bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Glass Hybrid Nanocomposites Containing Metallic Ag–Ga Nanocrystals: Synthesis, Microstructure, and Photoluminescence
Authors: Yin Dewu , Pei Lang , Liu Zhen , Yang Xinyu
Published: September 2014

We present the report on the synthesis, microstructure, and photoluminescence of sodium borosilicate glass hybrid nanocomposites containing metallic Ag–Ga nanocrystals. Metallic Ag–Ga nanocrystals are incorporated into sodium borosilicate glass by sol–gel method plus a controlled atmosphere. The crystal structure of metallic Ag–Ga is identified to be of a cubic phase by means of X‐ray powder diffraction, and the metallic Ag–Ga crystals exist in sodium borosilicate glass as a solid solution. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis shows that the metallic Ag–Ga nanocrystals have spherical shape and good dispersed form in sodium borosilicate glass. The line scanning analysis confirms that these nanocrystals are composed of silver and gallium elements in scanning TEM mode, and the molar ratio of the two elements is close to 1:1. The high‐resolution TEM and selected‐area electron‐diffraction analysis further prove the crystal structure of metallic Ag–Ga nanocrystals. And on this basis, the final glass exhibits an enhanced photoluminescence intensity compared to stiff gel, which was ascribed to the surface plasmon resonance of metallic Ag–Ga nanocrystals.
Whole exome or genome sequencing: nurses need to prepare families for the possibilities
Authors: Prows Cynthia A. , Tran Grace , Blosser Beverly
Published: September 2014

Aims

A discussion of whole exome sequencing and the type of possible results patients and families should be aware of before samples are obtained.

Background

To find the genetic cause of a rare disorder, whole exome sequencing analyses all known and suspected human genes from a single sample. Over 20,000 detected DNA variants in each individual exome must be considered as possibly causing disease or disregarded as not relevant to the person's disease. In the process, unexpected gene variants associated with known diseases unrelated to the primary purpose of the test may be incidentally discovered. Because family members’ DNA samples are often needed, gene variants associated with known genetic diseases or predispositions for diseases can also be discovered in their samples.

Design

Discussion paper.

Data sources

PubMed 2009–2013, list of references in retrieved articles, Google Scholar.

Implications for nursing

Nurses need a general understanding of the scope of potential genomic information that may be revealed with whole exome sequencing to provide support and guidance to individuals and families during their decision‐making process, while waiting for results and after disclosure. Nurse scientists who want to use whole exome sequencing in their study design and methods must decide early in study development if they will return primary whole exome sequencing research results and if they will give research participants choices about learning incidental research results.

Conclusion

It is critical that nurses translate their knowledge about whole exome sequencing into their patient education and patient advocacy roles and relevant programmes of research.
Instruments measuring meaningful learning in undergraduate healthcare students: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Bagnasco Annamaria , Cadorin Lucia , Tolotti Angela , Pagnucci Nicola , Rocco Gennaro , Sasso Loredana
Published: September 2014

Aim

To establish the psychometric properties of instruments to measure learning outcomes in healthcare students.

Background

Meaningful learning is an active process that promotes a wider and deeper understanding of concepts. It is the result of an interaction between new and previous knowledge. Meaningful learning produces a long‐term change in knowledge and skills, which is underpinned by willingness to learn and experience and it is exclusively built by the learner.

Design

Systematic psychometric review protocol developed from Cochrane Effective Practice and Organization of Care guidance.

Method

Searches of MEDLINE, CINAHL, SCOPUS, ERIC, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, Psychology & Behavioral Sciences Collection Database between 1990–2013. Selected studies will be evaluated with the Consensus‐based Standards for the selection of health status Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) checklist. Funding for the review was confirmed on January 2011 by the Centre of Excellence for Nursing Scholarship in Rome.

Results

The systematic review will produce a synthesis of the data related to the instruments that measure learning outcomes. These data will help us decide which tools to use and identify the state of knowledge in this field.

Conclusions

Measuring learning outcomes is very important for the large amount of human and financial resources employed in educating and training health professionals and this requires reliable and valid instruments.
The Effects of the Economic Downturn on Interdependent Buyer–Supplier Relationships
Authors: Krause Daniel , Ellram Lisa M.
Published: September 2014

The management of strategic buyer–supplier relationships is a critical concern for sourcing managers. The selection of key suppliers and how relationships with these suppliers are managed and incentivized can dramatically affect the buying company's performance. While the extant literature focusing on industrial buyer–supplier relationships is significant, the severe economic downturn beginning in 2008 tested buyer–supplier relationships in unprecedented ways, yielding new insights. The research presented in this paper uses dyadic cases to investigate transformations within industrial relationships during the economic downturn. Propositions are formulated that focus on why and how firms responded to the downturn. Three primary types of relationships are identified. The results indicate variation in the ways buying companies managed their key supplier relationships during the downturn: some firms behaved more cooperatively and found ways to jointly confront the effects of the downturn, while others responded by behaving competitively to maximize their individual outcomes. The results further suggest that researchers need to revisit existing models of relationship development and dissolution to understand how these relationships evolve or devolve. The research also raises questions about the value of physical and human asset specificity, and social investments in curtailing opportunistic behavior in times of severe economic stress.
Imaging of collagen deposition disorders using optical coherence tomography
Authors: Ring H.C. , Mogensen M. , Hussain A.A. , Steadman N. , Banzhaf C. , Themstrup L. , Jemec G.B.
Published: September 2014

Background

Collagen deposition disorders such as hypertrophic scars, keloids and scleroderma can be associated with significant stigma and embarrassment. These disorders often constitute considerable impairment to quality of life, with treatment posing to be a substantial challenge. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) provides a non‐invasive, easily applicable bedside optical imaging method for assessment of the skin. It is hypothesized that OCT imaging may be useful in assessing fibrosis to avoid additional biopsies that could potentially worsen the scarring.

Method

Thirty‐three patients with ordinary scars, hypertrophic scars, keloid scarring, lichen sclerosus et atrophicus and localized or systemic scleroderma were recruited for this pilot study. Affected tissue and adjacent healthy skin were scanned using OCT and digitally photographed. Density measurements were performed in ImageJ on OCT images from scleroderma patients, both systemic and morphea (10 patients), keloid patients (10 patients) and healthy skin adjacent to keloids (10 patients).

Results

OCT images of scarring diseases showed varying degrees of disruption to the skin architecture. OCT characteristics were identified for each lesion type. Hypertrophic scars displayed an increased vascularity and signal‐rich bands correlating to excessive collagen deposition. Keloids depicted a disarray of hyper‐reflective areas primarily located in the upper dermis. Additionally, the dermis displayed a heterogeneous morphology without indications of any vascular supply or lymphatic network. In contrast to keloids, scleroderma displayed a more cohesive backscattering indicating a difference in density of collagen or other dermal structures. OCT images demonstrated no significant differences between mean density measurements in OCT images of scleroderma, keloid and healthy skin (P = 0.07).

Conclusion

The OCT imaging appears to identify different scarring mechanisms, and therefore be of potential use in the assessment of outcomes following non‐invasive therapy of e.g. early or progressive lesions.
Oral candidal carriage, salivary lysozyme levels, and their relationship with CD4 count in HIV‐infected patients
Authors: Chandrasekar Lakshmi Krithika , Sankarapandiyan Sathasivasubramanian , Nagalingeswaran Kumarasamy , Kindo Anupama , Ganesan Nalini
Published: August 2014

Aim

The aim of the present study was to compare the lysozyme concentration and candidal count in saliva between HIV‐seropositive and HIV‐negative individuals, and to correlate the relationship between lysozyme concentrations, candidal count, and CD4 count in HIV patients.

Methods

A study was conducted in 90 HIV‐seropositive patients (subgroups: 1 [CD4 ≥ 500 cells/μL], 2 [CD4 200–499 cells/μL], and 3 [CD4 ≤ 200 cells/μL] and 30 HIV‐negative individuals. A total of 6 mL unstimulated saliva was collected and stored at −80°C. Samples were centrifuged and divided into two portions of 600 μL each. One portion was used for the candidal assay and the other for the lysozyme assay using readymade kits. Student's independent t‐test and Karl Pearson correlation coefficient were used for the statistical analysis.

Results

There was a significant increase (P < 0.001) in lysozyme levels and the candidal count in the saliva of HIV‐positive individuals compared with the HIV‐negative individuals. A significant increase (P < 0.004) in the salivary candidal count was observed in the HIV subgroups 1–3. There was a significant negative correlation (P < 0.01) between the CD4 and candidal counts in subgroup 1 (P < 0.02) and between the lysozyme concentration and CD4 count in subgroup 3. There was no correlation between the lysozyme concentration and oral candidal carriage.

Conclusions

An association exists between the lysozyme concentration and specific immunity. Yeast colonization serves as a marker of immunodeficiency in HIV disease progression.
Cell and matrix modulation in prenatal and postnatal equine growth cartilage, zones of Ranvier and articular cartilage
Authors: Löfgren Maria , Ekman Stina , Svala Emilia , Lindahl Anders , Ley Cecilia , Skiöldebrand Eva
Published: September 2014

Formation of synovial joints includes phenotypic changes of the chondrocytes and the organisation of their extracellular matrix is regulated by different factors and signalling pathways. Increased knowledge of the normal processes involved in joint development may be used to identify similar regulatory mechanisms during pathological conditions in the joint. Samples of the distal radius were collected from prenatal and postnatal equine growth plates, zones of Ranvier and articular cartilage with the aim of identifying Notch signalling components and cells with stem cell‐like characteristics and to follow changes in matrix protein localisation during joint development. The localisation of the Notch signalling components Notch1, Delta4, Hes1, Notch dysregulating protein epidermal growth factor‐like domain 7 (EGFL7), the stem cell‐indicating factor Stro‐1 and the matrix molecules cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP), fibromodulin, matrilin‐1 and chondroadherin were studied using immunohistochemistry. Spatial changes in protein localisations during cartilage maturation were observed for Notch signalling components and matrix molecules, with increased pericellular localisation indicating new synthesis and involvement of these proteins in the formation of the joint. However, it was not possible to characterise the phenotype of the chondrocytes based on their surrounding matrix during normal chondrogenesis. The zone of Ranvier was identified in all horses and characterised as an area expressing Stro‐1, EGFL7 and chondroadherin with an absence of COMP and Notch signalling. Stro‐1 was also present in cells close to the perichondrium, in the articular cartilage and in the fetal resting zone, indicating stem cell‐like characteristics of these cells. The presence of stem cells in the articular cartilage will be of importance for the repair of damaged cartilage. Perivascular chondrocytes and hypertrophic cells of the cartilage bone interface displayed positive staining for EGFL7, which is a novel finding and suggests a role of EGFL7 in the vascular infiltration of growth cartilage.
Impact on Prognosis of Periprocedural Myocardial Infarction after Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: GILI SEBASTIANO , D'ASCENZO FABRIZIO , MORETTI CLAUDIO , OMEDÈ PIERLUIGI , VILARDI ILARIA , BERTAINA MAURIZIO , BIONDI ZOCCAI GIUSEPPE , SHEIBAN IMAD , STONE GREGG W. , GAITA FIORENZO
Published: August 2014

Introduction

Different definitions of periprocedural myocardial infarction (MI) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) have been provided, but their impact on prognosis remains to be determined.

Methods

Procedural data from consecutive patients undergoing PCI from 2009 to 2011 were revised to adjudicate diagnosis of periprocedural MI according to CK‐MB increase (>3 × URL and >5 × URL), to troponin increase (>3 × 99th percentile URL and >5 × 99th percentile URL) and to recent 2012 Task Force and Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) definitions. Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) was the primary end‐point.

Results

Seven hundred twelve patients were enrolled; after 771 days, 115 (16.7%) patients experienced MACE. One hundred ninety patients were diagnosed with a periprocedural MI defined as elevation of troponin >5 × 99th percentile of URL. When adjudicating 2012 Task Force definition on these patients, 46 were excluded and 1.4% of them experienced a MACE and 0.3% died, while among 144 with periprocedural MI, 2.9% reported a MACE and 1.3% died. After appraisal of SCAI definition, 176 patients were excluded, 3.8% of them with a MACE and 1.4% died, and for those with periprocedural MI, 0.5% experienced a MACE and 0.1% died. Similar low performance was appraised after reclassification of patients from more than 3 of upper limit of CK‐MB and of troponin. At multivariate analysis, none of these definitions related to adverse events.

Conclusion

Periprocedural MI represents a frequent complication for patients undergoing PCI. All present definitions share a still not satisfactory discrimination between patients with and without adverse events at follow‐up, stressing the need for more accurate definitions. (J Interven Cardiol 2014;27:482–490)
Price Dispersion in Mortgage Markets
Authors: Allen Jason , Clark Robert , Houde Jean‐François
Published: September 2014

Using transaction‐level data on Canadian mortgage contracts, we document an increase in the average discount negotiated off the posted price and in rate dispersion. Our aim is to identify the beneficiaries of discounting and to test whether dispersion is caused by price discrimination. The standard explanation for dispersion in credit markets is risk‐based pricing. Our contracts are guaranteed by government‐backed insurance, so risk cannot be the main factor. We find that lenders set prices that reflect consumer bargaining leverage, not just costs. The presence of dispersion implies a lack of competition, but our results show this to be consumer specific.
Merger Incentives and the Failing Firm Defense
Authors: Bouckaert Jan , Kort Peter M.
Published: September 2014

The merger incentives between profitable firms differ fundamentally from the incentives of a profitable firm to merge with a failing firm. We investigate these incentives under different modes of price competition and Cournot behavior. Our main finding is that firms strictly prefer exit of the failing firm to acquisition. This result may imply that other than strategic reasons, like economies of scale, must be looked for to understand why firms make use of the failing firm defense. However, when products are sufficiently heterogenous, we find that (i) the failing firm defense can be welfare enhancing and (ii) a government bail‐out increases total welfare when the number of firms is sufficiently low.
Patent Quality and a Two‐Tiered Patent System
Authors: Atal Vidya , Bar Talia
Published: September 2014

In this paper, we study the determinants of patent quality and volume of patent applications when inventors care about perceived patent quality. We analyze the effects of various policy reforms, specifically, a proposal to establish a two‐tiered patent system. In the two‐tiered system, applicants can choose between a regular patent and a more costly, possibly more thoroughly examined, ‘gold‐plate’ patent. Introducing a second patent‐tier can reduce patent applications, reduce the incidence of bad patents, and sometimes increase social welfare. The gold‐plate tier attracts inventors with high ex‐ante probability of validity, but not necessarily applicants with innovations of high economic value.
The Effect of Graduated Response Anti‐Piracy Laws on Music Sales: Evidence from an Event Study in France
Authors: Danaher Brett , Smith Michael D. , Telang Rahul , Chen Siwen
Published: September 2014

Despite the problem that filesharing poses to the creative industries, there is little research on the effectiveness of governmental anti‐piracy policies. This study analyzes how the HADOPI graduated response law in France affected digital music sales. Using a panel of sales data from the four major labels, we applied a difference‐in‐difference approach, comparing sales trends in France to a control group of European countries. We find that increased consumer awareness of HADOPI caused French iTunes music sales to increase by 22‐25%. The observed sales increase is larger in high piracy genres than low piracy ones, strengthening the causal interpretation of our results.
What is behind the ear drum? The microbiology of otitis media and the nasopharyngeal flora in children in the era of pneumococcal vaccination
Authors: Mills Nikki , Best Emma J , Murdoch David , Souter Melanie , Neeff Michel , Anderson Trevor , Salkeld Lesley , Ahmad Zahoor , Mahadevan Murali , Barber Colin , Brown Colin , Walker Cameron , Walls Tony
Published: September 2014

Aim

This study aims to describe the microbiology of middle ear fluid (MEF) in a cohort of children vaccinated with Streptococcus pneumoniae conjugate vaccine (PCV7) having ventilation tube insertion. Nasopharyngeal (NP) carriage of otopathogens in these children is compared with children without history of otitis media.

Methods

Between May and November 2011, MEF and NP samples from 325 children aged <3 years were collected in three major centres in New Zealand at the time of ventilation tube insertion. An age‐matched non‐otitis‐prone comparison group of 137 children had NP samples taken. A questionnaire was completed by both groups.

Results

Immunisation coverage with at least one dose of PCV7 was 97%. Haemophilus influenzae was cultured in 19.4% of MEF and was polymerase chain reaction (PCR) positive in 43.4%. S. pneumoniae and Moraxella catarrhalis were cultured in <10% of MEF samples but were PCR positive for 23.1% and 38.7%, respectively. H. influenzae was the most common organism isolated from NP samples (60%) in the grommet group, while M. catarrhalis (56%) was the most common in the non‐otitis prone group. S. pneumoniae was more commonly found in the nasopharynx of children with ear disease (41% vs. 29%). 19F was the most prominent S. pneumoniae serotype in NP samples of both groups, but no serotype dominated in MEF. Ninety‐five per cent of H. influenzae isolates were confirmed to be non‐typeable H. influenzae.

Conclusion

In this cohort of children with established ear disease requiring surgical intervention, non‐typeable H. influenzae is the dominant pathogen in both the nasopharynx and MEF.
Early childhood nutrition, active outdoor play and sources of information for families living in highly socially disadvantaged locations
Authors: Myers Judith , Gibbons Kay , Arnup Sarah , Volders Evelyn , Naughton Geraldine
Published: September 2014

Aims

To compare nutrition and active play of children aged 0–4 years attending Supported Playgroups and mainstream services and to compare access, understanding and application of health information within these families.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study of children aged 0–4 years attending early childhood services. Following stratified random sampling, 81 parents of children attending Supported Playgroups in two highly disadvantaged municipalities of Victoria, Australia were surveyed about children's nutrition, active outdoor play/screen time and access to health information. Responses were dichotomised based on national recommendations and compared with 331 children attending maternal and child health and childcare centres (mainstream services). All outcomes except age were dichotomous and analysed using chi‐square, relative risk and 95% confidence intervals.

Results

More children from Supported Playgroups consumed sweet drinks (P = 0.005), ‘packaged’ foods (P = 0.012) and tea/coffee (P = 0.038) than mainstream children. Supported Playgroup families reported more food insecurity (P = 0.016) and excessive ‘screen time’ for children under 2 years (P = 0.03). Fewer Supported Playgroups parents sought advice from family members (P < 0.001) and the Internet (P = 0.014) and more experienced difficulties accessing (P < 0.001), understanding (P = 0.002) and applying health information (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Despite comparable
availability of child health information, Supported Playgroups children demonstrated more concerning child health practices, and families experienced greater difficulties accessing, understanding and applying advice than families from mainstream services despite living in the same highly disadvantaged locations.
Fundamental movement skills, physical fitness and physical activity among Australian children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Authors: Hulsegge Gerben , Henschke Nicholas , McKay Damien , Chaitow Jeffrey , West Kerry , Broderick Carolyn , Singh‐Grewal Davinder
Published: September 2014

Aim

To describe fundamental movement skills (FMS), physical fitness and level of physical activity among Australian children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and compare this with healthy peers.

Methods

Children aged 6–16 years with JIA were recruited from hospital rheumatology clinics and private rheumatology rooms in Sydney, Australia. All children attended an assessment day, where FMS were assessed by a senior paediatric physiotherapist, physical fitness was assessed using the multistage 20‐metre shuttle run test, and physical activity and physical and psychosocial well‐being were assessed with questionnaires. These results were compared with age‐ and gender‐matched peers from the NSW Schools Physical Activity and Nutrition Survey and the Health of Young Victorians Study using logistic regression analysis.

Results

Twenty‐eight children with JIA participated in this study. There were no differences in the proportion of children who had mastered FMS between children with JIA and their healthy peers (P > 0.05). However, there was a trend for children with JIA to have poorer physical fitness and be less physically active than healthy peers. Parents of children with JIA indicated more physical and psychosocial impairments among their children and themselves compared with parents of healthy children (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

This is the first study in Australia to compare FMS, physical activity and fitness in children with JIA and their peers. While older children with JIA appear to have poorer physical fitness and physical activity levels than their peers, there is no difference in FMS.
Alteration of anti-inflammatory activity of Harpagophytum procumbens (devil's claw) extract after external metabolic activation with S9 mix
Authors: Hostanska Katarina , Melzer Joerg , Rostock Matthias , Suter Andy , Saller Reinhard
Published: September 2014

Objectives

Extracts of the tubers of Harpagophytum procumbens (devil's claw, DC) inhibit different proinflammatory mediators important in the pathophysiology of osteoarthritis. Many plant-derived preparations interfere with cytochrome P450 liver enzymes, which influence their different biological activities. Therefore, the present study was designed to investigate the influence of an external metabolic activation of a DC extract on the cytotoxicity and the release of proinflammatory cytokines.

Methods

A screening experiment with a panel of 12 inflammatory cytokines identified three as suitable for the study: tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL) IL-6 and IL-8. They were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated monocytic THP-1 cells, which were treated with rat liver S9 mix metabolically activated DC extract (DCm). For the cytotoxity experiments, a WST-1 assay was used.

Key findings

DC dose-dependently suppressed the release of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-8 in LPS-stimulated monocytic THP-1 cells at non-cytotoxic concentrations (50–250 μg/ml). The metabolic activation of the DC extract by S9 mix did not alternate its cytotoxicity and did not diminish its inhibitory effect. This effect was improved in the case of TNF-α inhibition as reflected by their EC50 values of 116 ± 8.2 μg/ml and 49 ± 3.5 μg/ml for DC and DCm (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Cytokines inhibitory activity of DC was not affected after its external metabolic activation. However, the amount of harpagoside and caffeic acid derivates was decreased. Other components of the extract might have contributed to its anti-inflammatory effect.
Curcumin analogues inhibit phosphodiesterase-5 and dilate rat pulmonary arteries
Authors: Kruangtip Oraya , Chootip Krongkarn , Temkitthawon Prapapan , Changwichit Kanokwan , Chuprajob Thipphawan , Changtam Chatchawan , Suksamrarn Apichart , Khorana Nantaka , Scholfield C Norman , Ingkaninan Kornkanok
Published: September 2014

Objectives

Phosphodiesterase (PDE)-5 inhibitors are useful as vasodilators for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension. We aimed to study curcumin analogues for PDE5 inhibitory activity and vasorelaxation of rat pulmonary arteries.

Methods

Three natural curcuminoids (1–3) and six synthetic analogues (4–9) were tested for PDE5 and PDE6 inhibitory activities using enzymatic radioassay. Their vasorelaxation was measured using freshly isolated segments of rat pulmonary artery and aorta.

Key findings

Curcuminoids (1–3) mildly inhibited PDE5 (half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) = 18 µm): the metamethoxyl of curcumin was important for PDE5 inhibition. But hydroxyl rearrangements, removing both methoxyls and one ketomethylene, yielded the potent 7 and 9 (IC50 = 4 µm) (compared with sildenafil, IC50 = 0.03 µm). Only 1, 3 and 4 were PDE5 selective over PDE6. Triazole-carboxylic addition provided water-solubility while preserving potency. All analogues possessed concentration-dependent vasorelaxant activity on pulmonary arteries (40% of maximal effective concentration (EC40) = 29–90 µm, maximum response = 60–90% at 300 µm), while compounds (1–8) were weakly acting in aorta (maximum response <40%). Only demethoxycurcumin (2) and analogues 5, 8, 9 had endothelium-dependent actions. Sildenafil was highly potent (EC40 = 0.04 µm) and highly endothelium dependent in pulmonary artery but weak on intact aorta (EC40 = 1.8 µm). Activity profiles suggest actions through additional cell pathways for promoting vasorelaxation.

Conclusions

Curcumin analogues are potential leads for developing efficacious and selective PDE5 inhibitors and other pathologies of pulmonary hypertension.
Antioxidant plasticity and thermal sensitivity in four types of Symbiodinium sp.
Authors: Krueger Thomas , Becker Susanne , Pontasch Stefanie , Dove Sophie , Hoegh‐Guldberg Ove , Leggat William , Fisher Paul L. , Davy Simon K.
Published: September 2014

Warmer than average summer sea surface temperature is one of the main drivers for coral bleaching, which describes the loss of endosymbiotic dinoflagellates (genus: Symbiodinium) in reef‐building corals. Past research has established that oxidative stress in the symbiont plays an important part in the bleaching cascade. Corals hosting different genotypes of Symbiodinium may have varying thermal bleaching thresholds, but changes in the symbiont's antioxidant system that may accompany these differences have received less attention. This study shows that constitutive activity and up‐regulation of different parts of the antioxidant network under thermal stress differs between four Symbiodinium types in culture and that thermal susceptibility can be linked to glutathione redox homeostasis. In Symbiodinium B1, C1 and E, declining maximum quantum yield of PSII (Fv/Fm) and death at 33°C were generally associated with elevated superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and a more oxidized glutathione pool. Symbiodinium F1 exhibited no decline in Fv/Fm or growth, but showed proportionally larger increases in ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activity and glutathione content (GSx), while maintaining GSx in a reduced state. Depressed growth in Symbiodinium B1 at a sublethal temperature of 29°C was associated with transiently increased APX activity and glutathione pool size, and an overall increase in glutathione reductase (GR) activity. The collapse of GR activity at 33°C, together with increased SOD, APX and glutathione S‐transferase activity, contributed to a strong oxidation of the glutathione pool with subsequent death. Integrating responses of multiple components of the antioxidant network highlights the importance of antioxidant plasticity in explaining type‐specific temperature responses in Symbiodinium.
Serotonin Receptor Gene (5HT-2A) Polymorphism is Associated with Provoked Vestibulodynia and Comorbid Symptoms of Pain
Authors: Heddini Ulrika , Bohm-Starke Nina , Grönbladh Alfhild , Nyberg Fred , Nilsson Kent W. , Johannesson Ulrika
Published: September 2014

Introduction

Provoked vestibulodynia (PVD) is a common type of dyspareunia among young women. The patho-physiology remains largely unclear. Women with PVD have general pain hypersensitivity and often report additional pain symptoms. Signs point towards PVD being a chronic pain disorder similar to other syndromes of longstanding pain, including a common comorbidity of anxiety and depression. Polymorphism in the serotonin receptor gene, 5HT-2A, has been associated with other chronic pain disorders such as fibromyalgia but has not been investigated in PVD patients.

Aim

We aimed to investigate a possible contribution of polymorphism in the 5HT-2A gene to the etiology of PVD as well as a potential influence on pain sensitivity.

Methods

In this case-control study 98 women with PVD and 103 healthy controls between 18 and 44 years and in the same menstrual cycle phase completed questionnaires and underwent quantitative sensory testing. Venous blood samples were collected for DNA isolation.

Main Outcome Measures

Concomitant pain was reported, a bodily pain score was created and pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) on the arm, leg, and in the vestibule were measured. Intensity of coital pain was rated on a visual analog scale, range 0–100. The T102C (rs6313) and A-1438G (rs6311) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the 5HT-2A gene were analyzed.

Results

The probability of PVD was elevated in participants carrying the 1438G- and 102C-alleles of the 5HT-2A gene (OR 2.9). The G-/C- genotypes were also associated with more concomitant bodily pain in addition to the dyspareunia, but not with experimental PPTs or coital pain ratings. PVD patients reported more concomitant bodily pain and had lower PPTs compared with controls.

Conclusion

The results indicate a contribution of alterations in the serotonergic system to the patho-genesis of PVD and gives further evidence of PVD being a general pain disorder similar to other chronic pain disorders.
Hepatic compartmentalization of exhausted and regulatory cells in HIV/HCV‐coinfected patients
Authors: Barrett L. , Trehanpati N. , Poonia S. , Daigh L. , Sarin S. Kumar , Masur H. , Kottilil S.
Published: September 2014

Accelerated intrahepatic hepatitis C virus (HCV) pathogenesis is likely the result of dysregulation within both the innate and adaptive immune compartments, but the exact contribution of peripheral blood and liver lymphocyte subsets remains unclear. Prolonged activation and expansion of immunoregulatory cells have been thought to play a role. We determined immune cell subset frequency in contemporaneous liver and peripheral blood samples from chronic HCV‐infected and HIV/HCV‐coinfected individuals. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and biopsy‐derived liver‐infiltrating lymphocytes from 26 HIV/HCV‐coinfected, 10 chronic HCV‐infected and 10 HIV‐infected individuals were assessed for various subsets of T and B lymphocytes, dendritic cell, natural killer (NK) cell and NK T‐cell frequency by flow cytometry. CD8+ T cells expressing the exhaustion marker PD‐1 were increased in HCV‐infected individuals compared with uninfected individuals (P = 0.02), and HIV coinfection enhanced this effect (P = 0.005). In the liver, regulatory CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ T cells, as well as CD4+CD25+PD1+ T cells, were more frequent in HIV/HCV‐coinfected than in HCV‐monoinfected samples (P < 0.001). HCV was associated with increased regulatory T cells, PD‐1+ T cells and decreased memory B cells, regardless of HIV infection (P ≤ 0.005 for all). Low CD8+ expression was observed only in PD‐1+CD8+ T cells from HCV‐infected individuals and healthy controls (P = 0.002) and was associated with enhanced expansion of exhausted CD8+ T cells when exposed in vitro to PHA or CMV peptides. In conclusion, in HIV/HCV coinfection, ongoing HCV replication is associated with increased regulatory and exhausted T cells in the periphery and liver that may impact control of HCV. Simultaneous characterization of liver and peripheral blood highlights the disproportionate intrahepatic compartmentalization of immunoregulatory T cells, which may contribute to establishment of chronicity and hepatic fibrogenesis in HIV coinfection.
FIRE SALES FORENSICS: MEASURING ENDOGENOUS RISK
Authors: Cont Rama , Wagalath Lakshithe
Published: September 2014

We propose a tractable framework for quantifying the impact of loss‐triggered fire sales on portfolio risk, in a multi‐asset setting. We derive analytical expressions for the impact of fire sales on the realized volatility and correlations of asset returns in a fire sales scenario and show that our results provide a quantitative explanation for the spikes in volatility and correlations observed during such deleveraging episodes. These results are then used to develop an econometric framework for the forensic analysis of fire sales episodes, using observations of market prices. We give conditions for the identifiability of model parameters from time series of asset prices, propose a statistical test for the presence of fire sales, and an estimator for the magnitude of fire sales in each asset class. Pathwise consistency and large sample properties of the estimator are studied in the high‐frequency asymptotic regime. We illustrate our methodology by applying it to the forensic analysis of two recent deleveraging episodes: the Quant Crash of August 2007 and the Great Deleveraging following the default of Lehman Brothers in Fall 2008.
Surgical implications for residual subluxation after closed reduction for developmental dislocation of the hip: A long‐term follow‐up
Authors: Fu Zhe , Yang Jian‐ping , Zeng Pei , Zhang Zhong‐li
Published: September 2014

Objective

Untreated residual subluxation after early closed reduction for developmental dislocation of the hip (DDH) leads to early degenerative osteoarthritis. The aim of our study was to investigate the role of early surgical timing and its indications.

Methods

Thirty‐six patients (48 hips) with untreated residual subluxation after closed reduction who had serial follow‐up radiographs until they had reached skeletal maturity were retrospectively reviewed. The average age at closed reduction was 1.6 years and at the last follow‐up 13.8 years. The last radiographs were evaluated according to the Severin classification: Severin grades I and II were defined as satisfactory and Severin grades III and IV as unsatisfactory. Several measurements of the acetabular index (AI), Reimer's index (RI), center edge angle of Wiberg (CE angle) and orientation of the sourcil of the acetabulum were evaluated.

Results

The satisfactory group comprised 18/48 hips (37%), whereas the unsatisfactory group comprised 30/48 hips (63%). The average RI in the unsatisfactory group was significantly worse than that in the satisfactory group at the age of ≥3–4 years, as was the average CE angle at the age of ≥4–5 years and AI at the age of ≥5–6 years. As remodeling occurs over time, some subluxations diagnosed at age of 2–3 years developed into normal hips. At 3–4 years, 42 hips were still subluxed; 71% of these had unsatisfactory final Severin grades. At 4–5 years, 30 hips were still subluxed; 87% of these had unsatisfactory Severin grades (III and IV). Very little remodeling after the age of 5 years. Eighteen/18 hips with (34.4% ± 4.5% vs 43.0% ± 4.6%, P < 0.00) RI >38% at the age of 3–4 years fell into the unsatisfactory (21.0° ± 5.5° vs 10.6° ± 5.2°, P < 0.01) group. In addition, 26/30 hips with RI >33% at the age of 4–5 years were in the unsatisfactory group, as were 26/26 hips with upward sourcil orientation.

Conclusion

To avoid early osteoarthritis, surgery correction of residual subluxation is recommended when the RI >38% at the age of 3–4 years or the RI >33% with the sourcil upward at the age of 4–5 years.
Comparison of One versus Two Cages in Lumbar Interbody Fusion for Degenerative Lumbar Spinal Disease: a Meta‐analysis
Authors: Liu Jin , Tang Jing , Liu Hao
Published: September 2014

Objective

To systematically compare the fusion rate and safety of lumbar interbody fusion using one cage versus two cages for the treatment of degenerative lumbar spinal diseases.

Methods

All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and comparative observational studies written in English comparing the outcome of lumbar interbody fusion using one or two cages in patients with degenerative lumbar spinal diseases were identified by a comprehensive search of PubMed Central, MEDLINE, EMBASE, BIOSIS and the Cochrane Central Registry of Controlled Trials. An exhaustive electronic search up to July 2013. The quality of the methodology was assessed and relevant data retrieved independently by two reviewers, after which the resultant data were subjected to meta‐analysis. All meta‐analyses were performed using Review Manager 5.0, which is recommended and provided by the Cochrane Collaboration.

Results

Our systematic search yielded 745 studies from the selected databases. After duplicate studies had been identified and the titles and abstracts screened, 736 studies were excluded because they were irrelevant to our topic. The full texts of the remaining nine potentially relevant references were comprehensively evaluated and four excluded for the following reasons: two studies involved co‐interventions and the other two lacked control groups. Two relevant RCTs and three comparative observational studies involving 384 patients and 501 spinal segments with at least one year follow‐up were identified. Analysis of the pooled data demonstrated no significant difference in fusion rate between the one‐cage and two‐cage groups. However, intraoperative blood loss and operating time were less and the complications rate lower in the one‐cage group.

Conclusion

In patients with degenerative lumbar spinal diseases, lumbar interbody fusion using one cage has an equal fusion rate and is safer compared with using two cages. However, because this meta‐analysis had some limitations, more high quality RCTs are needed to strengthen the evidence.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment for Ruptured Lumbar Disc Herniation: Clinical Observations in 102 Cases
Authors: Yu Peng‐fei , Jiang Hong , Liu Jin‐tao , Li Xiao‐chun , Qian Xiang , Han Song , Ma Zhi‐jia
Published: September 2014

Objective

To explore the therapeutic effects of a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) regimen on patients with ruptured lumbar disc herniation, including assessing its effects on prognosis and protrusion size.

Methods

From June 2008 to December 2011, 102 patients with ruptured lumbar disc herniation who chose conservative treatment with TCM as their first choice were followed up for 2 years to assess their final surgical rate, improvement according to Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores, and to calculate the volume and rate of resorption of their protrusions by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Results

(i) Eighty‐three of the 102 patients (81.37%) experienced partial or complete relief; the remaining 19 (18.63%) eventually needed surgery. (ii) In the 83 patents who underwent conservative treatment, rates of excellent JOA scores at 3 months, 6 months, 1 year and 2 years were 79.52%, 81.93%, 81.93% and 83.13% respectively; differences between these and pretreatment scores are all statistically significant (P < 0.01). (iii) The volume of protrusion in the patients who chose conservative treatment decreased from 1433.89 ± 525.49 mm3 (mean ± SD) to 1002.01 ± 592.95 mm3, which is statistically significant (t = 6.854, P < 0.01). The average resorption rate was 27.25% ± 32.97%; in 20 patients (24.10%) the resorption rate was >50%. The remaining 63 patients had no obvious resorption; their excellent rate was 77.77%. The difference in rate of achieving an excellent outcome differed significantly between those who did and did not have resorption of their protrusions (P = 0.018).

Conclusion

Conservative treatment with a TCM regimen is effective for ruptured lumbar disc herniation and can promote resorption of the protrusion; however, patients who develop specific indications for surgery during such treatment should undergo surgery in a timely manner.
Treatment of Chronic Deltoid Ligament Injury Using Suture Anchors
Authors: Wang Xu , Ma Xin , Zhang Chao , Wang Chen , Huang Jia‐zhang
Published: September 2014

Objective

To explore the efficacy of overlapping suture‐anchor fixation for treatment of chronic deltoid ligament injury.

Methods

Seventeen patients (11 men, 6 women of mean age 32.1 years [range, 18–58 years]) who had undergone surgery for chronic deltoid ligament injury from January 2007 to December 2011 were retrospectively analyzed. Preoperatively, they had undergone bilateral weight‐bearing posterior‐anterior radiographs, (MRI) and ultrasound examinations of the ankle. Ankle arthroscopy was performed to confirm the diagnosis, followed by surgery to clear intra‐articular proliferating synovial tissues and remove cartilage debris and scar tissue. The deep layer of the deltoid ligament was sutured onto the tip of the medial malleolus and its superficial layer sutured onto its periosteum and fixed with suture anchors. American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scoring system for the ankle‐hindfoot was used to evaluate the ankles pre‐ and post‐operatively.

Results

The 17 patients were followed up for 12–34 months (mean 20.1 months). The angle between the long axes of the talus and first metatarsal and the hindfoot angle measured in a hindfoot alignment view (as described by Saltzman) were reduced from 5.4° ± 1.8° and 8.2° ± 2.6° preoperatively to 4.0° ± 0.9° and 5.3° ± 1.3° postoperatively, respectively. The mean AOFAS ankle‐hindfoot score was 76.8 ± 7.0 preoperatively and 94.1 ± 3.3 at the last follow‐up visit. Ten patients were scored as excellent, six as good, and one as fair. Pain was relieved in all patients and no patients had recurrent deltoid ligament injury.

Conclusion

Using suture anchors to treat chronic deltoid ligament injury has relatively satisfactory outcomes.
THE CENTRE STRIKES BACK: META‐GOVERNANCE, DELEGATION, AND THE CORE EXECUTIVE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, 2010–14
Authors: DOMMETT KATHARINE , FLINDERS MATTHEW
Published: September 2014

A growing literature on ‘agencification’, ‘quangocratization’, and the ‘autonomization’ of the state has highlighted a coordination dilemma in contemporary public governance whereby governments rely on delegated governance but are frustrated by the lack of control that arises from such structures. In the run‐up to the 2010 General Election in the United Kingdom this coordination dilemma was prominent as the capacity of the Cabinet Office to exert control over arm's‐length bodies, either directly or indirectly, received intense criticism. This article presents the findings of the first detailed research project to examine the subsequent Coalition Government's approach to this dilemma. It argues that in relation to the governance of public bodies, the role and capacity of the Cabinet Office has been transformed. In mapping this development the article explores the implications of the centre striking back in the context of ‘post‐New Public Management’ reforms.
Skin conductance fear conditioning impairments and aggression: A longitudinal study
Authors: Gao Yu , Tuvblad Catherine , Schell Anne , Baker Laura , Raine Adrian
Published: September 2014

Autonomic fear conditioning deficits have been linked to child aggression and adult criminal behavior. However, it is unknown if fear conditioning deficits are specific to certain subtypes of aggression, and longitudinal research is rare. In the current study, reactive and proactive aggression were assessed in a sample of males and females when aged 10, 12, 15, and 18 years old. Skin conductance fear conditioning data were collected when they were 18 years old. Individuals who were persistently high on proactive aggression measures had significantly poorer conditioned responses at 18 years old when compared to others. This association was not found for reactive aggression. Consistent with prior literature, findings suggest that persistent antisocial individuals have unique neurobiological characteristics and that poor autonomic fear conditioning is associated with the presence of increased instrumental aggressive behavior.
Employability, Poverty and the Spheres of Sociability – Evidence from the British Household Panel Survey
Authors: Canduela Jesus , Lindsay Colin , Raeside Robert , Graham Helen
Published: September 2014

Policymakers in theUKand beyond have sought to promote interventions to encourage social capital‐building among disadvantaged groups. One specific concern is that those with limited access to social capital/social network relationships will be at greater risk of experiencing both unemployment and poverty. By analyzing longitudinal data from theBritishHouseholdPanelSurvey (BHPS), we seek to identify significant relationships between poverty and the likelihood of entering employment, and different measures of ‘sociability’ and social isolation. Crucially, we discuss if and how measures of sociability/social isolation are associated with jobseekers' varying chances of exiting and re‐entering work and how this varies with their experience of poverty. These issues are important because if sociability impacts on the likelihood of entering employment from a state of worklessness, then policymakers need to understand how cycles of social and labour market exclusion are associated with the rates of entering employment in order to develop effective interventions to improve jobseekers' employability and combat poverty. Following an analysis ofBHPSdata, we identify lessons for policy for combating long‐term unemployment and promoting social inclusion.