bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modulating hair follicle size with Wnt10b/DKK1 during hair regeneration
Authors: Lei Mingxing , Guo Haiying , Qiu Weiming , Lai Xiangdong , Yang Tian , Widelitz Randall B. , Chuong Cheng‐Ming , Lian Xiaohua , Yang Li
Published: April 2014

Hair follicles have characteristic sizes corresponding to their cycle‐specific stage. However, how the anagen hair follicle specifies its size remains elusive. Here, we showed that in response to prolonged ectopic Wnt10b‐mediated β‐catenin activation, regenerating anagen hair follicles grew larger in size. In particular, the hair bulb, dermal papilla and hair shaft became enlarged, while the formation of different hair types (Guard, Awl, Auchene and Zigzag) was unaffected. Interestingly, we found that the effect of exogenous WNT10b was mainly on Zigzag and less on the other kinds of hairs. We observed dramatically enhanced proliferation within the matrix, DP and hair shaft of the enlarged AdWnt10b‐treated hair follicles compared with those of normal hair follicles at P98. Furthermore, expression of CD34, a specific hair stem cell marker, was increased in its number to the bulge region after AdWnt10b treatment. Ectopic expression of CD34 throughout the ORS region was also observed. Many CD34‐positive hair stem cells were actively proliferating in AdWnt10b‐induced hair follicles. Importantly, subsequent co‐treatment with the Wnt inhibitor, DKK1, reduced hair follicle enlargement and decreased proliferation and ectopic localization of hair stem cells. Moreover, injection of DKK1 during early anagen significantly reduced the width of prospective hairs. Together, these findings strongly suggest that Wnt10b/DKK1 can modulate hair follicle size during hair regeneration.
Distinct melanoma types based on reflectance confocal microscopy
Authors: Pellacani Giovanni , De Pace Barbara , Reggiani Camilla , Cesinaro Anna Maria , Argenziano Giuseppe , Zalaudek Iris , Soyer H. Peter , Longo Caterina
Published: April 2014

Distinct melanoma types exist in relation to patient characteristics, tumor morphology, histopathologic aspects and genetic background. A new diagnostic imaging tool, reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM), allows in vivo analysis of a given lesion with nearly histologic resolution while offering a dynamic view of the tissue in its ‘natural’ environment. The aim of this study was to analyse cell morphology of consecutive melanomas as they appear on RCM and to correlate morphology with tumor and patient characteristics. One hundred melanomas were visualized by RCM before excision. Clinical data, confocal features and histologic criteria were analysed. Four types of melanomas were identified as follows: (i) Melanomas with a predominantly dendritic cell population (‘dendritic‐cell melanomas’) typically were thin by Breslow index; (ii) Melanomas typified by roundish melanocytes were smaller in size than dendritic cell MMs, but thicker by Breslow index, and predominantly occurred in patients with a high nevus count; (iii) Melanomas characterized by dermal nesting proliferation usually were thick by Breslow index at the time of diagnosis, although frequently smaller in size compared with the other types; and (iv) combined type melanomas may represent an evolution of dendritic cell and/or round cell types. Integration of confocal microscopy with clinical and histologic aspects may help in identifying and managing distinct tumors.
Human hypertrophic and keloid scar models: principles, limitations and future challenges from a tissue engineering perspective
Authors: van den Broek Lenie J. , Limandjaja Grace C. , Niessen Frank B. , Gibbs Susan
Published: April 2014

Most cutaneous wounds heal with scar formation. Ideally, an inconspicuous normotrophic scar is formed, but an abnormal scar (hypertrophic scar or keloid) can also develop. A major challenge to scientists and physicians is to prevent adverse scar formation after severe trauma (e.g. burn injury) and understand why some individuals will form adverse scars even after relatively minor injury. Currently, many different models exist to study scar formation, ranging from simple monolayer cell culture to 3D tissue‐engineered models even to humanized mouse models. Currently, these high‐/medium‐throughput test models avoid the main questions referring to why an adverse scar forms instead of a normotrophic scar and what causes a hypertrophic scar to form rather than a keloid scar and also, how is the genetic predisposition of the individual and the immune system involved. This information is essential if we are to identify new drug targets and develop optimal strategies in the future to prevent adverse scar formation. This viewpoint review summarizes the progress on in vitro and animal scar models, stresses the limitations in the current models and identifies the future challenges if scar‐free healing is to be achieved in the future.
The Costs and Pitfalls of Individualizing Decisions and Incentivizing Conflict: A Comment on Afcc's Think Tank Report on Shared Parenting
Authors: Braver Sanford L.
Published: April 2014

The AFCC Think Tank on Research, Policy, Practice, and Shared Parenting is quite groundbreaking, had an all‐star cast, and the issues could hardly be more important to our organization. Yet, many will regard the final report from the think tank as disappointing because, simply, it fails to say very much. I argue that the reason is that the think tank gave too little consideration to two interlocking costs to the families. First are the costs associated with individualizing decisions on a case‐by‐case basis. Much as it may be desirable, we may really not know how to properly individualize, tailor, or custom‐fit parenting plans to achieve the best possible outcomes in each case. So, the effort and expense and time and trouble taken in the futile pursuit of case‐specific decisions come with little corresponding benefits. Better to have a starting place that covers the majority of cases and families, with, of course, the ability to deviate when the fit is obviously bad. The general public strongly believes that shared parenting is that starting place and that any other position is biased. The second cost is that vagueness and ambivalence will ultimately be iatrogenic for families by leading to greater conflict. Various proposals under consideration differently incentivize parents to engage in that conflict. Presumptions, of any flavor, generally minimize such incentives. A shared parenting presumption would minimize that incentive most of all.

Key Points for the Family Court Community

We do not know enough to validly individualize custody arrangements.

Vagueness and ambivalence incentivize conflict between the parents, which we do know is deleterious.

A shared parenting presumption is strongly viewed by the public as the correct starting place and that any other position is biased.

The buzz among divorce professionals about what is “the best”—and/or the most judge preferred—arrangement exerts heavy influence on the arrangements most parents eventually settle upon.

The think tank provides an extremely useful agenda for future research.
A Presumption Against Shared Parenting for Family Court Litigants
Authors: Jaffe Peter
Published: April 2014

Shared parenting is the most beneficial model for planning the future of many separating parents and their children. Shared parenting needs to be crafted, for appropriate cases, by willing parents on their own or through coaching by responsible lawyers, counselors, or mediators. Shared parenting is not an outcome that should be forced on high‐conflict parents against their will as a compromise in the hopes that they will grow into the plan. Separating parents with a history of domestic violence need to receive appropriate screening and assessment on the nature of the violence, the impact of the violence on the adult victim and children, and the interventions required by the perpetrator before a safe parenting plan can be designed. The Think Tank Report on shared parenting is to be commended for its work. The Report acknowledges some of the limitations of shared parenting in situations that pose risks to children and/or inadvertently promote ongoing conflicts between parents. My concern is that domestic violence victims will be forced into shared parenting or fear being labeled as “hostile” and “unfriendly parents” or accused of alienation. There continues to be a need for much more professional education on the ongoing risks of domestic violence and the implications for differentiated parenting plans.

Key Points for the Family Court Community:

Shared parenting is not for everyone.

Litigating parents are unlikely to make shared parenting work.

Case of domestic violence require screening and a differentiated parenting plan that recognizes safety, accountability and healing.
Parental Separation and Overnight Care of Young Children, Part II: Putting Theory into Practice
Authors: McIntosh Jennifer E. , Pruett Marsha Kline , Kelly Joan B.
Published: April 2014

This article is a companion piece to the empirical and theoretical perspectives on infant overnight care arrangements offered in Part I. Grounded in an integrated psycho‐developmental perspective, the paper provides a set of clinical assumptions and a related chart of practical considerations, to guide decision making about infant overnight care, both in the individual case and in broader policy contexts. At all levels of decision making, we endorse the need for developmentally sensitive resolutions that protect both the vulnerabilities of early childhood and support lifelong parent–child relationships, whenever possible.

Key Points for the Family Court Community:

Parenting orders or plans for children 0–3 years of age should foster both developmental security and the health of each parent–child relationship, now and into the future.

From a position of theoretical and empirical consensus, we provide an integrated set of assumptions and considerations to guide decision making about overnight parenting plans.

These considerations apply equally to planning in the individual case and to policy level decisions.
Afforestation effects on SOC in former cropland: oak and spruce chronosequences resampled after 13 years
Authors: Bárcena Teresa G. , Gundersen Per , Vesterdal Lars
Published: April 2014

Chronosequences are commonly used to assess soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration after land‐use change, but SOC dynamics predicted by this space‐for‐time substitution approach have rarely been validated by resampling. We conducted a combined chronosequence/resampling study in a former cropland area (Vestskoven) afforested with oak (Quercus robur) and Norway spruce (Picea abies) over the past 40 years. The aims of this study were (i) to compare present and previous chronosequence trends in forest floor and top mineral soil (0–25 cm) C stocks; (ii) to compare chronosequence estimates with current rates of C stock change based on resampling at the stand level; (iii) to estimate SOC changes in the subsoil (25–50 cm); and (iv) to assess the influence of two tree species on SOC dynamics.

The two chronosequence trajectories for forest floor C stocks revealed consistently higher rates of C sequestration in spruce than oak. The chronosequence trajectory was validated by resampling and current rates of forest floor C sequestration decreased with stand age. Chronosequence trends in topsoil SOC in 2011 did not differ significantly from those reported in 1998, however, there was a shift from a negative rate (1998: −0.3 Mg C ha−1 yr−1) to no change in 2011. In contrast SOC stocks in the subsoil increased with stand age, however, not significantly (P = 0.1), suggesting different C dynamics in and below the former plough layer. Current rates of C change estimated by repeated sampling decreased with stand age in forest floors but increased in the topsoil. The contrasting temporal change in forest floor and mineral soil C sequestration rates indicate a shift in C source‐sink strength after approximately 40 years. We conclude that afforestation of former cropland within the temperate region may induce soil C loss during the first decades followed by a recovery phase of yet unknown duration.
Stoichiometric shifts in surface soils over broad geographical scales: evidence fromChina's grasslands
Authors: Yang Yuanhe , Fang Jingyun , Ji Chengjun , Datta Arindam , Li Pin , Ma Wenhong , Mohammat Anwar , Shen Haihua , Hu Huifeng , Knapp Benjamin O. , Smith Pete
Published: April 2014

Aim

The identification of stoichiometric flexibility is crucial for understanding carbon–nitrogen–phosphorus (C–N–P) interactions and ecosystem dynamics under a changing environment. However, current evidence of stoichiometric flexibility mainly comes from manipulation experiments, with little evidence from large‐scale observations.

Location

Alpine and temperate grasslands across northernChina.

Methods

Using soil profiles derived from a historical national soil inventory and a contemporary regional soil survey acrossChina's grasslands, we examined temporal changes in topsoilC:N:Pratios over recent decades.

Results

TopsoilC:Nratios of five major grassland types exhibited some flexibility but did not show significant changes over the sampling interval. Non‐significant changes in topsoilC:Nratios were observed both in alpine grasslands on theTibetanPlateau and in temperate grasslands on the Inner Mongolian Plateau. Consistent with the relatively stableC:Nratios, the slope of the soilC–Nstoichiometric relationship did not differ significantly between the two sampling periods. SoilN:Pratios in the surface layer increased significantly over the sampling interval, however, with an overall increase of 0.60 (95% confidence interval 0.58–0.62). A larger increase in soilN:Pratio was found in temperate grasslands on theInnerMongolianPlateau than in alpine grasslands on theTibetanPlateau. Moreover, the slope of the soilN–Pstoichiometric relationship in these grassland ecosystems became steeper over the sampling interval.

Main conclusions

These results demonstrate the stability of topsoilC:Nstoichiometry but variability inN:Pstoichiometry over broad geographical scales, highlighting that soilCandNare tightly coupled, butNandPtend to be decoupled under a changing environment.
Global‐scale patterns of assemblage structure of soil nematodes in relation to climate and ecosystem properties
Authors: Nielsen Uffe N. , Ayres Edward , Wall Diana H. , Li Grace , Bardgett Richard D. , Wu Tiehang , Garey James R.
Published: April 2014

Aim

To conduct the first global‐scale investigation of soil nematode assemblages using a standardized approach to quantify how environmental and climatic variables influence family assemblage structure in nematodes and determine whether nematode families have restricted distributions.

Location

Global.

Methods

We collected soil nematodes within four 10 m × 10 m plots distributed evenly along a 900‐m transect at each of 12 sites representing multiple ecosystem types across a latitudinal gradient (68° Nto 77° S) on six continents. We assigned > 28,000 individuals to family level and trophic group morphologically.

Results

We recorded a total of 43 nematode families, but sites varied considerably in family richness (1–30). Families differed in their ranges with 12 families occurring at 10 or more sites, while 14 families occurred at three or fewer sites. Total nematode and trophic group abundances were generally related to soil characteristics, including bulk density and soil moisture, but we found no good predictor of family richness, diversity or evenness at the plot level. Family richness, diversity and evenness were considerably lower in the high‐latitude polar desert than elsewhere, but only family diversity showed a significant, albeit weak, latitudinal gradient. Nematode assemblage composition was quite strongly related to climate: 65% and 58% of the variation in assemblage composition across sites could be accounted for by mean annual rainfall and temperature, respectively.

Main conclusions

Nematode families display macroecological patterns similar to other organisms, such as a positive abundance–range size relationship and restricted distribution of some families. Local nematode abundances were related to soil characteristics, but we found no relationships between family richness and environmental or climatic variables. Family composition was related to mean annual rainfall and temperature, suggesting that climate is a good predictor of local assemblage structure. As a result, climate change may have a significant impact on nematode assemblages, with potential implications for ecosystem functioning.
Different obesity phenotypes, and incident cardiovascular disease and mortality events in elderly Iranians: Tehran lipid and glucose study
Authors: Mirbolouk Mohammadhassan , Asgari Samaneh , Sheikholeslami Farhad , Mirbolouk Fardin , Azizi Fereidoun , Hadaegh Farzad
Published: April 2014

Aim

To determine the impact of body mass index and the presence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) on cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality events in an elderly Tehranian population.

Methods

A population‐based cohort of 1199 participants aged ≥65 years were followed for a mean of 9.74 years. Participants were stratified according to body mass index categories and MetS status. Cox regression analyses were used to estimate the hazard ratio of CVD and mortality events, given overweight participants without MetS as reference.

Result

During follow up, 271 CVD events and 239 deaths (106 CVD deaths) occurred. Regarding CVD, multivariate‐adjusted hazard ratios for CVD events in normal weight and obese participants without MetS were 1.21 (95% CI 0.77–1.91) and 1.46 (95% CI 0.64–3.34), respectively, and for normal weight, overweight and obese participants with MetS were 2.07 (95% CI 1.23–3.28), 1.72 (95% CI 1.13–2.62), and 1.53 (95% CI 0.95–2.45), respectively. Corresponding hazard ratios for CVD mortality were 2.08 (95% CI 0.93–4.82), 1.07 (95% CI 0.13–8.78), 3.71 (95% CI 1.55–8.85), 2.42 (95% CI 1.06–5.51) and 3.31 (95% CI 1.39–7.88), and for all‐cause mortality were 1.41 (95% CI 0.9–2.23), 1.33 (95% CI 0.51–3.47), 1.84 (95% CI 1.1–3.09), 1.46 (95% CI 0.93–2.34) and 1.5 (95% CI 0.91–2.56), respectively. In the presence of diabetes in place of MetS, all of the diabetic participants regardless of body mass index category highlighted a significant risk for CVD and mortality events.

Conclusion

Among the elderly population, the presence of MetS was necessary for exploring the risk of CVD events and its mortality; however, only the normal weight population with MetS had a significant risk for all‐cause mortality Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 449–456.
Severe post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorder after living donor liver transplantation
Authors: Kuramitsu Kaori , Fukumoto Takumi , Fukushima Kenji , Iwasaki Takeshi , Tominaga Masahiro , Matsui Toshimitsu , Kawakami Fumi , Itoh Tomoo , Ku Yonson
Published: April 2014

Post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is a well‐known complication after transplantation. A living donor liver transplantation was performed on a 31‐year‐old man for fulminant hepatitis. He again developed liver dysfunction after 7 months. He was diagnosed as having acute cellular rejection and the steroid pulse therapy introduced resulted in little improvement. He gradually developed a high fever and right axillary lymphadenopathy appeared. Chest computed tomography (CT) was performed revealing small lung nodules and axillary lymphadenopathy. Because his serological status for Epstein–Barr virus was positive, PTLD was highly suspected and immunosuppression treatment was withdrawn with little improvement. One week later, he developed tachycardia. Chest CT was re‐performed revealing an infiltration to the left cardiac chamber. For diagnosis, axillary lymph node biopsy was performed and during the procedure, he developed ventricular tachycardia (VT). Immunohistological staining revealed PTLD of T lymphocytes, and chemotherapy was introduced on the same day he developed VT. After two cycles of tetrahydropyranyl, adriamycin, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, prednisolone and etoposide treatment, he completely recovered. This is a first case report of severe PTLD with VT, and our case implies the feasibility of chemotherapy after the appearance of dissemination symptoms.
HIV Tat protein affects circadian rhythmicity by interfering with the circadian system
Authors: Wang T , Jiang Z , Hou W , Li Z , Cheng S , Green LA , Wang Y , Wen X , Cai L , Clauss M , Wang Z
Published: April 2014

Objectives

Sleep disorders are common in patients with HIV/AIDS, and can lead to poor quality of life. Although many studies have investigated the aetiology of these disorders, it is still unclear whether impaired sleep quality is associated with HIV itself, social problems, or side effects of antiretroviral therapy (ART). Moreover, despite its known neurological associations, little is known about the role of the trans‐activator of transcription (Tat) protein in sleep disorders in patients with HIV/AIDS. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that the sleep quality of patients with HIV/AIDS affected by an altered circadian rhythm correlates with cerebrospinal HIV Tat protein concentration.

Methods

Ninety‐six patients with HIV/AIDS between 20 and 69 years old completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Their circadian rhythm parameters of blood pressure, Tat concentration in cerebrospinal fluid, melatonin concentration, CD4 cell count and HIV RNA viral load in serum were measured.

Results

The circadian amplitude of systolic blood pressure and the score for sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index) were negatively correlated with HIV Tat protein concentration, while the melatonin value was positively correlated with Tat protein concentration.

Conclusions

The HIV Tat protein affects circadian rhythmicity by interfering with the circadian system in patients with HIV/AIDS and further increases the melatonin excretion value. A Tat protein‐related high melatonin value may counteract HIV‐related poor sleep quality during the progression of HIV infection. This study provides the first clinical evidence offering an explanation for why sleep quality did not show an association with progression of HIV infection in previous studies.
Improved heuristics for the regenerator location problem
Authors: Duarte A. , Martí R. , Resende M.G.C. , Silva R.M.A.
Published: April 2014

Telecommunication systems use optical signals to transmit information. The strength of a signal in an optical network deteriorates and loses power as it goes farther from the source, mainly due to attenuation. Therefore, to enable the signal to arrive its intended destination with good quality, it is necessary to regenerate the signal periodically using regenerators. These components are relatively expensive and therefore it is desirable to deploy as few of them as possible in the network. In the regenerator location problem (RLP), we are given an undirected graph, positive edge lengths, and a parameter specifying the maximum length that a signal can travel before its quality deteriorates and regeneration is required. The problem consists in determining paths that connect all pairs of nodes in the graph and, if necessary, locating single regenerators in some of those nodes such that the signal never travels more than the maximum allowed distance without traversing a regenerator node. In this paper, we present new implementations of previous heuristics and two new heuristics—a GRASP and a biased random‐key genetic algorithm—for the RLP. Computational experiments comparing the proposed solution procedures with previous heuristics described in the literature illustrate the efficiency and effectiveness of our methods.
Coordination between strategic forest management and tactical logistic and production planning in the forestry supply chain
Authors: Kong Jiehong , Rönnqvist Mikael
Published: April 2014

In this paper, we study the coordination mechanism in the forestry supply chain between strategic forest management and tactical production planning. We first formulate an integrated model to establish a theoretical benchmark for performance of the entire supply chain. It is a mixed integer programming model that involves harvesting, bucking, transportation, production, and sales decisions for both tactical and strategic planning levels. We then present two sequential approaches S‐A and S‐B where the coordination is done through internal pricing. S‐A is the approach currently used in practice where harvesting in the forest is the main driver of the supply chain activities and internal pricing is introduced to control bucking decision in a separate stage. In contrast, S‐B takes downstream demand information into consideration and internal pricing directly influences harvesting decision in the first stage. In order to find the appropriate setting of internal pricing that leads to the system optimum, we suggest two heuristics H‐I and H‐II. The internal pricing in H‐I is based on dual values and in H‐II, it is derived from a Lagrangian decomposition. A real‐life case study in the Chilean forestry industry is used to compare the results of different approaches. It is shown that the new sequential approach S‐B generates as good feasible solution as that obtained from the integrated approach but in much less time. Both heuristics H‐I and H‐II bring about near‐optimal feasible solutions. H‐II also provides optimistic bound of the optimal objective function value, which can be used as a measure of the solution quality.
Adverse reaction to silicone simulating orofacial granulomatosis
Authors: Requena C. , Requena L. , Alegre V , Serra C. , Llombart B. , Nagore E. , Guillén C. , Sanmartín O.
Published: April 2014

Background

Granulomatous reactions to silicone facial fillers are well described in the literature. Clinically, these reactions present as nodules or pseudotumors that are frequently described as silicone granulomas or siliconomas.

Objective

We want to report a peculiar form of granulomatous reaction to injected silicone characterized by recurrent episodes of facial edema.

Methods

We collected silicone infiltrated patients with a similar clinical picture consisting of asymptomatic episodes of unilateral facial edema that had been recurring for months or years.

Results

We found four women with recurrent episodes of facial edema. They had been infiltrated with silicone in the face. Histology showed silicone deposits and a granulomatous infiltrate in all 4 cases.

Conclusion

We describe and illustrate a new type of adverse reaction to injected silicone simulating orofacial granulomatosis. The reaction presents as recurrent, unilateral, asymmetric facial edema of the cheek in patients who have been injected with silicone in the face. Familiarity with this adverse reaction will help to prevent erroneous diagnoses such as idiopathic angioedema, Melkersson Rosenthal syndrome, and orofacial granulomatosis.
In the After: Anthropological Reflections on Postwar El Salvador
Authors: Silber Irina Carlota
Published: April 2014

Este artículo se basa en la investigación etnográfica longitudinal realizada en Chalatenango, El Salvador y en los Estados Unidos. Ofrece una reflexión antropológica sobre el significado de la posguerra veinte años después de la firma de los Acuerdos de Paz que pusieron fin a la guerra civil salvadoreña. Intenta generar un debate académico sobre la posguerra en El Salvador en relación a la teorización contemporánea sobre el humanitarismo. En particular, baso mi argumento en el trabajo de Didier Fassin (). Demuestro que, en el caso salvadoreño, existen proyectos humanitarios enredados con los legados de la revolución. Desarrollo este argumento mediante la exploración de una conferencia en El Salvador, como un momento etnográfico que, en mi opinion, requiere reconsiderar la narrativa sobre la militancia. También ofrezco viñetas etnográficas de Chalatenango de 1993–2012. Mi objetivo es complejizar nuestra comprensión de la temporalidad de las secuelas de la guerra y poner los procesos cotidianos que se van formando en zonas exconflictivas en El Salvador en un nuevo parámetro de discusión.
Pentecostalized Development and Novel Social Imaginaries in Rural El Salvador
Authors: Huff James G.
Published: April 2014

En las décadas después de la guerra civil las iglesias pentecostales crecieron rápidamente en El Salvador, y ahora contribuyen a la visión del bienestar social de los salvadoreños. Este artículo examina un caso en el que los miembros de una iglesia pentecostal rural movilizan a sus vecinos y otras instituciones locales para llevar a cabo iniciativas de desarrollo comunitario. En particular, en el artículo se describe cómo la iglesia actúa como un “ente público” y, en consecuencia, se convierte en un sitio en el que diferentes redes sociales se vinculan en maneras novedosas. La investigación ofrece evidencia empírica sobre el impacto del movimiento pentecostal en la vida social en El Salvador y en otras partes de América Latina.
Volume Replacement Following Severe Postpartum Hemorrhage
Authors: Schorn Mavis N. , Phillippi Julia C.
Published: April 2014

Severe postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) can be defined as a blood loss of more than 1500 mL to 2500 mL. While rare, severe PPH is a significant contributor to maternal mortality and morbidity in the United States and throughout the world. Due to the maternal hematologic adaptation to pregnancy, the hypovolemia resulting from hemorrhage can be asymptomatic until a large amount of blood is lost. Rapid replacement of lost fluids can mitigate effects of severe hemorrhage. Current evidence on postpartum volume replacement suggests that crystalloid fluids should be used only until the amount of blood loss becomes severe. Once a woman displays signs of hypovolemia, blood products including packed red blood cells, fresh frozen plasma, platelets, and recombinant factor VIIa should be used for volume replacement. Overuse of crystalloid fluids increases the risk for acute coagulopathy and third spacing of fluids. A massive transfusion protocol is one mechanism to provide a rapid, consistent, and evidence‐based team response to this life‐threatening condition.
Fetal heart rate pattern interpretation in the second stage of labor using the five‐tier classification: Impact of the degree and duration on severe fetal acidosis
Authors: Ikeda Sayako , Okazaki Atsuko , Miyazaki Ken , Kihira Kana , Furuhashi Madoka
Published: April 2014

Aim

The aim of this study was to clarify the association between fetal heart rate (FHR) tracing interpretation levels in the second stage of labor and poor fetal acid‐base balance.

Material and Methods

The database at one tertiary hospital in Nagoya, Japan, was retrospectively reviewed for women with singleton fetuses in cephalic presentation and vaginal labor at ≥37 + 0 gestational weeks between 1 June 2011 and 30 April 2012. Continuous FHR tracings in the second stage of labor were subdivided into 15‐min intervals, each of which we called a window, from the beginning of labor through delivery, and were assessed according to the five‐tier classification proposed by the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology, in which level 1 is normal, level 2 is subnormal, and levels 3–5 are abnormal patterns.

Results

In total, 777 parturient women were eligible for the study protocol. The numbers of women with maximal levels of 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 were 3, 77, 341, 349, and 7, respectively. No cases of severe fetal acidosis (pH < 7.0 or base excess <−12 mmol/L) were recorded when the maximal levels were below 3. Both the pH and base excess of the umbilical artery decreased with higher levels of FHR tracings interpretation (P < 0.001). Both the summations of level‐4 windows and level‐3 and level‐4 windows were significantly higher in women with severe fetal acidosis than in women without (P < 0.001), indicating that the duration of abnormal levels is associated with severe fetal acidosis.

Conclusions

Both the degree and duration of FHR tracing abnormalities correlate with severe fetal acidosis.
Cardiovascular risk markers and thyroid status in young Indian women with polycystic ovarian syndrome: A case–control study
Authors: Sravan Kumar Perla , Ananthanarayanan Palghat Hariharan , Rajendiran Soundravally
Published: April 2014

Aim

To study thyroid function profile, atherogenic markers and their association in young women with PCOS.

Methods

Thirty women aged 15–30 years with PCOS (married and unmarried) and an equal number of age‐matched controls were included in this study. The following parameters were assessed: thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine (FT3), tetraiodothyronine (FT4), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C), very low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL‐C) homocysteine (HCY), lipoprotein(a) (Lp[a]) levels.

Results

Thyroid function tests were within normal ranges in all the cases and controls. The following parameters were significantly elevated in women with PCOS compared to controls: serum TC, TG, LDL,VLDL, HCY and Lp(a). Married women with PCOS had significantly higher levels of TC, TG, VLDL‐C, LDL‐C, HCY and Lp(a). Among unmarried PCOS cases, HCY levels were found to be significantly higher compared to unmarried controls. In group 1, Lp(a) levels were found to be high. In group 2, TC, TG, LDL‐C, VLDL‐C, Lp(a) and HCY levels were found to be high. In group 3, TC, VLDL‐C and Lp(a) were found to be high.

Conclusion

Alteration in lipid metabolism and elevated HCY and Lp(a) levels were present in women with PCOS, which were independent of their thyroid status. Unmarried PCOS women are predisposed to develop cardiovascular diseases rather than married PCOS women. Group 2 PCOS women are predisposed to get cardiovascular diseases rather than group 1 and group 3. PCOS women need not have hypothyroidism.
Possible association between stem‐like hallmark and radioresistance in human cervical carcinoma cells
Authors: Kumazawa Shoko , Kajiyama Hiroaki , Umezu Tomokazu , Mizuno Mika , Suzuki Shiro , Yamamoto Eiko , Mitsui Hiroko , Sekiya Ryuichiro , Shibata Kiyosumi , Kikkawa Fumitaka
Published: April 2014

Aim

We aimed to investigate the possibility of an association between a stem‐like hallmark and radiotherapeutic sensitivity in human cervical carcinoma cells.

Material and Methods

Side‐population (SP) cells and non‐SP (NSP) cells in HeLa cells were isolated using flow cytometry and Hoechst 33342 efflux. We performed Western blot analysis to evaluate the expression of stem cell markers (CXCR4, Oct3/4, CD133, and SOX2) and apoptosis markers after irradiation. In addition, SP and NSP cells were injected into nude mice and we assessed subcutaneous tumor formation. To examine tolerance of irradiation, colony formation and apoptosis change were confirmed in the SP and NSP cells.

Results

SP cells showed a higher expression of CXCR4, Oct3/4, CD133, and SOX2 than NSP cells. The colony size of SP cells cultured on non‐coated dishes was larger than that of NSP cells, and NSP cells were easily induced to undergo apoptosis. SP cells tended to form spheroids and showed a higher level of tumorigenicity compared with NSP cells. In addition, nude mice inoculated with SP cells showed greater tumor growth compared with NSP cells. SP cells showed a higher tumorigenicity and lower apoptotic potential, leading to enhanced radiotolerance.

Conclusion

Tumor SP cells showed higher‐level stem‐cell‐like characters and radioresistance than NSP cells. SP cells may be useful for new therapeutic approaches for radiation‐resistant cervical cancer.
Recurrent immature teratoma of the ovary with long‐term disease‐free interval
Authors: Matsumoto Harunobu , Mizoguchi Chiharu , Nishida Masakazu , Sato Shimpei , Nasu Kaei , Narahara Hisashi
Published: April 2014

Grade 3 immature teratoma of the ovary is rare and has a poor prognosis due to early recurrence. This report describes a case of grade 3 immature teratoma of the ovary that recurred 16 years after the last treatment. The patient underwent abdominal simple total hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo‐oophorectomy, pelvic‐para‐aortic lymphadenectomy, and adjuvant chemotherapy under the diagnosis of grade 3 immature teratoma of the ovary when she was 15 years old, and complete remission was achieved. Sixteen years after the initial treatment, the tumor relapsed in her liver and pleura. She was treated by 10 courses of tri‐weekly paclitaxel and carboplatin, and was alive with stable disease for 12 months after the disease relapse. After 1 year, the tumor progressed, and she died 16 months after the relapse. This is the first report of grade 3 immature teratoma of the ovary that relapsed more than 5 years after the prior treatment.
Shedding light on painters' implicit knowledge: The effect of lighting on recognizing expression and facial impressions of a depicted person in portraits
Authors: Sakuta Yuiko , Kanazawa So , Yamaguchi Masami K.
Published: April 2014

We aimed to verify painters' empirical rules in painting portraits from the perspective of face perception. In particular, we examined the effects of lighting on perceiving impressions and facial expressions of a depicted person by using portrait paintings with various lighting conditions of contrast (high, low) and position (left, right). Viewers rated their impressions of the people in the portraits and those people's expressions using 7‐point scales. Impressions regarding likability or attractiveness were stable regardless of the lighting conditions, while the other impressions differed among the lighting conditions. Positive emotions were perceived more strongly in paintings with low contrast, whereas negative emotions were perceived more strongly in paintings with high contrast. Overall, these results suggest that lighting has a systematic effect on face perception even in portrait paintings. We propose that the current study provides empirical evidence of painters' implicit knowledge.
Drugs acting at 5‐HT4, D2, motilin, and ghrelin receptors differ markedly in how they affect neuromuscular functions in human isolated stomach
Authors: Broad J. , Góralczyk A. , Mannur K. , Dukes G. E. , Sanger G. J.
Published: April 2014

Background

Progress in identifying safer, effective drugs to increase gastric emptying is impeded by failed clinical trials. One potential reason for failure is lack of translation from animal models to the human condition. To make progress, the actions of existing drugs and new therapeutic candidates need to be understood in human isolated stomach.

Methods

Neuromuscular activities were evoked in human gastric antrum circular muscle by electrical field stimulation (EFS), defined phenotypically using pharmacological tools.

Key Results

EFS evoked cholinergically mediated contractions, attenuated by simultaneous nitrergic activation. The 5‐HT4 receptor agonist/D2 antagonist metoclopramide and the selective 5‐HT4 agonist prucalopride, facilitated contractions in the absence (respectively, Emax 95 ± 29% and 42 ± 9%, n = 3–6 each concentration) and presence (139 ± 38%, 55 ± 13%, n = 3–5) of the NO synthase inhibitor L‐NAME, without affecting submaximal contractions to carbachol; the 5‐HT4 antagonist SB204070 prevented facilitation by metoclopramide 100 μM (respectively, −5 (range −26 to 34) and 167 (12–1327)% in presence and absence; n = 5–6). The selective motilin receptor agonist camicinal provided considerably greater facilitation (478 (12–2080)% at 30 μM, n = 8). Domperidone (0.001–100 μM; n = 3–6) and acylated or des‐acylated ghrelin (1–300 nM; n = 2–4) had no consistent activity, even with protease inhibitors.

Conclusions & Inferences

5‐HT4 receptor agonists show different efficacies. Motilin receptor activation has greater potential to increase gastric emptying, whereas ghrelin and D2 receptor antagonism have no direct activity. Drugs stimulating human gastric motility directly can act regardless of disease mechanisms, whereas drugs without direct activity but an ability to block nausea/vomiting may be effective only if these symptoms exist.
Two‐year field analysis of reduced recalcitrance transgenic switchgrass
Authors: Baxter Holly L. , Mazarei Mitra , Labbe Nicole , Kline Lindsey M. , Cheng Qunkang , Windham Mark T. , Mann David G. J. , Fu Chunxiang , Ziebell Angela , Sykes Robert W. , Rodriguez Miguel , Davis Mark F. , Mielenz Jonathan R. , Dixon Richard A. , Wang Zeng‐Yu , Stewart C. Neal
Published: April 2014

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) is a leading candidate for a dedicated lignocellulosic biofuel feedstock owing to its high biomass production, wide adaptation and low agronomic input requirements. Lignin in cell walls of switchgrass, and other lignocellulosic feedstocks, severely limits the accessibility of cell wall carbohydrates to enzymatic breakdown into fermentable sugars and subsequently biofuels. Low‐lignin transgenic switchgrass plants produced by the down‐regulation of caffeic acid O‐methyltransferase (COMT), a lignin biosynthetic enzyme, were analysed in the field for two growing seasons. COMT transcript abundance, lignin content and the syringyl/guaiacyl lignin monomer ratio were consistently lower in the COMT‐down‐regulated plants throughout the duration of the field trial. In general, analyses with fully established plants harvested during the second growing season produced results that were similar to those observed in previous greenhouse studies with these plants. Sugar release was improved by up to 34% and ethanol yield by up to 28% in the transgenic lines relative to controls. Additionally, these results were obtained using senesced plant material harvested at the end of the growing season, compared with the young, green tissue that was used in the greenhouse experiments. Another important finding was that transgenic plants were not more susceptible to rust (Puccinia emaculata). The results of this study suggest that lignin down‐regulation in switchgrass can confer real‐world improvements in biofuel yield without negative consequences to biomass yield or disease susceptibility.
Outcome of infants presenting rectal bleeding: A retrospective study in a single institution
Authors: Mori Mari , Ohtsuka Yoshikazu , Ishida Asuka , Yamazaki Susumu , Jimbo Keisuke , Inage Eisuke , Aoyagi Yo , Kudo Takahiro , Suzuki Ryuyo , Shimizu Toshiaki
Published: April 2014

Background

Although rectal bleeding in infancy (RBI) is not a rare phenomenon, the clinical course of RBI is not fully understood.

Methods

To investigate the outcome and pathogenesis of RBI, especially when concomitant with food‐protein‐induced proctocolitis (FPIP) and neonatal transient eosinophilic colitis (NTEC), 22 neonates with rectal bleeding with FPIP and NTEC from January 2008 to June 2012 were enrolled and their clinical course and mechanisms of inflammation were examined.

Results

Thirteen infants showed rectal bleeding after feeding and were diagnosed with FPIP, and nine infants showed rectal bleeding before feeding and were diagnosed with NTEC. Elevated peripheral white blood cell (12 685 ± 3754/μl and 30 978 ± 16 166/μl) and eosinophil (1084 ± 816/μl and 4456 ± 3341/μl) were confirmed in FPIP and NTEC, respectively. Colonoscopy revealed nodular lymphoid hyperplasia, a pale mucosal surface and oozing with diffuse infiltration of neutrophils, lymphocytes, and eosinophils in both groups. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed enhanced expression of the interleukin‐6, CCL11, and CXCL13 genes, where CXCL13 expression was more prominent in FPIP. Mucosal infiltration by CD3‐ and immunoglobulin‐A‐ but not immunoglobulin‐E‐positive cells was confirmed. Among them, only one infant with FPIP developed milk allergy, whereas none with NTEC had developed milk allergy at the age of 1 year.

Conclusions

FPIP in infancy and NTEC are similar diseases and interleukin‐6, CCL11, and CXCL13 may play a major role in the pathogenesis of rectal bleeding. Although the involvement of allergic reaction is possible, milk allergy was not a common outcome after 1 year of follow up.
Non‐Analytic Logic
Authors: Slater Hartley
Published: April 2014

A logic focusing on the analytic a priori and explicitly rejecting the synthetic a priori developed in the early decades of the 20th century, largely through the efforts of the Logical Empiricists. This group was very influenced by Wittgenstein's early work Tractatus Logico‐Philosophicus. But Wittgenstein himself, later on, departed from the Tractatus in significant ways that the Logical Empiricists did not follow. Wittgenstein came later to accept the synthetic a priori, and out of this insight comes a non‐analytic logic that differs from standard 20th century logic in many distinct ways. This paper details these differences.
Induced nitric oxide synthetase and peroxiredoxin expression in intramucosal poorly differentiated gastric cancer of young patients
Authors: Hirahashi Minako , Koga Yutaka , Kumagai Reiko , Aishima Shinichi , Taguchi Kenichi , Oda Yoshinao
Published: April 2014

To investigate the relationship between oxidative stress and gastric carcinogenesis of poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma in young patients, we analyzed the surgically resected specimens of 22 young patients (21–30 years) and 29 older patients (41–72 years) with intramucosal gastric cancer of the poorly differentiated type. We used immunohistochemical staining to evaluate the expression of 8‐hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8OHdG), induced nitric oxide synthetase (iNOS), and antioxidant enzymes (thioredoxin [TRX] and peroxiredoxin [PRDX1, 2 and 3]). We assessed these proteins in the cancer, noncancerous gastric foveolar epithelium and noncancerous mucosal neck. In both the young and older patient groups, the 8OHdG and TRX expressions were gradually increased in cancer cells compared with the noncancerous foveolar epithelial cells and the noncancerous mucosal neck cells (P < 0.001). Although the iNOS and PRDXs expressions were increased in the noncancerous mucosal neck cells compared with the noncancerous foveolar epithelial cells, regardless of age (P < 0.001), the iNOS and PRDX2 expression in the cancer cells were significantly reduced in the young patients compared with the older patients (P < 0.001, P < 0.05). In conclusion, the reduced expression of iNOS or PRDX2 may play an important role in the carcinogenesis of gastric cancer associated with Helicobacter pylori‐induced chronic active gastritis in young patients.