pb inhibits the methanol oxidation.
Controlling Plane-Jet Flame by a Fluidic Oscillation Technique
Authors: Yang Hsiu F. , Hsu Ching M. , Huang Rong F.
Published: November 2013

A plane-jet flame was manipulated by passing the fuel jet through a jet-impingement fluidic oscillator. The plane fuel jet bifurcated into two streams of self-sustained pulsating jets in the cavity of the fluidic oscillator and issued out of two slits on the exit plane of the fluidic oscillator. The oscillation of the bifurcated plane fuel jets caused the flame behavior and combustion characteristics to change significantly compared with the corresponding behavior and characteristics of a nonoscillating plane-jet flame. The oscillation frequency, flame behavior, thermal structure, and combustion-product distributions of the fluidic-oscillator flame were experimentally examined and compared with the nonoscillating plane-jet flame. The flame behavior was studied with instantaneous and long-exposure photography. The temperature distributions were measured with a fine-wire thermocouple. The combustion-product concentrations were detected with a gas analyzer. The results showed that the length and width of the fluidic-oscillator flame were reduced by approximately 45% and enlarged by approximately 40%, respectively, compared with the length and width of the nonoscillating plane-jet flame. The transverse temperature profiles of the fluidic-oscillator flame presented a wider spread than did the plane-jet flame. The fluidic-oscillator flame’s maximum temperature was approximately 100 °C higher than that of the plane-jet flame. The fluidic-oscillator flame presented a larger CO2 concentration and a smaller unburned C3H8 concentration than did the plane-jet flame. The experimental results indicated that the combustion in the fluidic-oscillator flame was more complete than that in the plane-jet flame.
First Defense
Authors: Hines Pamela J.
Published: November 2013

The molecular basis for how a plant heterodimeric receptor responds to bacterial infection signals is elucidated.
Dinner Time!
Authors: Ray L. Bryan
Published: November 2013

The coenzyme nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide mechanistically links the circadian clock to control of energy production by mitochondria.
Micromanaging Cancer
Authors: Ferrarelli Leslie K.
Published: November 2013

In lymphoma, an oncogenic microRNA outcompetes a tumor-suppressive microRNA encoded by the same gene.
Long Life Through Damaged Mitochondria
Authors: Gough Nancy R.
Published: November 2013

Mild mitochondrial dysfunction activates pathways that promote longevity.