bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A survey on the exchange of linguistic resources
Authors: Lezcano Leonardo , Sánchez‐Alonso Salvador , Roa‐Valverde Antonio J.
Published: July 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a literature review of the principal formats and frameworks that have been used in the last 20 years to exchange linguistic resources. It aims to give special attention to the most recent approaches to publishing linguistic linked open data on the Web.

Design/methodology/approach

Research papers published since 1990 on the use of various formats, standards, frameworks and methods to exchange linguistic information were divided into two main categories: those proposing specific schemas and syntaxes to suit the requirements of a given type of linguistic data (these are referred to as offline approaches), and those adopting the linked data (LD) initiative and the semantic web technologies to support the interoperability of heterogeneous linguistic resources. For each paper, the type of linguistic resource exchanged, the framework/format used, the interoperability approach taken and the related projects were identified.

Findings

The information gathered in the survey reflects an increase in recent years in approaches adopting the LD initiative. This is due to the fact that the structural and syntactic issues which arise when addressing the interoperability of linguistic resources can be solved by applying semantic web technologies. What remains an open issue in the field of computational linguistics is the development of knowledge artefacts and mechanisms to support the alignment of the different aspects of linguistic resources in order to guarantee semantic and conceptual interoperability in the linked open data (LOD) cloud. Ontologies have proved to be of great use in achieving this goal.

Research limitations/implications

The research presented here is by no means a comprehensive or all‐inclusive survey of all existing approaches to the exchange of linguistic resources. Rather, the aim was to highlight, analyze and categorize the most significant advances in the field.

Practical implications

This survey has practical implications for computational linguists and for every application requiring new developments in natural language processing. In addition, multilingual issues can be better addressed when semantic interoperability of heterogeneous linguistic resources is achieved.

Originality/value

The paper provides a survey of past and present research and developments addressing the interoperability of linguistic resources, including those where the linked data initiative has been adopted.
The status of information technology in Iranian hospital libraries
Authors: Isfandyari‐Moghaddam Alireza , Sedehi Maryam , Dehghani Mozhdeh , Nemati‐Anaraki Leila , Hasanzadeh‐Dizaji Elaheh
Published: July 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to compare the attitude of the managers of libraries located at Iran, Tehran and Shahid Beheshti Medical Sciences Universities' training hospitals, on the status of information technology (IT) in the mentioned libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employed a researcher‐made questionnaire. The managers of 40 hospital libraries of Iran, Tehran and Shahid Beheshti Universities formed the population of the research. To analyze the collected data, the statistical software SPSS (version 17) was used.

Findings

Results showed that 12.5 per cent of Tehran, 15.6 per cent of Iran and 25 per cent of Shahid Beheshti Universities library managers agreed, to a very large extent, on the application and development of IT and its tools and 93.7 per cent of the managers from all three hospital libraries deemed the application of IT most necessary. The managers believed that the greatest advantage of IT is concerned with the reduction of human efforts (59.4 per cent), and 100 per cent of the managers acknowledged the need for further promotion of their skills in a wide variety of IT issues. In total, 16.1 per cent at Tehran, 12.9 per cent at Iran and 29 per cent at Shahid Beheshti University considerably approved of formal education for the promotion of their librarians' skills.

Originality/value

This study is a step towards acknowledging the contribution, status, and value of hospital libraries to the health sector by the library managers in theory and practice, in the shadow of considering their librarians as network experts, information media and system designers, and technology experts.
The Trojan hives: pollinator pathogens, imported and distributed in bumblebee colonies
Authors: Graystock Peter , Yates Kathryn , Evison Sophie E. F. , Darvill Ben , Goulson Dave , Hughes William O. H.
Published: July 2013

Over a million commercially produced bumblebee colonies are imported annually on a global scale for the pollination of greenhouse crops. After importation, they interact with other pollinators, with an associated risk of any parasites they carry infecting and harming native bees. National and supranational regulations are designed to prevent this, and commercially produced bumblebee colonies are accordingly now often sold and imported as being parasite‐free.

Here, we used molecular methods to examine the occurrence of parasites in bumblebee colonies that were commercially produced in 2011 and 2012 by three producers. We then used controlled experiments to determine whether any parasites present were infectious.

We found that 77% of the commercially produced bumblebee colonies from the three producers, which were imported on the basis of being free of parasites, in fact carried microbial parasites, with five different parasites being detected across the total sample of bumblebees and a further three in the pollen supplied with the colonies as food.

Our controlled experiments demonstrated that at least three of these parasites were infectious to bumblebees with significant negative effects on their health. Furthermore, we also found that at least four of the parasites carried by commercially produced bumblebees were infectious to honeybees, indicating that they pose a risk to other pollinators as well.

Synthesis and applications. The results demonstrate that commercially produced bumblebee colonies carry multiple, infectious parasites that pose a significant risk to other native and managed pollinators. More effective disease detection and management strategies are urgently needed to reduce the pathogen spillover threat from commercially produced bumblebees.
Hen harriers on a Scottish grouse moor: multiple factors predict breeding density and productivity
Authors: Baines David , Richardson Michael
Published: July 2013

Predator density and productivity can be influenced by ecological and anthropogenic factors. Given the controversy over predators impacting on prey of economic and conservation importance, it is essential that these relationships are understood to provide a sound scientific basis for their conservation and management.

We compared numbers and productivity of hen harriers Circus cyaneus, a protected specialist predator of conservation importance, in relation to a change in generalist predator management at Langholm, a moor managed for red grouse Lagopus lagopus scoticus shooting in southern Scotland between 1992 and 2007. During 1992–1999, the moor was managed for grouse and keepers legally controlled predators, thereafter keepering ceased.

Following full protection being given to nesting harriers, their numbers increased from two breeding females in 1992 to 20 in 1997, when predation by harriers limited numbers of grouse available for shooting. After grouse management stopped in 1999, carrion crows Corvus corone and red foxes Vulpes vulpes increased and numbers of female harriers dropped to below five from 2002 onwards.

Numbers of breeding harriers were negatively correlated with meadow pipit Anthus pratensis, crow, and July grouse abundance during the keepered period and positively with spring grouse abundance. Harrier clutch size was positively correlated with vole abundance.

Harrier clutch survival and productivity were higher when the moor was keepered. Predation by foxes was the main cause of harrier breeding failure.

Synthesis and applications. We consider this study to be the first that quantifies how control of generalist predators as part of grouse moor management can benefit harrier productivity. This adds to the importance of finding ways to ensure that grouse moors are managed for harriers, but are still economically viable. If techniques can be devised and put in place to reduce the impact of harriers on grouse, then the control of generalist predators may be viewed as a more acceptable component of conservation management for ground‐nesting birds.
Giant vesicles: a powerful tool to reconstruct bacterial division assemblies in cell‐like compartments
Authors: Jiménez Mercedes , Martos Ariadna , Cabré Elisa J. , Raso Ana , Rivas Germán
Published: July 2013

The use of artificial lipid membranes, structured as giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs), provides the opportunity to investigate membrane‐associated biological processes under defined experimental conditions. Due to their large size, they are uniquely adapted to investigate the properties and organization (in time and space) of macromolecular complexes incorporated in the vesicle interior by imaging and micro‐spectroscopic techniques. Experimental methods to produce giant vesicles and to encapsulate proteins inside them are here reviewed. Previous experimental work to reconstitute elements of the bacterial division machinery in these membrane‐like systems is summarized. Future challenges towards reconstructing minimal divisome assemblies in giant vesicles as cytomimetic containers are discussed.
Foraging by a wood‐decomposing fungus is ecologically adaptive
Authors: Darrah P. R. , Fricker M. D.
Published: July 2013

We show that fungi that forage for wood do not conform to the paradigm of symmetric radial growth and grow asymmetrically by default. Asymmetry is further accentuated by contact with a resource that also partially polarizes growth in the direction of the resource. Despite marked changes at the perimeter, overall growth allocation on an area basis is, however, unchanged implying sophisticated regulation at the colony level. Using mathematical models, we show that this behaviour is best explained as a local response of the immediate segment contacting the resource. The model reveals that foraging behaviour is adaptive but only for resources that are clustered in space and is selectively neutral for randomly scattered resources. This clustered spatial distribution matches that found in the natural environment. Modelling also shows that the foraging strategy used by these fungi involves substantial risks as well as benefits.
The preparation of an oligochitosan‐glycosylated and cross‐linked caseinate obtained by a microbial transglutaminase and its functional properties
Authors: Song Chun‐Li , Zhao Xin‐Huai
Published: July 2013

A glycosylated and cross‐linked caseinate (GCC) with glucosamine amount of 4.74 g/kg protein was generated from caseinate and oligochitosan by a microbial transglutaminase. The applied temperature, pH and molar ratio of acyl donor/acceptor were 37 °C, 7.5 and 1:3, respectively; while caseinate concentration, transglutaminase addition and reaction time selected from single‐factor trials were 50 g/L, 10 kU/kg protein and 3 h, respectively. Electrophoretic analysis revealed the cross‐linking and glycosylation of caseinate. Compared with caseinate, GCC showed improved solubility in pH 4–11, higher digestibility in vitro and water binding capacity, about 3‐fold, but lower surface hydrophobicity and oil binding capacity (34%).
Informational Feedback, Adverse Selection, and Optimal Disclosure Policy
Authors: GAO PINGYANG , LIANG PIERRE JINGHONG
Published: July 2013

Faceless trading in a secondary stock market not only redistributes wealth among investors but also generates information that feeds back to real decisions. Using this observation we re‐evaluate the “leveling‐the‐playing‐field” rationale for disclosure to secondary stock markets. By partially preempting traders' information advantage established from information acquisition, disclosure reduces private incentives to acquire information, resulting in two opposite effects on firm value. On one hand, this narrows the information gap between informed and uninformed traders and improves liquidity of firm shares. On the other hand, this reduces the informational feedback from the stock market to real decisions. This tradeoff determines the optimal disclosure policy. The model explains why firm value can be higher in an environment that simultaneously promotes disclosure and private information production and why growth firms are endogenously more opaque than value firms.
Applicability of Cranial Models in Urethane Resin and Foam as a Substitute for Bone: Are Synthetic Materials Reliable?
Authors: Muccino Enrico , Porta Davide , Magli Francesca , Cigada Alfredo , Sala Remo , Gibelli Daniele , Cattaneo Cristina
Published: July 2013

As literature is poor in functional synthetic cranial models, in this study, synthetic handmade models of cranial vaults were produced in two different materials (a urethane resin and a self‐hardening foam), from multiple bone specimens (eight original cranial vaults: four human and four swine), in order to test their resemblance to bone structure in behavior, during fracture formation. All the vaults were mechanically tested with a 2‐kg impact weight and filmed with a high‐speed camera. Fracture patterns were homogeneous in all swine vaults and heterogeneous in human vaults, with resin fractures more similar to bone fractures. Mean fracture latency time extrapolated by videos were of 0.75 msec (bone), 1.5 msec (resin), 5.12 msec (foam) for human vaults and of 0.625 msec (bone), 1.87 msec (resin), 3.75 msec (foam) for swine vaults. These data showed that resin models are more similar to bone than foam reproductions, but that synthetic material may behave quite differently from bone as concerns fracture latency times.
Preliminary Study on the Effect of Heated Surfaces Upon Bloodstain Pattern Analysis
Authors: Larkin Bethany A. J. , Banks Craig E.
Published: July 2013

Bloodstain pattern analysis (BPA) involves the interpretation of distinct blood patterns found at crime scenes following a violent act. In this paper, we explored for the first time the effects of surface temperatures upon blood impacting a horizontal surface (steel) with its implications in BPA explored. Specific surface temperatures were explored over the range 24–250°C which relate to the four major boiling regimes of liquid media; natural convection, nucleate boiling, transition boiling, and film boiling, where a series of blood drops tests were performed at varying impact velocities. Blood was found to separate into its components at temperatures of 50°C+, displayed as temperature induced blood rings, where a single secondary and a series of further inner rings are exhibited. This consequently led to the development of a new constant expressing the decrease in spread factor (Ds/Do) at the secondary ring.
Application of Fordisc 3.0 to Explore Differences Among Crania of North American and South African Blacks and Whites,
Authors: L'Abbé Ericka N. , Kenyhercz Michael , Stull Kyra E. , Keough Natalie , Nawrocki Stephen
Published: July 2013

Using discriminant function analysis, classification accuracies for ancestry and sex in white and black South Africans were compared using North American (FDB), African groups in Howells (HDB), and South African (SADB) databases in FORDISC 3.0. (FD3). Twenty‐four standard linear measures were collected from a total of 86 black and 101 white crania obtained from the Pretoria Bone Collection. White and black South Africans classified 73% correctly in FDB, 55% correctly in HDB, and 71% correctly in SADB. The percentage of atypical cases was higher with FDB than SADB. In all three databases, misclassification occurred more with sex than ancestry revealing differences in sexual dimorphism between population groups. Broad ancestral differences may explain low misclassification rates for ancestry. FD3, with a modern South African reference sample, can assist South African anthropologists to standardize methodology and to justify procedures for estimating ancestry.
NewYork StateTrueAllele®Casework Validation Study
Authors: Perlin Mark W. , Belrose Jamie L. , Duceman Barry W.
Published: July 2013

DNA evidence can pose interpretation challenges, particularly with low‐level or mixed samples. It would be desirable to make full use of the quantitative data, consider every genotype possibility, and objectively produce accurate and reproducibleDNAmatch results. Probabilistic genotype computing is designed to achieve these goals. This validation study assessedTrueAllele®probabilistic computer interpretation on 368 evidence items in 41 test cases and compared the results with human review of the same data. Whenever there was a human result, the computer's genotype was concordant. Further, the computer produced a match statistic on 81 mixture items (for 87 inferred matching genotypes) in the test cases, while human review reported a statistic on 25 of these items (30.9%). Using match statistics to quantify information, probabilistic genotyping was shown to be sensitive, specific, and reproducible. These results demonstrate that objective probabilistic genotyping of biological evidence can reliably preserveDNAidentification information.
A Simple Computer‐assisted Quantification of Contrast in a Fingerprint
Authors: Matuszewski Szymon , Szafałowicz Michał
Published: July 2013

A simple method for quantification of contrast in a fingerprint is proposed. Contrast is defined as the average difference in intensity of pixels between valleys and ridges in a fingerprint. It is quantified from a scanner‐acquired image of the fingerprint using a histogram function of Adobe Photoshop. The method was validated with black inked prints and marks developed with aluminum powder. Moreover, we tested resistance of the method to rater‐dependent errors and dependence of the measurements on the resolution of an image and the model of the scanner. For both groups of fingerprints, the method gave coherent and easily interpretable quantitative values for contrast. There were no significant differences between measurements performed by different raters and by the same rater in a test–retest procedure. However, the method was found to be instrument dependent, as measurements were significantly affected by image resolution and the model of the scanner.
Capturing Finger and Palm Impressions Using a Hand Cream and Thermochromatic Paper
Authors: Bond John W.
Published: July 2013

An inkless set of finger and palm impressions has been obtained on thermochromatic paper by incorporating the protic solvent butylene glycol into a base hand cream mixture, which is rubbed into the hands for 30 sec before donation. This requires no washing of the hands before or after donation, removing many of the difficulties associated with inked impressions. In a random trial of 50 male and 50 female participants (mean age 41 years), 96 found the hand cream pleasant and easy to use and all produced identifiable finger and palm impressions. Following donation, participants continued to rub the hand cream into their hands. Impressions were visible immediately after donation and have not exhibited fading 2 years after being taken. 10% of participants produced impressions that captured third‐level detail, the variation between participants being thought to be associated with the amount of pressure applied during donation.
Forensic or Archaeological Issue: Is Chemical Analysis of Dental Restorations Helpful in Assessing Time Since Death and Identification of Skeletonized Human Remains?
Authors: Zelic Ksenija , Djonic Danijela , Neskovic Olivera , Stoiljkovic Milovan , Nikolic Slobodan , Zivkovic Vladimir , Djuric Marija
Published: July 2013

In 2011, small mass grave with completely skeletonized remains was discovered in Belgrade suburb. An eyewitness claimed that skeletons belonged to German soldiers killed in WWII. Anthropologists were engaged to investigate whether the skeletal remains correspond to the indicated German group or represent more recent case requiring court trial. Numerous dental restorations were noticed. Owing to the fact that different dental materials were used in dental practice at certain times, the aim of this study was to explore whether analysis of dental restorations could help in identification and estimation of time since death. Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry revealed that dental fillings corresponded to copper amalgam, conventional silver amalgam, silicophosphate cement, and zinc phosphate cement. Chemical results combined with anthropological and historical facts suggest that the individuals lived before the 1960s in country with well‐developed dental service at that time. Therefore, chemical analysis of dental fillings was useful to distinguish between skeletal remains that are too old to be of forensic interest and the remains relevant to legal investigations.
Complex Suicide by Self‐stabbing with Subsequent Drowning in the Sea
Authors: Kaliszan Michał , Karnecki Karol , Tomczak Ewa , Gos Tomasz , Jankowski Zbigniew
Published: July 2013

The paper presents a unique case of a complex suicide committed by a young man, mostly probably triggered by a disappointment in love. The uniqueness of the suicide lies in the fact that the victim inflicted several deep stab wounds on himself, in the chest and abdomen, while standing partly submerged in the sea and, having done so, he dropped and disappeared in the water. The postmortem examination showed, apart from deep wounds in the trunk, characteristics of drowning that manifested itself in the form of aqueous emphysema of the lungs. Suicide was clearly determined on the basis of the circumstances preceding death, the location, and arrangement of the trunk wounds and the testimony given by a witness of the incident. The circumstances preceding the suicidal act clearly suggest an underlying undiagnosed mental disorder.
Formulae for Estimating Skeletal Height in Modern South‐East Asians
Authors: Gocha Timothy P. , Vercellotti Giuseppe , McCormick Lara E. , Van Deest Traci L.
Published: July 2013

Estimating stature in human skeletal remains of Asian ancestry is problematic for forensic anthropologists due to the paucity and uncertain suitability of regression formulae. To address this issue, our study analyzed 64 individuals from a modern skeletal collection of South‐East Asian origin and developed population‐specific ordinary least squares regression formulae to estimate skeletal height from each of the long bones of the upper and lower limbs, as well as from trunk length. Results indicate that the most accurate estimates of skeletal height from a single bone (as measured by standard error of the estimate—SEE) are from tibial length in males (SEE = 2.40 cm) and from humeral length in females (SEE = 2.59 cm), followed by femoral length (SEE = 2.84 cm). When multiple elements are considered, the combination of femoral and tibial length yields the best estimates in both sexes as well as combined sex samples (male SEE = 2.40 cm; female SEE = 2.77 cm; combined sex SEE = 2.54 cm).
Factors for hepatitis B vaccination and abnormal liver function in Chinese patients with inflammatory bowel disease: A single center experience
Authors: Leung Wai K , Liu Kevin SH , Seto Wai‐Kay Walter , Chan Kwok‐Hung , Tong Teresa , Yuen Man‐Fung , Lai Ching‐Lung , Hung Ivan FN
Published: July 2013

Objectives

We aimed to determine the prevalence of chronic and past hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in Chinese patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and to determine the risk factors associated with having received no vaccination for HBV and abnormal liver function among our patients.

Methods

The prevalence of chronic or past infection with HBV infection and effective HBV vaccination were determined in patients with IBD who attended the IBD Clinic of the Queen Mary Hospital in Hong Kong, China. Risk factors associated with the absence of HBV vaccination and abnormal liver function were identified.

Results

A total of 267 Chinese IBD patients (166 ulcerative colitis and 101 Crohn's disease) were enrolled. The mean follow‐up period was 10.5 years. Chronic and past HBV infection was detected in 6.7% and 28.5% patients, respectively. Altogether 102 patients lacked effective HBV vaccination. Multivariate analysis found that elder age at diagnosis of IBD (OR 1.02, 95% CI 1.00–0.94) and the absence of using thiopurine (OR 0.53, 95% CI 0.29–0.94) were associated with the presence of anti‐HBs. Abnormal liver function was detected in 27 (10.1%) patients. The use of anti‐tumor necrosis factor agents (OR 4.6, 95% CI 1.3−16.0), previous bowel resection (OR 3.7, 95% CI 1.5–9.2) and male gender (OR 4.4, 95% CI 1.4−13.7) were significant risk factors for abnormal liver function.

Conclusions

The use of thiopurine and younger age at diagnosis were associated with no vaccination against HBV in Chinese IBD patients. Chronic or past HBV infection was, however, not associated with abnormal liver function in these patients.
Development of novel real‐time TaqMan®PCR assays for the species and sex identification of otter (Lutra lutra) and their application to noninvasive genetic monitoring
Authors: O'Neill David , Turner Peter D. , O'Meara Denise B. , Chadwick Elizabeth A. , Coffey Lee , O'Reilly Catherine
Published: July 2013

Developing strategies to maintain biodiversity requires baseline information on the current status of each individual species. The development of genetic techniques and their application to noninvasively collected samples have the potential to yield information on the structure of elusive animal populations and so are important tools in conservation management. Using DNA isolated from faecal samples can be challenging owing to low quantity and quality. This study, however, presents the development of novel real‐time polymerase chain reaction assays using fluorescently labelled TaqMan® MGB probes enabling species and sex identification of Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) spraints (faeces). These assays can also be used in determining an optimum microsatellite panel and can be employed as cost‐saving screening tools for downstream genetic testing including microsatellite genotyping and haplotype analysis. The techniques are shown to work efficiently with L. lutra DNA isolated from tissue, hair, spraint, blood and anal jelly samples.
Simultaneous pneumonectomy and esophagectomy in an elderly patient
Authors: Guo Chenglin , Mei Jiandong , Liao Hu , Liu Chengwu , Pu Qiang , Ma Lin , Liu Lunxu
Published: July 2013

Reports of simultaneous pneumonectomy and esophagectomy for synchronous lung and esophageal carcinoma are extremely rare. We report on a 64‐year‐old male patient with lung adenocarcinoma who was originally scheduled to undergo a left pneumonectomy. During the operation, an esophageal squamous cell carcinoma was discovered in the mid‐thoracic esophagus. Thus, a simultaneous left pneumonectomy and esophagectomy was performed, and part of the pericardium was sutured to the tunica adventitia of the descending aorta using a “net‐making” method for prevention postoperative dilatation of the stomach.
Improved software detection and extraction of ITS1 and ITS2 from ribosomal ITS sequences of fungi and other eukaryotes for analysis of environmental sequencing data
Authors: Bengtsson‐Palme Johan , Ryberg Martin , Hartmann Martin , Branco Sara , Wang Zheng , Godhe Anna , De Wit Pierre , Sánchez‐García Marisol , Ebersberger Ingo , de Sousa Filipe , Amend Anthony , Jumpponen Ari , Unterseher Martin , Kristiansson Erik , Abarenkov Kessy , Bertrand Yann J. K. , Sanli Kemal , Eriksson K. Martin , Vik Unni , Veldre Vilmar , Nilsson R. Henrik
Published: July 2013

The nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region is the primary choice for molecular identification of fungi. Its two highly variable spacers (ITS1 and ITS2) are usually species specific, whereas the intercalary 5.8S gene is highly conserved. For sequence clustering and blast searches, it is often advantageous to rely on either one of the variable spacers but not the conserved 5.8S gene. To identify and extract ITS1 and ITS2 from large taxonomic and environmental data sets is, however, often difficult, and many ITS sequences are incorrectly delimited in the public sequence databases.

We introduce ITSx, a Perl‐based software tool to extract ITS1, 5.8S and ITS2 – as well as full‐length ITS sequences – from both Sanger and high‐throughput sequencing data sets. ITSx uses hidden Markov models computed from large alignments of a total of 20 groups of eukaryotes, including fungi, metazoans and plants, and the sequence extraction is based on the predicted positions of the ribosomal genes in the sequences.

ITSx has a very high proportion of true‐positive extractions and a low proportion of false‐positive extractions. Additionally, process parallelization permits expedient analyses of very large data sets, such as a one million sequence amplicon pyrosequencing data set. ITSx is rich in features and written to be easily incorporated into automated sequence analysis pipelines.

ITSx paves the way for more sensitive blast searches and sequence clustering operations for the ITS region in eukaryotes. The software also permits elimination of non‐ITS sequences from any data set. This is particularly useful for amplicon‐based next‐generation sequencing data sets, where insidious non‐target sequences are often found among the target sequences. Such non‐target sequences are difficult to find by other means and would contribute noise to diversity estimates if left in the data set.
Clinical implications of predominant polarity and the polarity index in bipolar disorder: a naturalistic study
Authors: Popovic D. , Torrent C. , Goikolea J. M. , Cruz N. , Sánchez‐Moreno J. , González‐Pinto A. , Vieta E.
Published: July 2013

Objective

Predominant polarity (PP) is an important variable in maintenance treatment of bipolar disorder (BD). This study aimed at determining the role of polarity index (PI), a metric indicating antimanic versus antidepressive prophylactic potential of drugs, in clinical decision‐making.

Method

Two hundred and fifty‐seven of 604 (43%) of patients with BD‐I or II fulfilled criteria for manic (MPP) or depressive PP (DPP). The PI, representing the ratio of number needed to treat (NNT) for depression prevention to NNT for mania prevention, was calculated for patients' current treatment. MPP and DPP groups were compared regarding sociodemographic, clinical and therapeutic characteristics.

Results

One hundred and forty‐three patients (55.6%) fulfilled criteria for DPP and 114 (44.4%) for MPP. Total PI, Antipsychotics' PI, and mood stabilizers PI were higher, indicating a stronger antimanic action, in MPP. MPP presented higher prevalence of BD‐I, male gender, younger age, age at onset and at first hospitalization, more hospitalizations, primary substance misuse, and psychotic symptoms. DP correlated with BD‐II, depressive onset, primary life events, melancholia, and suicide attempts.

Conclusion

The results confirm the usefulness of the PI. In this large sample, clinical differences among these groups justify differential treatment approach. The PI appears to be a useful operationalization of what clinicians do for maintenance therapy in BD.
Nutrition and older Indigenous Australians: Service delivery implications in remote communities. A narrative review
Authors: Schouten Kellie , Lindeman Melissa A , Reid John (Binda)
Published: July 2013

Objective

To describe the nutritional status of older Indigenous people, barriers to achieving optimal nutrition, and the effectiveness of programs aimed at improving nutrition in older Indigenous people in remote communities.

Methods

A comprehensive literature review was undertaken utilising electronic databases Scopus, CINAHL, Informit, Ovid MEDLINE, ProQuest, Web of Knowledge, PsycINFO, ATSI HealthInfoNet and Google Scholar. Grey literature was also accessed.

Results

Findings indicated there is a scarcity of representative data on nutritional status and risk in older Indigenous people, and nutrition support programs have not been evaluated.

Conclusions

Older Indigenous people suffer from poorer overall health and higher levels of overweight and obesity, and are at increased risk of poor nutritional status and malnutrition than the general population. This risk may be higher in remote areas. More representative data are needed to determine the nutritional status of older Indigenous people, including levels of malnutrition. Support programs also need to be evaluated.
The Gene Expression Analysis of Paracrine/Autocrine Factors in Patients with Spermatogenetic Failure Compared with Normal Spermatogenesis
Authors: Malcher Agnieszka , Rozwadowska Natalia , Stokowy Tomasz , Jedrzejczak Piotr , Zietkowiak Wojmir , Kurpisz Maciej
Published: July 2013

Problem

The aim of this study was to examine the expression levels of IL‐1 family members, IL‐6, IL‐10, TNF family, SCF, and c‐kit in infertile patients with idiopathic non‐obstructive azoospermia (NOA) compared with men with normal spermatogenesis.

Method of study

We analyzed 20 testicular biopsy samples with Affymetrix Human Gene 1.0 ST microarrays (Affymetrix, Santa Clara, CA, USA). Sixteen of them were obtained from patients with various types of NOA and four with normal spermatogenesis.

Results

The comparative analysis of normal and pathological group demonstrated a different expression level of IL1‐RA gene. It was also observed that the gene expression levels for IL1‐R1, CASP1, and stem cell factor (SCF) were upregulated in the Sertoli‐cell‐only syndrome group in comparison with the control one (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The microarray analysis showed the expression level of all investigated paracrine/autocrine factors at one go, and therefore, the possible interaction between these genes could be examined.
Lumbar artificial intervertebral disc replacement: a systematic review
Authors: Thavaneswaran Prema , Vandepeer Meegan
Published: July 2013

Background

Low back pain represents a significant disease burden in Australia. Lumbar artificial intervertebral disc replacement (AIDR) has emerged as an alternative surgical option to lumbar fusion for patients suffering from axial low back pain as a result of degenerative disc disease.

Objectives

The aim of this review was to assess the safety and effectiveness of lumbar AIDR for patients suffering from significant axial back pain and/or radicular (nerve root) pain, secondary to disc degeneration or prolapse, who have failed non‐operative treatment.

Methods

A systematic search of several electronic databases was conducted between January 2005 and April 2012 to identify relevant randomized controlled trials and non‐randomized comparative studies. Inclusion of studies was established through the application of a predetermined protocol by two independent reviewers.

Results

Six randomized controlled trials (comprising nine studies) and one non‐randomized comparative study comparing lumbar AIDR with lumbar fusion were included in this review. For the majority of adverse events reported, there were no obvious differences in incidence rates between the two treatment groups, and serious adverse events were rare in both groups. Following lumbar AIDR, effectiveness outcomes including Oswestry Disability Index scores, procedural success rates, pain scores, narcotic medication use and patient satisfaction were generally significantly better than, or equivalent to, outcomes achieved following lumbar fusion.

Conclusions

In the short to medium term, the safety and effectiveness of lumbar AIDR appears to be comparable to that of lumbar fusion.
Management of placenta accreta
Authors: Sentilhes Loïc , Goffinet François , Kayem Gilles
Published: July 2013

Cesarean hysterectomy is considered the reference standard treatment for placenta accreta. In young women who want the option of future pregnancy and agree to close follow‐up monitoring, conservative treatment is a valid option. Several key points of both cesarean hysterectomy and conservative treatment remain debatable, such as timing of delivery, attempted removal of the placenta, use of temporal internal iliac occlusion balloon catheters, ureteral stents, prophylactic embolization, and methotrexate. In cases of placenta percreta with bladder involvement, conservative treatment may be the optimal management. Regardless of the chosen option, the woman and her partner should be warned of the high risk of maternal complications related to an abnormally invasive placenta.
The Dynamic Observation of Plasma Concentration of Antimicrobial Agents During Balanced Ultrafiltration In Vitro
Authors: Fang Yinghui , Guan Yulong , Wan Caihong , Fu Zhida , Jiang Juanjuan , Wu Chunfu , Zhao Ju , Sun Peng , Long Cun
Published: July 2013

Routine perioperative intravenous antimicrobial agents are administered as surgical prophylaxis. However, whether balanced ultrafiltration during extracorporeal circulation has substantial effect on the concentration of antimicrobial agents remains unclear. The concentrations of antimicrobial agents in plasma and ultrafiltrate samples were measured in this pseudo‐extracorporeal circulation model. Extracorporeal circulation consisted of cardiotomy reservoir, membrane oxygenator, and pediatric arterial line filter. A hemoconcentrator was placed between the arterial purge line and oxygenator venous reservoir. Fresh donor human whole blood was added into the circuit and mixed with Ringer's solution to obtain a final hematocrit of 24–28%. Two kinds of antimicrobial agents, cefotiam (320 mg) and cefmetazole (160 mg), were bolus added into the circuit. After 30 min of extracorporeal circulation, zero‐balanced ultrafiltration was initiated and arterial line pressure was maintained at approximately 100 mm Hg with a Hoffman clamp. The rate of ultrafiltration (12 mL/min) was controlled by ultrafiltrate outlet pressure. An identical volume of Plasmalyte A was dripped into the circuit to maintain stable hematocrit during 45 min of experiment. Plasma and ultrafiltrate samples were drawn every 5 min, and concentrations of antimicrobial agents (including cefotiam and cefmetazole) were measured with high performance liquid chromatography. Both antimicrobial agents were detected in ultrafiltrate, demonstrating hemoconcentration may remove antimicrobial agents. The concentrations of plasma antimicrobial agents decreased linearly with the increase of ultrafiltrate volume. At end of balanced ultrafiltration, the concentration of plasma cefotiam was 104.96 ± 44.36 mg/L, which is about 44.38% ± 7.42% of the initial concentration (238.95 ± 101.12 mg/L) (P < 0.001); the concentration of plasma cefmetazole decreased linearly to 25.76 ± 14.78 mg/L, which is about 49.69% ± 10.49% of the initial concentration (51.49 ± 28.03 mg/L) (P < 0.001). The total amount of cefotiam in ultrafiltrate is 27.16% ± 12.17% of the total dose administered, whereas cefmetazole in ultrafiltrate is 7.74% ± 4.17%. Balanced ultrafiltration may remove antimicrobial agents from plasma and has a prominent influence on plasma concentration of antimicrobial agent. The strategy of surgical prophylaxis should consider this unique technique during extracorporeal circulation.
Bioengineered Cartilage in a Scaffold‐Free Method by Human Cartilage‐Derived Progenitor Cells: A Comparison With Human Adipose‐Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells
Authors: Baptista Leandra S. , Silva Karina R. , Pedrosa Carolina S.G. , Amaral Ronaldo J.F.C. , Belizário João Vitor , Borojevic Radovan , Granjeiro José Mauro
Published: July 2013

The objective of our study was to investigate chondrogenesis potential of human adipose‐derived mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), using as a positive control a human source of cartilage‐derived progenitor cells (PCs). This source of PCs was recently described by our group and dwells on the surface of nasoseptal cartilage. Histological analysis using Safranin O staining and immunofluorescence for actin filaments and collagen type II was performed on three‐dimensional (3D) pellet cultures. Cartilage PCs and adipose MSCs showed similarities in monolayer culture related to cell morphology and proliferation. Our 3D pellet cultures substantially reduced the actin stress and after 21 days under chondrogenic medium, we observed an increase in the pellet diameter for cartilage PCs (7.4%) and adipose MSCs (21.2%). Adipose‐derived MSCs responded to chondrogenic stimulus, as seen by positive areas for collagen type II, but they were not able to recreate a mature extracellular matrix. Using semi‐quantitative analysis, we observed a majority of Safranin O areas rising from blue (no stain) to orange (moderate staining) and no changes in fibroblastic morphology (P < 0.0001). For cartilage PCs, chondrogenic induction is responsible for morphological changes and a high percentage of matrix area/number of cells (P ≤ 0.0001), evaluated by computerized histomorphometry. Morphological analyses reveal that adipose‐derived MSCs were not able to recreate a bioengineered cartilage. The cost of culture was reduced, as the cartilage PCs under growth‐factor free medium exhibit a high score for cartilage formation compared with the induced adipose mesenchymal stromal cells (P = 0.0021). Using a pellet 3D culture, our cartilage PCs were able to produce a cartilage tissue in vitro, leading to the future development of bioengineered products.
Increased Carbon Monoxide Production by Hemeoxygenase‐1 Caused by Device‐Mediated Hemolysis: Thrombotic Phantom Menace?
Authors: Nielsen Vance G. , Pearson Ellen C. , Smith M. Cristina
Published: July 2013

Replacement of key components of the circulatory system with artificial devices has become the mainstay of therapy for conditions such as end‐stage valvular disease or congestive heart failure. Unfortunately, device thrombosis and thromboembolic morbidity persist despite optimized anticoagulation. This work reviews the commonly known causes of device‐associated thrombophilia, introduces recent literature concerning the effect of carbon monoxide on coagulation, and presents new patient data linking endogenously produced carbon monoxide with device‐associated thrombosis. A new paradigm involving the interaction of red blood cell lysis–induced upregulation of hemoxygenase‐1, increased endogenous carbon monoxide, hyperfibrinogenemia, and contact protein/microparticle‐induced thrombin generation is presented.
Hyperoxic Condition Promotes an Inflammatory Response During Cardiopulmonary Bypass in a Rat Model
Authors: Fujii Yutaka , Shirai Mikiyasu , Tsuchimochi Hirotsugu , Pearson James T. , Takewa Yoshiaki , Tatsumi Eisuke , Taenaka Yoshiyuki
Published: July 2013

Systemic inflammatory responses in patients receiving cardiac surgery supported by cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) significantly contribute to CPB‐associated morbidity and mortality. We hypothesized that hyperoxia insufflation aggravates the inflammatory responses and organ damage during CPB. To verify this hypothesis, we investigated the inflammatory responses at high and normal levels of arterial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) in the rat CPB model. Rats were divided into a SHAM group, a hyperoxia CPB group (PaO2 > 400 mm Hg), and a normoxia CPB group (PaO2: 100–150 mm Hg). We measured the serum cytokine levels of tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin (IL)‐6, and IL‐10, and biochemical markers (lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase) before, 60, and 120 min after the initiation of CPB. We also measured the wet‐to‐dry weight (W/D) ratio of the left lung and performed dihydroethidium (DHE) stain reflecting superoxide generation in the lung and liver tissues 120 min after the CPB initiation. In the hyperoxia group, the pro‐inflammatory cytokines and biochemical markers significantly increased during the CPB compared with the SHAM, but such increases were significantly suppressed in the normoxia group. However, the increase in anti‐inflammatory cytokines was more suppressed in the hyperoxia group than in the normoxia group. The W/D ratio increased significantly more in the hyperoxia group than in the normoxia group. In addition, the DHE fluorescence predominantly increased in the hyperoxia group compared with that in the normoxia group. These data suggest that it is better to avoid too much oxygen insufflation for attenuating organ damage associated with the superoxide production and inflammatory responses during CPB.
Effects of Double Filtration Plasmapheresis on Nocturnal Respiratory Function in Myasthenic Patients
Authors: Yeh Jiann‐Horng , Lin Chia‐Mo , Chen Wei‐Hung , Chiu Hou‐Chang
Published: July 2013

Assessment of respiratory function using combined oximetry‐cutaneous capnography has never been evaluated in patients with myasthenia gravis (MG). We investigated the effects of double filtration plasmapheresis (DFPP) on respiratory status in 18 MG patients. Results of combined oximetry and transcutaneous capnography, MG scores, and acetylcholine receptor antibody titers before and after DFPP treatment were compared. The respiratory monitoring was performed at three time periods (morning, afternoon, and sleep). Mean MG score was markedly lower after DFPP treatment (5.7) than before treatment (7.9). Before DFPP, the minimum pulse oximetric saturation (SpO2) level obtained during the night session was significantly lower (P = 0.0513 and P = 0.0199) than the levels obtained during the two daytime sessions. A similar phenomenon was noted for maximum transcutaneous carbon dioxide tension (PtcCO2). After DFPP treatment, the maximum and mean PtcCO2 levels were significantly higher (P = 0.0056) in the morning than in the afternoon. Of all the respiratory function parameters measured, only minimum SpO2 levels obtained during morning sessions before DFP treatment differed significantly from those obtained after DFPP treatment (P = 0.0322). Overall, however, minimum SpO2 levels as well as mean and maximum PtcCO2 levels improved significantly during sleep after DFPP. In conclusion, we found that respiratory function abnormalities were common in myasthenic patients without clinical respiratory symptoms. DFPP treatment resulted in minimal improvement of respiratory parameters.
TonicGABAinhibition in hippocampal dentate granule cells: its regulation and function in temporal lobe epilepsies
Authors: Li Z.‐X. , Yu H.‐M. , Jiang K.‐W.
Published: July 2013

Both human and experimental evidence strongly supports the view of brain region‐ and cell‐specific changes in tonicGABAinhibition in temporal lobe epilepsies (TLE). This ‘tonic’ form of signalling is not time‐locked to presynaptic action potentials, which depends upon detection of ambientGABAby extrasynapticGABAAreceptors (GABAARs). ExtrasynapticGABAARs have distinct physiological and pharmacological features, including highGABA‐binding affinity and low desensitization and a variety of the specific subunit combinations (α4δ‐,α6δ‐,α5γ‐,ε‐containing receptors). These features closely contribute to the function of tonicGABAcurrent, which is preserved properly or increased in dentate gyrus in models ofTLE, even in the face of a loss of synaptic inhibition and inhibitory interneurones. Markedly reduced tonicGABAinhibition may facilitate an episode of epilepsy, while persistent elevated tonic inhibition may contribute to the onset of spontaneous recurrent seizures. In dentate granule cells, tonicGABAinhibition is positively modulated by endogenous neurosteroids and other factors, which undergo changes related to hormonal status afterTLE. Tonic inhibition regulates neuronal excitability through its effects on membrane potential by both offsetting the threshold and reducing the frequency of action potentials and input resistance. Therefore, extrasynapticGABAARs are expected to be the most important pharmacological targets inTLE. It is likely that both elevate the ambientGABAconcentration and potentiate the tonic currents, contributing to the antiepileptic effects.