bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the efficacy of Fructus agni casti in women with severe primary dysmenorrhea: A prospective comparative Doppler study
Authors: Aksoy Ayse Nur , Gözükara Ilay , Kabil Kucur Suna
Published: November 2013

Aim

The aim of this case–control study was to compare the efficacy of ethinyl estradiol/drospirenone and Fructus agni casti in women with severe primary dysmenorrhea measuring uterine artery blood flow via Doppler ultrasonography.

Methods

A total of 60 women with severe primary dysmenorrhea and 30 healthy women (control) were included in this study. Thirty patients were treated with ethinyl estradiol 0.03 mg/drospirenone (group 1) and another 30 were treated with Fructus agni casti (group 2) during three menstrual cycles. Before and at the end of third month of therapy visual analog scale (VAS) scores, pulsatility index (PI), resistance index (RI) of uterine artery were recorded before and after receiving therapy on the first day of the menstrual cycle.

Results

Mean PI and RI values in patients with severe primary dysmenorrhea were significantly higher than in the control groups on the first day of the menstrual cycle (P < 0.0001). Mean PI and RI values were significantly lower after the treatment in both groups compared to before values (P < 0.001 for both). After using the drugs for three menstrual cycles, VAS scores were significantly dropped in both groups compared to before treatment values (P < 0.0001 for both); however, there were no significant differences in terms of Doppler findings between group 1 and 2.

Conclusion

The effectiveness of Fructus agni casti was similar to that of ethinyl estradiol/drospirenone in patients with primary dysmenorrhea.
Retrospective analysis of outcomes of secondary debulking surgery for recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer with favorable prognostic factors
Authors: Nasu Kaei , Kai Kentaro , Hirakawa Tomoko , Nishida Masakazu , Matsumoto Harunobu , Kawano Yasushi , Narahara Hisashi
Published: November 2013

Aim

Ovarian cancer is the second most common gynecological malignancy, yet it has the highest case‐fatality ratio of all gynecologic malignancies. Surgery followed by combination platinum‐taxane chemotherapy is the standard approach to the management of primary epithelial ovarian cancer. However, standard treatment of patients with recurrent ovarian cancer remains poorly defined. Secondary cytoreductive surgery (SDS) at the time of relapse has been proposed as a means of improving the prognosis of recurrent ovarian cancer patients with a treatment‐free interval of at least 6 months.

Methods

In the present study, we retrospectively collected 16 patients with recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer who might benefit most from SDS and evaluated the impact of SDS on the outcomes for this highly select patient group.

Results

We found that SDS led to excellent outcomes, with a 73.1% 8‐year overall survival rate after initial treatment, a 67.9% 5‐year overall survival rate after prior SDS, and a 31.3% 5‐year progression‐free survival rate after prior SDS. Although the findings were not significant, these results suggest that repeated SDS might improve outcomes for this patient group.

Conclusion

The present study may provide a platform for discussion of the impact of aggressive or repeated SDS on the survival of patients with recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer and favorable prognostic factors. Further multi‐institutional studies with larger number of patients are mandatory to confirm the present findings.
Amnioinfusion before 26 weeks' gestation for severe fetal growth restriction with oligohydramnios: Preliminary pilot study
Authors: Takahashi Yuichiro , Iwagaki Shigenori , Chiaki Rika , Iwasa Tomotake , Takenaka Motoki , Kawabata Ichiro , Itoh Mitsuaki
Published: November 2013

Aim

The prognosis for severe fetal growth restriction (FGR) with severe oligohydramnios before 26 weeks' gestation (WG) is currently poor; furthermore, its management is controversial. We report the innovative new management of FGR, such as therapeutic amnioinfusion and tocolysis.

Material and Methods

For FGR and severe oligohydramnios before 26 WG complicated with absent or reversed umbilical artery end‐diastolic flow velocity and/or deceleration by ultrasonography, we performed transabdominal amnioinfusion with tocolysis. Cases with multiple anomalies were excluded. Survival rate and long‐term prognosis were analyzed.

Results

Among 570 FGR cases, 18 were included in the study. Mean diagnosis and delivery were at 22.6 ± 2.0 and 28.7 ± 3.3 WG. Median birthweight was 625 g (−4.2 standard deviation). Final survival rate was 11/13 (85%). There were five fetal deaths. In seven cases, oligohydramnios improved. Growth was detected in 10/18 fetuses. Furthermore, 8/8 decelerations, 4/12 cases of reversed umbilical artery end‐diastolic flow velocity, 7/14 cases of brain‐sparing effect, and 6/13 venous Doppler abnormalities were improved. When we detected umbilical cord compression, 8/10 cases were rescued. Eleven infants were followed up for an average of 5 years; one case of cerebral palsy with normal development and 10 cases with intact motor functions without major neurological handicap were confirmed.

Conclusions

In cases of extremely severe FGR before 26 WG with oligohydramnios and circulatory failure, amnioinfusion might be a promising, innovative tool.
Natural History of Acute Stroke due to Occlusion of the Middle Cerebral Artery and Intracranial Internal Carotid Artery
Authors: Hernández‐Pérez María , Pérez de la Ossa Natalia , Aleu Aitziber , Millán Mònica , Gomis Meritxell , Dorado Laura , López‐Cancio Elena , Jovin Tudor , Dávalos Antoni
Published: November 2013

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The natural history of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) due to anterior circulation large artery occlusion is not well established. This information is essential for assessment of clinical benefit derived from recanalization therapies.

METHODS

Patients with AIS due to anterior circulation large artery occlusion not treated with reperfusion therapies admitted from January 2005 to September 2010 were consecutively selected. Site of occlusion was assessed with transcranial duplex according to Thrombolysis in Brain Infarction (TIBI) grades. Poor outcome was considered as a modified Rankin Scale>2 at 90 days.

RESULTS

A total of 120 patients were studied. Site of occlusion was terminal internal carotid artery (TICA) in 13 (10.8%), proximal middle cerebral artery (MCA) in 69 (57.5%), and distal MCA in 38 (31.7%) patients. Overall, 74.2% of patients had poor outcome. There were significant differences in poor outcome between patients with TICA, proximal MCA, and distal MCA occlusion (92%, 87%, 47%, P < .001) and mortality at 90 days (23%, 12%, 3%, P = .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Outcome of AIS patients with anterior circulation large artery occlusion not treated with reperfusion therapies is extremely poor in TICA and proximal MCA occlusions with better outcomes noted in distal MCA occlusions. These findings are relevant for estimation of treatment effect of reperfusion therapies according to occlusion location.
Measuring Social Polarization with Ordinal and Categorical Data
Authors: PERMANYER IÑAKI , D'AMBROSIO CONCHITA
Published: November 2013

We examine the measurement of social polarization with categorical and ordinal data. We partition the society into groups on the basis of salient social characteristics, such as race and ethnicity, and we take into account the extent to which these groups are clustered in certain regions of an attribute's distribution. This is particularly useful in many contexts where cardinal data are not available. The new measures we propose are characterized axiomatically.
Sleep spindles and rapid eye movement sleep as predictors of next morning cognitive performance in healthy middle‐aged and older participants
Authors: Lafortune Marjolaine , Gagnon Jean‐François , Martin Nicolas , Latreille Véronique , Dubé Jonathan , Bouchard Maude , Bastien Célyne , Carrier Julie
Published: November 2013

Spindles and slow waves are hallmarks of non‐rapid eye movement sleep. Both these oscillations are markers of neuronal plasticity, and play a role in memory and cognition. Normal ageing is associated with spindle and slow wave decline and cognitive changes. The present study aimed to assess whether spindle and slow wave characteristics during a baseline night predict cognitive performance in healthy older adults the next morning. Specifically, we examined performance on tasks measuring selective and sustained visual attention, declarative verbal memory, working memory and verbal fluency. Fifty‐eight healthy middle‐aged and older adults (aged 50–91 years) without sleep disorders underwent baseline polysomnographic sleep recording followed by neuropsychological assessment the next morning. Spindles and slow waves were detected automatically on artefact‐free non‐rapid eye movement sleep electroencephalogram. All‐night stage N2 spindle density (no./min) and mean frequency (Hz) and all‐night non‐rapid eye movement sleep slow wave density (no./min) and mean slope (μV/s) were analysed. Pearson's correlations were performed between spindles, slow waves, polysomnography and cognitive performance. Higher spindle density predicted better performance on verbal learning, visual attention and verbal fluency, whereas spindle frequency and slow wave density or slope predicted fewer cognitive performance variables. In addition, rapid eye movement sleep duration was associated with better verbal learning potential. These results suggest that spindle density is a marker of cognitive functioning in older adults and may reflect neuroanatomic integrity. Rapid eye movement sleep may be a marker of age‐related changes in acetylcholine transmission, which plays a role in new information encoding.
Mla‐ and Rom1‐mediated control of microRNA398 and chloroplast copper/zinc superoxide dismutase regulates cell death in response to the barley powdery mildew fungus
Authors: Xu Weihui , Meng Yan , Wise Roger P.
Published: November 2013

Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) Mildew resistance locus a (Mla) confers allele‐specific interactions with natural variants of the ascomycete fungus Blumeria graminis f. sp. hordei (Bgh), the causal agent of powdery mildew disease. Significant reprogramming of Mla‐mediated gene expression occurs upon infection by this obligate biotrophic pathogen.

We utilized a proteomics‐based approach, combined with barley mla, required for Mla12 resistance1 (rar1), and restoration of Mla resistance1 (rom1) mutants, to identify components of Mla‐directed signaling.

Loss‐of‐function mutations in Mla and Rar1 both resulted in the reduced accumulation of chloroplast copper/zinc superoxide dismutase 1 (HvSOD1), whereas loss of function in Rom1 re‐established HvSOD1 levels. In addition, both Mla and Rom1 negatively regulated hvu‐microRNA398 (hvu‐miR398), and up‐regulation of miR398 was coupled to reduced HvSOD1 expression. Barley stripe mosaic virus (BSMV)‐mediated over‐expression of both barley and Arabidopsis miR398 repressed accumulation of HvSOD1, and BSMV‐induced gene silencing of HvSod1 impeded Mla‐triggered H2O2 and hypersensitive reaction (HR) at barley–Bgh interaction sites.

These data indicate that Mla‐ and Rom1‐regulated hvu‐miR398 represses HvSOD1 accumulation, influencing effector‐induced HR in response to the powdery mildew fungus.
An integrated model of stomatal development and leaf physiology
Authors: Dow Graham J. , Bergmann Dominique C. , Berry Joseph A.
Published: November 2013

Stomatal conductance (gs) is constrained by the size and number of stomata on the plant epidermis, and the potential maximum rate of gs can be calculated based on these stomatal traits (Anatomical gsmax). However, the relationship between Anatomical gsmax and operational gs under atmospheric conditions remains undefined.

Leaf‐level gas‐exchange measurements were performed for six Arabidopsis thaliana genotypes that have different Anatomical gsmax profiles resulting from mutations or transgene activity in stomatal development.

We found that Anatomical gsmax was an accurate prediction of gs under gas‐exchange conditions that maximized stomatal opening, namely high‐intensity light, low [CO2], and high relative humidity. Plants with different Anatomical gsmax had quantitatively similar responses to increasing [CO2] when gs was scaled to Anatomical gsmax. This latter relationship allowed us to produce and test an empirical model derived from the Ball–Woodrow–Berry equation that estimates gs as a function of Anatomical gsmax, relative humidity, and [CO2] at the leaf.

The capacity to predict operational gs via Anatomical gsmax and the pore‐specific short‐term response to [CO2] demonstrates a precise link between stomatal development and leaf physiology. This connection should be useful to quantify the gas flux of plants in past, present, and future CO2 regimes based upon the anatomical features of stomata.
The antipsychotic amisulpride: ultrastructural evidence of its secretory activity in salivary glands
Authors: Loy F , Isola M , Isola R , Lilliu MA , Solinas P , Conti G , Godoy T , Riva A , Ekström J
Published: November 2013

Objective

Amisulpride is reported to inhibit clozapine‐induced sialorrhea. Preclinically, clozapine evokes muscarinic‐M1‐type‐mediated secretion that, however, amisulpride does not reduce. Instead, amisulpride, without causing any overt secretion per se, enhances both nerve‐ and autonomimetic‐evoked salivation by unknown mechanism(s). Hypothesizing that amisulpride prepares the gland for secretion, we looked for ultrastructural events indicating secretory activity in intercellular canaliculi of serous/seromucous cells, that is, density increase in protrusions (reflecting anchored granules) and in microbuds (reflecting recycling membranes and/or vesicle secretion) and decrease in microvilli (reflecting the cytoskeletal re‐arrangement related to exocytosis).

Material and Methods

Rat parotid and submandibular glands were exposed to amisulpride in vivo or in vitro. Glands were processed for transmission electron and scanning electron microscopy and then morphometrically assessed.

Results

Cells were packed with secretory granules. The density of protrusions increased in both glands, whereas significant and parallel changes in microvilli and microbuds occurred only in parotid glands, and in vitro.

Conclusions

Amisulpride induced ultrastructural signs of secretory activity but to varying extent; in submandibular glands, in contrast to parotid glands, changes were not brought beyond the granular anchoring stage. Amisulpride may provide an overall readiness for secretion that will result in augmented responses to agonists, a phenomenon of potential interest in dry‐mouth treatment.
The relationship between tongue brushing and halitosis in children: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Ileri Keceli T , Gulmez D , Dolgun A , Tekcicek M
Published: November 2013

Objective

The study aimed to investigate the clinical and microbiological effects of tongue brushing on malodour in children.

Subjects and Methods

One hundred and fifty‐one caries‐free children were included. After clinical evaluation, halitosis was determined by organoleptic assessment and sulphide monitoring. Then, 69 children with high levels of volatile sulphur compounds (VSC) were randomly assigned into two groups (group 1: scaling‐polishing + tooth brushing + tongue brushing and group 2: scaling‐polishing + tooth brushing), and tongue coating samples were collected for microbiological analysis. After 2 weeks, VSC measurements, organoleptic assessment, clinical evaluations and sample collection were repeated.

Results

In both groups, organoleptic scores, VSC levels, gingival index, plaque index (PI), bleeding on probing and Winkel tongue coating index (WTCI) scores decreased after 15 days. However, only the change in WTCI and PI scores showed a statistically significant intergroup difference. The most prevalent anaerobic bacteria were Veillonella spp., Prevotella spp., Fusobacterium spp., and no intergroup difference was observed in terms of colony counts of bacteria.

Conclusions

Tongue brushing did not provide an additional benefit to the treatment for malodour. According to the microbiological culture results, a specific bacterium responsible for halitosis in children could not be identified and more sensitive methods might be used for this purpose.
Inducible expression of a fusion gene encoding two proteinase inhibitors leads to insect and pathogen resistance in transgenic rice
Authors: Quilis Jordi , López‐García Belén , Meynard Donaldo , Guiderdoni Emmanuel , San Segundo Blanca
Published: November 2013

Plant proteinase inhibitors (PIs) are considered as candidates for increased insect resistance in transgenic plants. Insect adaptation to PI ingestion might, however, compromise the benefits received by transgenic expression of PIs. In this study, the maize proteinase inhibitor (MPI), an inhibitor of insect serine proteinases, and the potato carboxypeptidase inhibitor (PCI) were fused into a single open reading frame and introduced into rice plants. The two PIs were linked using either the processing site of the Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1B precursor protein or the 2A sequence from the foot‐and‐mouth disease virus (FMDV). Expression of each fusion gene was driven by the wound‐ and pathogen‐inducible mpi promoter. The mpi‐pci fusion gene was stably inherited for at least three generations with no penalty on plant phenotype. An important reduction in larval weight of Chilo suppressalis fed on mpi‐pci rice, compared with larvae fed on wild‐type plants, was observed. Expression of the mpi‐pci fusion gene confers resistance to C. suppressalis (striped stem borer), one of the most important insect pest of rice. The mpi‐pci expression systems described may represent a suitable strategy for insect pest control, better than strategies based on the use of single PI genes, by preventing insect adaptive responses. The rice plants expressing the mpi‐pci fusion gene also showed enhanced resistance to infection by the fungus Magnaporthe oryzae, the causal agent of the rice blast disease. Our results illustrate the usefulness of the inducible expression of the mpi‐pci fusion gene for dual resistance against insects and pathogens in rice plants.
Reflectance and Cyclic Electron Flow as an Indicator of Drought Stress in Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum)
Authors: Singh Ruchi , Naskar Jishnu , Pathre Uday V. , Shirke Pramod A.
Published: November 2013

The response and the functioning of the photosynthetic machinery of cotton, Gossypium hirsutum during water stress was studied by leaf optical properties, linear (ETRII) and cyclic electron flow (CEF) and chlorophyll a fluorescence. We observed that in G. hirsutum, during water limitation, Chlorophyll b showed the best correlation with reflectance at 731 nm and is a better indicator of drought. Fv/Fm was observed to be very insensitive to mild water stress. However, during severe water stress the leaves exhibit considerable inhibition in Fv/Fm and an increase in anthocyanin levels by about 20‐fold. CEF was very responsive to mild water stress. The mild drought stress caused large decrease in the ability of the leaves to utilize the light energy. Photosystem I and photosystem II is protected from photoinhibition by high CEF and nonphotochemical quenching under mild water stress. While during severe drought stress, linear electron flow showed a sharp decrease in comparison to CEF. CEF play a major role in G. hirsutum leaves during mild as well as under severe water stress condition and is thus a good indicator of water stress.
Auxin biology revealed by small molecules
Authors: Ma Qian , Robert Stéphanie
Published: November 2013

The plant hormone auxin regulates virtually every aspect of plant growth and development and unraveling its molecular and cellular modes of action is fundamental for plant biology research. Chemical genomics is the use of small molecules to modify protein functions. This approach currently rises as a powerful technology for basic research. Small compounds with auxin‐like activities or affecting auxin‐mediated biological processes have been widely used in auxin research. They can serve as a tool complementary to genetic and genomic methods, facilitating the identification of an array of components modulating auxin metabolism, transport and signaling. The employment of high‐throughput screening technologies combined with informatics‐based chemical design and organic chemical synthesis has since yielded many novel small molecules with more instantaneous, precise and specific functionalities. By applying those small molecules, novel molecular targets can be isolated to further understand and dissect auxin‐related pathways and networks that otherwise are too complex to be elucidated only by gene‐based methods. Here, we will review examples of recently characterized molecules used in auxin research, highlight the strategies of unraveling the mechanisms of these small molecules and discuss future perspectives of small molecule applications in auxin biology.
Does Walkability Influence Housing Prices?
Authors: Boyle Austin , Barrilleaux Charles , Scheller Daniel
Published: November 2013

Objective

We examine the effects of neighborhood walkability on house values. Recent research claims that walkability makes homes more valuable, ceteris paribus. We contend that some studies report a spurious effect of walkability because of differences between areas with high and low walkability.

Methods

We replicate the positive effect of walkability on prices for single‐family homes and condominiums in Miami, Florida, using a unique data set of house values and characteristics. We employ a fixed effects regression model instead of a traditional ordinary least squares regression model to account for the unobserved heterogeneity of neighborhoods.

Results

We find that walkability's impact on housing value becomes statistically insignificant at the margin after controlling for heteroscedasticity and neighborhood fixed effects.

Conclusions

The significant impact of the fixed effects suggests that something other than walkability is affecting prices and that better specified models are needed to discern the real price effects of walkability.
Mechanical and transparent conductive properties of ZnO and Ga-doped ZnO films sputtered using electron-cyclotron-resonance plasma on polyethylene naphtalate substrates
Authors: Akazawa Housei
Published: November 2013

Transparent conductive ZnO and Ga-doped ZnO (GZO) films were deposited on polyethylene naphtalate (PEN) sheet substrates using electron cyclotron resonance plasma sputtering. Both ZnO and GZO films were highly adhesive to the PEN substrates without inserting an intermediate layer in the interface. When compared at the same thickness, the transparent conductive properties of GZO films on PEN substrates were only slightly inferior to those on glass substrates. However, the carrier concentration of ZnO films on PEN substrates was 1.5 times that of those on glass substrates, whereas their Hall mobility was only 60% at a thickness of 300 nm. The depth profile of elements measured by secondary ion mass spectroscopy revealed the diffusion of hydrocarbons out of the PEN substrate into the ZnO film. Hence, doped carbons may act as donors to enhance carrier concentration, and the intermixing of elements at the interface may deteriorate the crystallinity, resulting in the lower Hall mobility. When the ZnO films were thicker than 400 nm, cracks became prevalent because of the lattice mismatch strain between the film and the substrate, whereas GZO films were free of cracks. The authors investigated how rolling the films around a cylindrical pipe surface affected their conductive properties. Degraded conductivity occurred at a threshold pipe radius of 10 mm when tensile stress was applied to the film, but it occurred at a pipe radius of 5 mm when compressive stress was applied. These values are guidelines for bending actual devices fabricated on PEN substrates.
Effect of sputter power on the photobias stability of zinc-tin-oxide field-effect transistors
Authors: Yang Bong Seob , Oh Seungha , Jang Kim Yoon , Jin Han Sang , Woo Lee Hong , Jin Kim Hyuk , Kyung Park Hui , Kyeong Jeong Jae , Heo Jaeyeong , Seong Hwang Cheol , Joon Kim Hyeong
Published: November 2013

This study examined the effect of sputtering power on the performance of zinc-tin-oxide field-effect transistors and the stability under photobias stress. Large improvements in the saturation mobility and subthreshold swing were found in devices fabricated at higher sputtering powers; 13.80 cm2/V·s, 0.33 V/decade at a power of 400 W compared with 2.70 cm2/V·s, 1.19 V/decade at a power of 50 W. The threshold voltage shift under negative bias illumination stress (NBIS) for the device fabricated at a power of 400 W shows superior properties (−2.41 V) compared with that (−5.56 V) of the device fabricated at 50 W. The improvements in electrical performance and NBIS stability were attributed to the formation of a denser film and the reduced dielectric/channel interfacial trap densities due to the more energetic bombardment used under high power sputtering conditions.
The application of sparse arrays in high frequency transcranial focused ultrasound therapy: A simulation study
Authors: Pajek Daniel , Hynynen Kullervo
Published: November 2013

Purpose:

Transcranial focused ultrasound is an emerging therapeutic modality that can be used to perform noninvasive neurosurgical procedures. The current clinical transcranial phased array operates at 650 kHz, however the development of a higher frequency array would enable more precision, while reducing the risk of standing waves. However, the smaller wavelength and the skullˈs increased distortion at this frequency are problematic. It would require an order of magnitude more elements to create such an array. Random sparse arrays enable steering of a therapeutic array with fewer elements. However, the tradeoffs inherent in the use of sparsity in a transcranial phased array have not been systematically investigated and so the objective of this simulation study is to investigate the effect of sparsity on transcranial arrays at a frequency of 1.5 MHz that provides small focal spots for precise exposure control.

Methods:

Transcranial sonication simulations were conducted using a multilayer Rayleigh‐Sommerfeld propagation model. Element size and element population were varied and the phased arrayˈs ability to steer was assessed.

Results:

The focal pressures decreased proportionally as elements were removed. However, off‐focus hotspots were generated if a high degree of steering was attempted with very sparse arrays. A phased array consisting of 1588 elements 3 mm in size, a 10% population, was appropriate for steering up to 4 cm in all directions. However, a higher element population would be required if near‐skull sonication is desired.

Conclusions:

This study demonstrated that the development of a sparse, hemispherical array at 1.5 MHz could enable more precision in therapies that utilize lower intensity sonications.
Cytokinins Secreted byAgrobacteriumPromote Transformation by Repressing a Plant Myb Transcription Factor
Authors: Sardesai Nagesh , Lee Lan-Ying , Chen Huabang , Yi HoChul , Olbricht Gayla R. , Stirnberg Alexandra , Jeffries Jacob , Xiong Kia , Doerge R. W. , Gelvin Stanton B.
Published: November 2013

Natural bacterial cytokinins may help engineer crops with improved characteristics.
Hippo Unleashed! Proteome-Scale Analysis Reveals New Views of Hippo Pathway Biology
Authors: Weiss Eric L.
Published: November 2013

Three new studies elucidate the Hippo pathway protein interaction network.
Programming Neuronal Regeneration
Authors: Gough Nancy R.
Published: November 2013

Nerve injury induces a calcium wave that evicts a histone deacetylase from the nucleus, enabling activation of a regenerative transcriptional program.
Widespread Dissemination of CTX-M-15 Genotype Extended-Spectrum-β-Lactamase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae among Patients Presenting to Community Hospitals in the Southeastern United States
Authors: Chen Luke F. , Freeman Joshua T. , Nicholson Brad , Keiger Anna , Lancaster Sarah , Joyce Maria , Woods Christopher W. , Cook Evelyn , Adcock Linda , Louis Susan , Cromer Andrea L. , Sexton Daniel J. , Anderson Deverick J.
Published: November 2013

Extended-spectrum-β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing organisms are increasingly prevalent. We determined the characteristics of 66 consecutive ESBL-producing isolates from six community hospitals in North Carolina and Virginia from 2010 to 2012. Fifty-three (80%) ESBL-producing isolates contained CTX-M enzymes; CTX-M-15 was found in 68% of
Escherichia coli
and 73% of
Klebsiella
isolates. Sequence type 131 (ST131) was the commonest type of
E. coli
, accounting for 48% of CTX-M-15-producing and 66% of CTX-M-14-producing isolates. In conclusion, the CTX-M genotype and ST131
E. coli
were common among ESBL isolates from U.S. community hospitals.
Biocide Activity against Urinary Catheter Pathogens
Authors: Malic Sladjana , Jordan Rachael P. C. , Waters Mark G. J. , Stickler David J. , Williams David W.
Published: November 2013

Antimicrobial effects of essential oils against bacteria associated with urinary catheter infection was assessed. Tests were performed on 14 different bacterial species cultured either planktonically or as biofilms. Biofilms were found to be up to 8-fold more tolerant of the test agents. Higher antimicrobial tolerance was also evident in tests conducted in artificial urine. Eugenol exhibited higher antimicrobial effects against both planktonic cells and biofilms than did terpinen, tea tree oil, and cineole.
Activity of Imipenem against Klebsiella pneumoniae Biofilms
In Vitro
and
In Vivo
Authors: Chen Ping , Seth Akhil K. , Abercrombie Johnathan J. , Mustoe Thomas A. , Leung Kai P.
Published: November 2013

Encapsulated
Klebsiella pneumoniae
has emerged as one of the most clinically relevant and more frequently encountered opportunistic pathogens in combat wounds as the result of nosocomial infection. In this report, we show that imipenem displayed potent activity against established
K. pneumoniae
biofilms under both static and flow conditions
in vitro
. Using a rabbit ear model, we also demonstrated that imipenem was highly effective against preformed
K. pneumoniae
biofilms in wounds.
Antiapicoplast and Gametocytocidal Screening To Identify the Mechanisms of Action of Compounds within the Malaria Box
Authors: Bowman Jessica D. , Merino Emilio F. , Brooks Carrie F. , Striepen Boris , Carlier Paul R. , Cassera Maria B.
Published: November 2013

Malaria remains a significant infectious disease that causes millions of clinical cases and >800,000 deaths per year. The Malaria Box is a collection of 400 commercially available chemical entities that have antimalarial activity. The collection contains 200 drug-like compounds, based on their oral absorption and the presence of known toxicophores, and 200 probe-like compounds, which are intended to represent a broad structural diversity. These compounds have confirmed activities against the asexual intraerythrocytic stages of
Plasmodium falciparum
and low cytotoxicities, but their mechanisms of action and their activities in other stages of the parasite's life cycle remain to be determined. The apicoplast is considered to be a promising source of malaria-specific targets, and its main function during intraerythrocytic stages is to provide the isoprenoid precursor isopentenyl diphosphate, which can be used for phenotype-based screens to identify compounds targeting this organelle. We screened 400 compounds from the Malaria Box using apicoplast-targeting phenotypic assays to identify their potential mechanisms of action. We identified one compound that specifically targeted the apicoplast. Further analyses indicated that the molecular target of this compound may differ from those of the current antiapicoplast drugs, such as fosmidomycin. Moreover, in our efforts to elucidate the mechanisms of action of compounds from the Malaria Box, we evaluated their activities against other stages of the life cycle of the parasite. Gametocytes are the transmission stage of the malaria parasite and are recognized as a priority target in efforts to eradicate malaria. We identified 12 compounds that were active against gametocytes with 50% inhibitory concentration values of <1 μM.
Susceptibility Profiles of Nocardia Isolates Based on Current Taxonomy
Authors: Schlaberg Robert , Fisher Mark A. , Hanson Kimberley E.
Published: November 2013

The genus
Nocardia
has undergone rapid taxonomic expansion in recent years, and an increasing number of species are recognized as human pathogens. Many established species have predictable antimicrobial susceptibility profiles, but sufficient information is often not available for recently described organisms. Additionally, the effectiveness of sulfonamides as first-line drugs for
Nocardia
has recently been questioned. This led us to review antimicrobial susceptibility patterns for a large number of molecularly identified clinical isolates. Susceptibility results were available for 1,299 isolates representing 39 different species or complexes, including 11 that were newly described, during a 6-year study period. All tested isolates were susceptible to linezolid. Resistance to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) was rare (2%) except among
Nocardia pseudobrasiliensis
(31%) strains and strains of the
N. transvalensis
complex (19%). Imipenem susceptibility varied for
N. cyriacigeorgica
and
N. farcinica
, as did ceftriaxone susceptibility of the
N. nova
complex. Resistance to more than one of the most commonly used drugs (amikacin, ceftriaxone, TMP-SMX, and imipenem) was highest for
N. pseudobrasiliensis
(100%),
N. transvalensis
complex (83%),
N. farcinica
(68%),
N. puris
(57%),
N. brasiliensis
(51%),
N. aobensis
(50%), and
N. amikacinitolerans
(43%). Thus, while antimicrobial resistance can often be predicted, susceptibility testing should still be considered when combination therapy is warranted, for less well characterized species or those with variable susceptibility profiles, and for patients with TMP-SMX intolerance.
Factors associated with early neonatal attendance to a paediatric emergency department
Authors: Flanagan C F , Stewart M
Published: November 2013

Aim

To examine the demographic and perinatal factors involved in the presentation of newborn babies to a paediatric emergency department (PED) and outcome following attendance.

Methods

Term babies who attended the PED of the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children (RBHSC) in the first 2 weeks of life, during two separate 3-month periods in summer and winter 2010–2011 were identified retrospectively from the PED electronic database. Perinatal and demographic data were also obtained on all babies born in the Royal Jubilee Maternity Hospital (RJMH) during the same time period.

Results

A total of 223 attendances to the PED involving 208 babies were identified with almost equal distribution during summer and winter months. Almost two thirds (n=139, 62%) of babies presented out-of-hours. Over half of babies were self-referred by parent/carer. The most common presentation was feeding difficulty, vomiting or faltering growth, accounting for 36%. Significant factors associated with attendance to PED included birth weight <2500 g, deprivation and postnatal stay more than 2 days. Sixty-one babies (24%) presenting to PED were admitted to hospital. Significant factors for admission included age ≤48 h and presentation during the standard working day. Overall, a third of babies admitted stayed less than 24 h (34%).

Conclusions

Large numbers of babies attend the PED in the first 2 weeks of life, commonly out of hours, from deprived areas and with feeding difficulties. A quarter of babies attending are admitted to hospital, with one-third discharged following an overnight stay. Services should be reevaluated, particularly in this current financial climate, in an attempt to find new models of care for these young babies.
Multiple tendon xanthomas in patient with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia: sonographic and MRI findings
Authors: Dagistan Emine , Canan Arzu , Kizildag Betul , Barut Abdullah Yuksel
Published: November 2013

Tendon xanthomas are a component of familial hypercholesterolaemia, which is a hereditary disease and characterised by elevated low-density lipo protein cholesterol plasma levels and premature coronary artery disease. Tendon xanthomas are diagnostic for heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia (HFH) and they mostly occur in Achilles tendon. Sonography and MRI are superior to clinical assessment and are useful in detecting tendon xanthomas. In this report, we present ultrasonographic and MRI findings of multiple tendon xanthomas in a case of HFH.
Fertility and pregnancy outcome in a woman with classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia
Authors: Jain Deepti
Published: November 2013

A 24-year-old woman with 21-hydroxylase deficient classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia, simple virilising form presented with secondary infertility. One year ago she had a spontaneous miscarriage in the second trimester of pregnancy. This time she conceived with prednisolone 5 mg and clomiphene citrate 100 mg. She was then continued with prednisolone during pregnancy. She had a spontaneous preterm delivery at 33 weeks. There was a marginal increase in the dose of prednisolone during pregnancy. There was no worsening of insulin resistance during pregnancy despite prednisolone administration. A normal healthy female infant was born and is being followed up on for ill-effects, if any, of maternal glucocorticoid administration during pregnancy. The baby girl has normal female external genitalia.
Economic evaluations of diagnostic tests, treatment and prevention for lateral ankle sprains: a systematic review
Authors: Lin Chung-Wei Christine , Uegaki Kimi , Coupé Veerle M H , Kerkhoffs Gino M , van Tulder Maurits W
Published: November 2013

Objective

To assess and summarise the economic evidence regarding diagnostic tests, treatment and prevention for lateral ankle sprains.

Methods

Potential studies were identified from electronic databases and trial registries and by scanning reference lists. Risk of bias and methodological quality were evaluated. Two independent reviewers screened, assessed studies and extracted data. Data were synthesised descriptively due to study heterogeneity.

Results

A total of 230 records were identified; 10 studies were included. Five studies conducted a full economic evaluation and five studies involved cost analyses. Lack of blinding was the main risk of bias. The methodological quality of the full economic evaluations was fairly good. Valuation of costs, measurement of outcomes and sensitivity analysis were points for improvement. Single studies showed that the Ottawa ankle rules (OAR) was cost effective for diagnosing lateral ankle sprains in the emergency setting compared with existing hospital protocols; acute treatment with anti-inflammatory medication and the plaster cast for severe sprains appeared cost effective; and neuromuscular training was cost effective in preventing ankle re-injury.

Conclusions

Results of this current systematic review supplements the evidence provided by reviews of effectiveness. There is evidence to support the implementation of OAR in the emergency setting, the use of anti-inflammatory medication and the plaster cast in the acute phase, and the prescription of neuromuscular exercises to prevent re-injury. Although the evidence is limited due to the low number of studies, shortcomings in methodological quality and small sample sizes, the findings may be used to inform clinical practice and practice guidelines.
Injuries in judo: a systematic literature review including suggestions for prevention
Authors: Pocecco Elena , Ruedl Gerhard , Stankovic Nemanja , Sterkowicz Stanislaw , Del Vecchio Fabricio Boscolo , Gutiérrez-García Carlos , Rousseau Romain , Wolf Mirjam , Kopp Martin , Miarka Bianca , Menz Verena , Krüsmann Philipp , Calmet Michel , Malliaropoulos Nikolaos , Burtscher Martin
Published: November 2013

Background

There is limited knowledge on epidemiological injury data in judo.

Objective

To systematically review scientific literature on the frequency and characteristics of injuries in judo.

Methods

The available literature up to June 2013 was searched for prospective as well as retrospective studies on injuries in judo. Data extraction and presentation focused on the incidence rate, injury risk, types, location and causes of injuries.

Results

During the Olympic Games in 2008 and 2012, an average injury risk of about 11–12% has been observed. Sprains, strains and contusions, usually of the knee, shoulder and fingers, were the most frequently reported injuries, whereas being thrown was the most common injury mechanism. Severe injuries were quite rare and usually affected the brain and spine, whereas chronic injuries typically affected the finger joints, lower back and ears. The most common types of injuries in young judo athletes were contusions/abrasions, fractures and sprains/strains. Sex-differences data on judo injuries were mostly inconsistent. Some studies suggested a relationship between nutrition, hydration and/or weight cycling and judo injuries. Also, psychological factors may increase the risk of judo injuries.

Conclusions

The present review provides the latest knowledge on the frequency and characteristics of injuries in judo. Comprehensive knowledge about the risk of injury during sport activity and related risk factors represents an essential basis to develop effective strategies for injury prevention. Thus, the introduction of an ongoing injury surveillance system in judo is of utmost importance.
Prepared for sudden cardiac arrest? A cross-sectional study of automated external defibrillators in amateur sport
Authors: Cronin Owen , Jordan Joseph , Quigley Fionnuala , Molloy Michael G
Published: November 2013

Introduction

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a rare but tragic part of professional and amateur sport. Following multiple high profile deaths in professional sport over the past two decades, there has been a significant trend towards the widespread availability of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) at amateur sports grounds.

Objectives

To examine the availability of AEDs in amateur sports clubs in Cork, Ireland, and to investigate club practices with respect to the purchase, accessibility, maintenance and use of AEDs.

Design

A cross-sectional survey of 218 amateur Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA), soccer and rugby clubs was conducted between July and September 2012. Club committee representatives answered a 22-point questionnaire.

Results

126 GAA clubs and 28 soccer and 17 rugby (n=171) clubs were enrolled in this study. A total of 81.3% of amateur clubs own an AED. We estimate an AED-use rate of one AED use for every 54.5 years an AED is available. Almost 50% of club representatives thought the location of their club AED could be improved while 12.9% of clubs admitted to not maintaining their club AED on a regular basis.

Conclusions

A large proportion of amateur clubs in Cork City and County own an AED. Many clubs engage in regular maintenance and storage of AEDs. However, this study identifies several areas for improvement in facilitating a secure chain of survival for players in the event of an SCA.
Low uric acid levels in patients with Parkinson's disease: evidence from meta-analysis
Authors: Shen Liang , Ji Hong-Fang
Published: November 2013

Objective

The association between Parkinson's disease (PD) and uric acid levels has gained intensive interest in recent years. We applied meta-analysis to investigate serum uric acid levels in patients with PD in comparison with healthy controls.

Design

We searched three electronic databases and reference lists up to January 2013. Two collaborators reviewed all the articles and data disagreement was resolved through discussion. Six studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in the meta-analysis of uric acid levels in patients with PD in comparison with controls.

Participants

1217 patients with PD and 1276 matched healthy controls.

Results

The meta-analysis results showed that patients with PD had lower levels of uric acid than healthy controls (summary standardised mean difference (SMD)=−0.52, 95% CI (−0.72 to −0.31)). Further gender subgroup analysis (summary SMD=−0.56, 95% CI (−0.72 to −0.41) for women; summary SMD=−0.62, 95% CI (−0.94 to −0.31) for men) indicated lower uric acid levels in patients with PD than healthy controls in women and men.

Conclusions

It was found that patients with PD had lower serum levels of uric acid than healthy controls and this association was more significant in men than in women. More efforts are encouraged to explore the prognostic and therapeutic implications for PD of the present findings.
Healthy Eating Index is associated with certain markers of inflammation and insulin resistance but not with lipid profile in individuals at cardiometabolic risk
Authors: Monfort-Pires Milena , Folchetti Luciana Dias , Previdelli Agatha Nogueira , Siqueira-Catania Antonela , de Barros Camila Risso , Ferreira Sandra Roberta Gouvea
Published: November 2013

Eating habits may influence inflammatory status and insulin resistance, both involved in the genesis of cardiometabolic diseases; an index of overall diet quality may be useful to identify risk for these diseases. We investigated whether the Healthy Eating Index (HEI-2005), adapted to Brazilian habits (B-HEI), was associated with markers of inflammation, insulin resistance and lipid profile in individuals at cardiometabolic risk. Two hundred and four prediabetic individuals (64.7% women) were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Anthropometric measurements, 24-h dietary recalls used to calculate the B-HEI, and blood samples were collected. ANOVA was used for comparisons of clinical variables across the B-HEI tertiles and multiple linear regressions employed to test associations between clinical variables and B-HEI total score. Significant trends to decrease mean values of body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.03) and C-reactive protein concentrations (p = 0.02) across the tertiles of B-HEI, but not other biomarkers, were observed. Waist circumference, HOMA-IR and C-reactive protein were inversely associated with the B-HEI (p < 0.05), after adjusting for age, sex, BMI, and physical activity level. Also, a direct association of adiponectin concentrations with B-HEI was detected after adjustments (p = 0.001). Data from this study indicate that the B-HEI may be useful to identify the body adiposity-induced pro-inflammatory status and insulin resistance in individuals at cardiometabolic risk.
On the gauge symmetries of the spinning particle
Authors: Kiriushcheva N. , Kuzmin S.V. , McKeon D.G.C.
Published: November 2013

We reconsider the gauge symmetries of the spinning particle by a direct examination of the Lagrangian using a systematic procedure based on the Noether identities. It proves possible to find a set of local bosonic and fermionic gauge transformations that have a simple gauge group structure, which is a true Lie algebra, both for the massless and massive case. This new fermionic gauge transformation of the “position” and “spin” variables in the action decouples from that of the “einbein” and “gravitino”. It is also possible to redefine the fields so that this simple algebra of commutators of the gauge transformations can be derived directly starting from the Lagrangian written in these new variables. We discuss a possible extension of our analysis of this simple model to more complicated cases.
BRILL–NOETHER LOCI WITH FIXED DETERMINANT IN RANK 2
Authors: OSSERMAN BRIAN
Published: November 2013

In the 1990s, Bertram, Feinberg and Mukai examined Brill–Noether loci for vector bundles of rank 2 with fixed canonical determinant, noting that the dimension was always bigger in this case than the naive expectation. We generalize their results to treat a much broader range of fixed-determinant Brill–Noether loci. The main technique is a careful study of symplectic Grassmannians and related concepts.