bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interleukin‐2 Production by Cultured Human Granulosa Cells
Authors: Orvieto Raoul , Dratviman‐Storobinsky Olga , Cohen Yoram
Published: July 2015

Problem

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is similar to vascular leak syndrome (VLS), which may be attributable to the massive increase in systemic inflammatory cytokines. The hyperstimulated human ovaries were demonstrated to contain interleukin (IL)‐2, which, in turn, was suggested to activate the systemic inflammatory response characteristic of OHSS. As the source of follicular fluid IL‐2 is still unclear, in the present study, we sought to validate the presence of IL‐2 and IL‐2 mRNA expression in human luteinized granulosa cells.

Method of Study

IL‐2 nuclear expression was detected using real‐time PCR and immunofluorescence staining of human luteinized granulosa cell from 6 patients undergoing in vitro fertilization treatment. Calretinin immunofluorescence staining was used as a marker of granulosa cells.

Results

IL‐2‐positive immunofluorescence staining was detected within nuclei of granulosa cells, together with positive stain for calretinin, confirming the presence of granulosa cell. Moreover, IL‐2 gene expression was demonstrated in luteinized granulosa cells by real‐time PCR.

Conclusion

In the present study, we provided firm evidence for the IL‐2 production by human luteinized granulosa cells, as demonstrated by the presence of IL‐2 and IL‐2 mRNA expression in luteinized granulosa cells. Further studies are justified in an attempt to clarify the regulation and the cause‐and‐effect relationship between IL‐2 production by the hyperstimulated ovaries and OHSS.
Trajectory of platelets in pregnancy – do low‐risk women need an intrapartum full blood count prior to epidural?
Authors: Duong Christine , Kidson‐Gerber Giselle , Peters Nancy , Listijono Dave R. , Henry Amanda
Published: July 2015

This study aimed to investigate whether pregnant women with a normal 28‐week gestation platelet count and no high‐risk conditions for thrombocytopenia require a pre‐epidural platelet count. All 1844 included women (platelet count > 150 × 109/L at 28 weeks' gestation, term singleton birth, no thrombocytopenia risk conditions) had a platelet count > 100 × 109/L prebirth, suggesting low‐risk pregnant women do not require pre‐epidural full blood count solely to check platelet count.
Deficiency of FHL2 attenuates airway inflammation in mice and genetic variation associates with human bronchial hyper‐responsiveness
Authors: Kurakula K. , Vos M. , Logiantara A. , Roelofs J. J. T. H. , Nieuwenhuis M. A. , Koppelman G. H. , Postma D. S. , Brandsma C. A. , Sin D. D. , Bossé Y. , Nickle D. C. , van Rijt L. S. , de Vries C. J. M.
Published: July 2015

Background

Asthma is an inflammatory disease that involves airway hyper‐responsiveness and mucus hypersecretion. The LIM‐only protein FHL2 is a crucial modulator of multiple signal transduction pathways and functions as a scaffold in specific protein–protein interactions.

Objective

We sought to investigate the role of FHL2 in airway inflammation.

Methods

Allergic airway inflammation was induced in WT and FHL2‐knock out (FHL2‐KO) mice with ovalbumin (OVA). Lung tissue, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and draining lymph node cells were analysed for inflammation. FHL2 loss and gain of function studies were performed in lung epithelial cells.

Results

FHL2‐deficient mice challenged with OVA show significantly reduced airway inflammation as evidenced by reduced infiltration of inflammatory cells including eosinophils, dendritic cells, B cells and T cells. Furthermore, mucus production was decreased in FHL2‐KO mice. In BALF, the levels of IL‐5, IL‐13, eotaxin‐1 and eotaxin‐2 were significantly lower in FHL2‐KO mice. In addition, draining lymph node cells from FHL2‐KO mice show reduced levels of IL‐5 and IL‐13. Consistent with this, OVA‐specific serum IgG and IgE levels were reduced in FHL2‐KO mice. We also found that phosphorylation of ERK1/2 is markedly attenuated in FHL2‐KO lung. Knock‐down of FHL2 in human lung epithelial cells resulted in a striking decrease in ERK1/2 phosphorylation and mRNA levels of inflammatory cytokines and MUC5AC, whereas FHL2 overexpression exhibited opposite effects. Finally, the SNP rs4851765 shows an association with the severity of bronchial hyper‐responsiveness.

Conclusion

These results highlight functional involvement of FHL2 in airway inflammation and identify FHL2 as a novel gene associated with asthma severity in human.
Children with cerebral palsy do not achieve healthy physical activity levels
Authors: Bratteby Tollerz LU , Forslund AH , Olsson RM , Lidström H , Holmbäck U
Published: July 2015

Aim

This study compared daily activity energy expenditure (AEE) in children with cerebral palsy with a control group and investigated whether the children achieved healthy levels of physical activity.

Methods

We enrolled eight children with bilateral cerebral palsy, from eight to 10 years of age, and a group of controls matched for age and gender. For three days, physical activity was simultaneously measured by accelerometers and self‐reports using a diary. The daily AEE results were compared between groups and methods. The number of children that achieved healthy physical activity levels in each group was explored.

Results

Children with cerebral palsy had significantly lower daily AEE, as measured by accelerometers, than the controls, and they did not achieve the healthy moderate to heavy physical activity level defined in the Nordic Nutrition Recommendations. Self‐reports using the diaries resulted in an overestimation of physical activity compared with the ankle accelerometer measurements in both groups.

Conclusion

Our investigation of physical activity in children with cerebral palsy and controls using accelerometers and a diary found low levels of daily AEE and physical activity, and these results were most prominent in the group with cerebral palsy. The diaries overestimated physical activity in both groups.
Comparison and characterization of biosorption by Weissella viridescens MYU 205 of periodic group 12 metal ions
Authors: Kinoshita Hideki , Ohtake Fumika , Ariga Yuuki , Kimura Kazuhiko
Published: July 2015

Because heavy metals cause various health hazards, we studied biosorption by Weissella viridescens MYU 205. MYU 205 showed high biosorption for Cd (II) and Hg (II) and was low for Zn (II). The Hg (II) biosorption rate was high at about 80%. Different biosorptions were shown for each metal after successive incubation. About 20% of the Zn (II) biosorption was observed after 3 h. Cd (II) biosorption increased in a time‐dependent manner until 3 h, then gradually decreased. Hg (II) was immediately sorbed at 79.6 ± 4.7% and decreased at 3 h to 52.9 ± 2.6%, and then gradually increased to 77.8 ± 3.6%. Using heat‐killed cells, the rate of biosorption of Zn (II) and Cd (II) decreased whereas Hg (II) tended to increase. The metal resistance was high, that is Zn (II) > Cd (II) > Hg (II); while the affinity was opposite where MYU 205 showed high affinity to Hg (II) and low affinity to Zn (II). Our data shows lactic acid bacteria may be powerful heavy metal sorbents for detoxification.
Post hoc ergo propter hoc: methodological limits of performance‐oriented studies in CSR
Authors: Eabrasu Marian
Published: July 2015

This paper enquires into the possibility of establishing a causal link between social performance (SP) and financial performance (FP) in corporate social responsibility (CSR). It shows that this endeavour is limited by several biasing factors (such as time horizons, sample choices and the tools chosen to measure SP and FP) and faces the logical fallacy post hoc ergo propter hoc (after this, therefore because of this), which indicates that a sequence of events does not necessarily establish a causal link. The paper contributes to the methodological literature in CSR currently focused on empirical tests aiming to discern the linkages between SP and FP, both by emphasising the interest in interpreting and justifying SP and by suggesting a redirection of empirical efforts towards the understanding of entrepreneurial preference for a specific type of SP.
Differential effects of isomers of clomiphene citrate on reproductive tissues in male mice
Authors: Fontenot Gregory K. , Wiehle Ronald D. , Podolski Joseph S.
Published: July 2015

Objectives

To determine, in a chronic dosing study, the oral toxicity potential of the test substances, enclomiphene citrate (ENC) and zuclomiphene citrate (ZUC), when administered to male mice by oral gavage.

Materials and Methods

Mice were divided into five treatment groups. Group I, placebo; Group II, 40 mg/kg body weight/day ENC; Group III, 4 mg/kg/day ENC; Group IV, 40 mg/kg/day ZUC; Group V, 4 mg/kg/day ZUC. Serum samples and tissues were obtained from each mouse for analysis and body weights were measured.

Results

In this chronic dosing study in mice, profound effects on Leydig cells, epididymis, seminal vesicles, and kidneys were seen, as well as effects on serum testosterone, follicle‐stimulating hormone and luteinising hormone levels that were associated with ZUC treatment only. Treatment with the isolated enclomiphene isomer had positive effects on testosterone production and no effects on testicular histology.

Conclusions

The present study suggests that an unopposed high dose of zuclomiphene can have pernicious effects on male mammalian reproductive organs. The deleterious effects seen when administering ZUC in male mice, justifies the case for a monoisomeric preparation and the development of ENC for clinical use in human males to increase serum levels of testosterone and maintain sperm counts.
Salvage of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide plays a critical role in the bioenergetic recovery of post‐hypoxic cardiomyocytes
Authors: Gero Domokos , Szabo Csaba
Published: July 2015

Background and Purpose

Ischaemic heart disease can lead to serious, life‐threatening complications. Traditional therapies for ischaemia aim to increase oxygen delivery and reduce the myocardial ATP consumption by increasing the coronary perfusion and by suppressing cardiac contractility, heart rate or blood pressure. An adjunctive treatment option for ischaemia is to improve or optimize myocardial metabolism.

Experimental Approach

Metabolic suppression in the ischaemic heart is characterized by reduced levels of high‐energy molecules: ATP and NAD+. Because NAD+ is required for most metabolic processes that generate ATP, we hypothesized that restoration of NAD+ would be a prerequisite for ATP regeneration and examined the role of the major NAD+ anabolic and catabolic pathways in the bioenergetic restoration process following oxygen–glucose deprivation injury in a cardiomyocyte cell line (H9c2 cells).

Key Results

Salvage of NAD+ via nicotinamide phosphoribosyl transferase was essential for bioenergetic recovery in cardiomyocytes. Blockade of nicotinamide phosphoribosyl transferase prevented the restoration of the cellular ATP pool following oxygen–glucose deprivation injury by inhibiting both the aerobic and anaerobic metabolism in the cardiomyocytes. NAD+ consumption by PARP‐1 also undermined the recovery processes, and PARP inhibition significantly improved the metabolism and increased cellular ATP levels in cardiomyocytes.

Conclusions and Implications

We conclude that the NAD+ salvage pathway is essential for bioenergetic recovery in post‐hypoxic cardiomyocytes and PARP inhibition may represent a potential future therapeutic intervention in ischaemic heart disease.
Biotin/Folate‐decorated Human Serum Albumin Nanoparticles of Docetaxel: Comparison of Chemically Conjugated Nanostructures and Physically Loaded Nanoparticles for Targeting of Breast Cancer
Authors: Nateghian Navid , Goodarzi Navid , Amini Mohsen , Atyabi Fatemeh , Khorramizadeh Mohammad Reza , Dinarvand Rassoul
Published: July 2015

Docetaxel (DTX) is a widely used chemotherapeutic agent with very low water solubility. Conjugation of DTX to human serum albumin (HSA) is an effective way to increase its water solubility. Attachment of folic acid (FA) or biotin as targeting moieties to DTX‐HSA conjugates may lead to active targeting and specific uptake by cancer cells with overexpressed FA or biotin receptors. In this study, FA or biotin molecules were attached to DTX‐HSA conjugates by two different methods. In one method, FA or biotin molecules were attached to remaining NH2 residues of HSA in DTX‐HSA conjugate by covalent bonds. In the second method, HSA‐FA or HSA‐biotin conjugates were synthesized separately and then combined by DTX‐HSA conjugate in proper ratio to prepare nanoparticles containing DTX‐HSA plus HSA‐FA or HSA‐biotin. Cell viability of different nanoparticle was evaluated on MDA‐MB‐231 (folate receptor positive), A549 (folate receptor negative), and 4T1 (biotin receptor positive) and showed superior cytotoxicity compared with free docetaxel (Taxotere®). In vivo studies of DTX‐HSA‐FA and DTX‐HSA‐biotin conjugates in BULB/c mice, tumorized by 4T1 cell line, showed the conjugates prepared in this study were more powerful in the reduction in tumor size and increasing the survival rate when compared to free docetaxel.
L‐3‐n‐butylphthalide Promotes Neurogenesis and Neuroplasticity in Cerebral Ischemic Rats
Authors: Yang Li‐Chao , Li Jiang , Xu Shao‐Feng , Cai Jie , Lei Hui , Liu Dong‐Mei , Zhang Man , Rong Xian‐Fang , Cui Dan‐Dan , Wang Ling , Peng Ying , Wang Xiao‐Liang
Published: July 2015

Aims

This study investigated whether anticerebral ischemia new drug, l‐3‐n‐butylphthalide (l‐NBP), improved behavioral recovery and enhanced hippocampal neurogenesis after cerebral ischemia in rats.

Methods and Results

The middle cerebral artery of rats was blocked for 2 h. The daily oral administrations of 30 mg/kg l‐NBPor vehicle were begun from the second day until the rats were sacrificed. L‐NBPtreatment markedly increased 5‐bromo‐2′‐deoxyuridine (BrdU)‐positive cells in the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) of injured hemisphere on day 28 after ischemia. The amount of newborn cells and newly mature neurons was also increased. The expressions of growth‐associated protein‐43 and synaptophysin were significantly elevated in l‐NBP‐treated rats. However, l‐NBPmarkedly reduced the percentage of BrdU+/GFAP+cells. Additionally, the levels of catalytical subunit of protein kinase A (PKA), protein kinase B (Akt), andcAMPresponse element‐binding protein (CREB) were significantly increased, and the activation of the signal transducer and activation of transcription 3 (STAT3) and the expressions of cleaved caspase‐3 and Bax were obviously inhibited by l‐NBP. Consequently, l‐NBPattenuated the behavioral dysfunction.

Conclusions

It first demonstrates that l‐NBPmay improve the behavioral outcome of cerebral ischemia by promoting neurogenesis and neuroplasticity. Activation ofCREBand Akt and inhibition ofSTAT3 signaling might be involved in.
Assessing the global zoo response to the amphibian crisis through 20‐year trends in captive collections
Authors: Dawson Jeff , Patel Freisha , Griffiths Richard A. , Young Richard P.
Published: July 2015

Global amphibian declines are one of the biggest challenges currently facing the conservation community, and captive breeding is one way to address this crisis. Using information from the International Species Information System zoo network, we examined trends in global zoo amphibian holdings across species, zoo region, and species geographical region of origin from 1994 to 2014. These trends were compared before and after the 2004 Global Amphibian Assessment to assess whether any changes occurred and whether zoo amphibian conservation effort had increased. The numbers of globally threatened species (GTS) and their proportional representation in global zoo holdings increased and this rate of increase was significantly greater after 2004. North American, European, and Oceanian GTS were best represented in zoos globally, and proportions of Oceanian GTS held increased the most since 2004. South American and Asian GTS had the lowest proportional representation in zoos. At a regional zoo level, European zoos held the lowest proportions of GTS, and this proportion did not increase after 2004. Since 1994, the number of species held in viable populations has increased, and these species are distributed among more institutions. However, as of 2014, zoos held 6.2% of globally threatened amphibians, a much smaller figure than for other vertebrate groups and one that falls considerably short of the number of species for which ex situ management may be desirable. Although the increased effort zoos have put into amphibian conservation over the past 20 years is encouraging, more focus is needed on ex situ conservation priority species. This includes building expertise and capacity in countries that hold them and tracking existing conservation efforts if the evidence‐based approach to amphibian conservation planning at a global level is to be further developed.
Frequency of the p.Gly262Asp mutation in congenital Factor X deficiency
Authors: Epcacan Serdar , Menegatti Marzia , Akbayram Sinan , Cairo Andrea , Peyvandi Flora , Oner Ahmet F.
Published: July 2015

Introduction

Congenital factor X (FX) deficiency is a rare bleeding disorder inherited as an autosomal recessive trait with an incidence of 1 : 500 000–1 000 000. A total or partial deficiency of FX causes an impairment of clot formation, leading to a haemorrhagic disease, which manifests with bleeding symptoms of different severity, also unprovoked.

Aim

We analysed the clinical manifestations, laboratory phenotype and genotype in 12 patients from Turkey affected with severe FX deficiency.

Methods

Prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), FX activity (FX:C) and FX antigen level (FX:Ag) were measured, and mutation analysis was performed for all patients.

Results

The most frequent bleeding episodes in patients were epistaxis and easy bruising (11/12, 91%), followed by haemarthroses (10/12, 83%). FX:C was <1% in 11 patients, and 4% in one. FX:Ag was reduced in all patients, consistent with type II deficiency. Direct sequencing of the factor X gene (F10) identified two different mutations: the novel 33 bp in‐frame deletion p.Thr176_Gln186, c.526_558del, which seems to be associated with milder bleeding symptoms and the c.785G>A, p.Gly262Asp missense mutation (previously reported as Gly222Asp), which is associated with severe bleeding symptoms.

Conclusion

The p.Gly262Asp missense mutation was identified in 11 of the 12 patients in this study. Previously published cases on the same p.Gly262Asp mutation were Iranian patients originating from the border between Turkey and Iran suggesting that this mutation may be candidate as a good tool for mutational screening analysis in this area.
Fatigue life dispersion and thermal dissipation investigations for titanium alloy TC17 in very high cycle regime
Authors: Huang Z. Y. , Liu H. Q. , Wang C. , Wang Q. Y.
Published: July 2015

Titanium alloy is widely used in aeronautics engineering applications and undertakes high‐frequency fatigue load. Tests are performed to investigate the very high cycle fatigue (VHCF) behaviour of TC17 alloy through ultrasonic fatigue machine at R = 0.1. Thermal dissipation of VHCF for the alloy in 20 kHz frequency is also studied, and a model is proposed to describe the temperature increment of VHCF in the framework of thermodynamics by estimation of the inelastic thermal dissipation at active sites. Failure probability prediction method is used to evaluate the VHCF dispersion based on the multi‐scale method and fatigue thermal dissipation analysis.
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) in Canadians with haemophilia: Age‐Related CVD in Haemophilia Epidemiological Research (ARCHER study)
Authors: Minuk L. , Jackson S. , Iorio A. , Poon M.‐C. , Dilworth E. , Brose K. , Card R. , Rizwan I. , Chin‐Yee B. , Louzada M.
Published: July 2015

Introduction

Improvements in haemophilia care have increased life expectancy in persons with haemophilia (PWH). This ageing population presents clinicians with management challenges as they develop age‐related comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Aims

To assess the epidemiology of CVD risk factors and events in an ageing Canadian haemophilia population.

Methods

A retrospective, multicentre chart review was carried out at five Canadian Hemophilia Treatment Centres. PWH (A and B) ≥35 years old were included and data were extracted on CVD risk factors and events.

Results

Data from 294 patients’ charts were analysed including 222 (75.5%) patients with haemophilia A and 72 (24.5%) patients with haemophilia B with a median age at end of follow‐up of 54 years (range = 36–90). Mean follow‐up duration was 5.86 years. Cardiovascular risk factors were common: hypertension 31.3% (n = 90), diabetes mellitus 10.5% (n = 29), smoking 21.8% (n = 61), obesity 27.6% (n = 69), dyslipidaemia 22.4% (n = 65), family history 8.5% (n = 24), antiretroviral therapy 12.2% (n = 36). There were 24 CVD events (8.2% of the population) with a median age at event of 63 years (range = 46–83). Events consisted of coronary artery disease (CAD), 14; cerebrovascular disease, 4; and atrial fibrillation, 7. CAD was treated with coronary artery bypass grafting in three patients and percutaneous coronary intervention in nine patients. CVD events were complicated by six bleeding events (three minor and three major).

Conclusion

Cardiovascular disease risk factors and events are relatively common in PWH. PWH can be safely treated for CVD events with similar procedures as the non‐PWH populations, though specific clotting factor prophylaxis protocols are not well defined.
Late presentation to HIV testing is overestimated when based on the consensus definition
Authors: Sasse A , Florence E , Pharris A , De Wit S , Lacor P , Van Beckhoven D , Deblonde J , Delforge M‐L , Fransen K , Goffard J‐C , Legrand J‐C , Moutschen M , Piérard D , Ruelle J , Vaira D , Vandercam B , Van Ranst M , Van Wijngaerden E , Vandekerckhove L , Verhofstede C ,   Belgian Research AIDS & HIV Consortium (BREACH)
Published: July 2015

Objectives

In 2011, a consensus was reached defining “late presenters” (LPs) as individuals presenting for care with a CD4 count < 350 cells/μL or with an AIDS‐defining event, regardless of CD4 count. However, a transient low CD4 count is not uncommon in recent infections. The objective of this study was to investigate how measurements of late presentation change if the clinical stage at the time of diagnosis is taken into account.

Methods

Case surveillance data for newly diagnosed patients in Belgium in 1998–2012 were analysed, including CD4 count at diagnosis, the presence of AIDS‐defining events, and recent infections (< 6 months) as reported by clinicians in the case of acute illness or a recent negative test. First, proportions of LPs were calculated according to the consensus definition. Secondly, LPs were reclassified as “nonlate” if infections were reported as recent.

Results

A total of 7949 HIV diagnoses were included in the study. Recent infections were increasingly reported over time, accounting for 8.2% of new infections in 1998 and 37.5% in 2012. The consideration of clinical stage significantly modified the proportion of LPs: 18.2% of men who have sex with men (MSM) diagnosed in 2012 would be classified as LPs instead of 30.9% using the consensus definition (P < 0.001). The proportion of patients misclassified as LPs increased significantly over time: 5% in MSM in 1998 vs. 41% in 2012.

Conclusions

This study suggests that low CD4 counts in recent infections may lead to overestimation of late presentation when applying the consensus definition. The impact of transient CD4 count on late presentation estimates should be assessed and, if relevant, the introduction of clinical stage in the definition of late presentation should be considered.
Short‐term weight gain after antiretroviral therapy initiation and subsequent risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes: the D:A:D study
Authors: Achhra AC , Mocroft A , Reiss P , Sabin C , Ryom L , de Wit S , Smith CJ , d'Arminio Monforte A , Phillips A , Weber R , Lundgren J , Law MG ,   the D:A:D Study Group
Published: July 2015

Objectives

The aim of the study was to assess the impact of the gain in body mass index (BMI) observed immediately after antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation on the subsequent risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes.

Methods

We analysed data from the Data Collection on Adverse Events of Anti‐HIV Drugs (D:A:D) cohort study. Outcomes were development of (i) CVD (composite of myocardial infarction/stroke/coronary procedure) and (ii) diabetes. The main exposure variable was change in BMI from ART initiation (pre‐ART) to 1 year after initiation (continuous variable) in treatment‐naïve individuals initiating ART with no history of CVD or diabetes (for respective outcomes). BMI [weight (kg)/(height (m))2] was categorized as underweight (< 18.5), normal (18.5–25), overweight (25–30) and obese (> 30). Poisson regression models were fitted stratified for each pre‐ART BMI category to allow for category‐specific estimates of incidence rate ratio (IRR). Models were adjusted for pre‐ART BMI and CD4 count, key known risk factors (time‐updated where possible) and calendar year.

Results

A total of 97 CVD events occurred in 43 982 person‐years (n = 9321) and 125 diabetes events in 43 278 person‐years (n = 9193). In fully adjusted analyses for CVD, the IRR/unit gain in BMI (95% confidence interval) in the first year of ART, by pre‐ART BMI category, was: underweight, 0.90 (0.60–1.37); normal, 1.18 (1.05–1.33); overweight, 0.87 (0.70–1.10), and obese, 0.95 (0.71–1.28) (P for interaction = 0.04). For diabetes, the IRR/unit gain in BMI was 1.11 (95% confidence interval 1.03 to 1.21), regardless of pre‐ART BMI (P for interaction > 0.05).

Conclusions

Short‐term gain in BMI following ART initiation appeared to increase the longer term risk of CVD, but only in those with pre‐ART BMI in the normal range. It was also associated with increased risk of diabetes regardless of pre‐ART BMI.
Glass‐Ceramic Materials for Guided‐Wave Optics
Authors: Ferrari Maurizio , Righini Giancarlo C.
Published: July 2015

Glass‐ceramics (GCs) are multiphase micro‐ or nano‐crystalline materials produced by the controlled nucleation and crystallization of an amorphous glass through a proper heating or chemical process. Most optical applications require transparency, and this usually implies that the crystalline phase be made of nanocrystals. Transparent GCs are able to combine the advantages of all their components, glasses, and crystals. Incorporation of semiconducting, ferroelectrical, and nonlinear optical phases in glass matrices can produce very promising materials for different applications. A very important role is played by nanocrystals which are activated by luminescent species, as rare earth ions. The presence of the crystalline environment around a rare earth ion allows high absorption and emission across sections, and reduction in the nonradiative relaxations thanks to the lower phonon cut‐off energy. Such materials may lead to real advances in optical amplifiers, up‐conversion fibers, solid‐state lasers, medical sensors, and several other devices, especially if combined with a guided‐wave configuration, which allows high energy densities and efficient delivery of the transmitted optical beams. The present review article covers the properties and current state of transparent glass‐ceramics for guided‐wave devices, including the discussion of the preparation methods and of their spectral and luminescent properties.
Circulating CD4+CD25highFoxP3+ T‐regulatory cells in patients with atopic dermatitis after narrowband‐ultraviolet B phototherapy
Authors: El Samahy May H. , Attia Enas A. S. , Saad Abeer A. , Mahmoud Eman Y.
Published: July 2015

Background

Previous studies showed controversial results regarding CD4+CD25highFoxP3+ T‐regulatory cells (Tregs) in atopic dermatitis (AD) and effect of therapy.

Methods

Circulating CD4+CD25highFoxP3+ Tregs were assessed by flow cytometry in 20 controls and 20 patients with AD at baseline and after narrowband ultraviolet B with assessment of disease severity.

Results

Patients showed higher pretreatment T‐effector cells (Teffs) (%) and lower pretreatment Tregs FoxP3 expression% than controls (P = 0.003 and 0.01, respectively). Mild AD showed a lower Tregs/Teffs ratio compared to controls (P = 0.013), while moderate group showed higher Teffs%, and lower Tregs FoxP3 expression% and Tregs/Teffs compared to controls (P = 0.016, 0.007, and 0.009 respectively). The severe group had higher Tregs% and Teffs%, yet with a lower Tregs FoxP3 expression% compared to controls (P < 0.001, P = 0.043, P = 0.044, respectively). There was significant reduction of severity after narrowband ultraviolet B (P = 0.007), with overall significant elevation of Tregs FoxP3 expression% in patients (P = 0.004). All patients' post‐treatment laboratory findings were statistically matched to each other and to controls whatever their previous severity or therapeutic response. The improvement of severity score correlated with the change in both Tregs% and Tregs/Teffs.

Conclusions

Significant reduction in AD disease severity is correlated with the change in Tregs% and Tregs/Teffs.
The clinicopathological spectrum of trichoepitheliomas: a retrospective descriptive study
Authors: du Toit Jacques P. , Schneider Johann W. , Visser Willem I. , Jordaan Henry F.
Published: July 2015

Background

Trichoepithelioma (TE) is a benign adnexal neoplasm derived from basal cells in the hair follicle. Solitary TE occurs sporadically as opposed to the multiple familial variant that presents as an autosomal dominant genodermatosis. The solitary variant can be confused with basal cell carcinoma both clinically and histologically. Multiple familial TEs are a cosmetically disfiguring condition with limited satisfactory treatment options.

Method

Skin biopsies diagnosed as TE from January 1, 2001, to December 31, 2011, were retrieved from the archives of the Division of Anatomical Pathology (University of Stellenbosch and National Health Laboratory Service, Cape Town, South Africa). Clinical and demographic data were retrieved from the patient records at Tygerberg Academic Hospital. Data of patients with solitary TE and multiple TE were compared.

Results

Thirty‐three biopsy specimens were collected from 30 patients. Twenty patients had solitary TE, nine patients had multiple TEs, and one patient had multiple linear TEs. Multiple TEs started to develop in patients at an average age of 17.3 years. Three patients in the study had tumoral TE with a diameter greater than 20 mm. One patient had TE associated with a basal cell carcinoma. Multiple TEs were commonly misdiagnosed clinically as tuberous sclerosis and showed a cribriform histopathological tumor pattern in 80% of cases as compared to only 10% of solitary TEs.

Conclusion

The current study was confined to a cohort of patients, in the Western Cape Province of South Africa, whose ethnic and geographic origins were not available. The extrapolation of findings from this study to the rest of the South African population may not be valid. A cribriform growth pattern occurs in the majority of cases of multiple TEs.
A polymorphism in a phosphotyrosine signalling motif of CD229 (Ly9, SLAMF3) alters SH2 domain binding and T‐cell activation
Authors: Margraf Stefanie , Garner Lee I. , Wilson Timothy J. , Brown Marion H.
Published: July 2015

Signalling lymphocyte activation molecule (SLAM) family members regulate activation and inhibition in the innate and adaptive immune systems. Genome‐wide association studies identified their genetic locus (1q23) as highly polymorphic and associated with susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Here we show that the Val602 variant of the non‐synonymous single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs509749 in the SLAM family member CD229 (Ly9, SLAMF3) has a two‐fold lower affinity compared with the SLE‐associated Met602 variant for the small adaptor protein SAP. Comparison of the two variants in T‐cell lines revealed the Val602 variant to be significantly more highly expressed than CD229 Met602. Activation was diminished in cells expressing CD229 Val602 compared with CD229 Met602 as measured by up‐regulation of CD69. There was no correlation between homozygosity at rs509749 and activation in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy donors. These findings identify potential mechanisms by which a single SNP can perturb fine‐tuning in the immune system with significant functional consequences.
Health‐related quality of life and aerobic fitness in people with schizophrenia
Authors: Vancampfort Davy , Guelinckx Hannes , Probst Michel , Stubbs Brendon , Rosenbaum Simon , Ward Philip B. , De Hert Marc
Published: July 2015

The purpose of this cross‐sectional study was to investigate whether aerobic fitness contributes to the health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) in people with schizophrenia, while adjusting for other previously‐established contributory factors. Thirty‐four male (34.1 ± 12.0 years) and 13 female (34.3 ± 9.2 years) participants performed a submaximal Astrand–Rhyming cycle ergometer test and completed the 36‐item Short‐Form Health Survey, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and the Psychosis Evaluation tool for Common Use by Caregivers. After controlling for age and sex, illness duration (12.4 ± 11.2 years, r2 = 0.38, P < 0.001), fewer positive (9.3 ± 4.3, r2 = 0.30, P = 0.006) and cognitive (8.4 ± 3.8, r2 = 0.28, P = 0.011) symptoms, and higher aerobic fitness (34.5 ± 8.7 ml O2 min−1 kg−1, r2 = 0.36, P = 0.001) were found to be independent significant predictors of physical HRQoL (mean score 66.6 ± 18.5). However, when all variables were included in the same regression model, only illness duration (P = 0.004) and positive symptoms (P = 0.045) remained significant predictors, while there was a trend (P < 0.10) for age and aerobic fitness. The final model explained 54% of the variability in physical HRQoL. No significant correlates for mental HRQoL (54.9 ± 18.5) were found. People with schizophrenia might improve their physical HRQoL by improving their aerobic fitness. Mental health nurses should assist in facilitating improvements in aerobic fitness through facilitating physical activity participation in patients with schizophrenia.
Un outil de diagnostic et d'action pour la réalisation du travail décent
Authors: WEBSTER Edward , BUDLENDER Deborah , ORKIN Mark
Published: July 2015

En s'appuyant sur les indicateurs identifiés par la Réunion tripartite d'experts sur la mesure du travail décent, réunie en 2008 au BIT, les auteurs élaborent un questionnaire complété par des entretiens approfondis afin d'évaluer la qualité de l'emploi dans la sécurité, l'agriculture et l'hôtellerie‐restauration en Afrique du Sud. Leur outil de diagnostic concerne des travailleurs de secteurs d'activité particuliers considérés individuellement et non la situation nationale. Cette approche permet de suivre les progrès accomplis en matière de travail décent, et de mettre en œuvre des stratégies fondées sur des données probantes afin de combler les déficits de travail décent.
Mesure des effets sur l'emploi des échanges de biens intermédiaires et de produits finis
Authors: JIANG Xiao
Published: July 2015

La croissance des échanges de biens intermédiaires et de services a compliqué la relation entre commerce et division du travail à l'échelle internationale. Pour trente‐neuf pays, l'auteur décompose les effets du commerce sur l'emploi selon leur origine: 1) exportations; 2) importations; 3) part des importations dans les exportations; 4) part des exportations dans les importations; 5) part des importations de pays tiers dans les importations. En 2009, quelque 88 millions d'emplois étaient imputables aux échanges de biens intermédiaires – 14 pour cent des emplois découlant des échanges –, tandis que la part des importations dans les exportations représentait 44 millions d'emplois.
Au Chili, l'emploi progresse en nombre, non en qualité: tout dépend du contrat
Authors: RUIZ‐TAGLE Jaime , SEHNBRUCH Kirsten
Published: July 2015

Depuis 1990, les autorités chiliennes s'en remettent à la croissance économique pour créer des emplois, élever les salaires et améliorer les conditions de travail. Les résultats sont contrastés: la qualité de l'emploi n'a pas suivi les progrès quantitatifs en nombre d'emplois et en niveau de salaires. Opposant un cadre réglementaire formellement rigide à la réalité d'un marché du travail flexible, les auteurs soulignent l'importance des conditions d'emploi dans l'évaluation du marché du travail. L'examen des effets des caractéristiques des emplois et des travailleurs sur l'emploi et les revenus montre que leur premier déterminant est la détention d'un contrat de durée indéterminée.
Expression profiling analysis: Uncoupling protein 2 deficiency improves hepatic glucose, lipid profiles and insulin sensitivity in high‐fat diet‐fed mice by modulating expression of genes in peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor signaling pathway
Authors: Zhou Mei‐Cen , Yu Ping , Sun Qi , Li Yu‐Xiu
Published: July 2015

Aims/Introduction

Uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2), which was an important mitochondrial inner membrane protein associated with glucose and lipid metabolism, widely expresses in all kinds of tissues including hepatocytes. The present study aimed to explore the impact of UCP2 deficiency on glucose and lipid metabolism, insulin sensitivity and its effect on the liver‐associated signaling pathway by expression profiling analysis.

Materials and Methods

Four‐week‐old male UCP2−/− mice and UCP2+/+ mice were randomly assigned to four groups: UCP2−/− on a high‐fat diet, UCP2−/− on a normal chow diet, UCP2+/+ on a high‐fat diet and UCP2+/+ on a normal chow diet. The differentially expressed genes in the four groups on the 16th week were identified by Affymetrix gene array.

Results

The results of intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test and insulin tolerance showed that blood glucose and β‐cell function were improved in the UCP2−/− group on high‐fat diet. Enhanced insulin sensitivity was observed in the UCP2−/− group. The differentially expressed genes were mapped to 23 pathways (P < 0.05). We concentrated on the ‘peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPAR) signaling pathway’ (P = 3.19 × 10−11), because it is closely associated with the regulation of glucose and lipid profiles. In the PPAR signaling pathway, seven genes (PPARγ, Dbi, Acsl3, Lpl, Me1, Scd1, Fads2) in the UCP2−/− mice were significantly upregulated.

Conclusions

The present study used gene arrays to show that activity of the PPAR signaling pathway involved in the improvement of glucose and lipid metabolism in the liver of UCP2‐deficient mice on a long‐term high‐fat diet. The upregulation of genes in the PPAR signaling pathway could explain our finding that UCP2 deficiency ameliorated insulin sensitivity. The manipulation of UCP2 protein expression could represent a new strategy for the prevention and treatment of diabetes.
A case of genetic polyandry in the shortfin makoIsurus oxyrinchus
Authors: Corrigan S. , Kacev D. , Werry J.
Published: July 2015

This article documents a case of genetic polyandry in the oceanic and pelagic shortfin makoIsurus oxyrinchusand briefly comments on the implications of this finding.
Betel quid oral lichenoid lesions: a hospital based cross‐sectional study
Authors: Arya Sugandha , Vengal Manoj , Raju Bina , Patil Neelkant , Sathosker Sujatha , Bateja Sumit , David Jamil
Published: July 2015

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and risk indicators of betel quid oral lichenoid lesions in chewers.

Methods

A total of 1209 chewers were identified and categorized into three main groups based on the type of lesion: betel quid oral lichenoid lesions only, betel quid oral lichenoid lesions in association with quid‐induced other oral mucosal lesions, and no lesions. Multinomial regression analyses were used to determine associations between dependent and independent variables.

Results

Betel quid oral lichenoid lesions were more common in individuals who chewed quid comprising both tobacco and areca nut, and in those who chewed it two to three, or greater than three, times a day. Betel quid oral lichenoid lesions + quid‐induced other oral mucosal lesions were more likely to occur in females, and in individuals who chewed quid containing both tobacco and areca nut, in their processed and unprocessed forms, and greater than three times a day.

Conclusion

The prevalence of betel quid oral lichenoid lesions was higher than that reported in previous studies conducted in India. Increase in the frequency and duration of quid chewing was associated with increased likelihood of developing these oral lichenoid lesions.
Heterogeneous Inflation Expectations and Learning
Authors: MADEIRA CARLOS , ZAFAR BASIT
Published: July 2015

Using the panel component of the Michigan Survey of Consumers, we estimate a learning model of inflation expectations, allowing for heterogeneous use of private information and lifetime inflation experience. Life experience inflation has a significant impact on individual expectations, but only for 1‐year‐ahead inflation. Public information is substantially more relevant for longer horizon expectations. Even controlling for life experience inflation and public information, idiosyncratic information explains a nontrivial proportion of the inflation forecasts of agents. Women, ethnic minorities, and less educated agents have a higher degree of heterogeneity in their idiosyncratic information, and give less importance to recent movements in inflation.
Did the Reserve Requirement Increases of 1936–37 Reduce Bank Lending? Evidence from a Quasi‐Experiment
Authors: PARK HAELIM , VAN HORN PATRICK
Published: July 2015

We analyze the impact of contractionary monetary policy through increases in reserve requirements on bank lending. We compare the lending behavior of banks that were subject to the requirement increases in 1936–37, Federal Reserve member banks, to a group of banks that were not subject to the reserve increase, Federal Reserve nonmember banks. After implementing the difference‐in‐difference estimators, we find that the increases in reserve requirements did not create financing constraints for member banks and lead them to reduce lending. Therefore, the actions of the Federal Reserve concerning the required reserve ratios cannot be blamed for instigating the economic downturn of 1937–38.
Will weight loss become a future treatment of hepatocellular adenoma in obese patients?
Authors: Dokmak Safi , Belghiti Jacques
Published: July 2015

Background & Aims

Although hepatocellular adenoma (HCA) is more frequently observed in obese patients, however, the effect of weight loss as a therapeutic option was never studied.

Methods

In this rapid communication we described our non‐surgical management of large HCA (>5 cm) encountered in patients with morbid obesity. Non‐surgical management consisted mainly of oral contraception withdrawal and weight loss, which was the only option in two patients. All demographics, radiological and histological data were studied. Patients were followed regularly every 6 months.

Results

Between 2004 and 2013, 116 patients presented with HCA and 15 with morbid obesity (13%) were studied. Five men underwent surgery and females were either operated (period before 2010; n = 5) or proposed to non‐surgical management (period after 2010; n = 5).Weight loss was advocated to all females, including four with residual HCA after resection and to non‐operated patients, including two with haemorrhagic HCA. Four (40%) females showed significant weight loss. In resected patients, weight loss allowed stability (n = 1) or slight regression (n = 1) of residual HCA. In the two patients treated only by weight loss, significant decrease was observed in the weight with significant decrease (>50%) in the size and number of HCA to a non‐surgical size (<5 cm). Severe morbidity was 40% in operated patients and 0% in non‐operated patients. After a follow‐up period of 38 months (18–60), no complication or degeneration was encountered in the non‐operated group.

Conclusion

Like oral contraception, weight loss should be considered as the first therapeutic option in the management of HCA in obese patients.
Learning New Grammatical Structures in Task‐Based Language Learning: The Effects of Recasts and Prompts
Authors: VAN DE GUCHTE MARRIT , BRAAKSMA MARTINE , RIJLAARSDAM GERT , BIMMEL PETER
Published: July 2015

In the present study, we examine the effects of prompts and recasts on the acquisition of two new and different grammar structures in a task‐based learning environment. Sixty‐four 14‐year‐old 9th grade students (low intermediate) learning German as a foreign language were randomly assigned to three conditions: two experimental groups (one receiving prompts, the other recasts) and a control group. The study involves two subsequent interventions: The first targeted a complex structure, dative case after a preposition; the second a simple structure, comparatives. Pretests, immediate posttests, and delayed posttests included written and oral accuracy as well as oral fluency. Statistical comparisons on both written and oral posttests showed that prompts and recasts were effective, when compared to the control group, with prompts being superior to recasts. Furthermore, the effect of recasts depended on the structure: Recasts were more effective for the comparative than for the dative on written accuracy.
Acquiring Temporal Meanings Without Tense Morphology: The Case of L2 Mandarin Chinese
Authors: SLABAKOVA ROUMYANA
Published: July 2015

This article reports on an experimental study addressing the second language acquisition of Mandarin temporality. Mandarin Chinese does not mark past, present, or future with dedicated morphemes; the native English of the learners does. It was hypothesized that, in their comprehension, learners would utilize the deictic pattern of expressing temporality, which postulates that bounded events tend to be interpreted as past and unbounded events as present. Twenty‐eight bilingual native speakers, 25 intermediate learners, and 23 advanced learners of Mandarin with English as their native language took 3 different interpretation tests. Learners’ temporal interpretation choices were highly accurate even at intermediate levels of proficiency, suggesting that obeying the deictic pattern in second language comprehension is not hard. Pedagogical implications of these findings are discussed.
Psychosocial Outcomes of Participating in Pediatric Diabetes Camp
Authors: Bultas Margaret W. , Schmuke Ashley D. , Moran Vicki , Taylor John
Published: July 2015

Objective

There are approximately 18,400 youth who are newly diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) in the United States each year. Because of the potential for hypoglycemia, frequent need to monitor blood glucose, and other medical care associated with T1DM, children may not be able to participate in the typical summer camp experience. The aims of this study were (1) to evaluate the impact of camp on the child's attitude toward their illness, (2) to evaluate the child's confidence in self‐care management of their diabetes, (3) to assess the child's perception and satisfaction with the camp experience, and (4) to evaluate the perception of camp experience by the parents.

Design and Sample

Thirty‐eight parent‐child dyads participated in a pretest, posttest quasi‐experimental research study evaluating the benefits of a camping experience for the child with T1DM.

Results

Pre‐ and postcamp comparisons revealed improved attitude toward illness and improved self‐efficacy after the camping experience.

Conclusion

Results of the study support the psychosocial benefits of a camping experience for children with T1DM. Findings from the study can be used by health care providers as evidence to support the benefits of sending children with T1DM to residential summer camp.