bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A learning model for enhancing the student's control in educational process using Web 2.0 personal learning environments
Authors: Rahimi Ebrahim , van den Berg Jan , Veen Wim
Published: May 2014

In recent educational literature, it has been observed that improving student's control has the potential of increasing his or her feeling of ownership, personal agency and activeness as means to maximize his or her educational achievement. While the main conceived goal for personal learning environments (PLEs) is to increase student's control by taking advantage of Web 2.0 tools and technologies, there is not a robust learning model available to achieve it. This contribution focuses on proposing a learning model built upon self‐regulated learning and student's control theories and concepts, and supported by the learning affordances of Web 2.0 tools and technologies for enhancing student's control by developing and applying Web 2.0 PLEs.
Differences in 24‐h urine composition between nephrolithiasis patients with and without diabetes mellitus
Authors: Hartman Christopher , Friedlander Justin I. , Moreira Daniel M. , Elsamra Sammy E. , Smith Arthur D. , Okeke Zeph
Published: May 2014

Objectives

To examine the differences in 24‐h urine composition between nephrolithiasis patients with and without diabetes mellitus (DM) in a large cohort of stone‐formers and to examine differences in stone composition between patients with and without DM.

Patients and Methods

A retrospective review of 1117 patients with nephrolithiasis and a 24‐h urine analysis was completed. Univariable analysis of 24‐h urine profiles and multivariable linear regression models were performed, comparing patients with and without DM. A subanalysis of patients with stone analysis data available was performed, comparing the stone composition of patients with and without DM.

Results

Of the 1117 patients who comprised the study population, 181 (16%) had DM and 936 (84%) did not have DM at the time of urine analysis. Univariable analysis showed significantly higher total urine volume, citrate, uric acid (UA), sodium, potassium, sulphate, oxalate, chloride, and supersaturation (SS) of UA in individuals with DM (all P < 0.05). However, patients with DM had significantly lower SS of calcium phosphate and pH (all P < 0.05). Multivariable analysis showed that patients with DM had significantly lower urinary pH and SS of calcium phosphate, but significantly greater citrate, UA, sulphate, oxalate, chloride, SSUA, SS of calcium oxalate, and volume than patients without DM (all P < 0.05). Patients with DM had a significantly greater proportion of UA in their stones than patients without DM (50.2% vs 13.5%, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

DM was associated with multiple differences on 24‐h urine analysis compared with those without DM, including significantly higher UA and oxalate, and lower pH. Control of urinary UA and pH, as well as limiting intake of dietary oxalate may reduce stone formation in patients with DM.
Newly defined aberrant crypt foci as a marker for dysplasia in the rat colon
Authors: Ochiai Masako , Hippo Yoshitaka , Izumiya Masashi , Watanabe Masatoshi , Nakagama Hitoshi
Published: May 2014

Dysplasia represents a preneoplastic status in multistep colon carcinogenesis. Whereas laborious preparation of thin sections is required for its diagnosis, we here show that newly defined aberrant crypt foci (ACF) simply mark the majority of the dysplasia on the whole colon. Specifically, decoloring of the azoxymethane‐treated rat colon after scoring classical ACF (cACF) resulted in visualization of a subset of aberrant crypts that remained densely stained. They were morphologically classified into three subtypes, of which two with compressed luminal openings proved highly correlated with dysplasia. Accordingly, we designated those foci harboring either of the two crypt subtypes as dysplasia‐associated ACF (dACF). By serially applying different detection methods for known preneoplastic lesions to the same colon, we showed that most dACF had already been identified as cACF, and a few newly identified dACF contained an entire population of more advanced lesions, such as flat ACF and mucin‐depleted foci. Consequently, integrative scoring of cACF and dACF enabled capture of all early lesions of the colon. Furthermore, 94% of the dACF showed dysplasia and 90% of the dysplastic lesions proved to be dACF. Thus, dACF is a promising marker for dysplasia, likely facilitating precise identification of the early stages of colon carcinogenesis.
Interactive e‐counselling for genetics pre‐test decisions: where are we now?
Authors: Birch P.H.
Published: May 2014

In‐person genetic counselling (GC) is the model typically used to provide patients with information regarding their genetic testing options. Current and emerging demand for genetic testing may overburden the health care system and exceed the available numbers of genetic counsellors. Furthermore, GC is not always available at times and places convenient for patients. There is little evidence that the in‐person model alone is always optimal and alternatives to in‐person GC have been studied in genetics and other areas of health care. This review summarizes the published evidence between 1994 and March 2014 for interactive e‐learning and decisional support e‐tools that could be used in pre‐test GC. A total of 21 papers from 15 heterogeneous studies of interactive e‐learning tools, with or without decision aids, were reviewed. Study populations, designs, and outcomes varied widely but most used an e‐tool as an adjunct to conventional GC. Knowledge acquisition and decisional comfort were achieved and the e‐tools were generally well‐accepted by users. In a time when health care budgets are constrained and availability of GC is limited, research is needed to determine the specific circumstances in which e‐tools might replace or supplement some of the functions of genetic counsellors.
EFFECTS OF CHINA AND INDIA ON MANUFACTURED EXPORTS OF THE G7 ECONOMIES
Authors: Vu Khuong M.
Published: May 2014

This article analyzes the effects of China and India on manufactured exports of the G7 economies. The following three findings stand out. First, the rivalry effect of China is robustly significant in all investigated markets, including the world and the G7 countries collectively and individually, while the rivalry effect of India is significant in the French, Italian, Japanese, and world markets but insignificant in other markets. Second, the rivalry effect of China in the world market is substantial in 13 of 22 manufacturing industries, and most pronounced for textiles, telecom equipment, fabricated metal products, computing machinery, and furniture, while this effect of India is significant only in one industry (basic metals). Third, Germany is the only G7 economy that appears not to be affected by China's rivalry effect. Germany has also been more successful than other G7 economies in penetrating the Chinese market. (JEL O4, F1)
Pattern of resolution of pulmonary hypertension, long‐term allograft right ventricular function, and exercise capacity in high‐risk heart transplant recipients listed under oral sildenafil
Authors: De Santo Luca S. , Buonocore Marianna , Agrusta Federica , Bancone Ciro , Galdieri Nicola , Romano Gianpaolo , Maiello Ciro , Amarelli Cristiano
Published: May 2014

Unresponsive pulmonary hypertension (PH) implies poor posttransplant outcomes. Data on late adaptation of the right ventricle (RV) are still few. This study evaluated three‐yr RV function and remodeling, exercise capacity, and hemodynamic data in a selected group of patients initially disqualified because of PH. Between May 2005 and December 2009, 31 consecutive patients were qualified for oral sildenafil because of unresponsive PH at baseline right heart catheterization (RHC). After a 12‐wk trial, RHC disclosed PH reversibility (mean PVR: 5.41 ± 3 Wood units, mean TPG 14.5 ± 5.6 mmHg, and mean systolic PAP 68.9 ± 15.1 mmHg), allowing listing even though as high‐risk procedures. All patients underwent heart transplantation. RV failure developed in three patients (9.6%), and hospital mortality was 3.2%. Protocol RHC disclosed pulmonary hemodynamic profile normalization within the third postoperative month, allowing weaning from sildenafil in the 30 hospital survivors. One‐ and three‐yr RHCs confirmed stable PH reversal (n = 26, all three‐yr survivors). Parameters of late RV function and remodeling proved satisfactory. Parameters of functional capacity (Vo2 peak 19.7 ± 3.6 mL/kg/min and slope VE/Vco2 34.8 ± 2.7) proved homogeneous to those measured in transplant recipients with normal preoperative pulmonary artery pressure. Oral sildenafil is effective in allowing candidacy, safe transplantation, and long‐term survival in PH recipients initially disqualified.
Dermatoscopy of amelanotic and hypomelanotic melanoma
Authors: Stojkovic‐Filipovic Jelena , Kittler Harald
Published: May 2014

Amelanotic melanoma is a subtype of cutaneous melanoma without pigment. The clinical diagnosis is challenging because it may mimic benign or malignant melanocytic and non‐melanocytic neoplasms and inflammatory skin diseases. In synchrony with the improvement of the diagnosis of pigmented lesions, dermatoscopy may assist the clinician in the diagnosis of non‐pigmented skin neoplasms in general and of amelanotic melanoma in particular. We have searched the literature to extract the most relevant dermatoscopic clues to diagnose amelanotic and hypomelanotic melanomas by dermatoscopy. In addition we present eight consecutive cases and discuss their clinical and dermatoscopic characteristics in the light of published data.
Phylogenetic diversity, habitat loss and conservation in South American pitvipers (Crotalinae: Bothrops and Bothrocophias)
Authors: Fenker Jéssica , Tedeschi Leonardo G. , Pyron Robert Alexander , Nogueira Cristiano de C.
Published: May 2014

Aim

To analyze impacts of habitat loss on evolutionary diversity and to test widely used biodiversity metrics as surrogates for phylogenetic diversity, we study spatial and taxonomic patterns of phylogenetic diversity in a wide‐ranging endemic Neotropical snake lineage.

Location

South America and the Antilles.

Methods

We updated distribution maps for 41 taxa, using species distribution models and a revised presence‐records database. We estimated evolutionary distinctiveness (ED) for each taxon using recent molecular and morphological phylogenies and weighted these values with two measures of extinction risk: percentages of habitat loss and IUCN threat status. We mapped phylogenetic diversity and richness levels and compared phylogenetic distances in pitviper subsets selected via endemism, richness, threat, habitat loss, biome type and the presence in biodiversity hotspots to values obtained in randomized assemblages.

Results

Evolutionary distinctiveness differed according to the phylogeny used, and conservation assessment ranks varied according to the chosen proxy of extinction risk. Two of the three main areas of high phylogenetic diversity were coincident with areas of high species richness. A third area was identified only by one phylogeny and was not a richness hotspot. Faunal assemblages identified by level of endemism, habitat loss, biome type or the presence in biodiversity hotspots captured phylogenetic diversity levels no better than random assemblages. Pitvipers found in the richest areas or included in the IUCN Red List showed significant phylogenetic clustering.

Main conclusions

Usual biodiversity metrics were unable to adequately represent spatial patterns of evolutionary diversity in pitvipers. Current Red List status fails to properly represent evolutionary distinctiveness in the group. Phylogenetic diversity is unevenly distributed even within biodiversity hotspots, and species‐poor areas may harbour high phylogenetic diversity. This reinforces the need for targeted and spatially accurate approaches for adequately representing evolutionary processes in conservation planning.
Cardiovascular safety of combination therapies with incretin‐based drugs and metformin compared with a combination of metformin and sulphonylurea in type 2 diabetes mellitus – a retrospective nationwide study
Authors: Mogensen U. M. , Andersson C. , Fosbøl E. L. , Schramm T. K. , Vaag A. , Scheller N. M. , Torp‐Pedersen C. , Gislason G. , Køber L.
Published: May 2014

Aim

Dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP‐4) inhibitors and glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) agonists are widely used in combinations with metformin in the treatment of type 2 diabetes; however, data on long‐term safety compared with conventional combination therapies are limited.

Methods

Danish individuals without prior myocardial infarction or stroke that initiated combinations of metformin with sulphonylurea (SU), DPP‐4 inhibitors, GLP‐1 agonists or insulin between 9 May 2007 and 31 December 2011 were followed up for the risk of all‐cause mortality, cardiovascular (CV) mortality or a combined end point of myocardial infarction, stroke and CV mortality. Rate ratios (RR) were calculated using time‐dependent multivariable Poisson regression analysis.

Results

A total of 40 028 patients (59% men, mean age 60 ± 13 years) used metformin with SU (n = 25 092), DPP‐4 inhibitor (n = 11 138), GLP‐1 agonist (n = 4345) or insulin (n = 6858). Crude incidence rates per 1000 patient years for the combined end point were 18 (SU), 10 (DPP‐4 inhibitor), 8 (GLP‐1 agonist) and 21 (insulin). In adjusted analyses with metformin + SU as reference, metformin + DPP‐4 inhibitor was associated with an RR of 0.65 (0.54–0.80) for mortality, an RR of 0.57 (0.40–0.80) for CV mortality and an RR of 0.70 (0.57–0.85) for the combined end point. For metformin + GLP‐1 agonist, the RR for mortality was 0.77 (0.51–1.17), for CV mortality 0.89 (0.47–1.68), and for the combined end point 0.82 (0.55–1.21).

Conclusion

Incretin‐based drugs combined with metformin were safe compared with conventional combinations of glucose‐lowering therapy. Use of incretin‐based therapy may be target for strategies to lower CV risk in type 2 diabetes, although it should be recognized that the multivariable analysis may not have fully accounted for important baseline differences.
Towards the identification of a genetic basis for Landau‐Kleffner syndrome
Authors: Conroy Judith , McGettigan Paul A. , McCreary Dara , Shah Naisha , Collins Kevin , Parry‐Fielder Bronwyn , Moran Margaret , Hanrahan Donncha , Deonna Thierry W. , Korff Christian M. , Webb David , Ennis Sean , Lynch Sally A. , King Mary D.
Published: May 2014

Objective

To establish the genetic basis of Landau‐Kleffner syndrome (LKS) in a cohort of two discordant monozygotic (MZ) twin pairs and 11 isolated cases.

Methods

We used a multifaceted approach to identify genetic risk factors for LKS. Array comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) was performed using the Agilent 180K array. Whole genome methylation profiling was undertaken in the two discordant twin pairs, three isolated LKS cases, and 12 control samples using the Illumina 27K array. Exome sequencing was undertaken in 13 patients with LKS including two sets of discordant MZ twins. Data were analyzed with respect to novel and rare variants, overlapping genes, variants in reported epilepsy genes, and pathway enrichment.

Results

A variant (cG1553A) was found in a single patient in the GRIN2A gene, causing an arginine to histidine change at site 518, a predicted glutamate binding site. Following copy number variation (CNV), methylation, and exome sequencing analysis, no single candidate gene was identified to cause LKS in the remaining cohort. However, a number of interesting additional candidate variants were identified including variants in RELN, BSN, EPHB2, and NID2.

Significance

A single mutation was identified in the GRIN2A gene. This study has identified a number of additional candidate genes including RELN, BSN, EPHB2, and NID2.

A PowerPoint slide summarizing this article is available for download in the Supporting Information section here.
Human dermal fibroblast migration induced by fibronectin in autocrine and paracrine manners
Authors: Li Xiaoguang , Qian Hua , Ono Fumitake , Tsuchisaka Atsunari , Krol Rafal P. , Ohara Koji , Hayakawa Taihei , Matsueda Satoko , Sasada Tetsuro , Ohata Chika , Furumura Minao , Hamada Takahiro , Hashimoto Takashi
Published: May 2014

Although fibronectin (FN) is known as a chemoattractant for human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs), it is unclear whether HDF migration is stimulated by FN produced by HDFs (autocrine manner) or by keratinocytes (paracrine manner). In this study, we investigated HDF migration by Boyden chamber assay using conditioned media from HDFs and HaCaT cells (keratinocyte cell line). Immunoblotting and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay revealed that FN existed in both conditioned media. Boyden chamber assay showed both conditioned media stimulated HDF migration, which was inhibited by anti‐FN antibody. Antibodies to both integrin β1and β3 subunits inhibited HDF migration induced by HDF‐conditioned medium almost completely and that by HaCaT cell‐conditioned medium with 50–60%. These results suggested that HDF migration was stimulated by FN in both autocrine and paracrine manners. However, the mechanisms of HDF migration by FN, particularly the role of integrin β1 and β3 subunits, were slightly different between autocrine and paracrine manners.
HAUSP, a novel deubiquitinase for Rb – MDM2 the critical regulator
Authors: Bhattacharya Seemana , Ghosh Mrinal K.
Published: May 2014

Tumor suppressor retinoblastoma‐associated protein (Rb) is an important cell cycle regulator, arresting cells in early G1. It is commonly inactivated in cancers and its level is maintained during the cell cycle. Rb is regulated by various post‐translational modifications such as phosphorylation, acetylation, ubiquitination and so on. Several E3 ligases including murine double minute 2 (MDM2) promote the degradation of Rb. This study focuses on the role of HAUSP (herpes virus associated ubiquitin specific protease) on Rb. Here, we show that HAUSP colocalizes and interacts with Rb to stabilize it from proteasomal degradation by removing wild‐type and K48‐linked ubiquitin chains in human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK293) cells. HAUSP deubiquitinates Rb in vivo and in vitro, leading to an increased cell population in the G1 phase. Hence, HAUSP is a novel deubiquitinase for Rb. Immunohistochemistry, western blotting and cell‐based assays show that HAUSP is overexpressed in glioma and contributes towards glioma progression. However, HAUSP activity on Rb is abrogated in glioma (cancer), where these two proteins show an inverse relationship. MDM2 (a known substrate of HAUSP) serves as a better target for HAUSP‐mediated deubiquitination in cancer cells, facilitating degradation of Rb and oncogenic progression. This novel regulatory axis is proteasome mediated, p53 independent, and the level of MDM2 is critical. The shift in equilibrium by differential deubiquitination in regulation of Rb explains a subtle difference existing between normal and cancer cells. This leads to speculation about a new possibility for distinguishing cancer cells from normal cells at the molecular level, which may be investigated for therapeutic intervention in the future.

Structured digital abstract

HAUSP and Rb colocalize by fluorescence microscopy (View interaction)

HAUSP binds to Rb by pull down (View interaction)

HAUSP physically interacts with Rb by anti bait coip (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
3‐D analysis of bacterial cell‐(iron)mineral aggregates formed during Fe(II) oxidation by the nitrate‐reducing Acidovorax sp. strain BoFeN1 using complementary microscopy tomography approaches
Authors: Schmid G. , Zeitvogel F. , Hao L. , Ingino P. , Floetenmeyer M. , Stierhof Y.‐D. , Schroeppel B. , Burkhardt C. J. , Kappler A. , Obst M.
Published: May 2014

The formation of cell‐(iron)mineral aggregates as a consequence of bacterial iron oxidation is an environmentally widespread process with a number of implications for processes such as sorption and coprecipitation of contaminants and nutrients. Whereas the overall appearance of such aggregates is easily accessible using 2‐D microscopy techniques, the 3‐D and internal structure remain obscure. In this study, we examined the 3‐D structure of cell‐(iron)mineral aggregates formed during Fe(II) oxidation by the nitrate‐reducing Acidovorax sp. strain BoFeN1 using a combination of advanced 3‐D microscopy techniques. We obtained 3‐D structural and chemical information on different cellular encrustation patterns at high spatial resolution (4–200 nm, depending on the method): more specifically, (1) cells free of iron minerals, (2) periplasm filled with iron minerals, (3) spike‐ or platelet‐shaped iron mineral structures, (4) bulky structures on the cell surface, (5) extracellular iron mineral shell structures, (6) cells with iron mineral filled cytoplasm, and (7) agglomerations of extracellular globular structures. In addition to structural information, chemical nanotomography suggests a dominant role of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) in controlling the formation of cell‐(iron)mineral aggregates. Furthermore, samples in their hydrated state showed cell‐(iron)mineral aggregates in pristine conditions free of preparation (i.e., drying/dehydration) artifacts. All these results were obtained using 3‐D microscopy techniques such as focused ion beam (FIB)/scanning electron microscopy (SEM) tomography, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) tomography, scanning transmission (soft) X‐ray microscopy (STXM) tomography, and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). It turned out that, due to the various different contrast mechanisms of the individual approaches, and due to the required sample preparation steps, only the combination of these techniques was able to provide a comprehensive understanding of structure and composition of the various Fe‐precipitates and their association with bacterial cells and EPS.
Differential SALL4 immunoexpression in malignant rhabdoid tumours and epithelioid sarcomas
Authors: Yoshida Akihiko , Asano Naofumi , Kawai Akira , Kawamoto Hiroshi , Nakazawa Atsuko , Kishimoto Hiroshi , Kushima Ryoji
Published: May 2014

Aims

Malignant rhabdoid tumours (MRTs) and epithelioid sarcomas (ESs) are distinctive malignant neoplasms with characteristic clinicopathological features. However, these two tumour types share some phenotypic features, such as epithelioid/rhabdoid cytology, expression of epithelial markers, and immunohistochemical loss of INI1. The distinction can be problematic in atypical clinical settings, and ancillary diagnostic tools are needed. The expression of CD34 is widely cited as favouring the diagnosis of ES, but no formal comparative study has been performed in the post‐INI1 era. Here, we evaluated the utility of SALL4 for differentiating MRTs from ESs, and compared its performance with that of CD34.

Methods and results

Fifteen MRTs and 36 ESs were retrieved. All MRTs and ESs lacked INI1 reactivity, except for one MRT that lacked BRG1. A representative slide from each case was stained using antibodies against SALL4 and CD34. Ten (67%) of the 15 MRTs expressed SALL4. In contrast, only one (3%) of the 36 ESs expressed SALL4. CD34 staining was observed in nine (60%) of the MRTs and 29 (81%) of the ESs.

Conclusions

Despite moderate sensitivity, SALL4 expression may aid in distinguishing MRTs from ESs. CD34 was found to have questionable utility in making such distinctions.
Therapeutic drug monitoring of atazanavir/ritonavir in pregnancy
Authors: Else LJ , Jackson V , Brennan M , Back DJ , Khoo SH , Coulter‐Smith S , Lambert JS
Published: May 2014

Objectives

Pregnant women experience physiological changes during pregnancy that can have a significant impact on antiretroviral pharmacokinetics. Ensuring optimal plasma concentrations of antiretrovirals is essential for maternal health and to minimize the risk of vertical transmission. Here we describe atazanavir/ritonavir (ATV/r) plasma concentrations in a cohort of pregnant women undergoing routine therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM).

Methods

Pregnant HIV‐positive women received ATV/r as part of their routine pre‐natal care. Demographic and clinical data were collected. ATV plasma concentrations ([ATV]) were determined in the first (T1), second (T2) and third (T3) trimesters and at postpartum (PP) using liquid chromatography−tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS).

Results

From January 2007, 44 women (37 black African) were enrolled in the study. All received ATV/r at a dose of 300/100 mg once a day. Twenty‐four had received antiretroviral therapy (ART) prior to pregnancy, and 20 initiated ATV/r in pregnancy. At the time nearest to delivery, 36 patients had undetectable plasma viral loads. [ATV] values were determined in 11 (T1), 25 (T2), 34 (T3) and 28 (PP) patients. [ATV] at 24 hours post‐dose (C24) values significantly lower at T2/T3 relative to PP.

Conclusions

This study was carried out in one of the larger cohorts of women undergoing TDM for ATV in pregnancy. Lower [ATV] values were seen in T2/T3 compared with T1/PP. However, [ATV] were not associated with a lack of virologic suppression at delivery. Nonetheless, careful monitoring of women in pregnancy is required, and dose adjustment of ATV to 400 mg may be an option.
Phylogeography and Pleistocene refugia of the Little Owl Athene noctua inferred from mtDNA sequence data
Authors: Pellegrino Irene , Negri Alessandro , Cucco Marco , Mucci Nadia , Pavia Marco , Šálek Martin , Boano Giovanni , Randi Ettore
Published: May 2014

Pleistocene glaciations greatly affected the distribution of genetic diversity in animal populations. The Little Owl is widely distributed in temperate regions and could have survived the last glaciations in southern refugia. To describe the phylogeographical structure of European populations, we sequenced the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) and control region (CR1) in 326 individuals sampled from 22 locations. Phylogenetic analyses of COI identified two deeply divergent clades: a western haplogroup distributed in western and northwestern Europe, and an eastern haplogroup distributed in southeastern Europe. Faster evolving CR1 sequences supported the divergence between these two main clades, and identified three subgroups within the eastern clade: Balkan, southern Italian and Sardinian. Divergence times estimated from COI with fossil calibrations indicate that the western and eastern haplogroups split 2.01–1.71 Mya. Slightly different times for splits were found using the standard 2% rate and 7.3% mtDNA neutral substitution rate. CR1 sequences dated the origin of endemic Sardinian haplotypes at 1.04–0.26 Mya and the split between southern Italian and Balkan haplogroups at 0.72–0.21 Mya, coincident with the onset of two Pleistocene glaciations. Admixture of mtDNA haplotypes was detected in northern Italy and in central Europe. These findings support a model of southern Mediterranean and Balkan refugia, with postglacial expansion and secondary contacts for Little Owl populations. Central and northern Europe was predominantly recolonized by Little Owls from Iberia, whereas expansion out of the Balkans was more limited. Northward expansion of the Italian haplogroup was probably prevented by the Alps, and the Sardinian haplotypes remained confined to the island. Results showed a clear genetic pattern differentiating putative subspecies. Genetic distances between haplogroups were comparable with those recorded between different avian species.
Enterobacter gergoviae adaptation to preservatives commonly used in cosmetic industry
Authors: Périamé M. , Pagès J.‐M. , Davin‐Regli A.
Published: May 2014

Synopsis

Objective

The aim of this study was to obtain a better understanding regarding the origin of recurrent contamination by Enterobacter gergoviae in diverse cosmetic formula. We studied 65 isolates collected from various sources (clinical, food, cosmetics).

Methods

RAPD analysis using AP12H, REP and ERIC‐PCR was carried out for epidemiological typing. Evaluation of susceptibility to preservatives currently used in cosmetics for a representative panel of collection strains was measured. Preservative efficacy was evaluated by minimum inhibitory concentrations and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs).

Results

Eighty per cent of isolates was unrelated. E. gergoviae showed significant levels of resistance to preservatives. MBC was higher than maximum permitted concentrations imposed by European Commission (EC). Association of preservatives showed in rare case additive effects, and no synergic effects were observed.

Conclusion

Most of the cosmetic formulations are contaminated with unrelated E. gergoviae strains. Maximum allowed concentrations for sodium benzoate are inefficient to limit proliferation and control adaptability to this bacterium in cosmetic products. Efflux mechanisms should be involved in methylisothiazolinone–chloromethylisothiazolinone and triclosan adaptation.
Modified anterior approach to the bladder neck: Simple and reproducible procedure for anterior bladder neck transection during robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy
Authors: Shimbo Masaki , Hattori Kazunori , Endo Fumiyasu , Matsushita Kazuhito , Iwabuchi Toshihisa , Tobisu Kenichi , Muraishi Osamu
Published: May 2014

To evaluate the feasibility and reproducibility of a simple technique for identifying the initial cutting point of the bladder neck during robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy. To precisely identify the prostatovesical junction, we first pulled the anterior bladder wall in an upward direction with the second arm to identify the precise location of the prostatovesical junction where anterior bladder neck dissection is initiated. After one experienced surgeon had established this technique, three surgeons who were less experienced in robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy utilized this method for 50 consecutive robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy cases. The pathological results and the time required to transect the anterior bladder wall were evaluated. There were no cases of positive resection margin on the site of bladder neck. The mean resection time was not significantly different when comparing less experienced surgeons with the experienced surgeon (P = 0.29). In conclusion, this method is a simple and reproducible way to identify the bladder neck during robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy. This technique is also useful (for laparoscopic or open radical prostatectomy) even in difficult scenarios, such as post‐transurethral resection of prostate cases.
Predictors of short‐term overactive bladder symptom improvement after transurethral resection of prostate in men with benign prostatic obstruction
Authors: Zhao Yao‐Rui , Liu Wen‐Zhan , Guralnick Michael , Niu Wen‐Jie , Wang Yong , Sun Guang , Xu Yong
Published: May 2014

Objectives

To investigate the correlation of preoperative overactive bladder symptoms and urodynamic parameters to the improvement of overactive bladder symptoms after transurethral resection of the prostate.

Methods

A retrospective study was carried out in 128 patients with urodynamically proven benign prostatic obstruction that underwent transurethral resection of the prostate. All patients had preoperative urgency symptoms. The patients were divided into groups according to overactive bladder symptom severity and preoperative urodynamic parameters (presence and type of detrusor overactivity, degree of obstruction, bladder contractility). The 3‐month postoperative changes in overactive bladder symptoms were then compared between the groups.

Results

Overall, there was a statistically significant improvement in mean overactive bladder symptoms score from 9.6 to 2.7 (P < 0.001). However, patients with preoperative mild overactive bladder symptoms had significantly lower postoperative overactive bladder symptoms scores than those with moderate or severe symptoms (P < 0.05). Patients with preoperative terminal detrusor overactivity had significantly higher overactive bladder symptoms scores compared with patients with phasic and no detrusor overactivity (P < 0.05), and were more likely to have persistent urge incontinence. Preoperative detrusor contractility and severity of obstruction did not affect postoperative overactive bladder symptom improvement.

Conclusions

Most patients with benign prostatic obstruction and overactive bladder symptoms experience an improvement in their symptoms after transurethral resection of the prostate. The presence of preoperative terminal detrusor overactivity might be negatively associated with this improvement. The preoperative severity of overactive bladder symptoms, detrusor contractility and degree of bladder outlet obstruction do not appear to have an effect.
Impact of obesity on the predictive accuracy of prostate‐specific antigen density and prostate‐specific antigen in native Korean men undergoing prostate biopsy
Authors: Kim Jae Heon , Doo Seung Whan , Yang Won Jae , Lee Kwang Woo , Lee Chang Ho , Song Yun Seob , Jeon Yoon Su , Kim Min Eui , Kwon Soon‐Sun
Published: May 2014

Objectives

To evaluate the impact of obesity on the biopsy detection of prostate cancer.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed data of 1182 consecutive Korean patients (≥50 years) with serum prostate‐specific antigen levels of 3–10 ng/mL who underwent initial extended 12‐cores biopsy from September 2009 to March 2013. Patients who took medications that were likely to influence the prostate‐specific antigen level were excluded. Receiver operating characteristic curves were plotted for prostate‐specific antigen and prostate‐specific antigen density predicting cancer status among non‐obese and obese men.

Results

A total of 1062 patients (mean age 67.1 years) were enrolled in the analysis. A total of 230 men (21.7%) had a positive biopsy. In the overall study sample, the area under the receiver operator characteristic curve of serum prostate‐specific antigen for predicting prostate cancer on biopsy were 0.584 and 0.633 for non‐obese and obese men, respectively (P = 0.234). However, the area under the curve for prostate‐specific antigen density in predicting cancer status showed a significant difference (non‐obese 0.696, obese 0.784; P = 0.017).

Conclusions

There seems to be a significant difference in the ability of prostate‐specific antigen density to predict biopsy results between non‐obese and obese men. Obesity positively influenced the overall ability of prostate‐specific antigen density to predict prostate cancer.
Evaluation of intra‐ and extra‐epithelial secretory IgA in chlamydial infections
Authors: Armitage Charles W. , O'Meara Connor P. , Harvie Marina C. G. , Timms Peter , Wijburg Odilia L. , Beagley Kenneth W.
Published: May 2014

Immunoglobulin A is an important mucosal antibody that can neutralize mucosal pathogens by either preventing attachment to epithelia (immune exclusion) or alternatively inhibit intra‐epithelial replication following transcytosis by the polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (pIgR). Chlamydia trachomatis is a major human pathogen that initially targets the endocervical or urethral epithelium in women and men, respectively. As both tissues contain abundant secretory IgA (SIgA) we assessed the protection afforded by IgA targeting different chlamydial antigens expressed during the extra‐ and intra‐epithelial stages of infection. We developed an in vitro model using polarizing cells expressing the murine pIgR together with antigen‐specific mouse IgA, and an in vivo model using pIgR−/− mice. Secretory IgA targeting the extra‐epithelial chlamydial antigen, the major outer membrane protein, significantly reduced infection in vitro by 24% and in vivo by 44%. Conversely, pIgR‐mediated delivery of IgA targeting the intra‐epithelial inclusion membrane protein A bound to the inclusion but did not reduce infection in vitro or in vivo. Similarly, intra‐epithelial IgA targeting the secreted protease Chlamydia protease‐like activity factor also failed to reduce infection. Together, these data suggest the importance of pIgR‐mediated delivery of IgA targeting extra‐epithelial, but not intra‐epithelial, chlamydial antigens for protection against a genital tract infection.
Characterizing wild bird contact and seropositivity to highly pathogenic avian influenza A (H5N1) virus in Alaskan residents
Authors: Reed Carrie , Bruden Dana , Byrd Kathy K. , Veguilla Vic , Bruce Michael , Hurlburt Debby , Wang David , Holiday Crystal , Hancock Kathy , Ortiz Justin R. , Klejka Joe , Katz Jacqueline M. , Uyeki Timothy M.
Published: May 2014

Background

Highly pathogenic avian influenza A (HPAI) H5N1 viruses have infected poultry and wild birds on three continents with more than 600 reported human cases (59% mortality) since 2003. Wild aquatic birds are the natural reservoir for avian influenza A viruses, and migratory birds have been documented with HPAI H5N1 virus infection. Since 2005, clade 2.2 HPAI H5N1 viruses have spread from Asia to many countries.

Objectives

We conducted a cross‐sectional seroepidemiological survey in Anchorage and western Alaska to identify possible behaviors associated with migratory bird exposure and measure seropositivity to HPAI H5N1.

Methods

We enrolled rural subsistence bird hunters and their families, urban sport hunters, wildlife biologists, and a comparison group without bird contact. We interviewed participants regarding their exposures to wild birds and collected blood to perform serologic testing for antibodies against a clade 2.2 HPAI H5N1 virus strain.

Results

Hunters and wildlife biologists reported exposures to wild migratory birds that may confer risk of infection with avian influenza A viruses, although none of the 916 participants had evidence of seropositivity to HPAI H5N1.

Conclusions

We characterized wild bird contact among Alaskans and behaviors that may influence risk of infection with avian influenza A viruses. Such knowledge can inform surveillance and risk communication surrounding HPAI H5N1 and other influenza viruses in a population with exposure to wild birds at a crossroads of intercontinental migratory flyways.
‘This child is a planned baby’: skilled migrant fathers and reproductive decision‐making
Authors: De Souza Ruth Noreen Argie
Published: May 2014

Aim

This study analyses discourses that migrant fathers in New Zealand draw on to explain their decision to have a child.

Background

Little is known about migrant men's reproductive decisions in the context of contemporary/active fatherhood.

Design

A discourse analytic research study.

Methods

Qualitative research was conducted in 2009 where Chinese and Indian migrant men took part in focus groups.

Results/Findings

Fathers drew on two key discourses to understand how they became fathers. The first was fatherhood as a financial decision and the second was fatherhood as a natural process. These two discourses are not always congruent.

Conclusion

Understanding the discourses that shape men's decisions to have a child, will enhance nurses' capacity to provide appropriate care and support for migrant families.
The Influence of Particle Size Distribution on Sunflower Tahini Rheology and Structure
Authors: Muresan Vlad , Danthine Sabine , Racolta Emil , Muste Sevastita , Blecker Christophe
Published: May 2014

Different particle size sunflower tahini prototypes were obtained by controlling the milling process of roasted sunflower kernels. Not only the physicochemical properties of these samples but also of an industrial reference were compared and discussed in order to understand tahini behavior and structure. Granulometry was determined by a laser‐scattering analyzer and revealed for all studied samples, trimodal particle size distributions. Histogram modes, as well as cumulative volume percentages (CVPs) of small‐ and middle‐class populations, increased with the number of passes through colloidal mill, while for large particle size population, both the modes and CVPs decreased. Pseudoplastic behavior was observed for all sunflower tahini prototypes and reference, irrespective of studied temperature and particle size. However, the value of consistency coefficient ranged from 3,049 to 6.6 Pa·sn being strong dependent on particle size and temperature while flow behavior indexes between 0.53 and 0.87. Time‐dependent rheological analysis revealed higher thixotropic degree of coarser sunflower tahini samples. Studied samples had rheological properties characteristic for a viscoelastic material, the response in the dynamic frequency sweep being typical for weak gels. The finest sunflower tahini prototype showed the lowest Krieger–Dougherty estimated volume fraction (0.48), while the coarsest sample the highest (0.69), sunflower tahini reference being placed in a median position with a volume fraction of 0.56. By combining all those data, a schematic structure of sunflower tahini was proposed for the first time.

Practical Applications

In the production of tahini in Eastern Europe, sesame seeds have been totally replaced by sunflower seeds due to the high availability of sunflower in this region and the comparable taste of the final product. The fundamental understanding of structure and rheology is an essential step in analyzing tahini behavior during processing and storage or when included in new food formulations. The tahini model structure proposed for the first time in this manuscript is an essential tool for food engineers when improving the stability and texture of tahini or related products (e.g., halva, hummus) as well as when designing new tahini formulations. The obtained results will contribute to quality improvements of tahini‐derived products as well as to a superior valorization of sunflower kernels by replacing sesame seeds in tahini production, being of interest also for similar products such as sesame tahini, peanut butter or hazelnut paste.
UV‐C Irradiation of Freshly Squeezed Grape Juice and Modeling Inactivation Kinetics
Authors: Unluturk Sevcan , Atilgan Mehmet R.
Published: May 2014

UV inactivation kinetics of freshly squeezed turbid white grape juice (FSTGJ) treated with an annular flow UV reactor by applying UV dosages ranging from 0 to 116.7 J/mL, at three different flow rates (0.90, 1.75 and 3.70 mL/s), were modeled by using log‐linear, Weibull, Hom and modified Chick–Watson models. FSTGJ was circulated five times in the UV system, i.e., UV exposure time was 20.33 min during processing. The populations of Escherichia coli K‐12, lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and foodborne yeasts were reduced by 3.759, 4.133 and 1.604 log cfu/mL, respectively, after exposure to UV dosage of 116.7 J/mL at the lowest flow rate. The inactivation kinetics of foodborne yeasts were best described by the modified Chick–Watson model, with the least root mean squared error (RMSE = 0.001, R2 = 0.999). Besides, the inactivation kinetics of E. coli K‐12 and LAB were best fitted by Weibull model (R2 = 0.999). Additionally, when the UV exposure time was increased up to 32.5 min (i.e., eight cycles), UV‐C treatment of FSTGJ resulted in 5.341 log cfu/mL reduction in E. coli K‐12, which meets the Food and Drug Administration requirement of a 5 log reduction of microorganisms in fruit juices.

Practical Applications

Consumer demand for high‐quality fruit juice with fresh‐like characteristics has markedly expanded in recent years. UV‐C irradiation is a nonthermal method and allows the processing of fruit juices with a minimal or no changes in flavor, essential nutrients and vitamins. Although thermal pasteurization is the most convenient way of increasing the shelf life of fruit juices, it causes a “cook taste” in grape juice. So, in this study, the application of UV‐C irradiation to process grape juice was investigated. The shape of the microbial inactivation curve is sigmoidal in UV treatment. Therefore, different kinetic models (e.g., log‐linear, Weibull, Hom and modified Chick–Watson) are applied to describe the inactivation kinetics of Escherichia coli K‐12, lactic acid bacteria and foodborne yeasts. Kinetic parameters (e.g., k and D) and models can be used for the development of UV‐C irradiation process to ensure microbial safety in juice products.
Herbal tea extracts inhibit Cytochrome P450 3A4 in vitro
Authors: Dufay Sophie , Worsley Alan , Monteillier Aymeric , Avanzi Charlotte , Sy Jaclyn , Ng Ting Fat , Garcia Jean-Michel , Lam Man-Fai , Vanhoutte Paul , Wong Ian C K
Published: May 2014

Objectives

Ciclosporin and sirolimus, two immunosuppressive agents with narrow therapeutic windows, are mainly metabolized by Cytochrome 3A4 (CYP3A4). A clinical case of toxic blood levels of these drugs after the consumption of a ‘24-flavours’ tea was reported. This study aims to identify the causative ingredients of the 24-flavour herbal tea in the inhibition of CYP3A4 metabolism.

Methods

Two commercially available 24-flavour tea products purchased in Hong Kong and the six plant constituents were tested for their CYP3A4 inhibitory effects utilizing an in-vitro fluorometric assay.

Key findings

Of the commercially available teas available in Hong Kong, the most potent inhibitory effect was observed with the tea consumed in the initial clinical case. Of the six universal constituents, chrysanthemum exhibited the greatest inhibitory effect, with an IC50 of 95.7 μg/ml. Dandelion, liquorice and bishop's weed have IC50 of 140.6, 148.4 and 185.5 μg/ml, respectively. Field mint and Japanese honeysuckle have weaker inhibitory effect on CYP3A4 with IC50 of 1153.3 and 1466.3 μg/ml.

Conclusions

This study confirms the possible implication of herbal tea constituents in the inhibition of ciclosporin and sirolimus’ CYP3A4 metabolism. Combined usage of herbal teas with drug should be closely monitored.
Use of floss/interdental brushes is associated with lower risk for new cardiovascular events among patients with coronary heart disease
Authors: Reichert S. , Schlitt A. , Beschow V. , Lutze A. , Lischewski S. , Seifert T. , Dudakliewa T. , Gawe R. , Werdan K. , Hofmann B. , Schaller H.‐G. , Schulz S.
Published: May 2014

Background and Objective

Periodontitis has been found to be associated with coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke. However, only little is known about whether periodontitis and associated confounders are associated with new cardiovascular events among patients with CHD.

Material and Methods

A total of 942 inpatients with CHD were examined regarding periodontitis, oral care habits, bacteria in the subgingival biofilm and the expression of interleukin‐(IL)‐6 c. (coding DNA)–174 genotypes (rs 1800793) to determine whether these confounders are associated with new cardiovascular events within a 1‐year follow‐up period. Adjusted hazard ratios (HR) with respect of age, gender, smoking, body mass index, use of aids for interdental hygiene, plaque index, occurrence of severe periodontitis and further internal diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, dyslipoproteinemia, number of missing teeth, serological parameters and IL‐6 genotypes were generated with Cox regression.

Results

In all, 941 cardiovascular patients completed the 1‐year follow up and 7.3% of the patients achieved the primary endpoint (myocardial infarction: 2.1%, stroke/transient ischemic attack: 1.8%, cardiovascular deaths: 3.4%). Patients who reported practicing interdental cleaning were younger, less likely to be male or to have severe periodontitis, had a reduced tobacco exposure, had fewer missing teeth, less indices for plaque and bleeding on probing and a significant decreased adjusted risk for new cardiovascular events (HR = 0.2, CI 0.06–0.6, p = 0.01) than those patients with CHD who did not report practicing interdental cleaning. We did not obtain significant increased HR for patients with severe periodontitis (HR = 1.2, CI 0.7–2.1, p = 0.53), carriers of the IL‐6 genotypes GC or CC (HR = 1.4, CI 0.8–2.5, p = 0.24) and did not find a significant association between the number of detected various oral species and the incidence of the combined endpoint (HR = 0.9, CI 0.8–1.01, p = 0.07).

Conclusions

These findings suggest that flossing and brushing of interdental spaces might reduce the risk for new cardiovascular events among patients with CHD. The hypothesis that interdental cleaning per se reduces the risk of new cardiovascular events should be examined in an interventional study.