bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Suppression of KIF14 expression inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma progression and predicts favorable outcome
Authors: Yang Tao , Zhang Xian‐Bo , Zheng Zhi‐Min
Published: February 2013

The mitotic kinesin superfamily protein KIF14 is essential for cytokinesis and chromosome segregation and increased KIF14 expression is related to a variety of human cancers. In this study, we investigate KIF14 expression in association with clinical variables and the role of KIF14 during tumorigenesis. We found that KIF14 is overexpressed in most primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues compared with the adjacent normal liver tissues and KIF14 overexpression is associated with tumor grade (P = 0.002), stage (P = 0.013) and poor survival (P < 0.001). Downregulation of KIF14 decreased the capacity of proliferation both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, suppression of KIF14 not only decreases cancer cell migration but also induces apoptosis of cells with inactivation of the phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase‐Akt signaling pathway. Therefore, our current study indicates that KIF14 promotes HCC carcinogenesis and may serve as a potential therapeutic target for human HCC.
Radiographic evaluation of the superior alveolar canal: measurements of its diameter and of its position in relation to the maxillary sinus floor: a cone beam computerized tomography study
Authors: Apostolakis Dimitrios , Bissoon Arlana K.
Published: February 2013

Objectives

The superior alveolar canal with its contents is frequently reported as an anatomical point of consideration during lateral sinus floor elevation due to the danger of bleeding and of the subsequent impairment of vision of the surgical field. Malnutrition of the graft may also ensue. This radiographical study uses cone beam computerized tomography to identify the superior alveolar canal, to measure its diameter and its distance from the sinus floor at precise tooth positions to provide the implant surgeon with information about the position and the diameter of the canal.

Material and methods

One hundred and fifty‐six patients (156) scanned with a Newtom VG device were included in this study. A dental and maxillofacial radiologist using the multiplanar capabilities of the device's software identified the canal and assessed its diameter and topography.

Results

The canal could be identified in 82% of the cases with a mean diameter of 1.1 mm and a range of diameters between 0.2 and 2.6 mm. The distance from the floor of the sinus at various tooth positions ranged between 0 and 28.5 mm.

Conclusions

In the majority of our cases, the canal could be identified in at least one position, between the most posterior and the most anterior borders of the maxillary sinus. The large variation on the distance of the canal from the sinus floor dictates an individual evaluation of its position and not the use of mean values. Great care must be exercised by the radiologist to reliably identify the canal.
Prospective randomized controlled clinical study comparing two dental implant systems: demographic and radiographic results at one year of loading
Authors: Thoma Daniel S. , Sanz Martin Ignacio , Benic Goran I. , Roos Malgorzata , Hämmerle Christoph H. F.
Published: February 2013

Objective

To compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes of implants and implant‐supported reconstructions using a 1‐piece (STM) and a 2‐piece (BRA) dental implant system.

Material and methods

Sixty patients were randomly assigned to receive STM or BRA implants. The implants restored with fixed or removable prostheses. Baseline measurements (day of loading) and 1‐year measurements included demographic and radiological parameters with details of the surgical procedures, type of prosthesis, survival of implants, and marginal bone‐level changes. The Mann–Whitney U‐test and the paired t‐test were used to analyze the data between the two groups and within the groups within 1 year on an implant‐ and patient‐based level.

Results

In all 60 patients, implants were placed and supported 65 final reconstructions (33 BRA, 32 STM). One implant was lost in the STM group at 9 months (98.5% survival rate), none were lost in the BRA group (100%). On the implant level, the median marginal bone levels were −1.02 mm (interquartile range (IQR) 0.41 mm) at baseline and −1.08 mm (0.59 mm) 1 year later (BRA) and −0.51 mm (0.93 mm) and −0.75 mm (1.14 mm) (STM). The patient level values were −0.98 mm (0.47 mm) at baseline and −1.10 mm (0.71 mm) 1 year later (BRA) and −0.43 mm (0.59 mm) and −0.71 mm (0.97 mm) (STM). The differences between the two groups at both time‐points were statistically significant in the patient‐level analysis with higher bone levels for the STM group (P < 0.05). The changes in mean marginal bone levels on the implant level amounted to −0.05 mm (SD±0.32 mm) (BRA) and to −0.27 mm (±0.52 mm) (STM). Patient‐level values were −0.06 mm (± 0.37 mm) (BRA) and −0.25 mm (±0.35 mm) (STM). These differences between the groups reached statistical significance on the patient level with less bone loss in the BRA group (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Within the first year of functional loading, high survival rates and minimal changes of marginal bone levels were found for both implant systems used.
The influence of prophylactic antibiotic administration on post‐operative morbidity in dental implant surgery. A prospective double blind randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Nolan Rory , Kemmoona Maher , Polyzois Ioannis , Claffey Noel
Published: February 2013

Objectives

A prospective double‐blind randomised controlled trial was conducted to test the effect of prophylactic antibiotics on post‐operative morbidity and osseointegration of dental implants.

Materials and Methods

Fifty‐five subjects scheduled for implant surgery were enrolled. The patients were randomly assigned to the antibiotic (test group) and placebo (control group). Twenty‐seven patients (test group) received 3 g amoxicillin one hour pre‐operatively, and 28 patients (control group) received placebo capsules 1 h pre‐operatively. No post‐operative antibiotics were prescribed. Pain diaries and interference with daily activities diaries were kept by the patients for 1 week post‐operatively. Signs of post‐operative morbidity (swelling, bruising, suppuration and wound dehiscence) were recorded by the principal investigators at day 2 and day 7 following the operation. Osseointegration was assessed at 2nd stage surgery or 3–4 months post‐operatively.

Results

The results of this study suggest that the use of prophylactic pre‐operative antibiotics may result in higher dental implant survival rates (100% vs. 82%). Five implant failures, one in each of five patients, were reported in the placebo group and none in the antibiotic group (P = 0.0515). No significant differences were found for most of the signs of post‐operative morbidity 2 and 7 days post‐operatively. Only bruising at 2 days following the operation appeared to be higher in the placebo group (P = 0.0511). Post‐operative pain (P = 0.01) and interference with daily activities (P = 0.01) appeared to be significantly lower for the antibiotic group after 7 days. Those patients with implant failure reported higher pain (based on the VAS scores) after 2 days (P = 0.003) and after 7 days (P = 0.0005), higher pain (based on the amount of analgesics used) after 7 days (P = 0.001) and higher interference with daily activities (based on the VAS scores) after 2 days (P = 0.005).

Conclusions

The use of for dental implant surgery may be justified, as it appears to improve implant survival in the short term and also results in less post‐operative pain and interference with daily activities. From the results of this study, it appears that prophylactic antibiotics may also be beneficial both in terms of implant survival, especially when the surgical procedure is prolonged due to its difficulty, high number of implants placed or operator's inexperience.
A new standardized‐automatic method for bone‐to‐implant contact histomorphometric analysis based on backscattered scanning electron microscopy images
Authors: Manresa Carolina , Bosch Manel , Manzanares María Cristina , Carvalho Patricia , Echeverría José Javier
Published: February 2013

Aim

To establish an image analysis procedure for measuring the bone‐to‐implant contact (BIC) by a systematic non‐subjective approach based on backscattered scanning electron microscopy (BS‐SEM) images.

Material and methods

A total of 36 dental implants (9 mm length, Ø 4.0 mm with a SBM surface) were implanted in six beagle dog mandibles. The implants were removed after 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks and then embedded in resin and cut along their long axis. Sample observation was performed by BS‐SEM, acquiring 10 to 16 images per sample. Image processing and BIC determination were performed using the Fiji image processing package. Images were stitched, filtered, and thresholded to obtain a binary image of the whole implant that finally was dilated and outlined. The length of this outline was measured as the maximum possible BIC. The regions of coincidence between this line and the bone were measured as the real BIC.

Results

The proposed methodology for BIC determination, based on SEM, which has a much higher resolution than optical microscopy, allows the acquisition of highly discriminative images with great contrast between implant and bone. The high resolution and high contrast in SEM images provide more accurate results than those obtained by classical methods. Furthermore, the methodology of image analysis described in this study delineates precisely and automatically the contour of the implant, which results in non‐biased measurements. The average percentage of BIC was 35%, ranging from 24.7 to 45.5%. These values were similar to the results documented in the literature for implants of similar roughness in animal models.

Conclusions

A novel, non‐subjective, and systematic method for measuring BIC is described based on BS‐SEM images. The proposed methodology minimizes the shortcomings of the results obtained by previously described methods.
Results of a cosmetovigilance survey in The Netherlands
Authors: Salverda Joanne G. W. , Bragt Peter J. C. , de Wit‐Bos Lianne , Rustemeyer Thomas , Coenraads Pieter Jan , Tupker Ron. A. , Kunkeler Lia C. M. , Laheij‐de Boer Anna‐Marijke , Stenveld Harma J. , van Ginkel Cees J. W. , Kooi Myrna W. , Bourgeois François. C. , van Gorcum Teetske F. , van Engelen Jacqueline G. M. , van Dijk Remmelt , de Graaf Judith , Donker Gé A. , de Heer Cees , Bruynzeel Derk
Published: February 2013

Background. Cosmetic products contribute considerably to the incidence of contact dermatitis. In response to a resolution of the Council of Europe, the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) in The Netherlands set up a pilot project to report undesirable effects attributed to cosmetic products.

Objectives. To provide an overview of undesirable effects attributed to cosmetic products and to identify the ingredients involved. The information could contribute to the assessment of whether current EU legislation on cosmetics provides adequate protection.

Patients/methods. General practitioners, dermatologists and consumers in The Netherlands completed questionnaires on reported undesirable effects of cosmetics. Dermatologists also carried out patch tests and, where necessary, tests with specific batch ingredients of the associated cosmetic product. A website and a public awareness campaign were launched to encourage consumers to report undesirable effects.

Results. Between July 2009 and May 2011, the RIVM received more than 1600 reports. Severe undesirable effects were claimed in 1–4% of the cases. The most frequently reported cosmetic products were make‐up and moisturisers, and the most frequently identified allergens were isothiazolinones and fragrance ingredients. Three patients tested positive for co‐polymers/cross‐polymers.

Conclusions. Further investigations are recommended on the prevalence of isothiazolinone‐induced allergic contact dermatitis and the allergenic potential of co‐polymers/cross‐polymers.
The acute effects of exercise on the microvascular volume of Achilles tendons in healthy young subjects
Authors: Pingel Jessica , Harrison Adrian , Suetta Charlotte , Simonsen Lene , Langberg Henning , Bülow Jens
Published: February 2013

Background

Real‐time harmonic contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEU) is used in several diseases to visualize the microvascularization in various tissues, due to its high sensitivity.

Aim

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether CEU could be used to detect an increase in the microvascular volume (MV) in healthy tendon tissue in response to exercise comprising a 1‐h run.

Methods

After a bolus injection of the ultrasound contrast SonoVue®, CEU measurements of (MV) in the Achilles tendon were taken prior to exercise, immediately after a 1‐h run, and 24 h after exercise in nine healthy young subjects (seven men and two women) mean age 31 ± 4 years. In addition, the effect of 15 min of arm cycling exercise on the flow within the Achilles tendon was tested in four athletes (mean age 33 ± 6 years) using the CEU method before and after exercise.

Results

The present data show a significant increase in the (MV) of the Achilles tendon for all subjects following the run compared with before exercise. No significant change in (MV) was seen in the Achilles tendon after 15‐min arm cycling exercise (P = 0·96). This indicates that the increase in microvascular blood volume within the Achilles tendon in response to running is a local response.

Conclusion

The present data reveal that real‐time harmonic CEU can be used to determine the MV of healthy Achilles tendons both at rest and after 1 h of running exercise.
Effects of mycophenolate mofetil introduction in liver transplant patients: results from an observational, non‐interventional, multicenter study (LOBSTER)
Authors: Schlitt Hans J. , Jonas Sven , Ganten Tom M. , Grannas Gerrit , Moench Christian , Rauchfuss Falk , Obed Aiman , Tisone Giuseppe , Pinna Antonio D. , Gerunda Giorgio E. , Beckebaum Susanne
Published: February 2013

The benefits of calcineurin inhibitor (CNI)‐sparing regimens on renal function following liver transplantation (LT) have been demonstrated in clinical studies. This observational study assessed the real‐life effects of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) introduction in LT patients. Four hundred and ninety‐seven patients in whom MMF was introduced according to local standards or clinical considerations were entered. Patients were grouped by time between transplantation and start of MMF (start of study): Group A (n = 263): ≤6 d; Group B (n = 64): >6 d to ≤1 month; Group C (n = 74): >1 month to ≤1 yr; and Group D (n = 96): >1 yr. CNI sparing occurred in all groups, particularly in Groups C and D. Mean MMF doses at 12 months were 1202.7, 1363.5, 1504.7, and 1578.1 mg/d, respectively, in Groups A–D. At introduction of MMF, median glomerular filtration rate was 73.3, 81.7, 62.7, and 53.7 mL/min/1.73 m2 in Groups A–D. At 12 months, this decreased to 66 mL/min/1.73 m2 in Groups A and B, remained stable in Group C, and increased in Group D (64.8 mL/min/1.73 m2). Serious adverse drug reactions were lowest in Group D. In conclusion, MMF with a subsequent decrease in CNI was well tolerated and improved renal function even years after transplantation. A more forceful MMF dosing strategy with greater CNI sparing may further improve renal function.
Is income converging in China?
Authors: Su Chi‐Wei , Chang Hsu‐Ling
Published: February 2013

This study adopts a flexible Fourier unit‐root test proposed by Enders and Lee (2012) to revisit the tendency towards convergence in real per capita income among provinces after economic reform in China. When a data‐generating process is non‐linear, a Fourier series not only allows for the possibility of an unknown number of structural breaks with unknown forms but also allows for the use of a low‐frequency component to capture multiple changes. Contrary to what the linear statistics suggest, our results from a flexible unit‐root test indicate that China's eastern and western regions are converging to their own specific steady states.
Do educational methods affect students' ability to remove artificial carious dentine? A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Rosa Q. F. , Barcelos T. M. , Kaizer M. R. , Montagner A. F. , Sarkis‐Onofre R. , Masotti A. S. , Jardim P. S. , Pereira‐Cenci T. , Oliveira E. F. , Cenci M. S.
Published: February 2013

This trial aimed to evaluate the influence of two educational methods on students' ability to remove artificial carious dentine. Traditional lecture and lecture plus a live demonstration of artificial carious tissue removal were compared in a blind two‐parallel‐group design. Twenty‐six students were randomly divided into two groups, and their skills were evaluated according to the following criteria: time spent on the dentine excavation procedure (in min), students' perceived confidence in conducting the procedure (graded assessed on a scale from 0 to 10), and the outcome of artificial carious tissue removal, evaluated by measuring the residual dyed artificial carious dentine layer (in μm). Statistical analyses were carried out using a t‐test to compare the students' confidence and time spent on the procedure, and a two‐way ANOVA was used to compare residual artificial decayed dentine with educational methods and tooth region (incisal, medium, and cervical thirds) as factors. There were no differences between the methods regarding excavation time (P = 0.898) and students' confidence (P = 0.382). The residual artificial carious dentine results showed that the educational method (P < 0.001) and cavity region (P < 0.001) were statistically significant, as was their interaction (P = 0.040). The lecture plus live demonstration group presented the best results for artificial caries removal. Although there were no differences between the two groups for the cervical region, the best results for the lecture plus live demonstration group was in the other two‐thirds of the tooth.
The dependencies of fronto‐parietal BOLD responses evoked by covert visual search suggest eye‐centred coding
Authors: Atabaki A. , Dicke P.W. , Karnath H.‐O. , Thier P.
Published: February 2013

Visual scenes explored covertly are initially represented in a retinal frame of reference (FOR). On the other hand, ‘later’ stages of the cortical network allocating spatial attention most probably use non‐retinal or non‐eye‐centred representations as they may ease the integration of different sensory modalities for the formation of supramodal representations of space. We tested if the cortical areas involved in shifting covert attention are based on eye‐centred or non‐eye‐centred coding by using functional magnetic resonance imaging. Subjects were scanned while detecting a target item (a regularly oriented ‘L’) amidst a set of distractors (rotated ‘L's). The array was centred either 5° right or left of the fixation point, independent of eye‐gaze orientation, the latter varied in three steps: straight relative to the head, 10° left or 10° right. A quantitative comparison of the blood‐oxygen‐level‐dependent (BOLD) responses for the three eye‐gaze orientations revealed stronger BOLD responses in the right intraparietal sulcus (IPS) and the right frontal eye field (FEF) for search in the contralateral (i.e. left) eye‐centred space, independent of whether the array was located in the right or left head‐centred hemispace. The left IPS showed the reverse pattern, i.e. an activation by search in the right eye‐centred hemispace. In other words, the IPS and the right FEF, members of the cortical network underlying covert search, operate in an eye‐centred FOR.
Role of GABAergic inhibition in shaping the spatial frequency tuning of neurons and its contrast dependency in the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus of cat
Authors: Kimura Akihiro , Shimegi Satoshi , Hara Shin'ichiro , Okamoto Masahiro , Sato Hiromichi
Published: February 2013

To understand how GABAergic inhibition contributes to the elaboration of spatial frequency (SF) tuning of neurons in the lateral geniculate nucleus, we examined the effects of the microiontophoretic administration of bicuculline methiodide (BIC) and gabazine, both antagonists of GABAA receptors, on visual responses to grating stimuli with high or low contrasts. BIC administration changed the shape of the SF tuning curve of the spike response from band‐pass to low‐pass. We took the tuning curve obtained under the BIC condition as an estimated excitatory contribution to the control tuning curve and then estimated the difference between tuning curves recorded with and without BIC as the tuning curve of the estimated GABAergic inhibitory contribution. The SF tuning profile of estimated inhibition (Estimated‐Inh) varied widely from cell to cell, as did estimated excitation (Estimated‐Ex). Nonetheless, the relationship that Estimated‐Inh exhibited more low‐pass tuning than did Estimated‐Ex was well conserved in the majority of cells, and the relationship refined the SF tuning of Estimated‐Ex toward the band‐pass tuning of the geniculate output. Lowering the stimulus contrast decreased the response magnitude, but did not change the degree of band‐pass tuning. The GABAergic refinement of the SF tuning was also observed at low stimulus contrast, but was weaker than at high contrast, suggesting that GABAergic inhibition is regulated in coordination with excitatory inputs to keep the degree of the band‐pass tuning constant. We therefore concluded that the degree of band‐pass tuning is conserved contrast invariantly in the lateral geniculate nucleus on the basis of the dynamic regulatory action of GABAergic inhibition.
Behavioural Responses of European Roe Deer to Temporal Variation in Predation Risk
Authors: Sönnichsen Leif , Bokje Matthijs , Marchal Jessica , Hofer Heribert , Jędrzejewska Bogumiła , Kramer‐Schadt Stephanie , Ortmann Sylvia
Published: February 2013

In natural environments, predation risk varies over time. The risk allocation hypothesis predicts that prey is expected to adjust key anti‐predator behaviours such as vigilance to temporal variation in risk. We tested the predictions of the risk allocation hypothesis in a natural environment where both a species‐rich natural predator community and human hunters are abundant and where the differences in seasonal and circadian activity between natural and anthropogenic predators provided a unique opportunity to quantify the contributions of different predator classes to anti‐predator behaviour. Whereas natural predators were expected to show similar levels of activity throughout the seasons, hunter activity was high during the daytime during a clearly defined hunting season. According to the risk allocation hypothesis, vigilance should then be higher during the hunting season and during daytime hours than during the non‐hunting season and night‐time hours. Roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) on the edge of Białowieża Primeval Forest in Eastern Poland displayed vigilance behaviour consistent with these predictions. The behavioural response of roe deer to temporarily varying predation risks emphasises the behavioural plasticity of this species and suggests that future studies of anti‐predator behaviour need to incorporate circadian variation in predation pressure as well as risk gradients of both natural and anthropogenic predators.
Effects of metformin hydrochloride on blood glucose and insulin responses to oral dextrose in horses
Authors: Rendle D. I. , Rutledge F. , Hughes K. J. , Heller J. , Durham A. E.
Published: February 2013

Reasons for performing study

Metformin is a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of insulin resistance (IR). In laboratory animals, orally administered metformin reduces intestinal glucose absorption and may therefore affect insulinaemic responses to oral carbohydrate ingestion.

Objectives

To determine whether pretreatment with metformin reduces plasma glucose concentration and insulin responses following consumption of dextrose in horses.

Study design

Therapeutic cross‐over study.

Methods

Seven healthy Standardbred and Thoroughbred geldings were subjected to an oral dextrose challenge test on 4 occasions: with and without metformin, before and after induction of IR with dexamethasone. Metformin was administered by nasogastric tube at 30 mg/kg bwt 1 h before administration of dextrose. Glucose and insulin concentrations in plasma/serum were measured at regular intervals during each test. Linear mixed models were specified for each predetermined outcome variable, and for each model the ‘treatment’ was included as a fixed effect with 4 categorical levels (none, metformin, dexamethasone and dexamethasone with metformin) and horse accounted for as a random effect.

Results

In healthy horses, the administration of metformin resulted in a statistically significant reduction in peak glucose concentration (P = 0.002), area under the glucose curve (P<0.001) and insulin concentration 120 min after dextrose administration (P = 0.011). Following the induction of IR, administration of metformin was associated with significant differences in peak glucose concentration (P<0.001), the percentage increase in glucose concentration (P = 0.010), the area under the glucose curve (P<0.001) and insulin concentration at 120 min (P = 0.034) and 150 min after dextrose administration (P = 0.014).

Conclusions

Metformin resulted in reduced glycaemic and insulinaemic responses both in healthy horses and in horses with experimentally induced IR.

Potential relevance

Metformin may benefit horses with naturally acquired IR by reducing glycaemic and insulinaemic responses to dietary nonstructural carbohydrates. Further investigations into the mechanisms of action of metformin in horses and controlled clinical trials are warranted.
Recombinant production of proteoglycans and their bioactive domains
Authors: Lord Megan S. , Whitelock John M.
Published: February 2013

Proteoglycans are ubiquitous dynamic molecules that are made up of a protein core to which specific linear glycosylation structures, known as glycosaminoglycans, have been covalently coupled. They have roles in many biological and pathological processes, which have been shown to be dependent on events involving the protein component and/or the glycosaminoglycan chains. This review focuses on the literature describing the recombinant expression and production of proteoglycans known to be present in the extracellular, cell surface and intracellular environments with an emphasis on how the structure of the molecule relates to its biological function and how this relationship has been explored using recombinant DNA technology for clinical applications.
Fatigue strength assessment of laser stake‐welded web‐core steel sandwich panels
Authors: Frank D. , Romanoff J. , Remes H.
Published: February 2013

This paper investigates the fatigue strength assessment of web‐core steel sandwich panels. The production of these structures is made possible by laser stake welding. The investigation in this study considered two series of panels, one being an empty steel structure and the other filled with in situ polyurethane foam in order to increase the panel stiffness. Both series were tested under cyclic bending loading condition (R = 0) until one of the panel joints failed completely. A 3D panel bending response was analysed using finite element method. The J‐integral values at the panel joints were obtained by means of plane strain finite element analysis and by using displacements from 3D panel response. The influence of the weld geometry on the J‐integral value was investigated. It was found that the J‐integral value is similar in the cases of the average and critical geometry. The contact between the joint plates is possible in some cases, but its influence proved to be insignificant for the fatigue strength assessment. The study further shows that by using the average geometry, the J‐integral approach was able to identify the critical panel joints and present the fatigue strength results from both panel series in a narrow scatterband. The fatigue strength at two million cycles obtained for the panels within this study was in agreement with the laser stake welds and other steel joint types from previous studies. However, the slope of the panels fatigue resistance curve was found to be shallower than in the case of joints.
The influence of coarse‐scale environmental features on current and predicted future distributions of narrow‐range endemic crayfish populations
Authors: DYER JOSEPH J. , BREWER SHANNON K. , WORTHINGTON THOMAS A. , BERGEY ELIZABETH A.
Published: February 2013

1. A major limitation to effective management of narrow‐range crayfish populations is the paucity of information on the spatial distribution of crayfish species and a general understanding of the interacting environmental variables that drive current and future potential distributional patterns.

2. Maximum Entropy Species Distribution Modeling Software (MaxEnt) was used to predict the current and future potential distributions of four endemic crayfish species in the Ouachita Mountains. Current distributions were modelled using climate, geology, soils, land use, landform and flow variables thought to be important to lotic crayfish. Potential changes in the distribution were forecast by using models trained on current conditions and projecting onto the landscape predicted under climate‐change scenarios.

3. The modelled distribution of the four species closely resembled the perceived distribution of each species but also predicted populations in streams and catchments where they had not previously been collected. Soils, elevation and winter precipitation and temperature most strongly related to current distributions and represented 65–87% of the predictive power of the models. Model accuracy was high for all models, and model predictions of new populations were verified through additional field sampling.

4. Current models created using two spatial resolutions (1 and 4.5 km2) showed that fine‐resolution data more accurately represented current distributions. For three of the four species, the 1‐km2 resolution models resulted in more conservative predictions. However, the modelled distributional extent of Orconectes leptogonopodus was similar regardless of data resolution. Field validations indicated 1‐km2 resolution models were more accurate than 4.5‐km2 resolution models.

5. Future projected (4.5‐km2 resolution models) model distributions indicated three of the four endemic species would have truncated ranges with low occurrence probabilities under the low‐emission scenario, whereas two of four species would be severely restricted in range under moderate–high emissions. Discrepancies in the two emission scenarios probably relate to the exclusion of behavioural adaptations from species‐distribution models.

6. These model predictions illustrate possible impacts of climate change on narrow‐range endemic crayfish populations. The predictions do not account for biotic interactions, migration, local habitat conditions or species adaptation. However, we identified the constraining landscape features acting on these populations that provide a framework for addressing habitat needs at a fine scale and developing targeted and systematic monitoring programmes.
The Secretome of Helicobacter Trogontum
Authors: Kaakoush Nadeem O. , Sirianni Andrea , Raftery Mark J. , Mitchell Hazel M.
Published: February 2013

Background

Helicobacter trogontum is a putative enterohepatic pathogen, which following infection of IL‐10 knock‐out mice, results in severe clinical signs and typhlocolitis.

Materials and Methods

The pathogenic potential of H. trogontum Type strain LRB 8581 was investigated using proteomics coupled with mass spectrometry to characterize the secretome of H. trogontum and scanning electron microscopy to visualize H. trogontum adherence and invasion.

Results

One hundred and four proteins were identified and bioinformatically predicted to be secreted. Further functional classifications revealed proteins involved in motility, virulence, and colonization factors and the type VI secretion system. Microscopy showed that H. trogontum can adhere to host cells through flagella–microvillus interactions and invade causing a membrane ruffling‐like effect and severe cell damage.

Conclusions

This indicated H. trogontum has the ability to adhere to and invade human cells and secrete factors that may contribute to disease development.
Beyond UV radiation: A skin under challenge
Authors: Dupont E. , Gomez J. , Bilodeau D.
Published: February 2013

Synopsis

Since ancient times, human beings have been trying to protect their skin against the adverse effects of the sun. From the first mineral sunscreens used by Egyptians, to the current more sophisticated ultraviolet (UVA/UVB) organic sunscreens, progress has been made in terms of sun protection and deeper knowledge of skin physiology has been acquired in the process. The solar spectrum is composed of radiations of various wavelengths having specific, as well as overlapping effects on skin. UVB is mainly responsible for sunburn and DNA dimer formation that can lead to mutation. UVA generates oxidative reactions affecting DNA, proteins and lipids, and is also immunosuppressive. Recently, visible light and infrared radiation (IR) have been associated with oxidative damage and IR has been additionally linked to adverse heat effects on skin. Numerous other extrinsic factors, related to environment and lifestyle, also affect the appearance of skin, precipitating ageing. New molecular mechanisms linking sun and environmental factors to skin ageing have been identified: IR affects mitochondrial integrity and specific heat receptors also mediate some of its effects, tryptophan is a chromophore for UVB, and the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is activated by light and xenobiotics to alter skin physiology. Integrating all these new elements is changing the way we think about skin extrinsic ageing. Is UVA/UVB sunscreen protection still enough for our skin?
‘Popper'‐induced vision loss
Authors: Krilis Matthew , Thompson Julia , Atik Alp , Lusthaus Jed , Jankelowitz Stacey
Published: February 2013

Amyl nitrite ‘poppers’ are recreational drugs, which are a potent source of nitric oxide. The use of ‘poppers’ can cause psychoactive stimulation, reduced blood pressure, tachycardia and involuntary muscle relaxation. Their use is becoming increasingly common around the world, including approximately 60% of Australia's male homosexual community. We report the first case of ‘popper'‐induced vision loss in Australasia.
What's in a name? The importance of definition and comparable data
Authors: Baumann Andrea
Published: February 2013

Background

The advent of a more planned approach to workforces has led to increased interest in knowing exactly what workforces do, how much they cost and who their members are. Heightened interest in health human resources has highlighted the need for accurate definitions of nurse and nursing role and emphasized the importance of accurate, valid and timely workforce data.

Aim

This commentary addresses some of the statements made in this issue by Currie and Carr‐Hill (pp. 67–74) who ask, ‘What is a nurse? Is there an international consensus?’ General remarks about the importance of nursing health services data are also provided.

Discussion

It is not surprising that nursing is struggling with standardization of definitions and role descriptions within and across countries. Globalization has intensified the need to understand complex relationships between systems such as education, finance and health that often differ from country to country.

Conclusion

Professional and/or regulatory nursing associations can facilitate standardization of definitions and strengthen data collection; both of which are imperative. The more titles we create, the more difficult it becomes to have a generalized taxonomy of nursing services locally, nationally and internationally. Working closely with agencies like the International Council of Nurses and the World Health Organization may lead to a much‐needed consensus on common indicators within and across countries. Given the large size of the nursing workforce worldwide, nurses can play an important role in the creation of comparable data that can be used to set policies that will affect the delivery of quality health care.
Growing Up at the “Margins”: Concerns, Aspirations, and Expectations of Young People Living in Nairobi's Slums
Authors: Kabiru Caroline W. , Mojola Sanyu A. , Beguy Donatien , Okigbo Chinelo
Published: February 2013

We explore the concerns, challenges, aspirations, and expectations of sub‐Saharan African youth, and investigate how these youth cope with neighborhood constraints to aspiration achievement. We draw on cross‐sectional survey data from 4033 12–22‐year‐olds (50.3% males) from two Kenyan urban slums and subsequent in‐depth interviews conducted with a subset of 75 youth when they were 13–24 years old (45.3% males). We observe that despite the challenges characteristic of urban slums, some youth maintain high aspirations and try to achieve them through education, delinquency, residential mobility, and religion. We note that others adjust their aspirations to account for limited opportunities. Overall, our findings highlight positive youth agency and underscore the need to improve the quality of life in urban slums.
Linking Life Skills and Norms With Adolescent Substance Use and Delinquency in South Africa
Authors: Lai Mary H. , Graham John W. , Caldwell Linda L. , Smith Edward A. , Bradley Stephanie A. , Vergnani Tania , Mathews Cathy , Wegner Lisa
Published: February 2013

We examined factors targeted in two popular prevention approaches with adolescent drug use and delinquency in South Africa. We hypothesized adolescent life skills to be inversely related and perceived norms to be directly related to later drug use and delinquency. Multiple regression and a relative weights approach were conducted for each outcome using a sample of 714 South African adolescents aged 15–19 years (M = 15.8 years, 57% female adolescents). Perceived norms predicted gateway drug use. Conflict resolution skills (inversely) and perceived peer acceptability (directly) predicted harder drug use and delinquency. The “culture of violence” within some South African schools may make conflict resolution skills more salient for preventing harder drug use and delinquency.
Pension Conversion, Termination, and Wealth Transfers
Authors: Harper Joel T. , Treanor Stephen D.
Published: February 2013

This article explores the motivation to change their defined benefit pension plan by either terminating the plan and replacing it with a defined contribution plan or converting it to a cash balance plan. Using Form 5500 data as well as firm financial data, we find firms wishing to change their defined benefit plans are motivated by potential wealth transfer and tax implications. Firms terminating pension plans tend to have lower potential wealth transfers and lower taxes than firms converting to a cash balance plan, indicating a desire to modify the implicit contract instead of terminating the plan.
Typhoons and Opportunistic Fraud: Claim Patterns of Automobile Theft Insurance in Taiwan
Authors: Pao Tsung‐I , Tzeng Larry Y. , Wang Kili C.
Published: February 2013

We present evidence to support the existence of opportunistic fraud in the automobile theft insurance market in Taiwan. After encountering a typhoon hit, the insured who purchase automobile theft insurance but do not purchase typhoon/flood insurance tend to have a significantly higher probability of filing a total theft claim than other insured. The above relationship exists mainly in places affected by typhoons. Such evidence does not exist in partial theft claim. These claim patterns of automobile theft insurance provide us with strong evidence that supports the existence of opportunistic fraud in the market.
Identification and comparison of insulin pharmacokinetics injected with a new 4‐mm needle vs 6‐ and 8‐mm needles accounting for endogenous insulin and C‐peptide secretion kinetics in non‐diabetic adult males
Authors: Hirose Takahisa , Ogihara Takeshi , Tozaka Shusaku , Kanderian Sami , Watada Hirotaka
Published: February 2013

Aims/Introduction

Many patients with diabetes now use 5‐, 6‐ or 8‐mm needles for insulin injection. However, it is unclear whether needle length, particularly for shorter needles, affects the pharmacokinetic properties of insulin.

Materials and Methods

This was a three‐way, randomized, cross‐over, single‐center study involving 12 healthy Japanese adult males (age 27.4 ± 4.14 years; weight 64.2 ± 5.2 kg; body fat percentage 18.2 ± 1.5%). Participants received a subcutaneous (abdomen) dose of insulin lispro (1.5 U for participants weighing 55 to <65.0 kg; 2.0 U for participants weighing 65.0 to <80.0 kg) delivered using a 32‐G × 4 mm (32G × 4), 31‐G × 8 mm (31G × 8) or 32‐G × 6 mm (32G × 6) needle with a 3–7‐day washout between doses. Pharmacokinetic parameters of exogenous insulin were identified using non‐linear least squares, where the total insulin concentration was fit to the measured plasma insulin concentration using an overall combined model that accounted for C‐peptide/insulin secretion in addition to the injected dose.

Results

Maximum concentration and area under the curve for 0 to infinity min for insulin were bioequivalent for the 32G × 4 needle relative to the 32G × 6 and the 31G × 8 needles. The time to the maximum insulin concentration was bioequivalent for the 32G × 4 needle relative to the 32G × 6 needle, but not the 31G × 8 needle.

Conclusions

The use of 4‐mm needles is unlikely to change the pharmacokinetic properties of insulin when injected subcutaneously in adults. This trial was registered with UMIN‐CTR (no. UMIN000004469).
A high resolution view of the fly actin cytoskeleton lacking a functional WAVE complex
Authors: ZOBEL T. , BOGDAN S.
Published: February 2013

The development of multicellular organisms involves a series of morphogenetic processes coordinating a highly dynamic and organized interplay between cells and their environment. Thus, the generation of forces that drive cellular and intracellular movements is prerequisite to shape single cells into tissues and organs. The actin cytoskeleton represents a highly dynamic filamentous system providing cell structure and mechanical forces to drive membrane protrusion, cell migration and vesicle trafficking.

Here, we apply the structured‐illumination microscopy (SIM) technique to analyse the actin cytoskeleton in fixed Drosophila Schneider (S2R+) cells, both in wild type and in cells depleted for WAVE, a major activator of Arp2/3 mediated actin polymerization. In addition, we demonstrate that live cell SIM imaging also allows the visualization of actin‐driven lamellipodial membrane dynamics at high spatial resolution in S2R+ cells. Three dimensional (3D) SIM images of up to 70 μm thick Drosophila wild‐type and abi‐mutant egg chambers further enables us to resolve changes of actin structures in a multicellular context with an impressive lateral and axial resolution, which is not possible with conventional confocal microscopy. Thus, the combination of superresolution 3D microscopy with Drosophila genetics and cell biology allows detailed insights into the structural and molecular requirements of different actin‐dependent processes.
Amphetamine augments vesicular dopamine release in the dorsal and ventral striatum through different mechanisms
Authors: Avelar Alicia J. , Juliano Steven A. , Garris Paul A.
Published: February 2013

Amphetamine has well‐established actions on pre‐synaptic dopamine signaling, such as inhibiting uptake and degradation, activating synthesis, depleting vesicular stores, and promoting dopamine‐transporter reversal and non‐exocytotic release. Recent in vivo studies have identified an additional mechanism: augmenting vesicular release. In this study, we investigated how amphetamine elicits this effect. Our hypothesis was that amphetamine enhances vesicular dopamine release in dorsal and ventral striata by differentially targeting dopamine synthesis and degradation. In urethane‐anesthetized rats, we employed voltammetry to monitor dopamine, electrical stimulation to deplete stores or assess vesicular release and uptake, and pharmacology to isolate degradation and synthesis. While amphetamine increased electrically evoked dopamine levels, inhibited uptake, and up‐regulated vesicular release in both striatal sub‐regions in controls, this psychostimulant elicited region‐specific effects on evoked levels and vesicular release but not uptake in drug treatments. Evoked levels better correlated with vesicular release compared with uptake, supporting enhanced vesicular release as an important amphetamine mechanism. Taken together, these results suggested that amphetamine enhances vesicular release in the dorsal striatum by activating dopamine synthesis and inhibiting dopamine degradation, but targeting an alternative mechanism in the ventral striatum. Region‐distinct activation of vesicular dopamine release highlights complex cellular actions of amphetamine and may have implications for its behavioral effects.
The Political Economy of Social Security in a Borrowing‐Constrained Economy
Authors: ARAWATARI RYO , ONO TETSUO
Published: February 2013

This paper introduces a three‐income class, overlapping‐generations model with borrowing constraints. The labor income tax for financing pay‐as‐you‐go social security is determined in a majoritarian voting game played by successive generations. When the interest‐rate elasticity of consumption is low, the political equilibrium might be characterized by an equilibrium where the old and the middle‐income young individuals form a coalition in favor of a higher tax rate and greater social security, while the low‐ and the high‐income young individuals favor a lower tax rate and less social security. In this equilibrium, the size of social security is decreased by the mean‐preserving reduction of a decisive voter's wage if he/she is borrowing‐constrained.
The Quality of Sexual Experience in Women Correlates with Post-Orgasmic Prolactin Surges: Results from an Experimental Prototype Study
Authors: Leeners Brigitte , Kruger Tillmann H.C. , Brody Stuart , Schmidlin Sandra , Naegeli Eva , Egli Marcel
Published: February 2013

Introduction

Sexual intercourse, orgasm, and sexual satisfaction are associated with well-being and improved quality of life. The pituitary hormone prolactin (PRL) may have an important role in regulating (and thus indexing) sexual satiety and satisfaction.

Aim

Physiological indices to quantify the quality and resulting satisfaction from female orgasm would be valuable. Therefore we aim to validate associations of orgasm-induced PRL surges with women's orgasm quality and subsequent sexual satisfaction.

Methods

In a prospective study, with a pre-post, single-blinded, cross-over design in a naturalistic field setting, we analyzed the correlation of women's post-orgasmic serum PRL surges following sexual intercourse with women's perceived quality of orgasm and resulting sexual satisfaction, as measured by a questionnaire.

Main Outcome Measures

PRL levels prior to and following penile-vaginal intercourse with and without orgasm, and scores from the Acute Sexual Experience Scale (ASES) on quality of orgasm and sexual satisfaction.

Results

An analysis of variance of the blood samples in nine women indicated large magnitude, significant effects of intercourse orgasm on PRL levels (P = 0.004, eta squared = 0.78), as well as an interaction with the effect of multiple orgasms (P = 0.008, eta squared = 0.80). PRL post/pre ratios and arithmetic difference correlated strongly with orgasm quality (r = 0.85, P = 0.016, and r = 0.69, P = 0.08) and sexual satisfaction (r = 0.75, P = 0.05 and r = 0.77, P = 0.045).

Conclusion

Women's intercourse orgasm induced PRL surges are strongly related to the quality of orgasm and subsequent sexual satisfaction. This implies that post-orgasmic PRL surges are an objective index of orgasm and orgasm quality. PRL might be used in future studies on basic research as well as a treatment target in sexual disorders in women.