bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the clinimetrics of transcutaneous oxygen measurement and its application in wound care
Authors: Yip Wai Lam
Published: September 2014

Transcutaneous oxygen (TcPO2) measurement is a non‐invasive diagnostic tool increasingly being used in clinical practice. Existing evidence suggests that reduction of TcPO2 is correlated with an increase in skin ischaemia, and its measurement has been shown to have predictive value for wound healing in diabetic patients, success rate of hyperbaric oxygen therapy, amputation rate in patients suffering from peripheral vascular disease or with ischaemic ulcers. This article evaluates the clinimetrics of TcPO2 measurement in adults with discussion of its potential application in clinical practice.
Electrocardiographic PR Prolongation and Atrial Fibrillation Risk: A Meta‐Analysis of Prospective Cohort Studies
Authors: CHENG MIN , LU XIANGFENG , HUANG JIANFENG , ZHANG SHU , GU DONGFENG
Published: September 2014

PR Interval and Atrial Fibrillation

Background

Electrocardiographic PR interval prolongation is considered a benign condition, but recent studies have challenged the notion by demonstrating that prolonged PR interval is associated with an increased risk of atrial fibrillation (AF).

Objective

The purpose of this study was to perform a meta‐analysis of prospective cohort studies to evaluate the evidence supporting an association of prolonged PR interval with AF incidence.

Methods

We searched the MEDLINE and EMBASE database (from inception to May 2014) supplemented by manual searches of references of relevant retrieved articles. Prospective cohort studies were included with hazard ratio (HR) of prolonged PR interval for incident AF.

Results

The search strategy yielded 6 cohort studies meeting eligibility criteria. A total of 328,932 participants were included, with 14,191 participants suffering from AF during follow‐up. Pooled HRs of prolonged PR interval for incident AF was 1.30 (95% CI: 1.13 to 1.49) using random‐effect model (I2 = 30%). There was a significant difference of combined HRs between studies with and without adjustment for taking of AV nodal blocking agents in subgroup analysis. Sensitivity analysis supported the robustness of the results.

Conclusions

Prolonged PR interval is not a totally benign condition but an independent risk factor for AF incidence. The mechanisms underlying the association of prolonged PR interval with AF incidence need further research.
Biatrial Tachycardia Following Linear Anterior Wall Ablation for the Perimitral Reentry: Incidence and Electrophysiological Evaluations
Authors: MIKHAYLOV EVGENY N. , MITROFANOVA LUBOV B. , VANDER MARIANNA A. , TATARSKIY ROMAN B. , KAMENEV ALEXANDER V. , ABRAMOV MIKHAIL L. , SZILI‐TOROK TAMAS , LEBEDEV DMITRY S.
Published: September 2014

Biatrial Reentry After Anterior LA Line Ablation

Introduction

A left atrial (LA) anterior ablation line (AnL), connecting the mitral annulus and right pulmonary veins or a roof line, has been suggested as an alternative to mitral isthmus (MI) ablation for perimitral flutter (PMF). Theoretically, the AnL can exclude the LA septal wall from the reentrant circle, and lead to involvement of the right atrium (RA) in a tachycardia (AT) mechanism.

Methods and Results

Among 807 patients undergoing atrial fibrillation ablation, PMF was diagnosed in 28 subjects, and AnL was performed in 13, and MI ablation in 15 cases.

In 4 (31%) patients, AnL resulted in abrupt AT cycle length prolongation, which was associated with the development of a clockwise biatrial tachycardia (bi‐AT). The bi‐AT propagated along the lateral and posterior mitral annulus, entered the RA via the coronary sinus, and after activating the RA septum reentered the LA over the Bachmann's bundle. The bi‐AT was terminated by ablation in Bachmann's bundle insertion areas in the RA or LA. No bi‐AT was documented in the MI group.

One patient in the AnL group died of stroke in 10 days following the procedure. Anatomic evaluation showed that at the level of the AnL the RA anteroseptal area was separated from the LA by the aortic root, and was free from ablation damage.

Conclusion

A bi‐AT can develop when an AnL is created for PMF termination. Biatrial entrainment mapping facilitates diagnosis. Termination of the bi‐AT is feasible when ablated from either RA or LA.
Surgical treatment of peri‐implantitis using a bone substitute with or without a resorbable membrane: a 5‐year follow‐up
Authors: Roos‐Jansåker Ann‐Marie , Persson Gösta Rutger , Lindahl Christel , Renvert Stefan
Published: September 2014

Aim

To compare two regenerative surgical treatments for peri‐implantitis over 5 years.

Material & Methods

Twenty‐five individuals with peri‐implantitis remained at study endpoint. They were treated with a bone substitute and a resorbable membrane (13 individuals with 23 implants) [Group 1], or with bone substitute alone (12 individuals with 22 implants) [Group 2]. All study individuals were kept on a strict maintenance programme every third month.

Results

Five‐year follow‐up demonstrated clinical and radiographic improvements in both groups. No implants were lost due to progression of peri‐implantitis. Probing depths were reduced by 3.0 ± 2.4 mm in Group 1, and 3.3 ± 2.09 mm in Group 2 (NS). In both groups, radiographic evidence of bone gain was significant (p < 0.001). At year 5, the average defect fill was 1.3 mm (SD ± 1.4 mm) in Group 1 and 1.1 mm (SD ± 1.2 mm) in Group 2 (mean diff; 0.4 95% CI −0.3, 1.2, p = 0.24). Bleeding on probing decreased in both groups. Baseline and year 5 plaque scores did not differ between groups and was reduced from 50% to 15%.

Conclusion

Both procedures resulted in stable conditions. Additional use of a membrane does not improve the outcome.
Therapeutic efficacy of bone marrow‐derived mononuclear cells in diabetic polyneuropathy is impaired with aging or diabetes
Authors: Kondo Masaki , Kamiya Hideki , Himeno Tatsuhito , Naruse Keiko , Nakashima Eitaro , Watarai Atsuko , Shibata Taiga , Tosaki Takahiro , Kato Jiro , Okawa Tetsuji , Hamada Yoji , Isobe Ken‐ichi , Oiso Yutaka , Nakamura Jiro
Published: September 2014

Aims/Introduction

Recent studies have shown that cell transplantation therapies, such as endothelial precursor cells, bone marrow‐derived mononuclear cells (BM‐MNCs) and mesenchymal stem cells, are effective on diabetic polyneuropathy through ameliorating impaired nerve blood flow in diabetic rats. Here, we investigated the effects of BM‐MNCs transplantation in diabetic polyneuropathy using BM‐MNCs derived from adult (16‐week‐old) diabetic (AD), adult non‐diabetic (AN) or young (8‐week‐old) non‐diabetic (YN) rats.

Materials and Methods

BM‐MNCs of AD and AN were isolated after an 8‐week diabetes duration. The BM‐MNCs were characterized using flow cytometry analysis of cell surface markers and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction of several cytokines. BM‐MNCs or saline were injected into hind limb muscles. Four weeks later, the thermal plantar test, nerve conduction velocity, blood flow of the sciatic nerve and capillary‐to‐muscle fiber ratio were evaluated.

Results

The number of CD29+/CD90+ cells that host mesenchymal stem cells in BM‐MNCs decreased in AD compared with AN or YN, and transcript expressions of basic fibroblast growth factor and nerve growth factor in BM‐MNCs decreased in AD compared with AN or YN. Impaired thermal sensation, decreased blood flow of the sciatic nerve and delayed nerve conduction velocity in 8‐week‐diabetic rats were significantly ameliorated by BM‐MNCs derived from YN, whereas BM‐MNCs from AD or AN rats did not show any beneficial effect in these functional tests.

Conclusions

These results show that cytokine production abilities and the mesenchymal stem cell population of BM‐MNCs would be modified by aging and metabolic changes in diabetes, and that these differences could explain the disparity of the therapeutic efficacy of BM‐MNCs between young and adult or diabetic and non‐diabetic patients in diabetic polyneuropathy.
CDKN2A mutations could influence the dermoscopic pattern of presentation of multiple primary melanoma: a clinical dermoscopic genetic study
Authors: De Giorgi V. , Savarese I. , D'Errico A. , Gori A. , Papi F. , Colombino M. , Cristina Sini M. , Stanganelli I. , Palmieri G. , Massi D.
Published: September 2014

Background

Patients who develop cutaneous melanoma are at increased risk of developing a second primary melanoma. There are many aetiological reasons by which the risk of a second melanoma increases. Among others, genetic factors may contribute to modulating this risk. The risk of identifying a CDKN2A germline mutation increases with the number of primary melanomas and with the presence of familial history of melanoma. Patients with melanoma are especially encouraged to have regular follow‐up visits with their dermatologist to perform clinical and dermatoscopic examination. In particular, dermoscopy could be very useful in multiple primary melanoma (MPM) patients.

Objectives

To analyse the clinical and dermatoscopic features of multiple melanomas, focusing on those features that are more frequently found in the same patient to recognize them earlier and understand whether they appear with the similar peculiar dermatoscopic features, especially in CDKN2A carriers.

Methods

Medical records of MPM patients were selected from a database including 1065 patients with histopathologically proven melanoma diagnosis, all treated at the dermatology clinic of the University of Florence from 2000 to 2013. Pictures of melanoma were independently and blindly administered to three dermatologist experts in dermoscopy to evaluate the presence or absence of ABCD criteria for each clinical image, and the main pattern for the dermoscopic images. The results were then analyzed and crossed to rate the clinical and dermoscopic features of MPM.

Results

Seventy five (7.0%) of 1065 patients included in our database were found to carry an MPM disease. Among them, we selected 12 (16%) patients with three or more MPMs. The presence of the CDKN2A melanoma susceptibility gene was observed in 4/12 (33.33%) patients; two patients presented the C500G and c.5 + 1delG polymorphisms in the CDKN2A gene. In CDKN2A carriers, each patient showed a similar and specific dermatoscopic pattern in their lesions.

Conclusions

Even being aware of the limitations of this study, according to hereditary characters and their modes of transmissions, we could speculate that for each patient with a CDKN2A germline mutation, it is possible to find the same kind of dermoscopical pattern among their melanocytic tumours.
Pityriasis rosea of Gibert: immunological aspects
Authors: Guarneri F. , Cannavò S.P. , Minciullo P.L. , Gangemi S.
Published: September 2014

More than 200 years after first description and 150 years after complete definition by Gibert, pityriasis rosea (PR) is still a clinical entity with many obscure aspects. Although great interest was focused on aetiology, studies on immunological mechanisms associated with this disease were rather discontinuous. We present a review of the literature on immunological features of PR, aimed to outline a unified picture of currently available knowledge in this field and create a useful starting point for future research.
Radiotherapy with soft X‐rays in Dupuytren's disease – successful, well‐tolerated and satisfying
Authors: Zirbs M. , Anzeneder T. , Bruckbauer H. , Hofmann H. , Brockow K. , Ring J. , Eberlein B.
Published: September 2014

Background

Up to present no curative treatment is known for Dupuytren's disease (DD). Surgery remains the most common treatment but lack of long‐term efficacy and complications limit this therapeutic option.

Objective

In a retrospective analysis, the results of radiotherapy with soft X‐rays in the treatment of DD were evaluated.

Methods

A total of 206 patients (297 affected hands) with DD were included. Radiation therapy was carried out with soft X‐rays. A structured questionnaire considering patient and disease characteristics and effects of radiotherapy was evaluated after a median follow‐up time of 40 months.

Results

Ninety‐three (45%) of the 206 treated patients were reported on a regression of symptoms after radiation. No further disease progression (including patients with regression) was present in 165 patients (80%). Satisfaction with the therapy was expressed with an average score of 7.9 points (visual analogue scale, 0 = not satisfied, 10 = extremely satisfied). Subjective therapeutic effects for 426 nodules and/or cords showed a reduction of 92 nodules and/or cords.

Conclusion

In 206 DD patients further disease progression was stopped in most patients. Radiotherapy proved to be well‐tolerated, successful and satisfying for the patients.
The role of MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 as prognostic markers in the early stages of tongue squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Aparna Manikkath , Rao Lakshmi , Kunhikatta Vijayanarayana , Radhakrishnan Raghu
Published: September 2014

Background

Tongue cancer is the most common intra‐oral malignancy with a high rate of morbidity and mortality owing to its increased propensity for tumor invasion and metastasis. These processes require a controlled degradation of the extracellular matrix. Matrix Metalloproteinase‐2 (MMP‐2) and Matrix Metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9) are known to be important regulators of matrix lysis and play a significant role in the metastasis of malignancies.

Aim and objectives

To study the expression of MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 in the early stages of tongue squamous cell carcinoma and find the association between their expression and local recurrence, metastasis, and survival rates of the subjects.

Materials and methods

Fifty‐nine tumor biopsy samples of tongue squamous cell carcinoma in T1N0M0 and T2N0M0 stages were immunostained with MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 antibodies. The immunohistochemical expression was compared with the patient characteristics and outcome.

Results

Cytoplasmic expression of MMP‐2 correlated with that of MMP‐9 (r = 0.716, P < 0.001). Greater expression of MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 was observed in patients who subsequently developed local recurrence (P = 0.044 and P < 0.001, respectively), regional and/or distant metastasis (P < 0.001 and P = 0.001, respectively) of the tumor. Further, a higher expression of these biomarkers was associated with shorter survival. MMP‐9 was found to have better specificity for local recurrence, metastasis and survival.

Conclusion

Our results showed that these biomarkers may serve as indicators of a patient's risk potential for poor prognosis and presage the need for more aggressive treatment measures.
Inhibition of autophagy augments apoptosis in human oral squamous cell carcinoma under nutrient depletion
Authors: Jiang Li‐Cheng , Xin Zhi‐Yuan , Deborah Baremberg , Zhang Jun‐Sheng , Yuan Dao‐Ying , Xu Kai , Liu Xian‐Bin , Jiang Hu‐Quan , Fan Qing‐Chun , Zhang Bin , Li Ke‐Yi
Published: September 2014

There has been little research conducted regarding autophagy in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Given the prevalence of oral cancers which are OSCC and the severe side effects of current treatments, there is a pressing need to develop effective alternative therapies. In this study, we have endeavored to explore the biological characteristics of oral squamous cell carcinoma cell line KB cells, in particular with regard to the role played by autophagy in their survival. Autophagy was activated by nutrient depletion via culturing cells in Earle's balanced salts (EBSS) and was measured via indices relating to Beclin 1, microtubule‐associated protein light chain 3 (MAPLC3, LC3), p62, and Green fluorescent protein–light chain 3 plasmid transfection (GFP‐LC3). Cell death and apoptosis induced by nutrient depletion was measured using both MTT assay and flow cytometry (FCM). Compared to initial levels at 0 h, Beclin 1 density in EBSS‐treated cells was found to have increased at 6, 12, and 18 h in a time‐dependent manner and was found to have subsequently declined at 24 and 48 h. p62 levels, LC3‐II/LC3‐I ratio, and GFP‐LC3 levels increased at 6, 12, 18, 24, and 48 h in a time‐dependent manner. 3‐methyladenine (3‐MA) was found to inhibit autophagy and the expression of Beclin 1 and significantly enhanced nutrient depletion‐induced apoptosis and death. We concluded that nutrient depletion enhances OSCC cell autophagy in time‐course patterns and that the inhibition of autophagy augments apoptosis in OSCC cells. We also deduced that Beclin 1 takes part in the development and progression of autophagy, potentially playing an important role in the crosstalk between apoptosis and autophagy in OSCC cells. These findings suggest that nutrient depletion may be an effective way to explore autophagy and that autophagy inhibitors should be investigated as a potential novel agent for the adjuvant treatment of human OSCC.
The low‐affinity nerve growth factor receptor p75NTR identifies a transient stem cell‐like state in oral squamous cell carcinoma cells
Authors: Osman Tarig A. , Parajuli Himalaya , Sapkota Dipak , Ahmed Israa A. H. , Johannessen Anne Ch. , Costea Daniela Elena
Published: September 2014

Background

Although several markers have been used for enrichment of cells with stem cell‐like properties in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), isolation of a pure subpopulation is still a challenging task. Normal oral and esophageal keratinocyte stem cells have been previously isolated using the low‐affinity nerve growth factor receptor p75NTR.

Objective

To investigate the potential of p75NTR as a marker for identification and isolation of oral cancer cells with stem cell‐like properties.

Methods

Subpopulations of cells with high or low expression of p75NTR were sorted from OSCC‐derived cells and compared for sphere/colony formation, in vivo tumor formation ability, expression of stem cell‐related molecules, cell cycle distribution and drug resistance.

Results

p75NTRHigh cells exhibited statistically significant higher stem cell properties than p75NTRLow cells in all assays performed. Nevertheless, p75NTRLow subpopulation did also exhibit some stem cell features, but to a lesser extent. Propagation of p75NTRLow cells for several passages in culture showed that the expression of p75NTR could rise spontaneously. This finding was also supported by the similar expression of p75NTR by the xenografts generated by both subpopulations in NOD\SCID IL2Rgnullmice.

Conclusion

p75NTR can be used for isolating a subpopulation enriched for cells with stem cell‐like properties in OSCC. De novo generation of p75NTRHigh cells from p75NTRLow cells suggests either that there is another subpopulation with stem cell features within the p75NTRLow cells, or that the p75NTRLow cells can dedifferentiate due to a contextually regulated equilibrium between stem cell‐like cells and transit‐amplifying neoplastic progenitors.
Combating against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus – two fatty acids from Purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) exhibit synergistic effects with erythromycin
Authors: Chan Ben C L , Han X Q , Lui Sau Lai , Wong C W , Wang Tina B Y , Cheung David W S , Cheng Sau Wan , Ip Margaret , Han Simon Q B , Yang Xiao-Sheng , Jolivalt Claude , Lau Clara B S , Leung Ping Chung , Fung Kwok Pui
Published: September 2014

Objectives

The aims of this study were to identify the active ingredients from Portulaca oleracea L. (PO) that could provide synergism with antibiotics against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and their possible mechanisms of resistance inhibition.

Methods

High-speed counter-current chromatography (HSCCC) coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and a panel of laboratory MRSA strains were used for checkerboard and efflux inhibitory assays.

Key findings

Linoleic and oleic acids were identified from HSCCC fraction 18 of PO with synergistic antibacterial activity when combined with erythromycin against RN4220/pUL5054. Ethidium bromide efflux inhibitory studies revealed that linoleic and oleic acids may interfere the activity of MsrA pump. By comparing among a panel of linoleic and oleic acids analogues, unsaturated fatty acids in salt form with cis configuration and an increase in number of double bonds were found to further increase the antibacterial activity when used alone or in combination with antibiotics.

Conclusion

This study reported for the first time that two active ingredients, namely linoleic and oleic acids, were identified from PO with synergistic antibacterial activity when combined with erythromycin against MRSA RN4220/pUL5054 and possibly act by inhibiting the efflux pumps of the bacteria cells.
Clonal and bud bank traits: patterns across temperate plant communities
Authors: Klimešová Jitka , Herben Tomáš
Published: September 2014

Questions

We examine patterns of clonal traits and below‐ground bud bank traits in plant communities over a large set of temperate vegetation types. We asked (i) how clonal traits are distributed in different community types and (ii) what are within‐community patterns of these traits as an indication of their role in species coexistence and community assembly.

Location

Czech Republic.

Methods

We use a stratified set of more than 20,000 vegetation records from the Czech National Phytosociological Database as a source of species co‐occurrence and habitat type data, and combined it with data on clonal and bud bank traits from the CLO‐PLA database. We calculated both community trait means and dispersions for all records in the database and used a series of randomization tests to assess effects of environmental filtering and within‐community assembly.

Results

Habitat filtering was stronger in bud bank traits than in clonal traits. The key factors driving structure of clonal traits in Central Europe seem to be differences in productivity and in wetness. These gradients are responsible for a major change in clonal growth parameters, from clonal plants with short and persistent connections in dry and unproductive habitats to plants with long‐ and short‐lived connections in wet and productive sites. Size of the bud bank is rather uncorrelated with this gradient: species with small below‐ground bud bank size prevail in highly disturbed and in water habitats. None of the traits showed significant overdispersion, either at the level of the whole data set, or at the level of individual habitat types.

Conclusions

Capacity for clonal growth occurs under many different environmental regimes and can give rise to very different growth forms. Therefore, using capacity for clonal growth as a proxy for clonal reproduction, capture of horizontal space or resprouting capacity may hinder understanding of its role. Absence of overdispersion after accounting for habitat filtering means that we found no evidence that clonal traits play a role in niche‐based coexistence processes.
Management of the unstable isolated zygomatic arch fracture: a case study and review of the literature
Authors: Veale B. , Varley I. , Lee N.
Published: September 2014

Isolated fractures of the zygomatic arch are a relatively common injury, and reduction of the fracture is usually accomplished via a ‘closed’ or ‘indirect’ technique such as a temporal approach. Such methods are extremely successful but, on the rare occasion when the reduction is unstable, do not afford access for direct fixation. Several methods of supporting the unstable fragments have been suggested. We compare the methods described and suggest an approach to management of the unstable arch with a case example.
The origin of annelids
Authors: Parry Luke , Tanner Alastair , Vinther Jakob
Published: September 2014

Annelids are a phylum of segmented bilaterian animals that have become important components of ecosystems spanning terrestrial realms to the deep sea. Annelids are remarkably diverse, possessing high taxonomic diversity and exceptional morphological disparity, and have evolved numerous feeding strategies and ecologies. Their interrelationships and evolution have been the source of much controversy over the past century with the composition of the annelid crown group, the relationship of major groups and the body plan of the ancestral annelid having undergone major recent revisions. There is a convincing body of molecular evidence that polychaetes form a paraphyletic grade and that clitellates are derived polychaetes. The earliest stem group annelids from Cambrian Lagerstätten are errant, epibenthic polychaetes, confirming that biramous parapodia, head appendages and diverse, simple chaetae are primitive for annelids. Current evidence from molecular clocks and the fossil record suggest that crown group annelids are a Late Cambrian – Ordovician radiation, with clitellates radiating in the Late Palaeozoic. Their body fossil record is largely confined to deposits showing exceptional preservation and is punctuated by the acquisition of hard parts in major groups. The discovery of an Ordovician fossil with soft tissues has shown that machaeridians are in fact a clade of crown polychaetes. They were in existence for more than 200 million years and possess unique calcitic dorsal armour, allowing their mode of life and phylogeny to be interpreted in the context of the annelid body plan. We identify a novel clade of machaeridians, the Cuniculepadida, which exhibit a series of adaptations for burrowing.
Effects of dexmedetomidine on cardiorespiratory regulation in spontaneously breathing newborn rats
Authors: Tamiya Junko , Ide Ryoji , Takahashi Masayuki , Saiki Chikako
Published: September 2014

Background

Dexmedetomidine, a selective α2‐adrenoceptor agonist, is a new sedative agent.

Objective

To examine the dexmedetomidine‐associated changes in cardiorespiratory indices in spontaneously breathing newborn rats.

Methods

An abdominal catheter to administer drugs and subcutaneous electrodes to record electrocardiographic data were inserted into 2‐ to 4‐day‐old rats under isoflurane anesthesia; the rats were then placed in individual chambers. After recovery from the anesthesia, the rats received intraperi‐toneal administrations of normal saline (NS, vehicle), dexmedetomidine (50 μg·kg−1), or dexmedetomidine (50 μg·kg−1) followed 5 min later with NS or the selective α2‐adrenoceptor antagonist atipamezole (1 mg·kg−1) (n = 10 in each group). Cardiorespiratory indices were recorded for each animal throughout the experiment.

Results

Dexmedetomidine administration significantly decreased heart rate (HR) and minute ventilation (V′E) (P < 0.05) compared with control, whereas NS administration did not. The decrease in HR and V′E after dexmedetomidine administration was significantly less in rats that received atipamezole (P < 0.05) than in those that received NS after dexmedetomidine administration. The dexmedetomidine‐associated V′E depression was attributed to a significant decrease in respiratory frequency (fR) but not tidal volume (VT). The change in fR was reversed by atipamezole administration, which itself induced no significant changes in HR and fR.

Conclusion

In spontaneously breathing immature rats, dexmedetomidine administration significantly reduced HR and V′E. Because atipamezole fully reversed decreases in fR and therefore V′E, dexmedetomidine‐related respiratory suppression occurs predominantly through α2‐adrenoceptor‐related suppression of fR.
Why “Why?”? Action, Reasons and Language
Authors: Teichmann Roger
Published: September 2014

In Intention, Anscombe characterises intentional actions as “the actions to which a certain sense of the question ‘Why?’ is given application”. Some philosophers have seen Anscombe's reference to “Why?”, and to other workings of language, as heuristic devices only. I argue that, on the contrary, we should see the enquiry‐and‐response dialogue, and related dialogues, as essential foci of the sort of investigation Anscombe is undertaking, one which looks to a certain kind of language‐game and the human purpose or purposes which lie behind it. This approach can be fruitfully extended to other questions in the philosophy of action and of mind.
Should Home‐Based Contraceptive Dispensing become a Routine part of Public Health Nurse Practice? Review of Nurse Perceptions
Authors: Jacob‐Files Elizabeth , Rdesinski Rebecca , Storey Marni , Gipson Teresa , Cohen Deborah J. , Olds David , Melnick Alan
Published: September 2014

Objective

We examined public health nurses’ beliefs about the safety of dispensing hormonal contraceptives in the home, the extent to which they considered contraceptive dispensing within their scope of practice, and the types of support needed to effectively dispense contraceptives in the home.

Design and Sample

We conducted focus groups in Washington State with 24 home visiting nurses participating in a Nurse Family Partnership (NFP) randomized clinical trial in which nurses dispensed hormonal contraceptives during home visits.

Measures

We assessed the feasibility of the intervention and barriers and facilitators to home dispensing of hormonal contraceptives.

Results

Nurses were, on average 52 years old and had been working in nursing approximately 25 years, with between 5 and 18 years of experience working in a family planning setting. Overall, nurses believed that, with the right training and support, dispensing of hormonal contraceptives in the home was safe and fit within their scope of practice. Those nurses who reported resistance to the intervention cited inadequate training, lack of clear protocols, and sufficient support as important deterrents.

Conclusions

Home‐based contraceptive dispensing by nurses is a feasible enhancement of the NFP program. To ensure that nurses are confident and able to dispense hormonal contraceptives, training, clinical protocols, consultation, and logistical support are needed.
Prevalence ofAchilles and patellar tendinopathy and their association to intratendinous changes in adolescent athletes
Authors: Cassel M. , Baur H. , Hirschmüller A. , Carlsohn A. , Fröhlich K. , Mayer F.
Published: September 2014

Achilles (AT) and patellar tendons (PT) are commonly affected by tendinopathy in adult athletes but prevalence of symptoms and morphological changes in adolescents is unclear. The study aimed to determine prevalence of tendinopathy and intratendinous changes inATsandPTsof adolescent athletes. A total of 760 adolescent athletes (13.0 ± 1.9 years; 160 ± 13 cm; 50 ± 14 kg) were examined. History, local clinical examination, and longitudinalDoppler ultrasound analysis for bothATsandPTswere performed including identification of intratendinous echoic changes and vascularization. Diagnosis of tendinopathy was complied clinically in case of positive history of tendon pain and tendon pain on palpation.Achilles tendinopathy was diagnosed in 1.8% and patellar tendinopathy in 5.8%. Vascularizations were visible in 3.0% ofATsand 11.4% ofPTs, hypoechogenicities in 0.7% and 3.2% as well as hyperechogenicities in 0% and 0.3%, respectively. Vascularizations and hypoechogenicities were statistically significantly more often in males than in females (P ≤ 0.02). Subjects with patellar tendinopathy had higher prevalence of structural intratendinous changes than those withoutPTsymptoms (P ≤ 0.001). In adolescent athletes, patellar tendinopathy is three times more frequent compared withAchilles tendinopathy. Longitudinal studies are necessary to investigate physiological or pathological origin of vascularizations and its predictive value in development of tendinopathy.
Phylogeny, genetic diversity and phylogeography of the genusCodoma(Teleostei,Cyprinidae)
Authors: Schonhuth Susana , Lozano‐Vilano Lourdes , Perdices Anabel , Espinosa Héctor , Mayden Richard L.
Published: September 2014

This study represents a thorough analysis ofCodoma,a monotypic genus endemic to north‐western Mexico. A previous morphological analysis of the species concluded that there exists several morphological groups inCodoma ornata, suggesting diversity inCodomacould be underestimated. No studies have examined the genetic diversity inCodoma ornatato test this hypothesis and identify independent lineages. We present a phylogeographic analysis using one mitochondrial and two nuclear genes, and specimens from across nine major drainages in both the Chihuahuan Desert and the Sierra Madre Occidental of western Mexico. All genes and analyses recovered populations ofCodomain a well‐supported clade and sister toTampichthys, and this clade sister toCyprinella. Analyses of both mitochondrial and nuclear genes indicatedCodomais not monotypic and recover more diversity in the genus than currently recognized. The four (mitochondrial) and five (nuclear) genetically distinct lineages are consistent with those groups outlined in the prior morphological study of the genus. Composition and distribution of these major lineages is also consistent with prior biogeographic hypothesis for other fishes in the region, supporting an ancestral Rio Grande system extending south towards central Mexico. Fragmentation of this paleosystem was followed by allopatric speciation in the Chihuahuan Desert. These results suggest a scenario of long‐term isolation in four major regions (upper Conchos, lower Conchos, Nazas, upper Mezquital). Resolution of the diversity and biogeography of these lineages has many implications for various biological disciplines, especially for evolutionary and conservation studies.
Opposite regulation of inhibitory synaptic plasticity by α and β subunits of Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II
Authors: Nagasaki Nobuhiro , Hirano Tomoo , Kawaguchi Shin‐ya
Published: September 2014

Key points

At inhibitory synapses on a cerebellar Purkinje neuron, depolarization‐caused Ca2+ increase induces long‐term potentiation (known as rebound potentiation, RP).

We show that the subunit composition of a Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) holoenzyme, consisting of α‐ and βCaMKII, is critical for RP induction.

βCaMKII plays an essential role in RP induction depending on the high affinity for Ca2+/CaM but not on the F‐actin‐binding property, whereas αCaMKII negatively regulates it.

βCaMKII enrichment prolongs total CaMKII activation depending on Thr286/287 autophosphorylation.

α‐ and βCaMKII expression ratio might play critical roles in regulation of synaptic functions in the central nervous system.

Induction of several forms of synaptic plasticity, a cellular basis for learning and memory, depends on the activation of Ca2+/calmodulin (CaM)‐dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII). CaMKII acts as a holoenzyme consisting of α and β subunits (α‐ and βCaMKII). However, it remains elusive how the subunit composition of a CaMKII holoenzyme affects its activation and hence synaptic plasticity. We addressed this issue by focusing on long‐term potentiation (LTP) at inhibitory synapses on cerebellar Purkinje neurons (PNs) (called rebound potentiation, RP). The contribution of each subunit to RP was examined by selective knock‐down or overexpression of that subunit. Electrophysiological recording from a rat cultured PN demonstrated that βCaMKII is essential for RP induction, whereas αCaMKII suppresses it. Thus, RP was negatively regulated due to the greater relative abundance of αCaMKII compared to βCaMKII, suggesting a critical role of CaMKII subunit composition in RP. The higher affinity of βCaMKII to Ca2+/CaM compared with αCaMKII was responsible for the predominant role in RP induction. Live‐cell imaging of CaMKII activity based on the Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) technique revealed that βCaMKII enrichment enhances the total CaMKII activation upon a transient conditioning depolarization. Taken together, these findings clarified that α‐ and βCaMKII oppositely regulate CaMKII activation, controlling the induction of inhibitory synaptic plasticity in a PN, which might contribute to the adaptive information processing of the cerebellar cortex.
Band-Gap of a Soft Magnetorheological Phononic Crystal
Authors: Bayat Alireza , Gordaninejad Faramarz
Published: September 2014

This paper presents the wave propagation in a tunable phononic crystal consisting of a porous hyperelastic magnetorheological elastomer (MRE) subjected to an external magnetic field. Finite deformations and magnetic induction influence phononic characteristics of the periodic structure through altering the geometry and material properties of the unit cell. The governing equations for incremental time-harmonic plane wave motions superimposed on a static predeformed media are derived. Analytical and finite element (FE) methods are used to investigate dispersion relation and band structure of the phononic crystal for different levels of deformation and applied magnetic induction. It is demonstrated that large deformations and magnetic induction could transform the location and width of band-gaps.
Detection and severity classification of extracardiac interference in 82Rb PET myocardial perfusion imaging
Authors: Orton Elizabeth J. , Al Harbi Ibraheem , Klein Ran , Beanlands Rob S. B. , deKemp Robert A. , Glenn Wells R.
Published: September 2014

Purpose:

Myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) is used for diagnosis and prognosis of coronary artery disease. When MPI studies are performed with positron emission tomography (PET) and the radioactive tracer rubidium‐82 chloride (82Rb), a small but non‐negligible fraction of studies (∼10%) suffer from extracardiac interference: high levels of tracer uptake in structures adjacent to the heart which mask the true cardiac tracer uptake. At present, there are no clinically available options for automated detection or correction of this problem. This work presents an algorithm that detects and classifies the severity of extracardiac interference in 82Rb PET MPI images and reports the accuracy and failure rate of the method.

Methods:

A set of 200 82Rb PET MPI images were reviewed by a trained nuclear cardiologist and interference severity reported on a four‐class scale, from absent to severe. An automated algorithm was developed that compares uptake at the external border of the myocardium to three thresholds, separating the four interference severity classes. A minimum area of interference was required, and the search region was limited to that facing the stomach wall and spleen. Maximizing concordance (Cohen's Kappa) and minimizing failure rate for the set of 200 clinician‐read images were used to find the optimal population‐based constants defining search limit and minimum area parameters and the thresholds for the algorithm. Tenfold stratified cross‐validation was used to find optimal thresholds and report accuracy measures (sensitivity, specificity, and Kappa).

Results:

The algorithm was capable of detecting interference with a mean [95% confidence interval] sensitivity/specificity/Kappa of 0.97 [0.94, 1.00]/0.82 [0.66, 0.98]/0.79 [0.65, 0.92], and a failure rate of 1.0% ± 0.2%. The four‐class overall Kappa was 0.72 [0.64, 0.81]. Separation of mild versus moderate‐or‐greater interference was performed with good accuracy (sensitivity/specificity/Kappa = 0.92 [0.86, 0.99]/0.86 [0.71, 1.00]/0.78 [0.64, 0.92]), while separation of moderate versus severe interference severity classes showed reduced sensitivity/Kappa but little change in specificity (sensitivity/specificity/Kappa = 0.83 [0.77, 0.88]/0.82 [0.77, 0.88]/0.65 [0.60, 0.70]). Specificity was greater than sensitivity for all interference classes. Algorithm execution time was <1 min.

Conclusions:

The algorithm produced here has a low failure rate and high accuracy for detection of extracardiac interference in 82Rb PET MPI scans. It provides a fast, reliable, automated method for assessing severity of extracardiac interference.
L-glutamine Supplementations Enhance Liver Glutamine-Glutathione Axis and Heat Shock Factor-1 Expression in Endurance-Exercise Trained Rats
Authors: Petry Éder Ricardo , Cruzat Vinicius Fernandes , Heck Thiago Gomes , de Bittencourt Paulo Ivo Homem , Tirapegui Julio
Published: September 2014

Liver L-glutamine is an important vehicle for the transport of ammonia and intermediary metabolism of amino acids between tissues, particularly under catabolic situations, such as high-intensity exercise. Hence, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of oral supplementations with L-glutamine in its free or dipeptide forms (with L-alanine) on liver glutamine-glutathione (GSH) axis, and 70 kDa heat shock proteins (HSP70)/heat shock transcription factor 1 (HSF1) expressions. Adult male Wistar rats were 8-week trained (60 min/day, 5 days/week) on a treadmill. During the last 21 days, the animals were daily supplemented with 1 g of L-glutamine/kg body weight per day in either l-alanyl-L-glutamine dipeptide (DIP) form or a solution containing L-glutamine and l-alanine in their free forms (GLN+ALA) or water (controls). Exercise training increased cytosolic and nuclear HSF1 and HSP70 expression, as compared with sedentary animals. However, both DIP and GLN+ALA supplements enhanced HSF1 expression (in both cytosolic and nuclear fractions) in relation to exercised controls. Interestingly, HSF1 rises were not followed by enhanced HSP70 expression. DIP and GLN+ALA supplements increased plasma glutamine concentrations (by 62% and 59%, respectively) and glutamine to glutamate plasma ratio in relation to trained controls. This was in parallel with a decrease in plasma ammonium levels. Supplementations increased liver GSH (by 90%), attenuating the glutathione disulfide (GSSG) to GSH ratio, suggesting a redox state protection. In conclusion, oral administration with DIP and GLN+ALA supplements in endurance-trained rats improve liver glutamine-GSH axis and modulate HSF1 pathway.
Preparing for Performance: Strategies Adopted Across Performance Domains
Authors: Cotterill Stewart
Published: September 2014

The ability to prepare effectively to execute complex skills under pressure is crucial in a number of performance-focused professions. While there is emerging evidence of best practice little research has sought to compare preparation strategies across professions. As a result, the aim of this research was to explore the approaches employed within a number of professions and whether there are similarities in the techniques and strategies adopted. Participants were 18 “performers,” purposefully selected from sporting, musical, performing arts, and medical domains. Participants were interviewed individually to gain an understanding of each participant’s preparation strategies and the functions these strategies fulfilled. The data were thematically analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Results suggest that there are similarities in both behavioral and mental strategies adopted across professions. Future research should seek to explore the transferability of developmental approaches.
Sister kinetochores are mechanically fused during meiosis I in yeast
Authors: Sarangapani Krishna K. , Duro Eris , Deng Yi , Alves Flavia de Lima , Ye Qiaozhen , Opoku Kwaku N. , Ceto Steven , Rappsilber Juri , Corbett Kevin D. , Biggins Sue , Marston Adèle L. , Asbury Charles L.
Published: September 2014

Production of healthy gametes requires a reductional meiosis I division in which replicated sister chromatids comigrate, rather than separate as in mitosis or meiosis II. Fusion of sister kinetochores during meiosis I may underlie sister chromatid comigration in diverse organisms, but direct evidence for such fusion has been lacking. We used laser trapping and quantitative fluorescence microscopy to study native kinetochore particles isolated from yeast. Meiosis I kinetochores formed stronger attachments and carried more microtubule-binding elements than kinetochores isolated from cells in mitosis or meiosis II. The meiosis I–specific monopolin complex was both necessary and sufficient to drive these modifications. Thus, kinetochore fusion directs sister chromatid comigration, a conserved feature of meiosis that is fundamental to Mendelian inheritance.
Full-Genome Sequence Analysis of a Natural Reassortant H4N2 Avian Influenza Virus Isolated from a Domestic Duck in Southern China
Authors: Wu Aiqiong , Xie Zhixun , Xie Liji , Xie Zhiqin , Luo Sisi , Deng Xianwen , Huang Li , Huang Jiaoling , Zeng Tingting
Published: September 2014

We report here the complete genome sequence of a novel reassortant H4N2 avian influenza virus strain, A/duck/Guangxi/125D17/2012(H4N2) (GX125D17), isolated from a duck in Guangxi Province, China in 2012. We obtained the complete genome sequence of the GX125D17 virus isolation by PCR, cloning, and sequencing. Sequence analysis revealed that this H4N2 virus strain was a novel reassortant avian inﬂuenza virus (AIV). Information about the complete genome sequence of the GX125D17 virus strain will be useful for epidemiological studies.
Draft Genome Sequence of an Enterococcus faecalis Strain Isolated from a Neonatal Blood Sepsis Patient
Authors: Kropp K. A. , Lucid A. , Carroll J. , Belgrudov V. , Walsh P. , Kelly B. , Smith C. , Dickinson P. , O'Driscoll A. , Templeton K. , Ghazal P. , Sleator R. D.
Published: September 2014

Herein, we report the draft genome sequence of
Enterococcus faecalis
ED-NGS-1009, cultivated from a blood sample taken from a neonatal sepsis patient at the Royal Infirmary in Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom.
Periurethral and vulval condylomata acuminata: an unusual juvenile venereal disease in a 3-year-old girl
Authors: Patel Ramnik V , Desai Divyesh , Cherian Abraham , Martyn-Simmons Claire
Published: September 2014

We present a case of giant condyloma acuminatum (CA) in a 3-year-old girl with rapidly growing vulval and periurethral lesions, which was investigated thoroughly and successfully treated with excision biopsy. Genital warts in the form of giant alarming vestibular, vulval and periurethral lesions of CA are very rare in children. There is need for a multidisciplinary approach with potential sociomedicolegal implications. Surgical excision is safe, effective and provides an opportunity to assess the extent of the lesion and tissue for accurate diagnosis. Genital warts in the form of giant alarming vestibular, vulval and periurethral lesions of CA are very rare in children. Indications for surgical treatment include large, recurrent or refractory lesions, as well as the need for histological identification and acquiring tissue for immunotherapy when necessary. The strategy of an extended follow-up is recommended so as to ensure identification of any risk situations.
Currarino's syndrome in twins presenting as neonatal intestinal obstruction—identical presentation in non-identical twins
Authors: Patel Ramnik V , De Coppi Paolo , Kiely Edward , Pierro Agostino
Published: September 2014

We report a case of non-identical twins who presented with identical neonatal intestinal obstruction with features of anorectal stenosis, presacral mass and sacral anomaly consistent with Currarino’s syndrome or triad. Plain sacral radiograph, contrast enema and MRI were diagnostic. Initial management involved a defunctioning colostomy followed by a posterior sagittal anorectoplasty with excision of the teratoma±anterior sacral meningocele and finally closure of colostomy in a staged multidisciplinary approach. The twins’ father is also affected with features of Currarino’s syndrome but was diagnosed during family screening. Currarino's syndrome presenting with identical neonatal low intestinal obstruction in a non-identical set of twins is rare and interesting. Antenatal diagnosis of Currarino's syndrome is difficult and may prove to be a challenge even in the postnatal period. Sacral spine radiograph, contrast enema and MRI are diagnostic. Management requires high index of suspicion, low threshold for MRI and multidisciplinary staged approach.
Cocaine use and delayed myocardial ischaemia and/or infarction
Authors: Phang Kee Wei , Wood Alice
Published: September 2014

A 37-year-old woman was admitted into the coronary care unit following chest pain after using cocaine. She was found to have significant myocardial ischaemia on blood and ECG investigations despite a recent coronary angiogram that had not demonstrated flow-limiting coronary disease. This case report summarises the risks of myocardial ischaemia and/or infarction for patients taking cocaine and the pathophysiology behind it, focusing in particular on the risks of delayed reaction some time after cocaine ingestion.