bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long-term follow-up of home-based behavioral management training provided by migraine patients
Authors: Voerman Jessica S , Klerk Cora de , Mérelle Saskia YM , Aartsen Elise , Timman Reinier , Sorbi Marjolijn J , Passchier Jan
Published: December 2013

Background

Behavioral migraine approaches are effective in reducing headache attacks. Availability of treatment might be increased by using migraine patients as trainers. Therefore, Mérelle and colleagues developed and evaluated a home-based behavioral management training (BMT) by lay trainers ( 1 ). The maintenance of effects at long-term follow-up is studied in the present study.

Method

Measurements were taken pre-BMT (T0), post-BMT (T1), at six-month follow-up (T2), and at long-term follow-up, i.e. two to four years after BMT (T3). Data of 127 participants were analyzed with longitudinal multi-level analyses.

Results

Short-term improvements in attack frequency and self-efficacy post-BMT were maintained at long-term follow-up ( dT0–T3 = −.34 and dT0–T3 = .69, respectively). The level of internal control that increased during BMT decreased from post-BMT to long-term follow-up ( dT0–T3 = .18). Quality of life and migraine-related disability improved gradually over time ( dT0–T3 = .45 and dT0–T3 = −.26, respectively).

Conclusions

Although the results should be interpreted with caution because of the lack of a follow-up control group and the inability to gather information about additional treatments patients may have received during the follow-up period, the findings suggest that lay BMT for migraine may be beneficial over the long term. If so, this could make migraine treatments more widely available.
Experimental study on the seismic behavior of reinforced concrete beam-column joints under various strain rates
Authors: Fan Guoxi , Song Yupu , Wang Licheng
Published: December 2013

The reinforced concrete beam-column joint exhibits different properties under dynamic loading when compared with that under quasi-static loading, due to the effect of strain rate. However, the majority of previous studies are focused more on the rate effect of concrete and reinforcement, but less on beam-column joints. Based on the former considerations, the seismic behavior of 15 cruciform specimens subjected to various strain rates is studied in this paper, aimed at attaining a better understanding of the effect of strain rates on beam-column joints. In terms of the effect of different strain rates, the failure mode, carrying capacity, stiffness degradation, and energy dissipation of beam-column joints are discussed in detail. An empirical equation to predict the dynamic increase factor of horizontal shear carrying capacity of beam-column joints under different axial compression ratios and strain rates is also proposed through multiple linear regression analysis. Finally, four adjustments for the softened strut-and-tie model are made to get better predicting of the test results. It has been proved that predicted results by the improved softened strut-and-tie model are in good agreement with the test results.
Time-Place Learning and Memory Persist in Mice Lacking Functional Per1 and Per2 Clock Genes
Authors: Mulder C. , Van Der Zee E.A. , Hut R.A. , Gerkema M.P.
Published: December 2013

With time-place learning, animals link a stimulus with the location and the time of day. This ability may optimize resource localization and predator avoidance in daily changing environments. Time-place learning is a suitable task to study the interaction of the circadian system and memory. Previously, we showed that time-place learning in mice depends on the circadian system and Cry1 and/or Cry2 clock genes. We questioned whether time-place learning is Cry specific or also depends on other core molecular clock genes. Here, we show that Per1/Per2 double mutant mice, despite their arrhythmic phenotype, acquire time-place learning similar to wild-type mice. As well as an established role in circadian rhythms, Per genes have also been implicated in the formation and storage of memory. We found no deficiencies in short-term spatial working memory in Per mutant mice compared to wild-type mice. Moreover, both Per mutant and wild-type mice showed similar long-term memory for contextual features of a paradigm (a mild foot shock), measured in trained mice after a 2-month nontesting interval. In contrast, time-place associations were lost in both wild-type and mutant mice after these 2 months, suggesting a lack of maintained long-term memory storage for this type of information. Taken together, Cry-dependent time-place learning does not require Per genes, and Per mutant mice showed no PER-specific short-term or long-term memory deficiencies. These results limit the functional role of Per clock genes in the circadian regulation of time-place learning and memory.
Safety of Compounded Calcium Chloride Admixtures for Peripheral Intravenous Administration in the Setting of a Calcium Gluconate Shortage
Authors: Anger Kevin E. , Belisle Caryn , Colwell Megan B. , Dannemiller Robert , Alawadhi Burhan , Wilkocki Alex , Szumita Paul M.
Published: December 2013

Calcium gluconate is preferred over calcium chloride for intravenous (IV) repletion of calcium deficiencies in the inpatient setting. In the setting of a national shortage of IV calcium gluconate, our institution implemented a compounded calcium chloride admixture for IV administration. The objective of this analysis is to evaluate the peripheral infusion site safety of compounded IV calcium chloride admixtures in adult inpatients. A total of 222 patients, encompassing 224 inpatient admissions, from April to June 2011 were retrospectively reviewed. Sterile preparations of calcium chloride in 5% dextrose (600 mg/250 mL and 300 mg/100 mL) were used during the study time period. Adverse infusion site reactions were assessed using an institutional infiltration and phlebitis grading system. A total of 333 doses were administered peripherally. In all, 4 (1.8%) patients experienced a moderate to severe infusion site reaction, with 3 due to phlebitis and 1 due to infiltration. Naranjo Nomogram for Adverse Drug Reaction Assessment classified all 4 reactions to have a possible link to calcium chloride administration. Peripheral administration of compounded calcium chloride admixtures in 5% dextrose is associated with a low incidence of IV infusion site reactions and can be considered as an alternative in the event of a calcium gluconate shortage.
Do attendees at sexual health and HIV clinics prefer to be called in by name or number?
Authors: Dabis R , Nightingale P , Kumar V , Jaffer K , Radcliffe K
Published: December 2013

Calling patients in from the waiting area is an important aspect of the initial medical encounter. According to national and international guidelines, clinics should decide on an appropriate way of calling patients in from the waiting room for consultations; however, no preference is actually recommended. A survey was carried out to see if patients were happy to be called in by number, first name, surname, full name, or title (Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms) followed by surname. One hundred unselected patients were drawn from each clinic including; a genito-urinary medicine (GUM), a co-located GUM (cGUM) and co-located reproductive health (cRH), an HIV and a reproductive health (RH) clinic. Patients from the GUM, cGUM, cRH and RH clinics preferred to be called in by number rather than full name or title. Patients from the cRH clinic also preferred number to first name. In contrast, patients from the HIV clinics preferred to be called in by first name rather than number, surname, full name or title. Following this survey it would appear that number would be the most popular method of calling patients in sexual and reproductive health clinics and first name is the choice in HIV clinics.
Prevalence and predictors of cytomegalovirus retinitis in HIV-infected patients with low CD4 lymphocyte counts in Vietnam
Authors: Colby Donn J , Vo Diem QH , Teoh Stephen C , Tam Nguyen T , Liem Nguyen T , Lu Doanh , Nguyen Thi T , Cosimi Lisa , Pollack Todd , Libman Howard
Published: December 2013

We describe the results of a study to determine the prevalence and characteristics of cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis among HIV-infected patients in Vietnam. We conducted a cross-sectional prospective study of patients with CD4 lymphocyte count ≤100 cells/mm3 recruited from public HIV clinics. The diagnosis was made by a trained ophthalmologist using slit lamp biomicroscopy and corroborated on fundus photography. A total of 201 patients were screened. The median age was 32 years, 77% were men, median CD4 count was 47 cells/mm3, and 62% were on antiretroviral treatment. Prevalence of CMV retinitis was 7% (14/201, 95% CI 4–11%). CMV retinitis was not associated with age, gender, injection drug use, CD4 count, WHO clinical stage, or antiretroviral treatment status. Blurring of vision and reduced visual acuity <20/40 were associated with CMV retinitis, but only 29% of patients with the diagnosis reported blurry vision and only 64% had abnormal vision. On multivariate analysis, the sole predictor for CMV retinitis was decreased visual acuity (OR 22.8, p < 0.001). In Ho Chi Minh City, CMV retinitis was found in 7% of HIV-infected patients with low CD4. HIV-infected patients with a CD4 count <100/mm3 or who develop blurring of vision in Vietnam should be screened for CMV retinitis.
Performing solo Bach: A case study of musical decision-making
Authors: Bangert Daniel , Fabian Dorottya , Schubert Emery , Yeadon Daniel
Published: December 2013

This study explores how an expert period instrument musician makes musical decisions, focusing on the distinction between intuitive (Type 1) and deliberate (Type 2) processes as defined by dual-process theories of cognition (Evans, 2008). A case study of the cellist Daniel Yeadon was conducted over 2 years, during which extensive quasi think-aloud and performance data were collected regarding Yeadon’s interpretation of the Suites for Solo Cello by J. S. Bach (BWV 1007–1012). Analysis of this data resulted in the categorization of 134 musical decisions as intuitive, procedural, deliberate, or deliberate HIP (historically informed performance). Procedural decisions were a subset of intuitive, defined as previously deliberate decisions that had become automatic over time. The category of deliberate HIP consisted of decisions that were explained with reference to specific knowledge of historical performance practices. A large proportion of deliberate decision-making was found (65% overall), with deliberate processes dictating the majority of decisions across all performance features except for tone color and ornamentation. Musical decisions discussed in the study demonstrate that performers often manipulate several features of the music simultaneously (making coding and analysis complicated), whether consciously or otherwise. The highest number of musical decisions related to articulation and phrasing, a result that highlights important components of current HIP style. Implications for dual-process theories include the novel category of procedural that demonstrates differences within intuitive (Type 1) processes.
Predictive factors of music piracy: An exploration of personality using the HEXACO PI-R
Authors: Brown Steven C. , MacDonald Raymond A. R.
Published: December 2013

Addressing one of the principal lines of research on music piracy, the present study considers personality as predictive of favorable music piracy attitudes. Additionally, positive anti-piracy messages were explored as a potential deterrent. A total of 261 participants (45.60% male) with a mean age of 26.34 participated in an online questionnaire. Personality was measured using the 60-item version of the HEXACO PI-R (Lee & Ashton, 2004). The effects of positive verbal anti-piracy messages were measured using an existing research paradigm, with participants allocated to one of four conditions (“legal sales of music encourage future live performances”, “legal sales of music allow fans greater access to exclusive content”, “legal sales of music will incorporate charitable donations” and control) emphasizing different positive outcomes to legally purchasing recorded music. An original construct (AMP-12) measured attitudes towards music piracy. Personality was a significant predictor of piracy attitudes, with participants demonstrating pro-piracy attitudes scoring lower on honesty–humility and conscientiousness, and higher on openness. Condition did not affect attitudes towards music piracy. Further analysis on personality suggests that participants holding pro-piracy attitudes are less fair (using the HEXACO PI-R). Additional analyses show that both preference for digital music and being 24 or younger as predictive of pro-piracy attitudes. Building on related research, the study adds to the knowledge base on predictive factors and explores personality in some depth. Discussion centers on personality and more specifically the HEXACO PI-R factor of Fairness in defining useful areas for future research.
Impact of Social Support on Bereaved Siblings’ Anxiety
Authors: Eilertsen Mary-Elizabeth Bradley , Eilegård Alexandra , Steineck Gunnar , Nyberg Tommy , Kreicbergs Ulrika
Published: December 2013

Purpose:To assess adolescent and young adult siblings’ perception of social support prior to and following the loss of their brother or sister to cancer, 2 to 9 years earlier, and their anxiety at follow-up. Method: In 2009, 174 (73%) bereaved siblings (12-25 years) participated in a nationwide, long-term follow-up study in Sweden using an anonymous study-specific questionnaire. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale was used to measure self-assessed anxiety. Results: Siblings had a higher risk of anxiety if they perceived their need for social support was unsatisfied during their brother or sisters’ last month before death, relative risk (RR) = 3.6 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.8-7.3); time after death, RR = 2.9 (95% CI = 1.5-5.6); and at follow-up, RR = 3.8 (95% CI = 2.0-7.2). Furthermore, a higher risk for anxiety was shown for siblings if they did not perceive that their parents and neighbors cared for them after their brother or sisters’ death, RR = 2.7 (95% CI = 1.3-5.5), RR = 5.4 (95% CI = 1.3-21.9), respectively. Conclusion: Bereaved siblings had a greater probability to report self-assessed anxiety if they perceived that their need for social support was not satisfied prior to and following death. Information from both nurses and other health care professionals to families about the impact of social support may contribute to lessen the siblings’ risk of anxiety.
Utility of LRF/Pokemon and NOTCH1 Protein Expression in the Distinction Between Nodular Lymphocyte-Predominant Hodgkin Lymphoma and Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma
Authors: Bohn Olga , Maeda Takahiro , Filatov Alexander , Lunardi Andrea , Pandolfi Pier Paolo , Teruya-Feldstein Julie
Published: December 2013

Classical Hodgkin lymphoma (CHL) and nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL) are considered separate entities with different prognosis and treatment. However, morphologic features can be similar and immunohistochemical studies are essential in the distinction; thus, determination of additional biomarkers is of utmost importance. LRF/Pokemon is a proto-oncogene, an interacting partner co-expressed with BCL6 in germinal centers and highly expressed in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and follicular lymphoma. Conversely, loss of the LRF gene in mouse hematopoietic stem cells results in complete block of early B cell development with concomitant Notch de-repression, indicating its critical role in B versus T cell fate decision at the hematopoietic stem cell stage. For the first time, we show that LRF/Pokemon is predominantly expressed in NLPHL cases as is BCL6 with low to absent NOTCH1 protein expression; while Hodgkin Reed-Sternberg (HRS) cells in CHL show low to absent BCL6 and LRF/Pokemon expression with higher NOTCH1 expression. We illustrate a potential functional interaction between LRF and BCL6 in NLPHL pathogenesis, and differential expression of LRF/Pokemon and NOTCH1 proteins in CHL thus showing differential expression, making for an additional diagnostic marker and therapeutic target.
Safety Assessment of Ammonium Hectorites as Used in Cosmetics
Authors: Becker Lillian C. , Bergfeld Wilma F. , Belsito Donald V. , Hill Ronald A. , Klaassen Curtis D. , Liebler Daniel C. , Marks James G. , Shank Ronald C. , Slaga Thomas J. , Snyder Paul W. , Andersen F. Alan
Published: December 2013

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel (Panel) reviewed the safety of 4 ammonium hectorite compounds used in cosmetics: disteardimonium hectorite, dihydrogenated tallow benzylmonium hectorite, stearalkonium hectorite, and quaternium-18 hectorite. These ingredients function in cosmetics mainly as nonsurfactant suspending agents. The Panel reviewed available animal and human data and concluded that these ammonium hectorite compounds were safe as cosmetic ingredients in the practices of use and concentration as given in this safety assessment.
Functional assessment of expiratory flow pattern in feline lower airway disease
Authors: Lin Chung-Hui , Lee Jih-Jong , Liu Chen-Hsuan
Published: December 2013

Feline lower airway disease (FLAD) is a chronic respiratory disease of which there is a lack of information on functional assessment in current veterinary medicine. The purposes of this study were to investigate expiratory pattern and evaluate the diagnostic utility of functional parameters in cats with FLAD. Thirty-three client-owned cats (23 FLAD cats and 10 control cats) were studied. Under quiet tidal breathing, pseudo-tidal breathing flow-volume loop (pTBFVL) was obtained from a barometric whole body plethysmography (BWBP) device. There were significant differences in the shapes of expiratory, but not inspiratory, curves between FLAD and control cats. The incidence of the presence of concave expiratory curve indicating lower airway obstruction was 74% in FLAD cats. To assess the diagnostic utility of pTBFVL indices in cats with FLAD, area under the receiver–operator curve was 0.86 for PEF/EF50 (peak expiratory flow divided by expiratory flow at end expiratory volume plus 50% tidal volume); a cuff-off value of PEF/EF50 >1.51 distinguished normal from FLAD (73.9% sensitivity, 100% specificity). There were no significant differences in traditionally measured BWBP parameters (ie, enhanced pause) between cats with and without FLAD in the present study. In conclusion, underlying change on expiratory flow pattern during natural tidal breathing existed in FLAD cats, and selected pTBFVL indices were useful in discriminating FLAD from normal cats. Tidal breathing pattern depicted by pseudoflow–pseudovolume loops from a BWBP system could be a non-invasive tool for functional assessment in client-owned cats.
Functional connectivity changes within specific networks parallel the clinical evolution of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Basile B , Castelli M , Monteleone F , Nocentini U , Caltagirone C , Centonze D , Cercignani M , Bozzali M
Published: December 2013

Background:

In multiple sclerosis (MS), the location of focal lesions does not always correlate with clinical symptoms, suggesting disconnection as a major pathophysiological mechanism. Resting-state (RS) functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is believed to reflect brain functional connectivity (FC) within specific neuronal networks.

Objective:

RS-fMRI was used to investigate changes in FC within two critical networks for the understanding of MS disabilities, namely, the sensory-motor network (SMN) and the default-mode network (DMN), respectively, implicated in sensory-motor and cognitive functions.

Methods:

Thirty-four relapsing–remitting (RR), 14 secondary progressive (SP) MS patients and 25 healthy controls underwent MRI at 3T, including conventional images, T1-weighted volumes, and RS-fMRI sequences. Independent component analysis (ICA) was employed to extract maps of the relevant RS networks for every participant. Group analyses were performed to assess changes in FC within the SMN and DMN in the two MS phenotypes.

Results:

Increased FC was found in both networks of MS patients. Interestingly, specific changes in either direction were observed also between RR and SP MS groups.

Conclusions:

FC changes seem to parallel patients’ clinical state and capability of compensating for the severity of clinical/cognitive disabilities.
Factors influencing evaluation of patient areas, work spaces, and staff areas by healthcare professionals
Authors: Sadatsafavi Hessam , Walewski John , Shepley Mardelle M.
Published: December 2013

Previous research reported that healthcare professionals rate the physical work environment more negatively than other characteristics of the environment. This study investigated salient dimensions of employees’ perceptions of healthcare facilities and differences across demographic groups. A total of 496 healthcare professionals from eight acute care hospitals participated in this cross-sectional study. Employees’ perceptions of 27 different architectural and physical features in patient areas, work spaces, and staff areas were measured. Common factors were extracted through principal component analysis, levels of association between employees’ perceptions and each architectural and physical feature were determined through confirmatory factor analysis, and differences across demographic groups were defined through invariance analysis. Findings of this study highlight the importance of attention to caregiver needs for a safe and comfortable work environment via finishing materials, indoor air quality, and furniture design. In comparison, features that address the visual quality of the work environment, such as window views and artwork, were found to have smaller associations with positive evaluations by employees. However, in non-clinical staff areas, employees appreciate features improving the visual quality of their rest area. The study also found that younger employees and those newer to the facility would appreciate improvements in the architectural/physical features to a greater extent.
The role and role context of the Lebanese school principal
Authors: Akkary Rima Karami
Published: December 2013

This study provides empirical data about the role and work context of the school principal in the Lebanon. The study applied grounded theory methods in collecting and analysing the data. The data were collected through a series of open-ended interviews with 53 secondary school principals, and focus group interviews with 8 principals from public as well as private schools. The results show that Lebanese school principals, despite a wide variety of backgrounds, share a core set of role expectations. Discussion of the results compares the role and role demands of the Lebanese school principal to what has been reported in empirical studies of principals in Western countries. While the results reveal many role similarities, it is also clear that the socio-political and cultural conditions in Lebanon shape the role and role demands of Lebanese school principalship. In contrast to their Western counterparts, principals in Lebanon: (1) give limited attention to the instructional dimension of the role; (2) assume limited responsibilities as the agent for school change and improvement; (3) adopt an authoritarian orientation in enacting the role; and (4) hold a highly idiosyncratic ‘craft’ conception of the work of the principal. The study’s results reinforce the need for more in-depth cross-cultural comparative studies of education professionals.
A general model of organizational values in educational administration
Authors: Mueller Robin Alison
Published: December 2013

Values theorists in educational administration agree that understanding organizational values is integral to organizational effectiveness. However, research in this area tends to be superficial, and a review of pertinent literature reveals no clear definition of organizational values or consequent implications for practical application. One of the substantive issues in current organizational values discourse is the lack of agreement around descriptors pertaining to the phenomenon; additionally, participants in the discussion frequently assume common understanding. What, then, does “organizational values” consist of conceptually, and how can it be defined? In this article the author summarizes a study conducted to clarify understanding of the organizational values phenomenon, and offers a general model of organizational values based on the results.
A novel in vivo platform for studying alveolar bone regeneration in rat
Authors: Kim Joong-Hyun , Moon Ho-Jin , Kim Tae-Hyun , Jo Jong-Min , Yang Sung Hee , Naskar Deboki , Kundu Subhas C , Chrzanowski Wojciech , Kim Hae-Won
Published: December 2013

Alveolar bone regeneration is a significant challenge in dental implantation. Novel biomaterials and tissue-engineered constructs are under extensive development and awaiting in vivo animal tests to find clinical endpoint. Here, we establish a novel in vivo model, modifying gingivoperiosteoplasty in rat for the alveolar bone regeneration. Rat premaxillary bone defects were filled with silk scaffold or remained empty during the implantation period (up to 6 weeks), and harvested samples were analyzed by micro-computed tomography and histopathology. Empty defects showed increased but limited new bone formation with increasing implantation period. In defects implanted with silk sponge, the bone formation was significantly greater than that of empty defect, indicating an effective role of silk scaffold in the defect model. The modified premaxillary defect model in rat is simple to perform, while mimicking the clinical conditions, finding usefulness for the development of biomaterials and tissue-engineered constructs targeting alveolar bone regeneration in dental implantation.
The Future of Clinical Science Training
Authors: Levenson Robert W.
Published: December 2013

Two clinical science training issues that are relevant to the Delaware Project on Clinical Science Training are addressed: (a) the value of problem-based learning for training clinical scientists and (b) the implications of the National Institute of Mental Health’s Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) project. Problem-based learning puts less emphasis on mastering procedures and applying existing solutions and more emphasis on learning how to identify problems and to design, implement, and assess solutions. This approach is illustrated using Berkeley’s specialty clinic training model. RDoC is described along with the ways that clinical science training would need to change to embrace associated opportunities and overcome potential obstacles. Common to both issues are (a) the value of problem-based pedagogical approaches that prepare students to be creators, discoverers, assessors, and disseminators; and (b) the importance of training students to play central and significant roles in future approaches to the assessment and treatment of mental illness.
Anti-KIR antibody enhancement of anti-lymphoma activity of natural killer cells as monotherapy and in combination with anti-CD20 antibodies
Authors: Kohrt Holbrook E. , Thielens Ariane , Marabelle Aurelien , Sagiv-Barfi Idit , Sola Caroline , Chanuc Fabien , Fuseri Nicolas , Bonnafous Cécile , Czerwinski Debra , Rajapaksa Amanda , Waller Erin , Ugolini Sophie , Vivier Eric , Romagné François , Levy Ronald , Bléry Mathieu , André Pascale
Published: December 2013

Key Points

Blockade of inhibitory KIRs with MHC class I antigens on lymphoma cells by anti-KIR antibodies augments NK-cell spontaneous cytotoxicity. In combination with anti-CD20 mAbs, anti-KIR induces enhanced NK cell–mediated, rituximab-dependent cytotoxicity against lymphoma.
miR394 and LCR are involved in Arabidopsis salt and drought stress responses in an abscisic acid-dependent manner
Authors: Song Jian Bo , Gao Shuai , Sun Di , Li Hua , Shu Xia Xia , Yang Zhi Min
Published: December 2013

Background

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of short, endogenous non-coding small RNAs that have ability to base pair with their target mRNAs to induce their degradation in plants. miR394a/b are conserved small RNAs and its target gene LCR (LEAF CURLING RESPONSIVENESS) encodes an F-box protein (SKP1-Cullin/CDC53-F-box) but whether miR394a/b and its target gene LCR are involved in regulation of plant response to abscisic acid (ABA) and abiotic stresses is unknown.

Results

Mature miR394 and precursor miR394a/b are shown to be slightly induced by ABA. By contrast, LCR expression is depressed by ABA. Analysis of LCR and its promoter (pLCR::GUS) revealed that LCR is expressed at all development stages. MIR394a/b over-expression (35S::MIR394a/b) and lcr (LCR loss of function) mutant plants are hypersensitive to salt stress, but LCR over-expressing (35S::m5LCR) plants display the salt-tolerant phenotype. Both 35S::MIR394a/b and lcr plants are highly tolerant to severe drought stress compared with wild-type, but 35S::m5LCR plants are susceptible to water deficiency. Over-expression of MIR394a/b led to ABA hypersensitivity and ABA-associated phenotypes, whereas 35S::m5LCR plants show ABA resistance phenotypes. Moreover, 35S::MIR394a/b plants accumulated higher levels of ABA-induced hydrogen peroxide and superoxide anion radicals than wild-type and 35S::m5LCR plants. Expressions of ABA- and stress-responsive genes, ABI3, ABI4, ABI5, ABF3, and ABF4 are up-regulated in MIR394a/b over-expressing plants but down-regulated in 35S::m5LCR plants. Over-expression of MIR394a in abi4-1 or abi5-1 background resulted in loss of ABA-sensitivity in 35S::MIR394a plants.

Conclusions

The silencing of LCR mRNA by miR394 is essential to maintain a certain phenotype favorable for the adaptive response to abiotic stresses. The contrasting phenotypes of salt and drought responses may be mediated by a functional balance between miR394 and LCR. If the balance is perturbed in case of the abiotic stress, an identical phenotype related to the stress response occurs, resulting in either ABA sensitive or insensitive response. Thus, miR394-regulated LCR abundance may allow plants to fine-tune their responses to ABA and abiotic stress.
Involvement of nitric oxide synthase in matrix metalloproteinase-9- and/or urokinase plasminogen activator receptor-mediated glioma cell migration
Authors: Zhuang Thompson , Chelluboina Bharath , Ponnala Shivani , Velpula Kiran Kumar , Rehman Azeem A , Chetty Chandramu , Zakharian Eleonora , Rao Jasti S , Veeravalli Krishna Kumar
Published: December 2013

Background

Src tyrosine kinase activates inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and, in turn, nitric oxide production as a means to transduce cell migration. Src tyrosine kinase plays a key proximal role to control α9β1 signaling. Our recent studies have clearly demonstrated the role of α9β1 integrin in matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and/or urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR)-mediated glioma cell migration. In the present study, we evaluated the involvement of α9β1 integrin-iNOS pathway in MMP-9- and/or uPAR-mediated glioma cell migration.

Methods

MMP-9 and uPAR shRNAs and overexpressing plasmids were used to downregulate and upregulate these molecules, respectively in U251 glioma cells and 5310 glioma xenograft cells. The effect of treatments on migration and invasion potential of these glioma cells were assessed by spheroid migration, wound healing, and Matrigel invasion assays. In order to attain the other objectives we also performed immunocytochemical, immunohistochemical, RT-PCR, Western blot and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis.

Results

Immunohistochemical analysis revealed the prominent association of iNOS with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Immunofluorescence analysis showed prominent expression of iNOS in glioma cells. MMP-9 and/or uPAR knockdown by respective shRNAs reduced iNOS expression in these glioma cells. RT-PCR analysis revealed elevated iNOS mRNA expression in either MMP-9 or uPAR overexpressed glioma cells. The migration potential of MMP-9- and/or uPAR-overexpressed U251 glioma cells was significantly inhibited after treatment with L-NAME, an inhibitor of iNOS. Similarly, a significant inhibition of the invasion potential of the control or MMP-9/uPAR-overexpressed glioma cells was noticed after L-NAME treatment. A prominent reduction of iNOS expression was observed in the tumor regions of nude mice brains, which were injected with 5310 glioma cells, after MMP-9 and/or uPAR knockdown. Protein expressions of cSrc, phosphoSrc and p130Cas were reduced with simultaneous knockdown of both MMP-9 and uPAR.

Conclusions

Taken together, our results from the present and earlier studies clearly demonstrate that α9β1 integrin-mediated cell migration utilizes the iNOS pathway, and inhibition of the migratory potential of glioma cells by simultaneous knockdown of MMP-9 and uPAR could be attributed to the reduced α9β1 integrin and iNOS levels.
Inference of mechanical states of intestinal motor activity using hidden Markov models
Authors: Wiklendt Lukasz , Costa Marcello , Dinning Phil G
Published: December 2013

Background

Contractions and relaxations of the muscle layers within the digestive tract alter the external diameter and the internal pressures. These changes in diameter and pressure move digesting food and waste products. Defining these complex relationships is a fundamental step for neurogastroenterologists to be able define normal and abnormal gut motility.

Results

Utilising an in vitro technique that allows for the simultaneous recording of intraluminal pressure (manometry) and gut diameter (video) in an isolated section of rabbit colon, we developed a technique to help define the mechanical states of the muscle at any point in space and time during actual peristaltic movements. This was achieved by directly relating the changes in pressure to the changes in diameter along the length of the gut studied. For each individual measure of pressure or diameter, 3 dynamic state components were identified; increasing or decreasing changes or a stable period. Two additional static state components, fully contracted and fully distended, were defined for the diameter. Then qualitative mechanical states of the muscle activity were defined as combinations of these state components. A hidden Markov model was used to correlate adjacent-in-time samples, and the Viterbi algorithm was used to infer the most likely sequence of mechanical states based on the observed data. From this a spatiotemporal map of the mechanical states was produced, showing the regions of active contractions, active relaxations, or passive states along the length of the gut throughout the entire recording period.

Conclusions

The identification of mechanical muscles states based on gut diameter and intraluminal pressure was possible by modelling muscle activation with a hidden Markov model.
Impact of dietary fiber intake on glycemic control, cardiovascular risk factors and chronic kidney disease in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: the Fukuoka Diabetes Registry
Authors: Fujii Hiroki , Iwase Masanori , Ohkuma Toshiaki , Ogata-Kaizu Shinako , Ide Hitoshi , Kikuchi Yohei , Idewaki Yasuhiro , Joudai Tamaki , Hirakawa Yoichiro , Uchida Kazuhiro , Sasaki Satoshi , Nakamura Udai , Kitazono Takanari
Published: December 2013

Background

Dietary fiber is beneficial for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus, although it is consumed differently in ethnic foods around the world. We investigated the association between dietary fiber intake and obesity, glycemic control, cardiovascular risk factors and chronic kidney disease in Japanese type 2 diabetic patients.

Methods

A total of 4,399 patients were assessed for dietary fiber intake using a brief self-administered diet history questionnaire. The associations between dietary fiber intake and various cardiovascular risk factors were investigated cross-sectionally.

Results

Body mass index, fasting plasma glucose, HbA1c, triglyceride and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein negatively associated with dietary fiber intake after adjusting for age, sex, duration of diabetes, current smoking, current drinking, total energy intake, fat intake, saturated fatty acid intake, leisure-time physical activity and use of oral hypoglycemic agents or insulin. The homeostasis model assessment insulin sensitivity and HDL cholesterol positively associated with dietary fiber intake. Dietary fiber intake was associated with reduced prevalence of abdominal obesity, hypertension and metabolic syndrome after multivariate adjustments including obesity. Furthermore, dietary fiber intake was associated with lower prevalence of albuminuria, low estimated glomerular filtration rate and chronic kidney disease after multivariate adjustments including protein intake. Additional adjustments for obesity, hypertension or metabolic syndrome did not change these associations.

Conclusion

We demonstrated that increased dietary fiber intake was associated with better glycemic control and more favorable cardiovascular disease risk factors including chronic kidney disease in Japanese type 2 diabetic patients. Diabetic patients should be encouraged to consume more dietary fiber in daily life.
Child-rated versus parent-rated quality of life of community-based obese children across gender and grade
Authors: Su Chia-Ting , Wang Jung-Der , Lin Chung-Ying
Published: December 2013

Background

Quality of life (QoL), which can be examined using self-reports or parental reports, might help healthcare providers understand obese children’s subjective well-being in several domains of life. Community-based obese children report their QoL lower than their parents do. However, the differences between child- and parent-reported QoL have neither been tested across gender and grade nor analyzed by item. This study probed the relationship between obesity and QoL item scores in children, and compared child-reported with parent-reported QoL stratified by gender and grade.

Methods

One hundred eighty-seven dyads of 8- to 12-year-old children (60 obese, 127 normal-weight) and their parents were recruited. QoL was assessed using both child- and parent-reported Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0 (PedsQL) questionnaires.

Results

Regression analyses showed specific difficulties with physical and emotional QoL in third- and fourth-grade obese boys (β = 0.278-0.620), and specific problems with social functioning in fifth- and sixth-grade obese girls (β = 0.337-0.411). Moreover, parents seemed unaware of the specific difficulties that their children faced (β = 0.274-0.435).

Conclusions

Obese children seemed to have their difficulties from third to fifth grade, respectively, and their parents seemed unaware of them. Thus, parents need to be more aware of specific difficulties related to childhood obesity.
CPRMethicillin resistant coagulase-negative staphylococci isolated from South Korean ducks exhibiting tremor
Authors: Han Jee Eun , Hwang Sun Young , Kim Ji Hyung , Shin Sang Phil , Jun Jin Woo , Chai Ji Young , Park Yong Ho , Park Se Chang
Published: December 2013

Background

We describe coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) isolates collected from ducklings exhibiting tremor in South Korea over the period of 2010 to 2011. Screening of antimicrobial susceptibility and analysis of SCCmec elements of CoNS were also investigated.

Results

Staphylococcus cohnii was the most frequent staphylococcus (9 isolates) and S. sciuri (4 isolates), S. lentus (3 isolate), S. simulans (1 isolate) and S. epidermidis (1 isolate) were also detected. Among the 15 antimicrobials tested in this study, resistance against oxacillin (15 isolates, 83.3%) was most frequently observed, but only one isolate (SNUDS-1) possessed mecA. This isolate was shown to possess SCCmec type III; the type 3 ccr complex and the class A mec complex.

Conclusions

Based on these results, isolate SNUDS-1 was shown to possess SCCmec type III; the type 3 ccr complex and the class A mec complex. Although the SCCmec type III is not predominant in human, MR-CoNS (Methicillin resistance Coagulase-negative staphylococci) in food animals should be monitored to prevent the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance genes and resistant pathogens to the community.
Choroid metastases revealing primary clear cell adenocarcinoma of the lung effectively treated with cisplatin and pemetrexed: a case report
Authors: Chang Yueh-Shih , Yeung Ling , Chang Liang-Che , Huang Jen-Seng , Yeh Kun-Yun
Published: December 2013

Introduction

The aim of the present report was to draw the attention of oncologists to the importance of prompt diagnosis of primary clear cell adenocarcinoma of the lung, which allows early initiation of treatment to maintain quality of life.

Case presentation

A 63-year-old Chinese woman initially presented to our facility with multifocal bilateral choroid metastatic lesions that were found to originate from a primary clear cell adenocarcinoma of the lung (T2bN2M1b, stage IV). A thorough ophthalmologic evaluation, study of our patient’s history, imaging studies and comprehensive immunohistochemical staining tests led to the diagnosis of this rare lung tumor.

Conclusions

Although this uncommon cancer is unfortunately already at a late stage when choroid metastases develop, systemic chemotherapy alone is sufficient to preserve vision and gain control over the disease.
Influence of resolution on elevation and slope at watershed scale in Loess Plateau
Authors: Chunmei Wang , Qinke Yang , Hongyan Liu , Weiling Guo , Jupp David LB , Rui Li
Published: December 2013

This article studied the effects of resolution on elevation and slope using Statistical and Geostatistical methods. Xian' Nan watershed in Loess Plateau was taking as the study area. The base data was a 1:10000 topographic map and the resolutions studied in this paper included 5 m, 25 m and 50 m. The results showed that: (1) for elevation and slope data, the mean value, STD value, histogram and semi-variogram changed with resolution reduction. The mean value, STD value became smaller in both elevation and slope cases. Histograms moved to the left which shows there was a decrease of elevation and slope with resolution. The sill for semi-variograms of elevation and slope decreased with resolution reduction; (2) the changes of Mean value; STD and histogram were greater in elevation data than in slope data. (3) By using the Independent Structure model, the semi-variogram could be modeled by 4 components for elevation data and the semi-variogram could be modeled by 3 components for slope data. There was more information in slope than in elevation in the components with short range (short wave-length) information. (4) The influence of resolution reduction was greater in the components with short range, so the degree of influence of resolution reduction was related to the amount of short wave-lengths information. The results of this paper had shown which information was lost with resolution reduction and the reason for the different changes on mean value, STD and histogram for elevation and slope. It could also be used to explain different scaling effects in different terrain areas in the future.
Relationship between seedling and mature vegetation on the hilly-gullied Loess Plateau
Authors: Jia Yan-feng , Jiao Ju-ying , Wang Ning
Published: December 2013

Seedling is an indispensable stage in plant cycle life, and seedling survival is important during natural vegetation restoration, especially on the Loess Plateau. In 2007, we selected 4 plots of Artemisia scoparia communities (ASC) and 4 plots of Artemisia gmelinii + Artemisia giraldii communities (AGC), examined seedling richness, diversity during the rainy season, and examined mature vegetation richness, coverage, and frequency in August. The results showed that seedlings density of ASC were 29 n m-2, 33 n m-2, 20 n m-2 and 31 n m-2 in July to October respectively, and that of AGC were 14 n m-2, 12 n m-2, 6 n m-2 and 9 n m-2 respectively; A. scoparia seedlings represented 53.2% of the total seedlings in ASC, the dominant species in AGC only account for less than 5% of the total seedlings. Most of the seedlings found were belonged to Compositae, Leguminoseae and Gramineae; 80% of seedlings in ASC were mainly comprised of A. scoparia and Lespedeza davurica, while in AGC that consisted of more than 6 species, such as L. davurica, Sophora viciifolia, Dracocephalum moldavicaand, A. gmelinii, Patrinia heterophylla, Heteropappus altaicus so on. Sørensen similarity index between monthly seedlings was approximately 0.47 in ASC and 0.35 in AGC; Sørensen similarity index between seedlings and mature vegetation ranged from 0.18 to 0.34 in ASC, and varied from 0.26 to 0.39 in AGC. These results suggested that seedling establishment would be a bottleneck for natural vegetation restoration when seed supply and seedling emergence were possible.
Pulmonary vascular remodeling and right heart failure in pulmonary hypertension: future role of positron emission tomography in decoding the enigma
Authors: Harms Hendrik J , van de Veerdonk Mariëlle C , Lammertsma Adriaan A , Noordegraaf Anton Vonk , Bogaard Harm Jan
Published: December 2013

Whereas the insights into the cellular and molecular mechanisms of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and associated right heart failure have increased in recent years, there is a lack of clinical tools to assess the pathobiological mechanisms in patients. Positron emission tomography (PET) provides an array of new possibilities to image and quantify relevant disease processes, including proliferation, angiogenesis, matrix remodeling, shifts in metabolism and neurohormonal signaling. Here we describe the first studies which were conducted to image pulmonary vascular remodeling and right heart failure in vivo and discuss additional targets for imaging which hold great promise for future use in PAH patients.
Procalcitonin-guided therapy in intensive care unit patients with severe sepsis and septic shock – a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Prkno Anna , Wacker Christina , Brunkhorst Frank M , Schlattmann Peter
Published: December 2013

Introduction

Procalcitonin (PCT) algorithms for antibiotic treatment decisions have been studied in adult patients from primary care, emergency department, and intensive care unit (ICU) settings, suggesting that procalcitonin-guided therapy may reduce antibiotic exposure without increasing the mortality rate. However, information on the efficacy and safety of this approach in the most vulnerable population of critically ill patients with severe sepsis and septic shock is missing.

Method

Two reviewers independently performed a systematic search in PubMed, Embase, ISI Web of Knowledge, BioMed Central, ScienceDirect, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, http://www.ClinicalTrials.gov and http://www.ISRCTN.org.

Eligible studies had to be randomized controlled clinical trials or cohort studies which compare procalcitonin-guided therapy with standard care in severe sepsis patients and report at least one of the following outcomes: hospital mortality, 28-day mortality, duration of antimicrobial therapy, length of stay in the intensive care unit or length of hospital stay. Disagreements about inclusion of studies and judgment of bias were solved by consensus.

Results

Finally seven studies comprising a total of 1,075 patients with severe sepsis or septic shock were included in the meta-analysis.

Both hospital mortality (RR [relative risk]: 0.91, 95%CI [confidence interval]: 0.61; 1.36) and 28-day mortality (RR: 1.02, 95%CI: 0.85; 1.23) were not different between procalcitonin-guided therapy and standard treatment groups.

Duration of antimicrobial therapy was significantly reduced in favor of procalcitonin-guided therapy (HR [hazard ratio]: 1.27, 95%CI: 1.01; 1.53). Combined estimates of the length of stay in the ICU and in hospital did not differ between groups.

Conclusion

Procalcitonin-guided therapy is a helpful approach to guide antibiotic therapy and surgical interventions without a beneficial effect on mortality. The major benefit of PCT-guided therapy consists of a shorter duration of antibiotic treatment compared to standard care.

Trials are needed to investigate the effect of PCT-guided therapy on mortality, length of ICU and in-hospital stay in severe sepsis patients.