bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Morphological Characterization of the Anterior Palatine Region Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography
Authors: López Jornet Pia , Boix Paula , Sanchez Perez Arturo , Boracchia Alexandra
Published: September 2014

Background

Surgery of the anterior maxillary zone has a strong impact upon dental and facial aesthetics and function.

Purpose

To determine the anatomical characteristics and dimensions of the nasopalatine canal and alveolar bone using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Materials and Methods

A retrospective, cross‐sectional study was made of the nasopalatine canal in 122 randomly selected CBCT scans corresponding to 66 males (44.3%) and 56 females (55.6%). The following measurements were made: maximum length and diameters of the nasal and oral openings of the nasopalatine canal; distance from the crestal margin to the buccal wall (at apical, middle, and coronal level); and angulation of the nasopalatine canal. The anatomical variants were morphologically classified as follows: A (single canal), B (double canal), or C (Y‐shaped canal).

Results

The anatomy of the nasopalatine canal showed important variability in terms of morphology and dimensions. Type A was observed in 48 patients (39.34%), type B in 10 (8.19%), and type C in 64 (52.45%). The mean diameter of the nasal opening or orifice was 3.02 ± 1.0 mm versus 3.29 ± 1.0 mm in the case of the oral opening. The mean length of the canal was 11.02 ± 2.4 mm. Significant differences were found between males and females, with greater canal dimensions and alveolar bone thickness values anterior to the nasal canal zone among males (p < .05).

Conclusions

Our study shows gender to exert a significant influence upon the anatomical dimensions of the anterior maxilla and incisor canal. Given the anatomical variability characterizing the nasopalatine canal, we recommend CBCT evaluation prior to any type of surgery of the anterior maxillary zone.
Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and SPECT/low‐dose computerized tomography did not increase sensitivity or specificity compared to planar bone scintigraphy for detection of bone metastases in advanced breast cancer
Authors: Haraldsen Ate , Bluhme Henrik , Røhl Lisbeth , Pedersen Erik Morre , Jensen Anders Bonde , Hansen Eva Boysen , Nellemann Hanne , Rasmussen Finn , Morsing Anni
Published: September 2014

Purpose

To evaluate and compare the diagnostic performance of whole‐body planar bone scintigraphy (WBS), single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), SPECT/low‐dose computerized tomography (SPECT/ldCT) and SPECT/contrast enhanced diagnostic CT (SPECT/cdCT) in the staging of patients with advanced breast cancer.

Methods

Seventy‐eight patients with recurrence of biopsy‐proven breast cancer and suspicion of disseminated disease were investigated with WBS, SPECT, SPECT/ldCT, SPECT/cdCT and MRI performed on the same day in this prospective study. Images were separately analysed in a blinded fashion by radiologists and nuclear medicine physicians regarding the presence of pathological findings. MRI served as reference standard.

Results

According to reference standard, 38 of 73 patients had bone metastases. The sensitivity was 87%, 87%, 79%, and 84% and specificity 63%, 71%, 63% and 83% for WBS, SPECT, SPECT/ldCT and SPECT/cdCT. A significantly increased specificity of SPECT/cdCT compared to WBS and SPECT/ldCT was found, and other parameters did not differ significantly between modalities. Additional two patients had bone metastases solely located outside the MRI scan field and seven patients had soft tissue metastases, but no skeletal changes on MRI.

Conclusion

WBS, SPECT and SPECT/ldCT were less sensitive than MRI and equally specific for the detection of bone metastases in patients with advanced breast cancer. Based on our findings, we suggest that initial staging include WBS, MRI of the spine and CT for soft tissue evaluation. Further studies may clarify the potential benefits of whole‐body MRI and 18F‐NaF PET/CT or 18F‐FDG PET/CT.
Verrucous hemangioma: a clinicopathological and immunohistochemical analysis of 74 cases
Authors: Wang Lei , Gao Tianwen , Wang Gang
Published: September 2014

Background

Verrucous hemangioma is a rare form of vascular malformation. Previous studies have reported positive expression of Wilms tumor 1 (WT‐1) and Glut‐1 and negative expression of lymphatic markers such as D2‐40 and Prox1 in verrucous hemangioma cases. However, the sample sizes of these studies were usually small.

Methods

We analyzed 74 cases of verrucous hemangioma diagnosed in a single dermatology department and performed immunohistochemical analysis of vascular and lymphatic markers in all cases.

Results

Verrucous hemangioma was usually located on the extremities. Most lesions presented as solitary or multiple hyperkeratotic plaques or nodules with various diameters. Histopathologically, the lesions showed proliferation of small‐ to medium‐sized vessels from the papillary dermis to subcutaneous tissue. The density of the proliferated vessels varied between cases. The vessels were positive for CD31 in 74 cases, focally positive for Prox1 in 63 cases, focally positive for D2‐40 in 10 cases, negative for lymphatic vessel endothelial hyaluronan receptor‐1 in 74 cases, negative for WT‐1 in 60 cases, and positive for Glut‐1 in 49 cases.

Conclusion

Verrucous hemangioma is a vascular malformation with an incomplete lymphatic immunophenotype, as indicated by positive staining for Prox1 and negative staining for WT‐1 in the majority of instances.
Prevalence of medical marijuana use in California, 2012
Authors: Ryan‐Ibarra Suzanne , Induni Marta , Ewing Danielle
Published: September 2014

Introduction and Aims

The US Drug Enforcement Agency classifies marijuana as an illegal substance, yet in 22 states marijuana is legal for medicinal use. In 1996, California legalised the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes, but population‐based data describing medical marijuana users in the state has not been available. Our aim was to examine the demographic differences between users and non‐users of medical marijuana in California utilising population‐based data.

Design and Methods

We used data from the California Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System 2012, an annual, random‐digit‐dial state‐wide telephone survey that collects health data from a representative adult sample (n = 7525). Age‐adjusted prevalence rates were estimated.

Results

Five percent of adults in California reported ever using medical marijuana, and most users believed that medical marijuana helped alleviate symptoms or treat a serious medical condition. Prevalence was similar when compared by gender, education and region. Prevalence of ever using medical marijuana was highest among white adults and younger adults ages 18–24 years, although use was reported by every racial/ethnic and age group examined in our study and ranged from 2% to 9%.

Conclusions

Our study's results lend support to the idea that medical marijuana is used equally by many groups of people and is not exclusively used by any one specific group. As more states approve marijuana use for medical purposes, it is important to track medical marijuana use as a health‐related behaviour and risk factor. [Ryan‐Ibarra S, Induni M, Ewing D. Prevalence of medical marijuana use in California, 2012. Drug Alcohol Rev 2015;34:141–6]
Structural elucidation of the binding site and mode of inhibition of Li+ and Mg2+ in inositol monophosphatase
Authors: Dutta Anirudha , Bhattacharyya Sudipta , Dutta Debajyoti , Das Amit Kumar
Published: September 2014

Mg2+‐dependent, Li+‐sensitive phosphatases are a widely distributed family of enzymes with significant importance throughout the biological kingdom. Inositol monophosphatase (IMPase) is an important target of Li+‐based therapeutic agents in manic depressive disorders. However, despite decades of intense research efforts, the precise mechanism of Li+‐induced inhibition of IMPase remains obscured. Here we describe a structural investigation of the Li+ binding site in staphylococcal IMPase I (SaIMPase I) using X–ray crystallography. The biochemical study indicated common or overlapping binding sites for Mg2+ and Li+ in the active site of SaIMPase I. The crystal structure of the SaIMPase I ternary product complex shows the presence of a phosphate and three Mg2+ ions (namely Mg1, Mg2 and Mg3) in the active site. As Li+ is virtually invisible in X–ray crystallography, competitive displacement of Mg2+ ions from the SaIMPase I ternary product complex as a function of increasing LiCl concentration was used to identify the Li+ binding site. In this approach, the disappearing electron density of Mg2+ ions due to Li+ ion binding was traced, and the Mg2+ ion present at the Mg2 binding site was found to be replaced. Moreover, based on a detailed comparative investigation of the phosphate orientation and coordination states of Mg2+ binding sites in enzyme–substrate and enzyme–product complexes, inhibition mechanisms for Li+ and Mg2+ are proposed.

Database

The atomic coordinates for the SaIMPase I ternary complex, SaIMPase I in 50 mm LiCl, SaIMPase I in 100 mm LiCl and SaIMPase I in 0 mm MgCl2 have been submitted to the Protein Data Bank under accession numbers 4G61, 4I40, 4I3Y and 4PTK, respectively.

Structured digital abstract

SaIMPase-I and SaIMPase-I bind by x-ray crystallography (View interaction)
Nurse‐led cognitive screening model for older adults in primary care
Authors: Yang Yanni , Xiao Lily Dongxia , Deng Lanlan , Wang Yanjiang , Li Min , Ullah Shahid
Published: September 2014

Aim

The present study aimed to establish a nurse‐led cognitive screening model for community‐dwelling older adults with subjective memory complaints from seven communities in Chongqing, China, and report the findings of this model.

Methods

Screenings took place from July 2012 to June 2013. Cognitive screening was incorporated into the annual health assessment for older adults with subjective memory complaints in a primary care setting. Two community nurses were trained to implement the screening using the Mini‐Mental State Examination and Montreal Cognitive Assessment.

Results

Of 733 older adults, 495 (67.5%) reported having subjective memory complaints. Of the 249 individuals who participated in the cognitive screening, 102 (41%) had mild cognitive impairment, whereas 32 (12.9%) had cognitive impairment. A total of 80 participants (78.4%) with mild cognitive impairment agreed to participate in a memory support program. Participants with cognitive impairment were referred to specialists for further examination and diagnosis; only one reported that he had seen a specialist and had been diagnosed with dementia.

Conclusions

Incorporating cognitive screening into the annual health assessment for older adults with subjective memory complaints was feasible, though referral rates from primary care providers remained unchanged. The present study highlights the urgent need for simple screenings as well as community‐based support services in primary care for older adults with cognitive or mild cognitive impairments. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 721–728.
Genetic diversity and variation in North American orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) cultivars and breeding lines
Authors: Xie Wengang , Bushman B. Shaun , Ma Yingmei , West Mark S. , Robins Joseph G. , Michaels Lisa , Jensen Kevin B. , Zhang Xinquan , Casler Michael D. , Stratton Samuel D.
Published: September 2014

Orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) is a high quality forage grass naturalized to temperate climates. Used extensively in hay and grazing agriculture, hundreds of orchardgrass cultivars have been released over the past 50 years. However, progress in yield and other agronomic characteristics in orchardgrass cultivars has occurred slowly and often inconsistently. One cause of the slow progress could be a lack of genetic diversity among orchardgrass cultivars, or an over‐abundance of diversity within cultivars. With an emphasis on North American cultivars, this study assessed the genetic diversity within and among 52 orchardgrass cultivars, breeding lines and accessions. Genetic similarity within cultivars ranged from 52 to 71%, similar to values from wild‐land, unselected accessions. Populations from Wisconsin and Missouri breeding efforts that resulted from two cycles of genotypic recurrent selection were included as checks. Neither group of selection populations exhibited more within‐population similarity compared to the wild‐land accessions (ecotypes) and cultivars. Genetic differentiation was detected only for the selection populations and several cultivars and breeding lines that had a tendency to originate from eastern Asian germplasm and have late flowering times. These results indicated an abundance of genetic variation within the orchardgrass cultivars, but a paucity of genetic differentiation among cultivars.
Assessment of the histopathological key features in autoimmune hepatitis
Authors: de Boer Ynto S , van Nieuwkerk Carin M J , Witte Birgit I , Mulder Chris J J , Bouma Gerd , Bloemena Elisabeth
Published: September 2014

Aims

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the use of typical histological features of both the revised original (1999) and simplified (2008) criteria in the diagnosis of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) in clinical practice.

Methods and results

We performed a detailed histopathological evaluation of the pretreatment biopsies of 63 AIH patients, and used biopsies of 62 untreated chronic viral hepatitis patients [hepatitis B (n = 21) or hepatitis C (n = 41)] as a reference cohort. Biopsies were systematically reviewed for inflammation, fibrosis and the presence of interface hepatitis, plasma cells, rosettes and emperipolesis with a well‐defined assessment method. AIH biopsies showed more interface hepatitis (87% versus 63%, P = 0.002), more plasma cell‐rich infiltrates (48% versus 27%, P = 0.02), more rosettes (49% versus 23%, P = 0.004) and more emperipolesis (78% versus 50%, P = 0.001) than chronic viral hepatitis biopsies. Emperipolesis (P = 0.01) and rosettes (P < 0.01) were superior to plasma cells and interface hepatitis as independent predictors for AIH. Moderate to severe lymphocytic cholangitis was found in 28% of AIH patients.

Conclusions

Emperipolesis and rosette formation are superior histological predictors of AIH than the classic hallmark features of interface hepatitis and plasma cells. In addition, moderate to severe lymphocytic cholangitis does not preclude the diagnosis of AIH.
Diffuse melanosis cutis in the setting of BRAFV600E metastatic melanoma
Authors: Sebaratnam Deshan F. , Martin Linda K. , Venugopal Supriya S. , Mangos George , Freiman John , de Souza Paul , Farnsworth Annabelle , Cheung Karen , Scolyer Richard A. , Murrell Dédée F.
Published: September 2014

Case Report

A 79‐year‐old Caucasian male presented with a 1‐week history of diffuse progressive blue‐gray discoloration of the skin subsequently found to due to diffuse melanosis cutis (DMC) in the setting of metastatic melanoma. Mutation testing demonstrated BRAFV600E mutation status, an unexpected finding given his age. He died two weeks after presentation.

Discussion

As our understanding of the molecular subtypes of melanoma increases, in the future it may be possible to predict which melanoma patients have a predilection to developing DMC. Mutation testing of DMC patients should be considered as BRAF inhibitors, and other novel targeted therapies may improve the bleak prognosis associated with this unusual presentation of metastatic melanoma.
Thermal inactivation of hepatitis A virus in suspension and in dried mussels (Mytilus edulis)
Authors: Park Shin Young , Ha Sang‐Do
Published: September 2014

We examined the effects of three different temperatures (60, 85 and 100 °C) and durations of time (1 min at 100 °C to 30 min at 60 °C) on hepatitis A virus (HAV) in suspension and dried mussels (Mytilus edulis). In suspension, 3.61, 4.48, 5.06 and 5.66 log10 tissue culture infectious dose (TCID)50/mL were reduced by 60 °C for 5 min, 60 °C for 15 min, 60 °C for 30 min and 85 °C for 3 min, respectively. In dried mussels, 1.34, 1.94, 3.16, 2.36, 3.53 and 4.38 log10TCID50/mL were reduced by 60 °C for 5 min, 60 °C for 15 min, 60 °C for 30 min, 85 °C for 3 min, 85 °C for 6 min and 85 °C for 10 min, respectively. HAV inactivation from suspension and dried mussels was achieved by 85 °C for 6 min and 15 min, respectively, and also by a 1 min at 100 °C. At 60, 85 and 100 °C, the 1‐log (D‐values) inactivation from both suspension and dried mussels was 6.33 and 7.93, 0.98 and 3.05, and 0.28 and 0.38 min, respectively. A higher temperature and/or a thermal treatment time shorter than 85 °C for 6 min (100 °C for 1 min) could be used for commercial target foods for complete HAV inactivation.
High‐Performance (Na0.5K0.5)NbO3 Thin Film Piezoelectric Energy Harvester
Authors: Kim Bo‐Yun , Seo In‐Tae , Lee Youn‐Seon , Kim Jin‐Seong , Nahm Sahn , Kang Chong‐Yun , Yoon Seok‐Jin , Paik Jong‐Hoo , Jeong Young‐Hun
Published: September 2014

The pseudocubic structure of a (Na0.5K0.5)NbO3 (NKN) film grown on a Pt/Ti/SiO2/Si substrate changed to an orthorhombic structure when the film was transferred onto a polyimide substrate. Piezoelectric constant for the transferred NKN film increased considerably from 74 ± 11 to 120 ± 18 pm/V because the crystal structure of the film had changed from pseudocubic to orthorhombic. A gold interdigitated electrode was deposited onto the transferred NKN film to synthesize a NKN piezoelectric energy harvester. The NKN piezoelectric energy harvester was poled before bending under a 100 kV/cm DC electric field across the electrodes. When a strain of 0.85% and a strain rate of 4.05%/s were applied to the NKN piezoelectric energy harvester, it produced a maximum output voltage of 1.9 V and a current of 38 nA, corresponding to a power density of 2.89 μW/cm3.
Psychological effects of fetal diagnoses of non‐lethal congenital anomalies on the experience of pregnant women during the remainder of their pregnancy
Authors: Titapant Vitaya , Chuenwattana Prakong
Published: September 2014

Aim

The aim of this study was to explore the effects of prenatal fetal diagnoses of non‐lethal anomalies on the psychological well‐being of pregnant women throughout their pregnancy.

Materials and Methods

Fifty‐five pregnant women were asked to complete a questionnaire (the Spielberger State–Trait Anxiety Inventory) to assess their anxiety levels at multiple follow‐up visits. In‐depth interviews were conducted with 20 pregnant women after completion of the questionnaire.

Results

We identified three stages of psychological distress. The intense negative psychological reaction stage was characterized by an intense psychological distress in response to the loss of an ideal child. The psychological healing stage was characterized by the emergence of coping mechanisms and a concomitant decrease in psychological distress. Finally, the intense negative psychological reaction re‐emergence stage was characterized by an increase in psychological distress related to uncertainty regarding the future of the baby.

Conclusions

Following a prenatal diagnosis of a non‐lethal anomaly, both the nature and the intensity of the psychological distress experienced by pregnant women change throughout the remainder of their pregnancy. Throughout the remainder of their pregnancy, these women should be offered effective psychological support that accounts for each of the distinct psychological response stages identified in this study.
Successful pregnancy in a Peutz–Jeghers syndrome patient with lobular endocervical glandular hyperplasia
Authors: Takei Yuji , Fujiwara Hiroyuki , Nagashima Tomomi , Takahashi Yoshifumi , Takahashi Suzuyo , Suzuki Mitsuaki
Published: September 2014

Lobular endocervical glandular hyperplasia (LEGH) is histologically similar to minimal deviation adenocarcinoma (MDA), but classified as a benign disease. Although MDA often develops in Peutz–Jeghers syndrome (PJS) patients, there have been only a few reports on PJS with LEGH. We report a PJS patient who was diagnosed with LEGH by conization and delivered a baby 42 months later. She was referred to our department for multicystic lesions in the uterine cervix at 26 years old. Diagnostic conization was performed, and the histopathological diagnosis was LEGH. As the possibility of MDA could not be ruled out because of concomitant PJS, hysterectomy was considered. However, course observation was selected because the patient strongly wished to preserve fertility. She delivered a baby at 30 years old. The finding that PJS patients may be complicated by LEGH is very important. Loss of fertility by over‐treatment should be avoided if patients desire its preservation.
Crude oil price dynamics and transmission mechanism of the macroeconomic indicators inNigeria
Authors: Omojolaibi Joseph Ayoola
Published: September 2014

The preoccupation of this study is to investigate the dynamic impacts of crude oil price on the economic growth of Nigeria. The technique of estimation used in this study is the structural vector autoregressive type. This method is applied to articulate the transmission mechanism of macroeconomic effects of domestic price level, economic output, money supply and volatile crude oil price in Nigeria. The study sample covers the period between 1985 and 2010. The data used are on a quarterly basis. The results of both the impulse response functions and the forecast error variance decompositions indicate that domestic shocks are responsible for a reasonable portion of crude oil price fluctuations. Although crude oil price volatility has significant positive impacts on economic output, however, money supply shocks are the main cause of gross domestic product fluctuations. This study concludes that crude oil price has very important impact on the Nigerian economy and the monetary policy is the channel through which this impact transmits.
Model plant systems in salinity and drought stress proteomics studies: a perspective on Arabidopsis and Sorghum
Authors: Ngara R. , Ndimba B. K.
Published: September 2014

More than a decade after the sequencing of its genome, Arabidopsis still stands as the epitome of a model system in plant biology. Arabidopsis proteomics has also taught us great lessons on different aspects of plant growth, development and physiology. Without doubt our understanding of basic principles of plant biology would not have been this advanced if it were not for knowledge gained using Arabidopsis as a model system. However, with the projections of global climate change and rapid population growth, it is high time we evaluate the applicability of this model system in studies aimed at understanding abiotic stress tolerance and adaptation, with a particular emphasis on maintaining yield under hot and dry environmental conditions. Because of the innate nature of sorghum's tolerance to drought and moderate tolerance to salinity stresses, we believe sorghum is the next logical model system in such studies amongst cereals. In this acute view, we highlight the importance of Arabidopsis as a model system, briefly discuss its potential limitations in drought and salt stress studies, and present our views on the potential usefulness of sorghum as a model system for cereals in drought and salinity stress proteomic studies.
The influence of flavonoids in maize pericarp on fusarium ear rot symptoms and fumonisin accumulation under field conditions
Authors: Venturini G. , Toffolatti S. L. , Assante G. , Babazadeh L. , Campia P. , Fasoli E. , Salomoni D. , Vercesi A.
Published: September 2014

Breeding efforts have been undertaken to increase resistance of maize to fusarium ear rot (FER) and to fumonisin accumulation. Flavonoids in the pericarp of the kernels are considered particularly able to reduce the fumonisin accumulation. The aim of this 2‐year field study was to assess the effect of flavonoids on FER symptoms and fumonisin contamination in maize kernels using two isogenic hybrids, one providing pigmentation in the pericarp (P1‐rr) and the other without it (P1‐wr). FER incidence (FERi), FER severity (FERs), the incidence of infections caused by Fusarium spp. in symptomless kernels (FF) and fumonisin contamination (FUM) were assessed in both hybrids. Significant differences between the two hybrids were detected mainly in 2012 trials where P1‐rr showed lower FERi (P < 0·01), FF (P < 0·05) and FUM (P < 0·1) than P1‐wr. Site, characterized by local temperature and precipitation, played a relevant role in modelling all the measured variables, as its effect was highly significant in both years, whether they were considered individually or altogether. The interaction of hybrid with location was a significant (P < 0·001) source of variation only for FF. FF, together with FERi, was also significantly (P < 0·001) influenced by the interaction of hybrid with year. In general, FUM was more influenced by year and location parameters, such as temperatures during late ripening, than by flavonoid presence in kernel pericarp. The results indicate that flavonoid pigments alone may not be an important component in the resistance of maize to fumonisin accumulation.
Effect of nitrogenous resource on growth, biochemical composition and ultrastructure of Isochrysis galbana (Isochrysidales, Haptophyta)
Authors: Roopnarain Ashira , Sym Stuart , Gray Vincent Myles
Published: September 2014

The nitrogenous resource used to promote algal growth has cost implications for mass culture processes. The present study therefore aimed to determine the effect of different nitrogenous resources (nitrate, ammonium and urea) on various performance parameters (growth, final cell yield, pigmentation, lipid yield and cellular and sub‐cellular characteristics) in Isochrysis galbana. Growth rate was unaffected by nitrogenous resource, but the final cellular yield in the nitrate and urea treatments far exceeded that evident in the ammonium treatments. The reduced cell yield in ammonium treatments and the earlier onset of the stationary phase was brought about by nitrogen‐starvation due to an increase in pH and resultant ammonia volatilization. This starvation initiated an early onset of lipid accumulation, chlorophyll depletion and an increase in the carotenoid to chlorophyll ratio relative to the other nitrogen (N) source treatments. Hence, in spite of being potentially the preferred source of N by algae (due to its reduced state), ammonium‐nitrogen is undesirable for mass culture. The performance parameters of Isochrysis grown in urea (an organic N source) and nitrate (an inorganic N source) were similar, but lipid accrued earlier in cells grown in medium supplemented with urea. This is advantageous for lipid acquisition for the production of biodiesel since it would reduce the duration of photobioreactor runs. Urea is easily available and considerably cheaper than all the other N sources tested and is thus recommended as the nitrogenous resource for large‐scale culture of I. galbana for biodiesel production.
Distribution of airway smooth muscle remodelling in asthma: Relation to airway inflammation
Authors: Elliot John G. , Jones Robyn L. , Abramson Michael J. , Green Francis H. , Mauad Thais , McKay Karen O. , Bai Tony R. , James Alan L.
Published: September 2014

Background and objective

Pathological phenotypes of asthma have been based predominantly on inflammation, rather than airway wall remodelling. Differences in the distribution of airway smooth muscle (ASM) remodelling between large and small airways may affect clinical outcomes in asthma. The aim of this study was to examine the distribution of ASM remodelling and its relation to airway inflammation.

Methods

Post‐mortem cases of asthma (n = 68) were categorized by the distribution of increased thickness of the ASM layer (relative to nonasthmatic controls, n = 37), into ‘large only’ (LO, n = 15), ‘small only’ (SO, n = 4) ‘large/small’ (LS, n = 24) or no increase (NI, n = 25). Subject characteristics, ASM and airway wall dimensions and inflammatory cell numbers were compared between groups.

Results

Apart from reduced clinical severity of asthma in NI cases (P = 0.002), subject characteristics did not distinguish asthma groups. Compared with control subjects, ASM cell number, reticular basement membrane thickness, airway wall thickness, percent muscle shortening and eosinophil number were increased (P < 0.05) in both large and small airways in LS cases and only the large airways in LO cases. Increased numbers of neutrophils were observed only in the small airways of LO cases.

Conclusions

Distinct distributions of ASM remodelling are seen in asthma. Pathology limited to the small airways was uncommon. Increased thickness of the ASM layer was associated with airway remodelling and eosinophilia, but not neutrophilia. These data support the presence of distinct pathological phenotypes based on the site of increased ASM.
Pulmonary physiology: Future directions for lung function testing in COPD
Authors: Brusasco Vito , Barisione Giovanni , Crimi Emanuele
Published: September 2014

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a term that encompasses different pathological conditions having excessive airflow limitation in common. A wide body of knowledge has been accumulated over the last century explaining the mechanisms by which airway (chronic bronchitis) and parenchymal (emphysema) diseases lead to an indistinguishable spirometric abnormality. Although the definition of emphysema is anatomical, early studies showed that its presence can be inferred with good approximation from measurements of lung mechanics and gas exchange, in addition to simple spirometry. Studies using tests of ventilation distribution showed that abnormalities are present in smokers with normal spirometry, although these tests were not predictive of development of COPD. At the beginning of the third millennium, new documents and guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of COPD were developed, in which the functional diagnosis of COPD was restricted, for the sake of simplicity, to simple spirometry. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in separating bronchitic from emphysematous phenotype of COPD. For this purpose, high‐resolution computed tomography scanning has been added to diagnostic work‐up. At the same time, methods for lung function testing have been refined and seem promising for detection of early small airways abnormalities. Among them are the forced oscillation technique and the nitrogen phase III slope analysis of the multiple‐breath washout test, which may provide information on ventilation inhomogeneity. Moreover, the combined assessment of diffusing capacity for nitric oxide and carbon monoxide may be more sensitive than the latter alone for partitioning diffusive components at parenchymal level.
Sample Size Allocation for Food Item Radiation Monitoring and Safety Inspection
Authors: Seto Mayumi , Uriu Koichiro
Published: September 2014

The objective of this study is to identify a procedure for determining sample size allocation for food radiation inspections of more than one food item to minimize the potential risk to consumers of internal radiation exposure. We consider a simplified case of food radiation monitoring and safety inspection in which a risk manager is required to monitor two food items, milk and spinach, in a contaminated area. Three protocols for food radiation monitoring with different sample size allocations were assessed by simulating random sampling and inspections of milk and spinach in a conceptual monitoring site. Distributions of 131I and radiocesium concentrations were determined in reference to 131I and radiocesium concentrations detected in Fukushima prefecture, Japan, for March and April 2011. The results of the simulations suggested that a protocol that allocates sample size to milk and spinach based on the estimation of 131I and radiocesium concentrations using the apparent decay rate constants sequentially calculated from past monitoring data can most effectively minimize the potential risks of internal radiation exposure.
Risk Analysis of Dust Explosion Scenarios Using Bayesian Networks
Authors: Yuan Zhi , Khakzad Nima , Khan Faisal , Amyotte Paul
Published: September 2014

In this study, a methodology has been proposed for risk analysis of dust explosion scenarios based on Bayesian network. Our methodology also benefits from a bow‐tie diagram to better represent the logical relationships existing among contributing factors and consequences of dust explosions. In this study, the risks of dust explosion scenarios are evaluated, taking into account common cause failures and dependencies among root events and possible consequences. Using a diagnostic analysis, dust particle properties, oxygen concentration, and safety training of staff are identified as the most critical root events leading to dust explosions. The probability adaptation concept is also used for sequential updating and thus learning from past dust explosion accidents, which is of great importance in dynamic risk assessment and management. We also apply the proposed methodology to a case study to model dust explosion scenarios, to estimate the envisaged risks, and to identify the vulnerable parts of the system that need additional safety measures.
The importance of multidisciplinary healthcare for paraneoplastic pemphigus
Authors: Zamel Ghada Al , Micheletti Robert G. , Nasta Sunita D. , Palakshappa Jessica , Stoopler Eric T.
Published: September 2014

Paraneoplastic pemphigus (PNP) is a mucocutaneous disease that occurs in association with an underlying neoplasm. Oral mucosal lesions may be the only manifestation of this condition, or they may be observed in association with cutaneous lesions. The prognosis of PNP is generally poor, and the disease is often fatal. This article highlights an aggressive case of PNP that initially presented with oral mucosal lesions and emphasizes the importance of a multidisciplinary approach for evaluation and management of this condition.
Personality traits measured at baseline can predict academic performance in upper secondary school three years late
Authors: Rosander Pia , Bäckström Martin
Published: September 2014

The aim of the present study was to explore the ability of personality to predict academic performance in a longitudinal study of a Swedish upper secondary school sample. Academic performance was assessed throughout a three‐year period via final grades from the compulsory school and upper secondary school. The Big Five personality factors (Costa & McCrae, ) – particularly Conscientiousness and Neuroticism – were found to predict overall academic performance, after controlling for general intelligence. Results suggest that Conscientiousness, as measured at the age of 16, can explain change in academic performance at the age of 19. The effect of Neuroticism on Conscientiousness indicates that, as regarding getting good grades, it is better to be a bit neurotic than to be stable. The study extends previous work by assessing the relationship between the Big Five and academic performance over a three‐year period. The results offer educators avenues for improving educational achievement.
Implementing large‐scale programmes to optimise the health workforce in low‐ and middle‐income settings: a multicountry case study synthesis
Authors: Gopinathan Unni , Lewin Simon , Glenton Claire
Published: September 2014

Objectives

To identify factors affecting the implementation of large‐scale programmes to optimise the health workforce in low‐ and middle‐income countries.

Methods

We conducted a multicountry case study synthesis. Eligible programmes were identified through consultation with experts and using Internet searches. Programmes were selected purposively to match the inclusion criteria. Programme documents were gathered via Google Scholar and PubMed and from key informants. The SURE Framework – a comprehensive list of factors that may influence the implementation of health system interventions – was used to organise the data. Thematic analysis was used to identify the key issues that emerged from the case studies.

Results

Programmes from Brazil, Ethiopia, India, Iran, Malawi, Venezuela and Zimbabwe were selected. Key system‐level factors affecting the implementation of the programmes were related to health worker training and continuing education, management and programme support structures, the organisation and delivery of services, community participation, and the sociopolitical environment.

Conclusions

Existing weaknesses in health systems may undermine the implementation of large‐scale programmes to optimise the health workforce. Changes in the roles and responsibilities of cadres may also, in turn, impact the health system throughout.
Arabidopsis gulliver1/superroot2‐7 identifies a metabolic basis for auxin and brassinosteroid synergy
Authors: Maharjan Puna M. , Dilkes Brian P. , Fujioka Shozo , Pěnčík Aleš , Ljung Karin , Burow Meike , Halkier Barbara A. , Choe Sunghwa
Published: September 2014

Phytohormone homeostasis is essential for proper growth and development of plants. To understand the growth mechanisms mediated by hormonal levels, we isolated a gulliver1 (gul1) mutant that had tall stature in the presence of both brassinazole and the light. The gul1 phenotype depended on functional BR biosynthesis; the genetic introduction of dwarf4, a BR biosynthetic mutation, masked the long hypocotyl phenotype of gul1. Furthermore, BR biosynthesis was dramatically enhanced, such that the level of 22‐hydroxy campesterol was 5.8‐fold greater in gul1. Molecular cloning revealed that gul1 was a missense mutation, resulting in a glycine to arginine change at amino acid 116 in SUPERROOT2 (CYP83B1), which converts indole acetaldoxime to an S‐alkyl thiohydroximate adduct in the indole glucosinolate pathway. Auxin metabolite profiling coupled with quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) analysis of auxin biosynthetic genes revealed that gul1/sur2‐7 activated multiple alternative branches of tryptophan‐dependent auxin biosynthetic pathways. Furthermore, exogenous treatment of gul1/sur2‐7 with BRs caused adventitious roots from hypocotyls, indicative of an increased response to BRs relative to wild‐type. Different from severe alleles of sur2, gul1/sur2‐7 lacked ‘high‐auxin’ phenotypes that include stunted growth and callus‐like disintegration of hypocotyl tissues. The auxin level in gul1/sur2‐7 was only 1.6‐fold greater than in the wild‐type, whereas it was 4.2‐fold in a severe allele like sur2‐8. Differences in auxin content may account for the range of phenotypes observed among the sur2 alleles. This unusual allele provides long‐sought evidence for a synergistic interaction between auxin and BRs in promoting growth in Arabidopsis at the level of their biosynthetic enzymes.
Characterization of stress‐responsive lncRNAs in Arabidopsis thaliana by integrating expression, epigenetic and structural features
Authors: Di Chao , Yuan Jiapei , Wu Yue , Li Jingrui , Lin Huixin , Hu Long , Zhang Ting , Qi Yijun , Gerstein Mark B. , Guo Yan , Lu Zhi John
Published: September 2014

Recently, in addition to poly(A)+ long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs), many lncRNAs without poly(A) tails, have been characterized in mammals. However, the non‐polyA lncRNAs and their conserved motifs, especially those associated with environmental stresses, have not been fully investigated in plant genomes. We performed poly(A)− RNA‐seq for seedlings of Arabidopsis thaliana under four stress conditions, and predicted lncRNA transcripts. We classified the lncRNAs into three confidence levels according to their expression patterns, epigenetic signatures and RNA secondary structures. Then, we further classified the lncRNAs to poly(A)+ and poly(A)− transcripts. Compared with poly(A)+ lncRNAs and coding genes, we found that poly(A)− lncRNAs tend to have shorter transcripts and lower expression levels, and they show significant expression specificity in response to stresses. In addition, their differential expression is significantly enriched in drought condition and depleted in heat condition. Overall, we identified 245 poly(A)+ and 58 poly(A)− lncRNAs that are differentially expressed under various stress stimuli. The differential expression was validated by qRT‐PCR, and the signaling pathways involved were supported by specific binding of transcription factors (TFs), phytochrome‐interacting factor 4 (PIF4) and PIF5. Moreover, we found many conserved sequence and structural motifs of lncRNAs from different functional groups (e.g. a UUC motif responding to salt and a AU‐rich stem‐loop responding to cold), indicated that the conserved elements might be responsible for the stress‐responsive functions of lncRNAs.
Residual risk and retrospective analysis of transfusion‐transmitted bacterial infection reported by the French National Hemovigilance Network from 2000 to 2008
Authors: Lafeuillade Bruno , Eb François , Ounnoughene Nadra , Petermann Rachel , Daurat Gérald , Huyghe Gérard , Vo Mai Mai‐Phuong , Caldani Cyril , Rebibo Danielle , Weinbreck Pierre
Published: September 2014

Background

Regarding blood safety, transfusion‐transmitted bacterial infection (TTBI) remains the most frequent infectious risk. The incidence of these episodes needs to be assessed and updated frequently to accurately manage this risk.

Study Design and Methods

TTBIs were reported by the French network of local correspondents in each hospital and blood center. The regional coordinator managed the investigation. A multidisciplinary expert group from the French National Agency of Medicine and Health Products Safety (ANSM) analyzed each TTBI according to a standardized scale of imputability and severity. Only cases with likely or certain imputability are reported in this study.

Results

In France, 18.0 × 106 red blood cell (RBC) products, 1.94 × 106 platelet concentrates (PCs), and 2.44 × 106 fresh‐frozen plasma units were transfused throughout 2000 to 2008. The incidence of TTBI was 2.45, 24.7, and 0.39 per million blood components (BCs), PCs, and RBCs, respectively. For PCs, the incidences of severe (vital threat or death) and fatal TTBI were 13.4 and 5.14 per million, respectively. PCs were responsible for 87% of TTBIs. A total of 66.7% of the implicated bacteria were Gram positive, most of them belonging to the normal skin flora. A total of 33.3% of the other implicated bacteria were Gram negative.

Conclusion

The French hemovigilance system provides an accurate estimate of the TTBI incidence during a period with diversion and improving skin disinfection but without bacterial detection screening. This tool would be able to evaluate further additional safety procedures like bacterial screening and pathogen reduction technology.
Phylogeography of the black flySimulium aureohirtum(Diptera: Simuliidae) in Thailand
Authors: Thaijarern Jiraporn , Sopaladawan Piyamas Nanork , Wongpakam Komgrit , Pramual Pairot
Published: September 2014

The black fly Simulium aureohirtum Brunetti (Diptera: Simuliidae) is geographically widespread and utilizes diverse habitats. Previous studies revealed high genetic diversity, suggesting that this species could be a species complex. In this study, we used mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase II sequences to examine genetic structure and demographic history of S. aureohirtum in Thailand. High level of genetic variation was observed due to the existence of genetically divergent lineages (A, B, and C). Lineages A and C were geographically widespread, while lineage B was geographically restricted to the eastern part of Thailand. The geographic localization of lineage B suggested limitations in gene flow, which is most likely a result of ecologically different habitats. Large genetic differences between individuals of lineages A and C, but geographically sympatric distributions of the members of these lineages, are considered to represent an admixture of the populations that have evolved allopatrically. Historical environmental change during the Pleistocene glaciations is possibly the factor that drove the lineage divergence. Population demographic history analyses revealed recent population expansions in the three lineages dating back to the last glaciations. These observations further highlight the significance of the Pleistocene climatic change on current genetic structure and diversity of living organisms of the Southeast Asian mainland.
Exclusive queueing processes and their application to traffic systems
Authors: Arita Chikashi , Schadschneider Andreas
Published: September 2014

Pedestrian queues like those observed at ticket counters or supermarket checkouts are usually described by classical queueing theory. However, models like the M/M/1 queue neglect the internal structure (density profile) of the queue by focussing on the system length as the only dynamical variable. This is different in the Exclusive Queueing Process (EQP) in which the queue is considered on a microscopic level. It is equivalent to a Totally Asymmetric Exclusion Process (TASEP) of varying length. The EQP has a surprisingly rich phase diagram with respect to the arrival probability α and the service probability β. The behavior on the phase transition line is much more complex than for the TASEP with a fixed system length. It is nonuniversal and depends strongly on the update procedure used. In this paper, we review the main properties of the EQP and its applications to pedestrian dynamics, vehicular traffic and biological systems. We also mention extensions of the EQP and some related models.
Sparse stabilization and control of alignment models
Authors: Caponigro Marco , Fornasier Massimo , Piccoli Benedetto , Trélat Emmanuel
Published: September 2014

Starting with the seminal papers of Reynolds (1987), Vicsek et al. (1995), Cucker–Smale (2007), there has been a lot of recent works on models of self-alignment and consensus dynamics. Self-organization has so far been the main driving concept of this research direction. However, the evidence that in practice self-organization does not necessarily occur (for instance, the achievement of unanimous consensus in government decisions) leads to the natural question of whether it is possible to externally influence the dynamics in order to promote the formation of certain desired patterns. Once this fundamental question is posed, one is also faced with the issue of defining the best way of obtaining the result, seeking for the most "economical" way to achieve a certain outcome. Our paper precisely addressed the issue of finding the sparsest control strategy in order to lead us optimally towards a given outcome, in this case the achievement of a state where the group will be able by self-organization to reach an alignment consensus. As a consequence, we provide a mathematical justification to the general principle according to which "sparse is better": in order to achieve group consensus, a policy maker not allowed to predict future developments should decide to control with stronger action the fewest possible leaders rather than trying to act on more agents with minor strength. We then establish local and global sparse controllability properties to consensus. Finally, we analyze the sparsity of solutions of the finite time optimal control problem where the minimization criterion is a combination of the distance from consensus and of the ℓ1-norm of the control. Such an optimization models the situation where the policy maker is actually allowed to observe future developments. We show that the lacunarity of sparsity is related to the codimension of certain manifolds in the space of cotangent vectors.