bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In vivo precision of the GE iDXA for the assessment of total body composition and fat distribution in severely obese patients
Authors: Carver Tamara E. , Christou Nicholas V. , Andersen Ross E.
Published: February 2013

Objective

To evaluate the precision of the iDXA for total body composition and fat distribution measurements in severely obese patients.

Design and Methods

Sixty‐five severely obese participants with a mean age of 46 ± 11years, BMI of 49 ± 6 kg/m2, and a mean body mass of 137.3 ± 20.9 kg took part in this investigation. Two consecutive iDXA scans with repositioning of the total body were conducted for each participant. The coefficient of variation (CV), the root‐mean‐square (RMS) averages of standard deviations of repeated measurements, the corresponding 95% least significant change, and Intraclass Correlations (ICC) were calculated.

Results

Precision expressed as % CV, for total body bone mineral content, fat free mass, total body fat, total body lean, and % total body fat were 1.08%, 0.94%, 0.90%, 1.00%, 0.79%, respectively. Precision was 1.44% for gynoid fat distribution and 1.64% for android fat (AF) distribution. The ICCs in all DXA measurements were 0.99 with % AF having the lowest at 0.96.

Conclusions

The GE Lunar iDXA™ demonstrated excellent precision for total body composition assessments and is the first study to assess reproducibility in severely obese individuals.
Quantification of visceral adipose tissue using lunar dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry in Asian Chinese
Authors: Lin Huandong , Yan Hongmei , Rao Shengxiang , Xia Mingfeng , Zhou Qi , Xu Hao , Rothney Megan P. , Xia Yi , Wacker Wynn K. , Ergun David L. , Zeng Mengsu , Gao Xin
Published: February 2013

Objective

To evaluate the new DXA VAT method on an Asian Chinese population by comparing to a reference method, computed tomography (CT).

Design and Methods

In total, 145 adult men and women volunteers, representing a wide range of ages (19‐83 years) and BMI values (18.5‐39.3 kg/m2) were studied with both DXA and CT.

Results

The coefficient of determination (r2) for regression of CT on DXA values was 0.947 for females, 0.891 for males and 0.915 combined. The 95% confidence interval for r was 0.940‐0.969 for the combined data. The Bland–Altman test showed a VAT bias (CT as standard method) of 143 cm3 for females and 379 cm3 for males. Combined, the bias was 262 cm3 with 95% limits of agreement of −232 to 755 cm3. While the current DXA method moderately overestimates the VAT volume for the study subjects, a further analysis suggested that the overestimation could be largely contributed to VAT movement due to breath‐holding status.

Conclusions

For Asian Chinese, VAT measured with DXA is highly correlated to VAT measured with CT. Validation of the DXA VAT tool using a reference method (e.g., CT) needs to carefully control the breath‐holding protocol.
Synthesis of a novel ionic liquid containing phosphorus and its application in intumescent flame retardant polypropylene system
Authors: Yang Xuefeng , Ge Nilin , Hu Liuyong , Gui Haoguan , Wang Zhigang , Ding Yunsheng
Published: February 2013

A novel ionic liquid containing phosphorus ([PCMIM]Cl) was synthesized and characterized by FTIR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and 31P NMR. Moreover, a new intumescent flame retardant (IFR) system, which was composed of [PCMIM]Cl and ammonium polyphosphate (APP), was used to impart flame retardancy and dripping resistance to polypropylene (PP). The flammability and thermal behaviors of intumescent flame‐retarded PP (PP/IFR) composites were evaluated by limiting oxygen index (LOI), UL‐94 test, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and cone calorimeter test. It was found that there was an obvious synergistic effect between [PCMIM]Cl and APP. When the weight ratio of [PCMIM]Cl and APP was 1:5 and the total amount of IFR was kept at 30 wt%, LOI value of PP/IFR composite reached 31.8, and V‐0 rating was obtained. Moreover, both the peak heat release rate and the peak mass loss rate of PP/IFR composites decreased significantly relative to PP and PP/APP composite from cone calorimeter analysis. The TGA curves suggested that [PCMIM]Cl had good ability of char formation, and when combined with APP, it could greatly promote the char formation of PP/IFR composites, hence improved the flame retardancy. Additionally, the rheological behaviors and mechanical properties of PP/IFR composites were also investigated, and it was found that [PCMIM]Cl could also serve as an efficient lubricant and compatibilizer between APP and PP, endowing the materials with satisfying processability and mechanical properties. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Factors determining uptake of invasive testing following first‐trimester combined testing
Authors: Lichtenbelt Klaske D. , Schuring‐Blom G. Heleen , van der Burg N. , Page‐Christiaens Godelieve C. M. L. , Knoers Nine V. , Schielen Peter C. J. I. , Koster Maria P. H.
Published: February 2013

Objective

This study aims to analyze differences in characteristics between women who opted for invasive testing after first‐trimester combined testing and those who did not.

Method

Follow‐up was performed in 20 215 combined tests conducted between 2007 and 2011 in the central region of the Netherlands. Multivariate logistic regression analysis compared variables (Down syndrome risk estimate, maternal age, previous Down syndrome pregnancy, IVF/ICSI, parity and nuchal translucency measurement) between different groups.

Results

65.4% of women with a Down syndrome risk estimate ≥1 in 200 opted for invasive 49 testing. In a multivariate model, women opting for invasive testing were significantly younger (odds ratio 0.92; 95% confidence interval 0.88–0.95) and less likely to have had IVF/ICSI (odds ratio 0.57; 95% confidence interval 0.37–0.87) than women opting out on invasive testing. In this high risk group, women <36 years opted for invasive testing more frequently, regardless of their Down syndrome risk estimate magnitude. Women ≥36 years let the magnitude of the risk estimate count significantly in their decision to opt for invasive testing.

Conclusion

Because of the dissimilarity in the offer of prenatal screening and invasive diagnosis in the Dutch prenatal screening policy, women <36 years and women >36 years make different choices when confronted with similar Down syndrome risk estimates. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
SOCIAL SUPPORT AND BEHAVIORAL AND AFFECTIVE SCHOOL ENGAGEMENT: THE EFFECTS OF PEERS, PARENTS, AND TEACHERS
Authors: Estell David B. , Perdue Neil H.
Published: February 2013

School engagement has long been seen as an important component of school completion, and research shows that social support in the home and school promotes engagement. However, many researchers have argued that it is not a unitary construct but rather a multifaceted phenomenon, and the role of peer social support has not been as well studied as support from parents and teachers. Our study examines the association of social support from parents, teachers, and peers with two forms of engagement: affective and behavioral. Data came from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development. Results indicate that although parent support was associated with higher levels of behavioral engagement, peer support was associated with higher levels of affective engagement.
SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGISTS’ CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PREFERENCES AND PRACTICES
Authors: Armistead Leigh D. , Castillo Jose M. , Curtis Michael J. , Chappel Ashley , Cunningham Jennifer
Published: February 2013

This study investigated school psychologists’ continuing professional development (CPD) activities, topics, needs, motivations, financial expenditures, and opinions, as well as relationships between select demographic characteristics and certain CPD practices and preferences. A survey was mailed to 1,000 randomly selected Regular Members of the National Association of School Psychologists, resulting in the return of 510 completed surveys, a 51% response rate. Respondents expressed opinions about CPD that were positive, optimistic, and consistent with their high levels of engagement and investments of both time and financial resources. Most respondents reported engaging in 25 or more hours of CPD during the previous year. CPD topics in which they engaged most frequently were response to intervention and academic, behavioral, and social–emotional interventions, and academic screening and progress monitoring. Respondents reported a high level of need for more CPD in those same topic areas, but a low level of need for offerings in standardized assessment. Older school psychologists were less likely to have engaged in CPD relating to contemporary assessment practices and interventions and more likely to have engaged in activities related to standardized assessment. Almost half of the respondents had engaged in CPD through an online activity and reported a desire for more online opportunities. No relationship was found between age and usage of, or positive opinions about, online CPD.
Breast cancer meanings: a cognitive‐developmental study
Authors: Travado Luzia , Reis Joaquim C.
Published: February 2013

Objective

This study addresses the meanings women with breast cancer attach to their illness within a cognitive‐developmental framework. The aim of the present study was twofold: (i) to identify the content of women's meanings in five domains of breast cancer representation (identity, causes, consequences, timeline and controllability), and (ii) to verify if those meanings can be classified developmentally and propose a developmental sequence of meanings for breast cancer.

Methods

Fifty women treated for breast cancer, as outpatients by the Breast Surgery Multidisciplinary Team at Hospital S. José, Lisbon, Portugal, were randomly selected and interviewed using a semi‐structured method, in order to obtain data on the significance they attached to their illness.

Results

A typical breast cancer representation profile was identified: 74% of women know their diagnosis, 70% conceive its causes as external factors, 50% refer to emotional and functional changes as main consequences, 62% are expectant towards the future and 36% considered themselves cured. It was possible to classify women's illness meanings into different developmental levels: the majority of women acceded only to lower (level 2 = 36%) and intermediate levels (level 3 = 50%). A developmental sequence of meanings for breast cancer is presented.

Conclusions

The identification of women's illness meanings enhances understanding of the emotional reactions and coping processes they use in this stressful situation. Also, it enables the clinician to match clinical methodologies with the patient's developmental level. Cognitive and developmental approaches offer a useful framework for making decisions about prevention and clinical procedures with breast cancer women, which may benefit clinical outcomes. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Guidance of glial cells and neurites from dorsal root ganglia by laser induced periodic patterning of biphasic core/shell nanowires
Authors: Lee Juseok , Schwarz Lukas K. , Akkan Cagri K. , Miró Marina M. , Abad Oscar T. , Schäfer Karl‐Herbert , Veith Michael , Aktas Cenk
Published: February 2013

Modification of topography is an effective tool to control the cellular response such as cell function, adhesion and proliferation on surfaces. In this work, we present a novel method for fabrication of periodic surface structures by laser interference patterning (LIP) of biphasic Al/Al2O3 nanowires (NWs). These structures have a periodicity of 1–8 µm and a depth of 300–600 nm, depending on the incidence angle of the laser beam. Such hierarchical structures are composed of both micro‐ and nanofeatures. These periodic patterns lead to an alignment of glial cells and an axonal guidance from cultured dorsal root ganglia (DRG), along defined directions. The most pronounced alignment was seen at a periodicity of 2 µm.

(a) Random growth of neurites on as‐deposited chaotic NWs. (b) Aligned growth of neurites on patterned NWs.
New magnetically ordered phases in YbRh2Si2
Authors: Schuberth Erwin , Tippmann Marc , Krellner Cornelius , Steglich Frank
Published: February 2013

YbRh2Si2 is a widely studied heavy Fermion system with a variety of interesting properties, among them a quantum critical point at 60 mT for B // a,b‐plane 1. At low temperatures we previously found a new magnetically ordered phase below 2.2 mK 2 taking place in the well known antiferromagnetic phase which starts at 70 mK 3. In addition to this “A” phase, we now observe a second, weaker phase transition below 14 mK and 5 mT which we named B phase. To study these phases of YbRh2Si2 at the lowest possible temperatures, we measured the DC magnetization in magnetic fields up to 60 mT using a home made rf SQUID magnetometer. The A phase is very robust and extends at least up to a magnetic field of 23 mT. Above this field, it is suppressed to below our detection limit of 1 mK. The A transition is characterized by a reduced magnetic susceptibility in the ordered state and there is zero magnetization in the limit B → 0. From these findings, we expect it to be an antiferromagnetic ordered state. The experiments were performed in our low temperature cryostat at the Walther Meissner Institute in Garching which includes a 0.9‐mole PrNi5 nuclear demagnetization stage with a final temperature of 400 µK. The temperatures of the nuclear stage were measured by pulsed NMR on a Cu rod thermally anchored to it. YbRh2Si2 single crystals of very high quality have been grown in an Indium flux at the MPI CPfS Dresden. The samples were clamped in a 5 N Ag rod screwed to the nuclear stage and extending into the pick‐up coil of a conventional flux transformer. Their temperatures were always close to that of the nuclear stage. In addition, we performed specific heat measurements with the semiadiabatic heat‐pulse method.
Anomalous susceptibility in single crystals of EuCo2Si2 with trivalent Eu: Influence of excited J multiplets
Authors: Seiro Silvia , Kummer Kurt , Vyalikh Denis , Caroca‐Canales Nubia , Geibel Christoph
Published: February 2013

We present a detailed study on the physical properties of single crystals of the Eu3+ intermetallic EuCo2Si2. The Eu valence was confirmed by X‐ray absorption. At low temperatures, the anisotropic susceptibility can be explained by a Eu3+ Van Vleck contribution with a crystal field parameter $V_{2}^{0} = 355\,{\rm K}$, but at high temperatures the data exceed the Van Vleck values significantly. This excess susceptibility is possibly related to the magnetic exchange between the excited Eu multiplets and the conduction band. A γ of 9.6 mJ K−2 mol and a Debye temperature of 322 K were estimated from the low temperature specific heat data. The compound does not undergo any phase transition in the temperature range 2–300 K.
Caffeoylserotonin Protects Human Keratinocyte HaCaT Cells against H2O2‐Induced Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis through Upregulation of HO‐1 Expression via Activation of the PI3K/Akt/Nrf2 Pathway
Authors: Nguyen Cam Ngoc , Kim Hye‐Eun , Lee Seong‐Gene
Published: February 2013

Caffeoylserotonin (CaS) has strong radical scavenging activity as well as antioxidant activities, protecting cells from lipid peroxidation, intracellular reactive oxygen species generation, DNA damage, and cell death. The molecular mechanism by which CaS protects against oxidative stress is not well understood. Here, we analyzed the cytoprotective activity of CaS in hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)‐treated keratinocyte HaCaT cells. H2O2 induced apoptosis in the cells through activation of pro‐apoptotic p21, Bax, and caspase‐3. Pretreatment with CaS inhibited apoptotic gene expression and activated the anti‐apoptotic gene, Bcl‐xL. Although CaS did not directly affect heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) expression, pretreatment with CaS augmented HO‐1 expression through an increase in NF‐E2‐related factor (Nrf2) stability and stimulation of Nrf2 translocation to the nucleus upon H2O2 exposure. H2O2 also induced the phosphorylation and subsequent activation of ERK, p38 MAPK, and Akt. Analysis using specific inhibitors of p38 MAPK and Akt demonstrated that only Akt activation was involved in HO‐1 and Nrf2 expressions. In addition, PI3K and PKC inhibitors suppressed HO‐1/Nrf2 expression and Akt phosphorylation. These results demonstrate that CaS protects against oxidative stress‐induced keratinocyte cell death in part through the activation of Nrf2‐mediated HO‐1 induction via the PI3K/Akt and/or PKC pathways, but not MAPK signaling. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Anti‐depressant Effects of Aqueous Extract from Acanthopanax senticosus in Mice
Authors: Jin Liji , Wu Feifei , Li Xiaoyu , Li Huaqiang , Du Chong , Jiang Qi , You Jiansong , Li Shuying , Xu Yongping
Published: February 2013

In this paper, the anti‐depressant effects of Acanthopanax senticosus extract (ASE) were studied using animal models of depression including the forced swimming and tail suspension tests. The anti‐depressive mechanism of ASE was explored by monitoring the levels of monoamine neurotransmitters including 5‐hydroxytrylamine (5‐HT), norepinephrine (NE), and dopamine (DA), as well as cAMP response element‐binding (CREB) protein expression in the whole brain of mice following the tail suspension test. Our results showed that intragastric administration of ASE at a dose of 2000 mg/kg for seven days significantly reduced the duration of immobility in both the forced swimming test and the tail suspension test. These results indicate that ASE possesses antidepressant‐like properties. Pre‐treatment with 2000 mg/kg of ASE for seven days significantly elevated the levels of 5‐HT, NE, and DA in the whole brain of mice. Moreover, ASE at doses of 1000 and 2000 mg/kg significantly up‐regulated the level of CREB protein. Taken together, these findings suggest that the anti‐depressive mechanism of ASE may be mediated via the central monoaminergic neurotransmitter system and CREB protein expression. Therefore, administration of ASE may be beneficial for patients with depressive disorders. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A simple and robust method for partially matched samples using the p‐values pooling approach
Authors: Kuan Pei Fen , Huang Bo
Published: February 2013

This paper focuses on statistical analyses in scenarios where some samples from the matched pairs design are missing, resulting in partially matched samples. Motivated by the idea of meta‐analysis, we recast the partially matched samples as coming from two experimental designs and propose a simple yet robust approach based on the weighted Z‐test to integrate the p‐values computed from these two designs. We show that the proposed approach achieves better operating characteristics in simulations and a case study, compared with existing methods for partially matched samples. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Four Coordination Polymers Containing 2, 6‐Naphthalenedi­carboxylic Acid and 1, 10‐Phenanthroline: Synthesis, Structure, and Magnetic Properties
Authors: Li Xiuhua , Fang Ming , Cui Ping , Zhao Bin
Published: February 2013

[Co(phen)(NDA)0.5(H2O)3]·H2O·0.5NDA (a) (NDA = 2, 6‐naphthalenedicarboxylate ions, phen = 1, 10‐phenanthroline), and four novel coordination polymers (CPs), [M(phen)(NDA)]n [M = Co (1), Ni (2), Mn (3), and Cd (4)], were synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. They were structurally characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Compound a was obtained by hydrothermal condition of 80 °C, displaying a zero dimension structure, and three coordinated water molecules located on the central Co2+ ion. By decreasing the number of coordinated water molecules in a under high reaction temperature of 170 °C, the discrete motif of a was transferred into a 2D structure of 1. Employing the same synthesizing condition like that of 1, compounds 2–4 were prepared, of which 2 exhibited a 2D layer and compounds 3 and 4 feature novel 3D architectures. The magnetic susceptibilities of 1–3 were measured and discussed. There exist ferromagnetic coupling between the nearest metal ions in 1 and 2, and the best theoretical fitting parameters were J = 3.96 cm–1, g = 2.42 for 1 and J = 3.44 cm–1, g = 2.02 for 2. The study of the magnetic property of 3 shows the occurrence of weak antiferromagnetic interaction between Mn2+ with fitting parameters of J = –0.80 cm–1 and g = 2.03, appearing short‐range antiferromagnetic ordering around 9 K.
Effect of cargo size and shape on the transport efficiency of the bacterial Tat translocase
Authors: Whitaker Neal , Bageshwar Umesh , Musser Siegfried M.
Published: February 2013

The Tat machinery translocates fully‐folded and oligomeric substrates. The passage of large, bulky cargos across an ion‐tight membrane suggests the need to match pore and cargo size, and therefore that Tat transport efficiency may depend on both cargo size and shape. A series of cargos of different sizes and shapes were generated using the natural Tat substrate pre‐SufI as a base. Four (of 17) cargos transported with significant (>20% of wild‐type) efficiencies. These results indicate that cargo size and shape significantly influence Tat transportability.
The fission yeast Pvg1p has galactose‐specific pyruvyltransferase activity
Authors: Yoritsune Ken-ichi , Matsuzawa Tomohiko , Ohashi Takao , Takegawa Kaoru
Published: February 2013

N‐Glycan from the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe contains outer‐chain pyruvic acid 4,6‐ketal‐linked galactose (PvGal). Here, we characterized a putative S. pombe pyruvyltransferase, Pvg1p, reported to be essential for biosynthesis of PvGal. When p‐nitrophenyl‐β‐Gal (pNP‐β‐Gal) was used as a substrate, the structure of the recombinant Pvg1p product was determined to be pNP‐PvGal by one‐ and two‐dimensional NMR spectroscopy. The recombinant Pvg1p transferred pyruvyl residues from phosphoenolpyruvate specifically to β‐linked galactose.
Evaluation of populations of Dactylis glomerata L. native to Mediterranean environments
Authors: Copani V. , Testa G. , Lombardo A. , Cosentino S. L.
Published: February 2013

Several morphological and agronomic traits and the genetic diversity of nine Dactylis glomerata L. populations collected throughout Sicily (semi-arid Mediterranean environment) were evaluated for two successive years. Significant differences were recorded for morphological traits (plant height, leaf length, leaf width). In relation to the measurement of summer dormancy, the results suggest the expression of different levels of dormancy (completely dormant, semi-dormant, and non-dormant). For biomass yield, some Sicilian populations (SD63 and SD56) characterised by low levels of summer dormancy show production levels similar to the summer-active control varieties (Medly and Porto). However, SD46, with a much higher level of dormancy, gave biomass yield higher than the summer-dormant control variety (Kasbah). The genetic diversity evaluated by fAFLP analysis confirms the observed morphological and agronomic variability.
The effects of submergence on anatomical, morphological and biomass allocation responses of tropical grasses Chloris gayana and Panicum coloratum at seedling stage
Authors: Imaz José A. , Giménez Daniel O. , Grimoldi Agustín A. , Striker Gustavo G.
Published: February 2013

Submergence is a major factor affecting seedling recruitment in lowland grassland ecosystems. Our aim was to evaluate the tolerance to increasing flooding intensity of the seedlings of tropical grasses Chloris gayana K. and Panicum coloratum L., whose use as a forage species is increasing in humid grasslands. For this purpose, 2-week-old seedlings of C. gayana and P. coloratum were subjected to control, partial submergence (PS) and complete submergence (CS) in clear water for 14 days and allowed to grow for a subsequent 12-day period to assess their recovery. The following responses were assessed: generation of root aerenchyma, morphological changes and emergence from water, biomass allocation in relation to plant size, and biomass accumulation. Results showed that constitutive root aerenchyma was high in both species. Under PS and CS, root aerenchyma increased by up to 50–55% in C. gayana and up to 40–48% in P. coloratum. Under PS, the increase in seedling height for both species was the same as for controls. Under CS, C. gayana further increased its height and emerged more quickly from water; P. coloratum was not able to increase its height, and therefore the seedlings always remained underwater. The escape-from-water response of C. gayana was associated with preferential biomass allocation towards shoots and with a marked lengthening of leaf blades. By contrast, there was no change in allocation in P. coloratum, and its leaves were shorter under CS. The final biomass of C. gayana under CS was similar to that under PS, and equivalent to 54% of its controls. In P. coloratum, biomass under PS and CS were 64 and 21% of its controls (respectively), which indicates that injury caused by CS persisted during the post-submergence period. In conclusion, both species are tolerant to PS at the seedling stage. However, when flood depth increases by submerging the seedlings, C. gayana is able to escape from water while P. coloratum is not, thus strongly affecting its recovery. Therefore, C. gayana appears to be a more promising species for cultivation in lowland grasslands prone to flooding of unpredictable intensity.
Applicability of Darcy’s law for predicting irrigation head: what are the limits?
Authors: Phogat V. K. , Horn R.
Published: February 2013

Modelling soil water movement has increased the demand for accurate measurements of soil physical and hydraulic properties. Data on saturated hydraulic conductivity (K), which was measured by using different hydraulic heads, are presented for artificially packed soil columns and for different soil layers of undisturbed soil cores taken from a long-term experiment on conservation tillage. In the majority of the samples in both artificially packed soil columns and undisturbed soil cores, increasing hydraulic head caused significant deviation (i.e. significant positive correlation coefficient between hydraulic head and the measured values of K) from the conventional criterion for Darcy’s law that flux remains linear with hydraulic gradient. The study, therefore, emphasis the need to define the hydraulic head for measuring K values to be used for studying water movement in soils, to facilitate efficient utilisation of water resources for irrigating field crops in different soils and under different planting systems and irrigation methods.
Anti‐adalimumab and anti‐infliximab antibodies developed in psoriasis vulgaris patients reduced the efficacy of biologics: Report of two cases
Authors: Matsumoto Yuka , Maeda Tatsuo , Tsuboi Ryoji , Okubo Yukari
Published: February 2013

Biologics such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors are highly effective for treating severe psoriasis, and an increasing number of patients benefit from them. However, subsidiary subjects have arisen in the course of treatment which may directly impact the continued use of these drugs in a given case. In this article, we report two cases of psoriasis vulgaris refractory to treatment with both adalimumab and infliximab. We measured the serum drug concentration and absorbance value of antidrug antibodies using the sandwich enzyme‐linked immunoassay method. Antibodies to adalimumab and infliximab were detected in both patients. The low drug concentration and adverse clinical response observed corroborated these findings. Dosage and concomitant medication are considered to be important factors influencing the development of antibody formation. Therapeutic drug monitoring and measurement of antidrug antibodies will assist in maintaining a clinical response and in optimizing the response of patients being treated with biological therapies. The use of concomitant immunosuppressive medication should be considered for patients who will be treated with their second TNF inhibitor after having developed antidrug antibodies against their first TNF inhibitor.
Profile of patients with psoriasis associated with hepatitis C virus infection
Authors: Imafuku Shinichi , Nakayama Juichiro
Published: February 2013

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease associated with various complications such as arthritis, diabetes mellitus and hypertension. Hepatitis C is caused by chronic infection of hepatitis C virus (HCV), and eventually leads to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Although an association between psoriasis and HCV has been reported, there have been no large case series to date. The aim of the present study was to outline the profiles of HCV‐positive psoriatic patients. Patients with a diagnosis of psoriasis who visited Fukuoka University from 1991–2011 were sought in the database, and their medical records were manually checked for detailed information about serum liver enzymes, anti‐HCV antibodies, medical history, and treatments and outcomes of both psoriasis and hepatitis. There were 54 (7.5%) anti‐HCV antibody‐positive patients among the 717 psoriatic patients detected. Male predominance (male/female ratio, 44:10) and late onset (median age, 55 years) were the characteristics of the 54 patients. HCV infection preceded the onset of psoriasis definitely in 80% and probably in 11%. Interferon therapy exacerbated 70% of pre‐existing psoriasis cases, and induced de novo psoriasis in eight patients. Complication with diabetes mellitus was found in 35% of the patients. Our observations suggest that HCV infection can be an inducing factor for psoriasis. In hepatitis C patients, elevated tumor necrosis factor‐α is known to cause progression of hepatic disease and possibly induces psoriasis in patients with a certain predisposition.
Constitutional Secession Rights, Exit Threats and Multinational Democracy
Authors: Shorten Andrew
Published: February 2013

Are constitutional secession rights compatible with democracy in a multinational political association? Multinational political associations are political formations that allow for multiple and parallel projects of national identity promotion, and are more likely than other political formations to experience secessionist pressure. One argument against incorporating secession rights in a constitution is that rights-holders might deploy exit threats in order to strengthen their bargaining position. This article argues that opponents of secession rights have inflated the case against them. Two potentially objectionable forms of exit threat are identified – cynical exit threats and exploitative exit threats. Cynical exit threats are (nearly) impossible to execute, and the most seriously exploitative exit threats can be prevented by a sensitively designed secession clause. However, secession rights do facilitate exit threats, and in doing so may generate unfair power asymmetries and threaten political stability. Since none of the objections to secession rights are decisive, decisions about whether to include them in a constitution should be made on the basis of their likely effects on democratic solidarity.
Enhanced Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Inflammatory Cytokine Removal With Online Hemodiafiltration Over High‐Flux Hemodialysis in Sepsis‐Related Acute Kidney Injury Patients
Authors: Chancharoenthana Wiwat , Tiranathanagul Khajohn , Srisawat Nattachai , Susantitaphong Paweena , Leelahavanichkul Asada , Praditpornsilpa Kearkiat , Tungsanga Kriang , Eiam‐Ong Somchai
Published: February 2013

Hypercytokinemia plays a central role in pathogenesis and is related to the high mortality in sepsis‐related acute kidney injury (AKI). Besides the established cytokines, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is demonstrated as an important factor in enhancing vascular leakage in sepsis. This prospective randomized trial was conducted to compare the efficacy of cytokine removal between online hemodiafiltration (HDF), which combines convective and diffusive solute removal, and high‐flux hemodialysis (HD). Twenty‐eight sepsis‐related AKI patients were included and randomized into online HDF and high‐flux HD. The percentages of the reduction ratio in plasma cytokines were measured as primary outcomes. Other clinical parameters were determined as secondary outcomes. When compared with high‐flux HD, online HDF provided significantly greater percentages of the reduction ratio in plasma cytokine levels, including VEGF (P < 0.001), IL‐6 (P = 0.001), IL‐8 (P = 0.021), IL‐10 (P = 0.011), and tumor necrosis factor‐α (P = 0.029). There were no significant differences in intradialytic blood pressures. Online HDF revealed better renal recovery and shorter length of hospitalization than high‐flux HD. In conclusion, online HDF in sepsis‐related AKI could provide significantly better removal of VEGF and other cytokines and these were associated with better renal outcome than high‐flux HD. Thus, online HDF would offer a potential role in hypercytokinemic state in sepsis‐related AKI.
Contract farming and smallholder incentives to produce high quality: experimental evidence from the Vietnamese dairy sector
Authors: Saenger Christoph , Qaim Matin , Torero Maximo , Viceisza Angelino
Published: February 2013

In emerging markets for high‐value food products in developing countries, processing companies search for efficient ways to source raw material of high quality. One widely embraced approach is contract farming. But relatively little is known about the appropriate design of financial incentives in a small farm context. We use the example of the Vietnamese dairy sector to analyze the effectiveness of existing contracts between a processor and smallholder farmers in terms of incentivizing the production of high quality milk. A framed field experiment is conducted to evaluate the impact of two incentive instruments, a price penalty for low quality and a bonus for consistent high quality milk, on farmers’ investment in quality‐improving inputs. Statistical analysis suggests that the penalty drives farmers into higher input use, resulting in better output quality. The bonus payment generates even higher quality milk. We also find that input choice levels depend on farmers’ socio‐economic characteristics such as wealth, while individual risk preferences seem to be less important. Implications for the design of contracts with smallholders are discussed.
Valuing financial, health, and environmental benefits of Bt cotton in Pakistan
Authors: Kouser Shahzad , Qaim Matin
Published: February 2013

Data from a farm survey and choice experiment are used to value the benefits of Bt cotton in Pakistan. Unlike previous research on the economic impacts of Bt, which mostly concentrated on financial benefits in terms of gross margins, we also quantify and monetize health and environmental benefits associated with technology adoption. Due to lower chemical pesticide use on Bt cotton plots, there are significant health advantages in terms of fewer incidents of acute pesticide poisoning, and environmental advantages in terms of higher farmland biodiversity and lower soil and groundwater contamination. Farmers themselves value these positive effects at US$ 79 per acre, of which half is attributable to health and the other half to environmental improvements. Adding average gross margin gains of US$ 204 results in aggregate benefits of US$ 283 per acre, or US$ 1.8 billion for the total Bt cotton area in Pakistan.
Soil characteristics and Cyperus spp. occurrence along a toposequence
Authors: Koné Brahima , Touré Amadou , Amadji Guillaume L. , Yao‐Kouamé Albert , Angui Pascal Tehua , Huat Joël
Published: February 2013

On acrisol (locally named terre de barre in Republic of Benin, West Africa), weed and soil (0–20 cm depth) were sampled at the beginning and the end of the cropping period in 2009 to gain knowledge about interaction between nutsedge occurrence and soil parameters. The samples were taken along a toposequence at the Africa Rice Center experimental station according to the topographic positions of summit, upper slope, middle slope and foot slope. At each topographic position, a 1 m × 1 m quadrat was set to study Cyperus abundance using 0, 3 and 5 abundance indices scale. Weed species sampled were identified, oven‐dried and weighed. Soil particle sizes and organic C, total N, available P, K, Ca, Mg and extractable Fe contents were determined. Among the three species of Cyperus that were encountered, C. rotundus was the most frequent along the entire toposequence, while C. esculentus and C. sphacelatus were limited to the summit and upper slope, respectively. Sand, Fe and Pa contents of soil were influencing positively Cyperus spp. occurrence in opposition to C and Mg contents. But only the latest nutrients did so consistently and significantly. Thus, increasing organic matter and applying Mg fertilizer might enhance Cyperus control.
Smokers know little of their increased surgical risks and may quit on surgical advice
Authors: Webb Ashley R. , Robertson Nicola , Sparrow Maryanne
Published: February 2013

Background

Smoking cessation before surgery improves perioperative outcomes and some smokers may quit if undergoing surgery. Quitting smoking in community settings is influenced by physician quit advice and knowledge of smoking hazards, but there are few data on whether this applies in perioperative settings.

Method

Survey on day of surgery of elective patients who reported being a smoker at the time of wait‐list placement. Duration of smoking abstinence before surgery (if any) and length timing of failed quit attempts was determined. Sources of any quit advice before surgery, including from physicians, and patient knowledge on hazards of smoking and surgery were questioned.

Results

While on the waiting list, 44/177 smokers reported quitting (>24 h) before surgery and 42/177 others made an attempt. Quitting was usually brief. Fewer than 40% of smokers answered yes (correct answer) to questions on whether smoking increased wound infection rates, worsened wound healing, increased anaesthetic complications or increased post‐operative pain. Incorrect answers (no) were less likely in quitters than those smoking until surgery (OR 0.41, 95% CI 0.25–0.68). Patients still smoking by admission recalled quit advice from a surgeon in 22.6% of cases, while wait‐list quitters recalled surgical quit advice in 43.2% of cases (OR 2.6 95% CI 1.2–5.4 P = 0.01). Effects of general practitioner quit advice were significant (OR 3.2 95% CI 1.5–6.8 P = 0.004) while anaesthetists, nurse and hospital brochure advice were not.

Discussion

Improving patient knowledge of the perioperative risks of smoking and increased physician advice to quit may improve smoking abstinence at surgery.
Generalized Partially Linear Models for Incomplete Longitudinal Data In the Presence of Population‐Level Information
Authors: Chen Baojiang , Zhou Xiao‐Hua
Published: February 2013

In observational studies, interest often lies in estimation of the population‐level relationship between the explanatory variables and dependent variables, and the estimation is often done using longitudinal data. Longitudinal data often feature sampling error and bias due to nonrandom drop‐out. However, inclusion of population‐level information can increase estimation efficiency. In this article, we consider a generalized partially linear model for incomplete longitudinal data in the presence of the population‐level information. A pseudo‐empirical likelihood‐based method is introduced to incorporate population‐level information, and nonrandom drop‐out bias is corrected by using a weighted generalized estimating equations method. A three‐step estimation procedure is proposed, which makes the computation easier. Several methods that are often used in practice are compared in simulation studies, which demonstrate that our proposed method can correct the nonrandom drop‐out bias and increase the estimation efficiency, especially for small sample size or when the missing proportion is high. We apply this method to an Alzheimer's disease study.
Pattern of adrenal morphology and function in pulmonary tuberculosis: response to treatment with antitubercular therapy
Authors: Laway Bashir A. , Khan Imran , Shah Bashir A. , Choh Naseer A. , Bhat Manzoor A. , Shah Zaffar A.
Published: February 2013

Objective

Although previous studies have shown enlargement of adrenal glands in patients with tuberculosis, only few have studied its natural history. Similarly, there have been variable reports of adrenal function in these patients. Some but not all the studies revealed a high prevalence of adrenal insufficiency. The aim of this study was to prospectively study the adrenal cortical function and morphology before and after treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis.

Design and Patients

In a prospective case–control study, 45 patients with acute pulmonary tuberculosis and 45 healthy age‐ and gender‐matched controls were studied. Adrenal function was tested using a short Synacthen test at the baseline and after 6 months of antitubercular treatment. Size of both adrenal glands was studied using 64 slice MDCT (Somatom Sensation, Siemens) before and after 6 months of antitubercular treatment. The findings were compared with a group of healthy controls.

Results

The mean age of cases was 42·4 ± 20·4 years and that of controls was 41·1 ± 17·7 years. The various clinical and biochemical parameters were comparable between cases and controls. The mean cortisol both basal and one‐hour postintravenous Synacthen was significantly lower in cases as compared to controls (mean ± SD basal cortisol of 413·57 ± 108·42 nmol/l in cases vs 615·26 ± 108·15 nmol/l in controls and post Synacthen cortisol of 685·61 ± 83·87 nmol/l in cases vs 1497·30 ± 734·44 nmol/l in controls). Both the adrenal length and thickness of the right and left adrenal gland were greater in patients with active tuberculosis compared with controls and reversed to baseline after completion of antitubercular treatment.

Conclusion

Adrenal enlargement demonstrated by CT is common in active tuberculosis and is reversible. Basal and stimulated cortisol is less in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis as compared with healthy controls and increases after antitubercular treatment, although unlike previous studies, none of the patients had adrenal insufficiency.
Success and survival rates of narrow diameter implants made of titanium–zirconium alloy in the posterior region of the jaws – results from a 1‐year follow‐up
Authors: Tolentino L. , Sukekava F. , Seabra M. , Lima L. A. , Garcez‐Filho J. , Araújo M. G.
Published: February 2013

Objective

The aim of the present prospective clinical study was to evaluate and to compare the success and survival rates of narrow diameter implants made of titanium–zirconium alloy and commercially pure titanium.

Materials and Methods

Forty‐two healthy adult patients scheduled for implant‐supported single restorations were included in the study. In each patient, a titanium–zirconium alloy (Test group) or a commercially pure titanium (Control group) narrow diameter implants was installed in the posterior regions of the jaws. After 8 weeks of healing, all metal–ceramic single crowns were adapted to the implants and the patients enrolled in a plaque control program. The survival and success rates of the implants and the success rate of the implant‐supported prosthesis were evaluated following 1 year of loading. Furthermore, mobility (M), suppuration (S), clinical probing depth (CPD), and bleeding on probing (BoP) were measured around the implants at 6 weeks of healing (T1) and 12 months after loading (T2).

Results

In T2, survival and success rates for both groups were 95.2%. The corresponding value for the success rate of the implant‐supported prosthesis was 100% in both groups. The average CPD was the following: 2.29 (±0.52) and 2.59 (±0.52) (P < 0.05) in the Test and Control groups, respectively, at T1; and 3.0 mm (±0.74) and 3.07 mm (±0.90) (P > 0.05) in the Test and Control groups, respectively, at T2. There was no statistically significant difference between groups concerning about S, M, and BoP at T1 and T2 (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

The present study suggests that, in a short‐term follow‐up, narrow diameter implants made of either titanium–zirconium alloy or commercially pure titanium may be used to support single crowns in the posterior portions of the jaws.
Early development of metabolic syndrome in patients subjected to lung transplantation
Authors: Savioli Gabriele , Surbone Sara , Giovi Ilaria , Salinaro Francesco , Preti Paola , Meloni Federica , Oggionni Tiberio , Perlini Stefano
Published: February 2013

Cardiovascular disease is a common cause of morbidity and mortality after solid organ transplantation, due to a combination of pre‐existing cardiovascular risk factors and immunosuppressive drug toxicity. The prevalence of new‐onset hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, and metabolic syndrome was assessed after lung transplantation in a cohort of 67 patients (mean age: 48 ± 14 yr). The prevalence of hypertension increased from 19.4% to 70.1% at the three‐yr follow‐up visit (p < 0.01). The concomitant prevalence of diabetes and dyslipidemia raised from 13.4% to 31.3%, and from 6.0% to 40.3%, respectively (p < 0.01 for both), and body mass index increased from 22.4 ± 3.7 to 26.1 ± 3.9 kg/m2 (p < 0.01). The prevalence of metabolic syndrome increased from 3.0% to 23.9% after the first year, to remain stable thereafter, associated with a strict control of cardiovascular risk factors. A large number of lung transplant recipients develop new‐onset hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia after transplantation, and in more than one‐fifth metabolic syndrome can be diagnosed after the first year. The increased cardiovascular risk of these patients should be taken into account during follow‐up, to better define a proper and timely cardiovascular prevention. Adequate control of cardiovascular risk factors, preventing further metabolic syndrome development, is recommended and feasible in lung transplant recipients.
Extraembryonic Endoderm cells as a model of endoderm development
Authors: Moerkamp Asja T. , Paca Agnieszka , Goumans Marie‐José , Kunath Tilo , Kruithof Boudewijn P. T. , Kruithof‐de Julio Marianna
Published: February 2013

In recent years the multipotent extraembryonic endoderm (XEN) stem cells have been the center of much attention. In vivo, XEN cells contribute to the formation of the extraembryonic endoderm, visceral and parietal endoderm and later on, the yolk sac. Recent data have shown that the distinction between embryonic and extraembryonic endoderm is not as strict as previously thought due to the integration, and not the displacement, of the visceral endoderm into the definitive embryonic endoderm. Therefore, cells from the extraembryonic endoderm also contribute to definitive endoderm. Many research groups focused on unraveling the potential and ability of XEN cells to both support differentiation and/or differentiate into endoderm‐like tissues as an alternative to embryonic stem (ES) cells. Moreover, the conversion of ES to XEN cells, shown recently without genetic manipulations, uncovers significant and novel molecular mechanisms involved in extraembryonic endoderm and definitive endoderm development. XEN cell lines provide a unique model for an early mammalian lineage that complements the established ES and trophoblast stem cell lines. Through the study of essential genes and signaling requirements for XEN cells in vitro, insights will be gained about the developmental program of the extraembryonic and embryonic endodermal lineage in vivo. This review will provide an overview on the current literature focusing on XEN cells as a model for primitive endoderm and possibly definitive endoderm as well as the potential of using these cells for therapeutic applications.