bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship of Red Cell Distribution Width With the Presence and Severity of Preeclampsia
Authors: Kurt Raziye Keskin , Aras Zinnur , Silfeler Dilek Benk , Kunt Cigdem , Islimye Mine , Kosar Ozlem
Published: June 2013

Aim:

Although the relationship between red cell distribution width (RDW) and hypertension has been well documented, there is an absence of data on the association between RDW and preeclampsia. In the present study, we have aimed to investigate the correlation of RDW with preeclampsia and its severity.

Methods:

The study population consisted of 52 (35 mild and 17 severe) patients with preeclampsia and 50 control pregnancy patients. For the entire study population, baseline RDW was measured using an automatic blood counter.

Results:

Although there were no significant differences between the preeclampsia group and the control group in terms of hemoglobin and platelet counts, the RDW (14.1 ± 1.1 vs 16.9 ± 1.7, P < .001), systolic and diastolic blood pressure, proteinuria, white blood cell, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels were significantly higher in the preeclampsia group. Moreover, subgroup analysis revealed that RDW levels were significantly increased in patients with severe preeclampsia when compared to the patients with mild preeclampsia (18 ± 1.5 vs 16.4 ± 1.5, P < .001).

Conclusion:

Our study results revealed that RDW levels were associated with both the presence and the severity of preeclampsia.
Effect of concentration temperature on some bioactive compounds and antioxidant proprieties of date syrup
Authors: Abbès Fatma , Besbes Souhail , Brahim Bchir , Kchaou Wissal , Attia Hamadi , Blecker Christophe
Published: June 2013

The effect of the concentration temperature on the antioxidant activity, carotenoid and phenolic compounds of date syrup was investigated. Date juice was concentrated at 100 ℃ and at “60 ℃ in vacuum”. After concentration, total phenolic, tannin, non-tannin, flavonoid and carotenoid content were determined spectrophotometrically and high-performance liquid chromatography was used for determination of 5-Hydroxymethyl-2-furfuraldehyde content. The antioxidant activity of date syrup was evaluated by various antioxidant methods including total antioxidant, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free radical scavenging test, ferric reducing antioxidant power and β-carotene bleaching. All date syrups showed strong antioxidant activity accompanied by high total phenolic contents. Results showed that concentration at 100 ℃ significantly enhanced the antioxidant activities and total phenolic contents of date syrups compared to vacuum concentration at 60 ℃. A good correlation between the antioxidant activity and total phenolic content and flavonoid was observed.
Optimization of composite flour biscuits by mixture response surface methodology
Authors: Okpala Laura C , Okoli Eric C
Published: June 2013

Biscuits were produced from blends of pigeon pea, sorghum and cocoyam flours. The study was carried out using mixture response surface methodology as the optimization technique. Using the simplex centroid design, 10 formulations were obtained. Protein and sensory quality of the biscuits were analyzed. The sensory attributes studied were appearance, taste, texture, crispness and general acceptability, while the protein quality indices were biological value and net protein utilization. The results showed that while the addition of pigeon pea improved the protein quality, its addition resulted in reduced sensory ratings for all the sensory attributes with the exception of appearance. Some of the biscuits had sensory ratings, which were not significantly different ( p > 0.05) from biscuits made with wheat. Rat feeding experiments indicated that the biological value and net protein utilization values obtained for most of the biscuits were above minimum recommended values. Optimization suggested biscuits containing 75.30% sorghum, 0% pigeon pea and 24.70% cocoyam flours as the best proportion of these components. This sample received good scores for the sensory attributes.
Improvement of cloud stability, yield and β-carotene content of carrot juice by process modification
Authors: Yu Li Juan , Rupasinghe HP Vasantha
Published: June 2013

This study investigated the effects of three processing factors, acid blanching, centrifugation and dynamic high pressure homogenization, on cloud stability of carrot juice. Results indicated that the optimum processing condition for stabilized carrot juice were with dynamic high pressure homogenization at 100 MPa combined with 2% citric acid blanching at 95–100 ℃ for 2 min followed by 2000 r/min centrifugation for 10 min. The improvement of juice yield was also investigated using a pre-treatment of three commercial enzymes: Pectinex 3XL® (pectinase), Celluclast 1.5 L® (cellulase) and Novozyme 188™ (β-glucosidase). The combination of 0.1 g/kg of Pectinex 3XL®, 0.1 g/kg of Celluclast 1.5 L® and 0.1 g/kg of Novozyme 188™ at 50 ℃ and pH 4.0 for 90 min was the most effective condition to improve carrot juice yield from 49% to 67%. The enzymatic treatment increased juice total soluble solids from 7.5 to 8.9°Brix and β-carotene content from 21.4 to 33.7 mg/kg.
Survival of acid adapted and non-acid adapted Salmonella Typhimurium in pasteurized orange juice and yogurt under different storage temperatures
Authors: Álvarez-Ordóñez Avelino , Valdés Lorena , Bernardo Ana , Prieto Miguel , López Mercedes
Published: June 2013

The survival capacity of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium acid adapted and non-acid adapted cells was monitored in pasteurized yogurt (pH 4.1) and orange juice (pH 3.6) during storage at different temperatures (4, 10, 25 and 37 ℃). Acid adapted and non-acid adapted cells were obtained by means of their growth for 36 h in Brain Heart Infusion broth acidified at pH 4.8 with citric acid and buffered (pH 7.0) Brain Heart Infusion broth, respectively. S. typhimurium showed a great ability to survive in both foodstuffs and, especially, in yogurt, where both acid adapted and non-acid adapted populations suffered only a reduction of about 1.3–1.9 log10 cycles after 43 days of storage in the range of temperatures 4–25 ℃. At 37 ℃ a higher bacterial inactivation was observed (4.0–4.4 log10 cycles). In orange juice, a different behaviour was observed for acid-adapted and non-acid adapted cells. Whereas non-acid adapted cells survived better than acid adapted cells at 4 and 10 ℃, acid adapted cells showed enhanced survival abilities at higher temperatures (25 and 37 ℃). Thus, the times required to achieve a 5 log10 cycles reduction for non-acid adapted and acid adapted cells were 10.2 and 6.0 (4 ℃), 6.3 and 4.2 (10 ℃), 0.6 and 1.0 (25 ℃) and 0.10 and 0.15 (37 ℃) days, respectively. Evidence found in this study demonstrates that refrigeration temperatures protect S. typhimurium from inactivation in acid foods and indicates that S. typhimurium acid tolerance response (ATR) is determined by storage temperature and food composition.
Related physicochemical properties to microstructure of hard and soft wheat grains with different kernel thickness and specific density
Authors: Li Yinian , Wang Jun , Xie Weizhong , Lu Daxin , Ding Weimin
Published: June 2013

Physicochemical properties of wheat grains with largest kernel thickness always was lowest than the other sections, examination of microstructure of wheat grains can help us understand this phenomena. Two varieties of wheat, soft white winter wheat Yangmai 11 and hard white winter wheat Zhengmai 9023, were fractionated into five sections by kernel thickness. Then the fractionated wheat grains in 2.7–3.0 mm section were separated into three fractions by kernel specific density sequentially. Microstructure of the fractured surface were evaluated at different scale level to two varieties wheat with different kernel thickness and specific density by using environmental scanning electron microscopy. Compactness and size of endosperm cell tended to decrease with decreasing wheat kernel thickness and specific density. Protein matrix tended to increase with decreasing wheat kernel thickness and specific density. Size of starch granules and proportion for different type starch granules also varied with different wheat kernel thickness and specific density. Those microstructure properties of the fractured surface, formation of endosperm cells, protein matrix and starch granules were close related to rheological properties and pasting properties of wheat grains.
Natural extracts versus sodium ascorbate to extend the shelf life of meat-based ready-to-eat meals
Authors: Price Alejandra , Díaz Pedro , Bañón Sancho , Garrido Maria Dolores
Published: June 2013

The effect of grape seed and green tea extracts was compared with effect of sodium ascorbate on bacterial spoilage, lipid stability and sensory quality in cooked pork meatballs during refrigerated storage. Meatballs were stored at 4 ℃ in aerobic packaging for 0, 4, 8, 12 and 16 days under retail display conditions. Lipid oxidation was evaluated as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, volatile compounds and cholesterol oxidation products. Colour stability was assessed through CIELab parameters. Microbiological spoilage was determined through total viable, mould and yeast and coliform counts. The samples containing green tea and grape seed extracts showed lower levels of thiobarbituric acid reacting substances, major volatile compounds and microbiological counts than the samples with sodium ascorbate. Formation of cholesterol oxidation products was also inhibited to a greater extent. Colour of meatballs and pork meatballs was not affected by refrigerated storage; however, the addition of extracts provided brown shades. The addition of antioxidants did not modify the sensory attributes except for the colour. Green tea and grape seed extracts were more effective than sodium ascorbate at preventing lipid oxidation.
Factorial Validity of the ADHD Adult Symptom Rating Scale in a French Community Sample
Authors: Morin Alexandre J. S. , Tran Antoine , Caci Hervé
Published: June 2013

Objective: Recent publications reported that a bifactor model better represented the underlying structure of ADHD than classical models, at least in youth. The Adult ADHD Symptoms Rating Scale (ASRS) has been translated into many languages, but a single study compared its structure in adults across Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed.; DSM-IV) and International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) classifications. Method: We investigated the factor structure, reliability, and measurement invariance of the ASRS among a community sample of 1,171 adults. Results: Results support a bifactor model, including one general ADHD factor and three specific Inattention, Hyperactivity, and Impulsivity factors corresponding to ICD-10, albeit the Impulsivity specific factor was weakly defined. Results also support the complete measurement invariance of this model across gender and age groups, and that men have higher scores than women on the ADHD G-factor but lower scores on all three S-factors. Conclusion: Results suggest that a total ASRS-ADHD score is meaningful, reliable, and valid in adults. (J. of Att. Dis. 2016; 20(6) 530-541)
First description of Mycobacterium heckeshornense infection in a feline immunodeficiency virus-positive cat
Authors: Elze Julia , Grammel Lukas , Richter Elvira , Aupperle Heike
Published: June 2013

A 13-year-old cat was presented to the veterinary clinic with poor condition, vomiting and a reduced appetite. A painful abdomen was diagnosed because of tension and defence reactions on palpation. Diagnostic laparotomy showed a thickening of the colon and caecal intestinal wall. Histopathological investigation of intestinal biopsies revealed focal severe granulomatous inflammation with numerous acid-fast bacilli in the tela submucosa. The complete blood count test showed a severe lymphopenia and anaemia, and the cat tested positive for feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The cat was euthanased and necropsied. Multifocal granulomatous nodules were present in the intestines, liver and kidneys. The gastric lymph node was markedly enlarged and showed a caseous cut surface. Histopathology revealed a systemic mycobacteriosis affecting intestine, lymph nodes, liver and kidneys. The mycobacterial strain was cultured and determined by its unique 16S rRNA gene sequence as Mycobacterium heckeshornense. This is the first reported case of M heckeshornense in a cat. It was suspected that the disseminated mycobacteriosis was supported by the FIV infection.
Assessing dalfampridine efficacy in the physician’s office
Authors: Raffel JB , Malik O , Nicholas RS
Published: June 2013

Dalfampridine (extended release 4-aminopyridine) is shown in three recent randomised controlled trials to improve walking speed in people with multiple sclerosis; however, the trial literature makes it clear that dalfampridine is effective in only a subset of patients. For the neurologist working in an everyday physician’s office, a key question arises: How to distinguish the few who experience a meaningful clinical benefit, from the many who do not? This question has not yet been adequately addressed in the available literature.
Citizen camera-witnessing: Embodied political dissent in the age of ‘mediated mass self-communication’
Authors: Andén-Papadopoulos Kari
Published: June 2013

This article interrogates the emerging modes of civic engagement connected to the mobile camera-phone, and the ways in which they require us to rethink what it is to bear witness to brutality in the age of fundamentally camera-mediated mass self-publication. I argue that the camera-phone permits entirely new performative rituals of bearing witness, such as dissenting bodies en masse recording their own repression and, via wireless global communication networks, effectively mobilizing this footage as graphic testimony in a bid to produce feelings of political solidarity. Critically, the performance of what I elect to call ‘citizen camera-witnessing’, as exemplified by contemporary street opposition movements including those in Burma, Iran, Egypt, Libya and Syria, derives its potency from the ways it reactivates the idea of martyrdom: that is, from its distinct claim to truth in the name of afflicted people who put their bodies on the line to record the injustice of oppression.
The status of child citizens
Authors: Fowler Timothy
Published: June 2013

This paper considers the place of children within liberal-democratic society and its related political morality. The genesis of the paper is two considerations which are in tension with one another. First, that there must be some point at which children are divided from adults, with children denied the rights which go along with full membership of the liberal community. The justification for the difference in the statue between these two groups must be rooted in some notion of capacities, since these are the only relevant differences between adults and children. Second, that linking an individual's capacities to her status undermines the central liberal commitment of political equality. This dilemma explains what I term the threshold view, which holds that children become adult citizens upon reaching an age of competence and that above this level differences in abilities cease to matter to an individual's status. While this view has attractions, this paper argues that this view must eventually be rejected because of its inability to deal with the actual process of human development. In its place, the paper proposes a modification to this view which sees the threshold constrained by moral demands and applied indirectly to age groups rather than individuals. These constraints preserve the commitment to equality in a way consistent with a plausible view of children's place in society.
Reflections on editing a qualitative journal
Authors: Ruckdeschel Roy , Shaw Ian
Published: June 2013

This article is an in-depth reflection on the author’s 10 year experience of editing a qualitative social work research journal. The process issues of managing authors and reviewers are discussed as are the methodological and theoretical challenges involved in the submission and review process. The article concludes with an assessment of the present status and future direction of the journal.
Emphysematous pyelonephritis: a rare but potentially life-threatening complication of poorly controlled diabetes
Authors: Pojak Katie , Raza Asif , Rafique Akkib , Sandhu Gurinder , Mehta Sanjeev
Published: June 2013

A 50-year-old man with poorly controlled type 1 diabetes presented with a 48-h history of diarrhoea, vomiting and poor appetite. He had recently visited India where he was treated for enteric fever. On admission he was febrile, dehydrated, hypotensive and tachycardic with diffuse abdominal tenderness. Plasma glucose was 56.1 mmol/L, venous pH 7.11, and urinalysis showed significant ketonuria, confirming diabetic ketoacidosis. He was treated with intravenous fixed dose insulin and fluids. In view of his symptoms, an erect chest and abdominal X-ray were performed to exclude small bowel obstruction and perforation respectively. The abdominal X-ray showed a gas density adopting the outline of the right kidney. Computed tomography of the abdomen showed gas within the parenchyma of the right kidney, in keeping with emphysematous pyelonephritis, and also a right sided hydronephrosis and hydroureter. Blood cultures were positive for Enterobacter aerogenes. He was reviewed by the urologists and infectious diseases team, was started on intravenous meropenem and had a percutaneous nephrostomy, drainage of gas from the emphysematous region of the right kidney and ureteric stent insertion. He responded well to treatment and was discharged on a basal bolus insulin regime, with his nephrostomy and drain being removed before discharge. He is under out-patient review by the diabetes, urology and infectious diseases teams. Emphysematous pyelonephritis is a potentially life-threatening complication of poorly controlled diabetes, characterised by bacterial production of gas within the kidney parenchyma. Early diagnosis and multidisciplinary care can lead to good outcomes, avoiding the need for emergency nephrectomy.
Determining Competencies for Frontline Sales Managers in For-Profit Organizations
Authors: Busch Tina K.
Published: June 2013

The Problem

With sales models evolving in response to the changing marketplace, knowing the skills required for sales effectiveness is key to organizational competitive advantage. Frontline sales managers are the most critical role in a productive sales force; however, empirical research focusing on sales manager competence is limited.

The Solution

Understanding the knowledge and skills necessary for success as a frontline sales manager can assist in improving individual, team, and organizational sales performance. This article adds to the knowledge base by providing a frontline sales manager competency model that can serve as a guide for human resources initiatives to increase sales force effectiveness and help bridge the gap between theory and practice.

The Stakeholders

Competency models are valuable across industries, and human resources professionals, senior leaders, sales organizations, and researchers can learn from the findings of this study and adapt them to their context.
Chemopreventive Efficacy of Aegle marmelos on Murine Transplantable Tumors
Authors: George Suraj K. , Radhakrishnan Rajesh , S. Sunil Kumar , T. T. Sreelekha , Balaram Prabha
Published: June 2013

Emerging trends for cancer chemotherapy show promising developments with the better understanding of molecules delivering more potent and powerful capabilities. But these are severely limited because of increased side effects and higher probability of tumor recurrence. In this scenario, putative exploration of the indigenous and untapped resources modulating immune system to deliver adequate but potent chemopreventive effects appeals considerable interest. However, these require rigorous scientific validation with regard to potency compared with the existing drugs. Aegle marmelos (Linnaeus) Correa (family Rutaceae), a plant component of polyherbal formulation, Indukantha Ghritha, is known for its widespread medicinal values. But the chemopreventive potential has not been explored in comparison to existing anticancer agents. Our attempt contributes the scientific evidence for beneficial immunoprophylactic and antitumor functions in mice challenged with ascites tumors, Dalton’s lymphoma ascites, and Ehrlich’s ascites carcinoma either alone or in combination with cyclophosphamide and 5-fluorouracil. Specifically, the petroleum ether extracts of this plant (AMPE) prophylactically activated a cascade of host defense mechanisms by stimulating or restoring total white blood cell count, macrophage phagocytosis, hematopoiesis, lymphocyte proliferation and functions (CD4+ and CD8+) either naturally or under conditions of impaired immunity like in ascites tumor or during standard agent chemotherapy. Overall, AMPE also elicited strong antitumor effects by increasing median survival time and life span, while reducing murine ascites tumor volume and viable tumor counts on par with cyclophosphamide and 5-fluorouracil especially when administered prophylactically. This study also identified 2 putative components, xanthorrhizol and marmelosin, which could be imparting the immunoprophylactic and antitumor effects in transplantable tumor models. Thus, our attempts provide sufficient proof to warrant further to test this drug in higher animal models or in patients with high risk for tumor recurrence and/or immunocompromised diseases.
Metabolic labeling to characterize the overall composition of Francisella lipid A and LPS grown in broth and in human phagocytes
Authors: Barker Jason H , Kaufman Justin W , Zhang De-Sheng , Weiss Jerrold P
Published: June 2013

A hallmark of Francisella tularensis, a highly virulent Gram-negative bacterium, is an unusual LPS that possesses both structural heterogeneity and characteristics that may contribute to innate immune evasion. However, none of the methods yet employed has been sufficient to determine the overall LPS composition of Francisella. We now demonstrate that metabolic labeling of francisellae with [14C]acetate, combined with fractionation of [14C]acetate-labeled lipids by ethanol precipitation rather than hot phenol–water extraction, permits a more sensitive and quantitative appraisal of overall compositional heterogeneity in lipid A and LPS. The majority of lipid A of different francisellae strains grown in diverse bacteriologic media and within human phagocytes accumulated as very hydrophobic species, including free lipid A, with <10% of the lipid A molecules substituted with O-Ag polysaccharides. The spectrum of lipid A and LPS species varied in a medium- and strain-dependent fashion, and growth in THP-1 cells yielded lipid A species that were not present in the same bacteria grown in brain heart infusion broth. In summary, metabolic labeling with [14C]acetate greatly facilitates assessment of the effect of genotypic and/or environmental variables on the synthesis and accumulation of lipid A and LPS by Francisella, including during growth within the cytosol of infected host cells.
Treatment and management of graft-versus-host disease: improving response and survival
Authors: Garnett Catherine , Apperley Jane F. , Pavlů Jiří
Published: June 2013

Graft- versus-host disease (GVHD) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality following allogenic haematopoietic stem-cell transplantation and thus the focus of much ongoing research. Despite considerable advances in our understanding of the pathophysiology, diagnosis and predisposing factors for both acute and chronic forms of the disease, a standardised therapeutic strategy is still lacking. There is good evidence for initial treatment of both acute and chronic forms of the disease with corticosteroid therapy. However, the most effective approach to steroid-refractory disease remains controversial, with current practice based mainly on smaller studies and varying considerably between local institutions. Timely diagnosis, multidisciplinary working and good supportive care, including infection prophylaxis, are clearly important in optimizing response and survival in such patients. It is hoped that in the future systematic research strategies and the identification of novel therapeutic targets may improve outcome further. The following review aims to outline some of the existing options for the treatment and management of acute and chronic GVHD.
Using mixed methods in health research
Authors: Tariq Shema , Woodman Jenny
Published: June 2013

Summary

Mixed methods research is the use of quantitative and qualitative methods in a single study or series of studies. It is an emergent methodology which is increasingly used by health researchers, especially within health services research. There is a growing literature on the theory, design and critical appraisal of mixed methods research. However, there are few papers that summarize this methodological approach for health practitioners who wish to conduct or critically engage with mixed methods studies. The objective of this paper is to provide an accessible introduction to mixed methods for clinicians and researchers unfamiliar with this approach. We present a synthesis of key methodological literature on mixed methods research, with examples from our own work and that of others, to illustrate the practical applications of this approach within health research. We summarize definitions of mixed methods research, the value of this approach, key aspects of study design and analysis, and discuss the potential challenges of combining quantitative and qualitative methods and data. One of the key challenges within mixed methods research is the successful integration of quantitative and qualitative data during analysis and interpretation. However, the integration of different types of data can generate insights into a research question, resulting in enriched understanding of complex health research problems.
Underfunded and Outshone: The Library Profession at ‘A Century of Progress’ International Exposition, Chicago, 1933–1934
Authors: Grossman Hal B
Published: June 2013

‘A Century of Progress’ international exposition was a celebration of science, and its role in improving daily life, staged in 1933, the low point of the Great Depression. The leading exhibits represented large corporations or governments, but there were some library-related exhibits at the fair. This paper examines the exhibits staged or planned by the American Library Association, the Library of Congress, and Time, Incorporated. Unlike Time, Inc., the American Library Association and the Library of Congress were both hampered by a lack of funds. The two library organizations also failed to find a way to incorporate the theme of scientific progress in their exhibits, whereas Time, Inc. succeeded in using a library as an advertisement for its so-called invention, the weekly news magazine.
Evidence-based treatment strategies in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Behr Jürgen
Published: June 2013

Recently updated guidelines have provided revised recommendations, based on the GRADE criteria, for the diagnosis and pharmacological and non-pharmacological management of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Cochrane reviews are also a highly respected and reliable source of evidence-based information that identify and analyse all available data of overall treatment effects from appropriate studies. A recent update of one Cochrane review failed to identify any new evidence supporting the use of corticosteroids in IPF. Another review of data from 15 randomised controlled studies of non-steroid agents for the treatment of IPF identified two trials of interferon-γ-1b suitable for analysis. However, the pooled analysis revealed no treatment effect in terms of survival. A further meta-analysis of three phase III studies of pirfenidone treatment in IPF patients suggested a significant increase in progression-free survival. The interpretation of recent international and national European guideline updates and treatment recommendations, available clinical data from published and ongoing trials investigating potential pharmacological agents, and the individual patient's preferences, must be considered in the clinical management of this disease.
Fine mapping of fatness QTL on porcine chromosome X and analyses of three positional candidate genes
Authors: Ma Junwu , Gilbert Hélène , Iannuccelli Nathalie , Duan Yanyu , Guo Beili , Huang Weibing , Ma Huanban , Riquet Juliette , Bidanel Jean-Pierre , Huang Lusheng , Milan Denis
Published: June 2013

Background

Porcine chromosome X harbors four QTL strongly affecting backfat thickness (BFT), ham weight (HW), intramuscular fat content (IMF) and loin eye area (LEA). The confidence intervals (CI) of these QTL overlap and span more than 30 cM, or approximately 80 Mb. This study therefore attempts to fine map these QTL by joint analysis of two large-scale F2 populations (Large White × Meishan and White Duroc × Erhualian constructed by INRA and JXAU respectively) and furthermore, to determine whether these QTL are caused by mutations in three positional candidate genes (ACSL4, SERPINA7 and IRS4) involved in lipid biosynthesis.

Results

A female-specific linkage map with an average distance of 2 cM between markers in the initial QTL interval (SW2456-SW1943) was created and used here. The CI of QTL for BFT, HW and LEA were narrowed down to 6–7 cM, resulting from the joint analysis. For IMF, two linked QTL were revealed in the INRA population but not in the JXAU population, causing a wider CI (13 cM) for IMF QTL. Linkage analyses using two subsets of INRA F1 dam families demonstrate that the BFT and HW QTL were segregating in the Meishan pigs. Moreover, haplotype comparisons between these dams suggest that within the refined QTL region, the recombination coldspot (~34 Mb) flanked by markers MCSE3F14 and UMNP1218 is unlikely to contain QTL genes. Two SNPs in the ACSL4 gene were identified and showed significant association with BFT and HW, but they and the known polymorphisms in the other two genes are unlikely to be causal mutations.

Conclusion

The candidate QTL regions have been greatly reduced and the QTL are most likely located downstream of the recombination coldspot. The segregation of SSCX QTL for BFT and HW within Meishan breed provides an opportunity for us to make effective use of Meishan chromosome X in crossbreeding. Further studies should attempt to identify the impact of additional DNA sequence (e.g. CNV) and expression variation in the three genes or their surrounding genes on these traits.
Trends in incidence and costs of injuries to the shoulder, arm and wrist in The Netherlands between 1986 and 2008
Authors: Polinder Suzanne , Iordens Gijs IT , Panneman Martien JM , Eygendaal Denise , Patka Peter , Den Hartog Dennis , Van Lieshout Esther MM
Published: June 2013

Background

Upper extremity injuries account for a large proportion of attendances to the Emergency Department. The aim of this study was to assess population-based trends in the incidence of upper extremity injuries in the Dutch population between 1986 and 2008, and to give a detailed overview of the associated health care costs.

Methods

Age-standardized incidence rates of upper extremity injuries were calculated for each year between 1986 and 2008. The average number of people in each of the 5-year age classes for each year of the study was calculated and used as the standard (reference) population. Injury cases were extracted from the National Injury Surveillance System (non-hospitalized patients) and the National Medical Registration (hospitalized patients). An incidence-based cost model was applied in order to estimate associated direct health care costs in 2007.

Results

The overall age-adjusted incidence of upper extremity injuries increased from 970 to 1,098 per 100,000 persons (13%). The highest incidence was seen in young persons and elderly women. Total annual costs for all injuries were 290 million euro, of which 190 million euro were paid for injuries sustained by women. Wrist fractures were the most expensive injuries (83 million euro) due to high incidence, whereas upper arm fractures were the most expensive injuries per case (4,440 euro). Major cost peaks were observed for fractures in elderly women due to high incidence and costs per patient.

Conclusions

The overall incidence of upper extremity injury in the Netherlands increased by 13% in the period 1986–2008. Females with upper extremity fractures and especially elderly women with wrist fractures accounted for a substantial share of total costs.
Modeling the spatial distribution of Chagas disease vectors using environmental variables and people´s knowledge
Authors: Hernández Jaime , Núñez Ignacia , Bacigalupo Antonella , Cattan Pedro E
Published: June 2013

Background

Chagas disease is caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, which is transmitted to mammal hosts by triatomine insect vectors. The goal of this study was to model the spatial distribution of triatomine species in an endemic area.

Methods

Vector’s locations were obtained with a rural householders’ survey. This information was combined with environmental data obtained from remote sensors, land use maps and topographic SRTM data, using the machine learning algorithm Random Forests to model species distribution. We analysed the combination of variables on three scales: 10 km, 5 km and 2.5 km cell size grids.

Results

The best estimation, explaining 46.2% of the triatomines spatial distribution, was obtained for 5 km of spatial resolution. Presence probability distribution increases from central Chile towards the north, tending to cover the central-coastal region and avoiding areas of the Andes range.

Conclusions

The methodology presented here was useful to model the distribution of triatomines in an endemic area; it is best explained using 5 km of spatial resolution, and their presence increases in the northern part of the study area. This study’s methodology can be replicated in other countries with Chagas disease or other vectorial transmitted diseases, and be used to locate high risk areas and to optimize resource allocation, for prevention and control of vectorial diseases.
Mediastinal mature teratoma with complex rupture into the lung, bronchus and skin: a case report
Authors: Serraj Mounia , Lakranbi Marouane , Ghalimi Jamal , Ouadnouni Yassine , Smahi Mohamed
Published: June 2013

Mature teratoma is the most common primary germ cell tumor in the mediastinum. On rare occasions, cystic teratomas rupture in adjacent structures, such as pleural space, pericardium, lung or tracheobronchial tree. We present a case of a mediastinal mature cystic teratoma in 16-year-old female with complex rupture into the lung, bronchus and skin. Mature mediastinal teratoma fistulized to the skin has not been previously described.
Differential Modulation of Nociceptive versus Non-Nociceptive Synapses by Endocannabinoids
Authors: Higgins Alexandra , Yuan Sharleen , Wang Yanqing , Burrell Brian D
Published: June 2013

Background

Although a number of clinical and preclinical studies have demonstrated analgesic effects of cannabinoid treatments, there are also instances when cannabinoids have had no effect or even exacerbated pain. The observed pro-nociceptive effects appear to be due to cannabinoid-induced disinhibition of afferent synaptic input to nociceptive circuits. To better understand how cannabinoid-mediated plasticity can have both pro- and anti-nociceptive effects, we examined the possibility that cannabinoids differentially modulate nociceptive vs. non-nociceptive synapses onto a shared postsynaptic target. These experiments were carried out in the central nervous system (CNS) of the medicinal leech, in which it is possible to intracellularly record from presynaptic nociceptive (N-cell) or pressure-sensitive (P-cell) neurons and their shared postsynaptic targets.

Results

The endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2AG) elicited significant long-lasting depression in nociceptive (N-cell) synapses. However, non-nociceptive (P-cell) synapses were potentiated following 2AG treatment. 2AG-induced potentiation of non-nociceptive synapses was blocked by the TRPV antagonist SB366791, suggesting involvement of the same TRPV-like receptor that has already been shown to mediate endocannabinoid-dependent depression in nociceptive inputs. Treatment with the GABA receptor antagonist bicuculline also blocked 2AG-induced potentiation, consistent with the idea that increased synaptic signaling was the result of endocannabinoid-mediated disinhibition. Interestingly, while bicuculline by itself increased non-nociceptive synaptic transmission, nociceptive synapses were depressed by this GABA receptor antagonist indicating that nociceptive synapses were actually excited by GABAergic input. Consistent with these observations, GABA application depolarized the nociceptive afferent and hyperpolarized the non-nociceptive afferent.

Conclusions

These findings show that endocannabinoids can differentially modulate nociceptive vs. non-nociceptive synapses and that GABAergic regulation of these synapses plays an important role in determining whether endocannabinoids have a potentiating or depressing effect.
The clinical application of array CGH for the detection of chromosomal defects in 20,126 unselected newborns
Authors: Park Sang-Jin , Jung Eun Hye , Ryu Ran-Suk , Kang Hyun Woong , Chung He Doo , Kang Ho-Young
Published: June 2013

Background

Array comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) is a powerful tool for detecting unbalanced chromosomal alterations. To validate the usefulness of array CGH in newborn screening, we examined 20,126 unselected infants. In addition, the number of newborns analyzed with array CGH is the largest one ever reported.

Findings

A total of 20,126 unselected newborns were investigated with array CGH and cytogenetic analyses. The analyses revealed 87 cases with chromosome abnormalities. Of these, 53 cases had significant chromosome aneuploidies, including trisomy 13, trisomy 21, 47,XXY or 45,X, and the other 34 cases presented partial chromosomal deletions or duplications.

Conclusions

In this study, we show that array CGH is an appropriate tool for the screening of chromosomal abnormalities in newborns, especially for the infants without distinct clinical features.
Noncanonical dendritic cell differentiation and survival driven by a bacteremic pathogen
Authors: Miles Brodie , Scisci Elizabeth , Carrion Julio , Sabino Gregory J , Genco Caroline A , Cutler Christopher W
Published: June 2013

Maintenance of blood DC homeostasis is essential to preventing autoimmunity while controlling chronic infection. However, the ability of bacteremic pathogens to directly regulate blood DC homeostasis has not been defined. One such bacteremic pathogen, Porphyromonas gingivalis, is shown by our group to survive within mDCs under aerobic conditions and therein, metastasize from its oral mucosal niche. This is accompanied by expansion of the blood mDC pool in vivo, independently of canonical DC poietins. We presently know little of how this bacteremic pathogen causes blood DC expansion and the pathophysiological significance. This work shows that optimum differentiation of MoDCs from primary human monocytes, with or without GM-CSF/IL-4, is dependent on infection with P. gingivalis strains expressing the DC-SIGN ligand mfa-1. DC differentiation is lost when DC-SIGN is blocked with its ligand HIV gp120 or knocked out by siRNA gene silencing. Thus, we have identified a novel, noncanonical pathway of DC differentiation. We term these PDDCs and show that PDDCs are bona fide DCs, based on phenotype and phagocytic activity when immature and the ability to up-regulate accessory molecules and stimulate allo-CD4+ T cell proliferation when matured. The latter is dependent on the P. gingivalis strain used to initially “educate” PDDCs. Moreover, we show that P. gingivalis-infected, conventional MoDCs become resistant to apoptosis and inflammatory pyroptosis, as determined by levels of Annexin V and caspase-8, -3/7, and -1. Taken together, we provide new insights into how a relatively asymptomatic bacteremia may influence immune homeostasis and promote chronic inflammation.
Abba is an essential TRIM/RBCC protein for maintaining the integrity of sarcomeric cytoarchitecture
Authors: Domsch Katrin , Ezzeddine Nader , Nguyen Hanh T.
Published: June 2013

Organized sarcomeric striations represent an evolutionarily conserved hallmark of functional skeletal muscles. Here, we demonstrate that the Drosophila Abba protein, a member of the TRIM/RBCC superfamily, has a pivotal regulatory role in maintaining proper sarcomeric cytoarchitecture during development and muscle usage. abba mutant embryos initially form muscles, but F-actin and Myosin striations become progressively disrupted when the muscles undergo growth and endure increased contractile forces during larval development. Abnormal Myosin aggregates and myofiber atrophy are also notable in the abba mutants. The larval defects result in compromised muscle function, and hence important morphogenetic events do not occur properly during pupation, leading to lethality. Abba is localized at larval Z-discs, and genetic evidence indicates that abba interacts with α-actinin, kettin/D-titin, and mlp84B, genes that encode important Z-disc proteins for stable myofibrillar organization and optimal muscle function. RNAi experiments and ultrastructural analysis reveal that Abba has an additional crucial role in sarcomere maintenance in adult muscles. Abba is required for ensuring the integrity and function of Z-discs and M-lines. Rescue experiments further show that Abba function is dependent upon its B-box/coiled-coil domain, NHL repeats, and RING finger domain. The importance of these presumed protein-protein interaction and ubiquitin ligase-associated domains supports our hypothesis that Abba is needed for specific protein complex formation and stabilization at Z-discs and M-lines.
Controllable Synthesis of Porous α-Fe2O3 Microtube and Tube-in-tube by Non-coaxial Electrospinning
Authors: Lang Leiming , Xu Zheng
Published: June 2013

We present a facile non-coaxial electrospinning technique to synthesize the porous α-Fe2O3 microtube and tube-in-tube. The possible formation mechanism of different tubular-structure α-Fe2O3 has been proposed. Among the experimental parameters, the heating rate during calcination is a key factor for realizing different α-Fe2O3 structures. The slower heating rate is of benefit to form α-Fe2O3 fiber with tube-in-tube structure. This method is versatile and can be extended to construct other hollow and multitubular metal oxide nanofibers, such as ZrO2, SiO2, SnO2, and In2O3 tube-in-tubes.
Synthesis of Golf-ball-like Polystyrene Microspheres from a Pickering Emulsion Stabilized by Amphiphilic Janus Microspheres
Authors: Xu Yongfei , Ge Xueping , Ji Xiang , Wang Mozhen , Ge Xuewu
Published: June 2013

Novel golf-ball-like polystyrene (PS) microspheres were obtained through γ-ray-radiation-initiated polymerization of styrene (St) monomers in a Pickering emulsion stabilized by amphiphilic snowman-like PS Janus microspheres, which were synthesized via seed emulsion polymerization of St swollen in poly(acrylic acid)-functionalized crosslinked PS (PA-CPS) seed microspheres. It was found that the stability of the Pickering emulsion and the hole size of the golf-ball-like PS microspheres depend on the geometry of the amphiphilic snowman-like PS Janus microspheres, which can be tuned by the weight ratio of the styrene monomer to PA-CPS seed microspheres (wS-CPS). This work provides a simple strategy to synthesize amphiphilic Janus microspheres and opens a new way to prepare polymer microspheres with holes on the surface.
Single-component Magnetic Molecular Conductor [Fe(dmdt)2] (dmdt: dimethyltetrathiafulvalenedithiolate)
Authors: Zhou Biao , Ogura Satomi , Kato Noriko , Idobata Yuki , Kobayashi Akiko , Kobayashi Hayao
Published: June 2013

Molecular metal complexes with interactions between localized spins and conduction electrons are expected to show interesting electronic and magnetic properties. We prepared magnetic molecular conductors of iron complexes with extended TTF ligands and investigated their crystal structures and electronic and magnetic properties, from which we concluded that the single-component molecular iron complex has the dimeric form of [Fe(dmdt)2].
Selective Hydrogenation of Nitroaromatics by Colloidal Iridium Nanoparticles
Authors: Sharif Md J , Maity Prasenjit , Yamazoe Seiji , Tsukuda Tatsuya
Published: June 2013

Poly(N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone) (PVP)-stabilized iridium nanoparticles (Ir NPs) showed high chemoselectivity for hydrogenation of nitroaromatics having –CHO, >C=O, –CN, and –Cl functional groups to afford the corresponding aniline compounds under atmospheric hydrogen at room temperature in aqueous–organic biphasic medium.
Thomas Vicary, barber-surgeon
Authors: Thomas Duncan P
Published: June 2013

An Act of Parliament in 1540 uniting the barbers and surgeons to form the Barber-Surgeons' Company represented an important foundation stone towards better surgery in England. Thomas Vicary, who played a pivotal role in promoting this union, was a leading surgeon in London in the middle of the 16th century. While Vicary made no direct contribution to surgical knowledge, he should be remembered primarily as one who contributed much towards the early organization and teaching of surgery and to the consequent benefits that flowed from this improvement.
Sir Francis Walshe, MD FRS (1885–1973)
Authors: Pearce J M S
Published: June 2013

Born in Ireland, Francis Martin Rouse Walshe studied medicine at University College Hospital. He subsequently practised there and at the National Hospital, Queen Square, London. Early associations with Wilfred Trotter and Sir Victor Horsley encouraged his career in Neurology. Walshe pioneered the descriptive analysis of human reflexes in physiological terms. His flare and outstanding brilliance were rewarded when he was appointed Physician to the National Hospital, Queen Square in 1921 and at University College Hospital in 1924. He published, mainly in Brain (which he edited for many years), weighty papers on the function of the cerebral cortex in relation to movements, and on neural physiology. Walshe is also remembered for his powers of literacy and stringent scientific criticism, which he often displayed with magnificent panache.
Paul Brand (1914–2003): the surgeon who recognized the importance of pain
Authors: Banerjee Ashis
Published: June 2013

Paul Brand was a leading contributor to the study of leprosy, a disease that is a major scourge of the developing world. In the course of his analysis of the deformity associated with leprosy he began to realize the importance of pain as a protective mechanism for which all should be grateful. His studies of biomechanics followed from his analyses of tendon function. Brand's work on leprosy was subsequently extended to other important conditions including diabetes mellitus and spinal cord injury.
Oliver St John Gogarty, MD (1878–1957): quintessential Irish Literary Renaissance figure
Authors: Carter Richard
Published: June 2013

Oliver St John Gogarty (1878–1957) was a quintessential figure of the Irish literary renaissance. He was a successful surgeon, accomplished lyric poet, a man of letters, a senator in the first Irish Free State and a celebrated wit. While pursuing a successful career in ear, nose, and throat (ENT) surgery, Gogarty served a brief, nearly lethal term in politics. He devoted the last several years of his life to a remarkably versatile literary career, the spectrum of his creativity including elegant lyric poetry, autobiographies, biographies, essays, novels and parodies.