bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical dehydration and glomerular filtration rate in acute paediatric gastroenteritis
Authors: Milani Gregorio P , Fossali Emilio F , Perri Alessandra , Vettori Arianna , Grillo Paolo , Agostoni Carlo
Published: June 2013

Aim

To evaluate changes in glomerular filtration rate in acute gastroenteritis.

Methods

The correlation between two clinical diagnostic scales and glomerular filtration rate has been investigated in 113 children with acute gastroenteritis in a paediatric emergency setting.

Results

A significant reduction of GFR was found in 10% children less than, and 5% children higher than, 2 years of age with acute gastroenteritis.

Conclusion

The differences observed as for risk of renal hypoperfusion suggests to consider the age of children as an important determinant to consider the dehydration status in acute gastroenteritis.
A maternal diet of fatty fish reduces body fat of offspring compared with a maternal diet of beef and a post‐weaning diet of fish improves insulin sensitivity and lipid profile in adult C57BL/6 male mice
Authors: Hussain A. , Nookaew I. , Khoomrung S. , Andersson L. , Larsson I. , Hulthén L. , Jansson N. , Jakubowicz R. , Nilsson S. , Sandberg A.‐S. , Nielsen J. , Holmäng A.
Published: June 2013

Aim

The maternal diet during pregnancy and lactation may affect the long‐term health of the offspring. Our aim was to study how a fish or meat diet perinatal and after weaning affects body composition, insulin sensitivity and the profile of n‐3 and n‐6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in breast milk, fat depots, skeletal muscle and liver in male adult mice offspring.

Methods

During gestation and lactation, C57BL/6 dams were fed a herring‐ or beef‐based diet. Half of the pups in each group changed diets after weaning. In offspring, body composition measured by DEXA, plasma lipid profile and insulin sensitivity measured by euglycemic clamp or QUICKI were monitored to adulthood. Analysis of total FAs by GC‐MS were performed in the diet, breast milk and in different tissues.

Results

At 9 week of age, offspring of herring‐fed dams had less body fat than offspring of beef‐fed dams. Mice fed herring after weaning had increased insulin sensitivity at 15 week of age, reduced total plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and compared with beef‐fed mice, larger interscapular brown adipose tissue depots. The FA composition of the maternal diet was mirrored in breast milk, and the herring diet significantly affected the FA profile of different tissues, leading to an increased content of n‐3 PUFAs.

Conclusion

A herring‐based maternal diet reduces body fat in the offspring, but the insulin sensitivity, plasma lipids and amount of brown adipose tissue are affected by the offspring's own diet; the herring diet is more beneficial than the beef diet.
Changing our view of minimally invasive gynecologic surgery: A review of laparoendoscopic single‐site surgery and a report on new approaches
Authors: Ichikawa Masao , Ono Shuichi , Mine Katsuya , Akira Shigeo
Published: June 2013

The recent emergence of laparoendoscopic single‐site surgery (LESS) has had a great impact on gynecology. As LESS grows in popularity, attention has been paid to the procedure's cosmetic benefits. Although in theory LESS is an ideal approach that leaves no visible scars and improves patients' quality of life, the outcomes are not always ideal according to recently published data. Therefore, alternative approaches, such as mini‐laparoscopy, are also becoming more popular. Herein, we review randomized trials studying the benefits of LESS in gynecology and discuss alternative approaches. Finally, we propose the mimic approach as the next generation for non‐visible scar surgery.
Patient selection and pathological outcomes using currently available active surveillance criteria
Authors: El Hajj Albert , Ploussard Guillaume , de la Taille Alexandre , Allory Yves , Vordos Dimitri , Hoznek Andras , Abbou Claude Clément , Salomon Laurent
Published: June 2013

Objectives

To establish the rate of higher risk criteria in various definitions of an active surveillance population.

Patients and Methods

Over a period of 10 years, 1161 patients were diagnosed with prostate cancer and underwent radical prostatectomy at our institution.

Statistical analysis was performed comparing the rates of upgrading, extracapsular extension, seminal vesical involvment and unfavourable disease (Gleason score upgrading >6 and/or T3 disease) for six groups of patients eligible for the University of Toronto, Royal Marsden, John Hopkins, University of California San Francisco, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Prospective Randomized International Active Surveillance.

Results

Active surveillance protocols including patients with biopsy Gleason score 3+4 (Royal Marsden) had significantly higher rates of extracapsular extension (P = 0.009), upgrading to pathological Gleason >3+4 (P = 0.004) and unfavourable disease (P = 0.001) compared to the most stringent John Hopkins criteria.

Unfavourable disease was found in more than 40% of patients in all series with no significant difference between the Gleason 6 protocols.

Biochemical recurrence‐free survival at 5 and 10 years was 76.7% and 63.3% for the entire cohort.

Positive margins (P < 0.001), pT3 tumours (P = 0.006) and unfavourable disease (P < 0.001) were significant predictors of biochemical recurrence.

Conclusions

Active surveillance in patients with Gleason 3+4 presents a risk of missing unfavourable disease and should be limited to older patients with comorbidities.

The differences in inclusion criteria between Gleason 6 protocols did not have a significant impact on the pathological results.
Severity of hydronephrosis correlates with tumour invasiveness and urinary bladder recurrence of ureteric cancer
Authors: Luo Hao Lun , Kang Chih Hsiung , Chen Yen Ta , Chuang Yao Chi , Lee Wei Ching , Cheng Yuan Tso , Chiang Po Hui
Published: June 2013

Objectives

To explore the prognostic role of hydronephrosis grade in patients with pure ureteric cancer.

Patients and Methods

The study included 162 patients with pure ureteric cancer who were treated between January 2005 and December 2010 at a single tertiary referral centre.

The association between hydronephrosis grade with pathological findings and oncological outcomes was assessed using multivariate Cox regression analysis.

Results

Hydronephrosis grade >2 was independently associated with non‐organ‐confined ureteric cancer (P = 0.003).

Hydronephrosis grade <2 was highly prevalent in organ‐confined disease.

Hydronephrosis grade >2 and bladder cancer history independently predict bladder cancer recurrence (P = 0.021 and P = 0.002, respectively)

Hydronephrosis of grade >2 was found to be associated with local and distant recurrence only in univariate analysis; non‐organ‐confined pathology independently predicted local and distant oncological failure (P ≤ 0.001 and P = 0.002, respectively).

Conclusions

Hydronephrosis grade >2 is associated with non‐organ‐confined ureteric cancer and with bladder cancer recurrence.

Non‐organ‐confined pathology is still the most important predictor for local and distant oncological failure.
The additional ACh binding site at the α4(+)/α4(−) interface of the (α4β2)2α4 nicotinic ACh receptor contributes to desensitization
Authors: Benallegue N , Mazzaferro S , Alcaino C , Bermudez I
Published: June 2013

Background and Purpose

Nicotinic ACh (α4β2)2α4 receptors are highly prone to desensitization by prolonged exposure to low concentrations of agonist. Here, we report on the sensitivity of the three agonist sites of the (α4β2)2α4 to desensitization induced by prolonged exposure to ACh. We present electrophysiological data that show that the agonist sites of the (α4β2)2α4 receptor have different sensitivity to desensitization and that full receptor occupation decreases sensitivity to desensitization.

Experimental Approach

Two‐electrode voltage‐clamp electrophysiology was used to study the desensitization of concatenated (α4β2)2α4 receptors expressed heterologously in Xenopus oocytes. Desensitization was assessed by measuring the degree of functional inhibition caused by prolonged exposure to ACh, as measured under equilibrium conditions. We used the single‐point mutation α4W182A to measure the contribution of individual agonist sites to desensitization.

Key Results

(α4β2)2α4 receptors are less sensitive to activation and desensitization by ACh than (α4β2)2β2 receptors. Incorporation of α4W182A into any of the agonist sites of concatenated (α4β2)2α4 receptors decreased sensitivity to activation and desensitization but the effects were more pronounced when the mutation was introduced into the α4(+)/α4(−) interface.

Conclusions and Implications

The findings suggest that the agonist sites in (α4β2)2α4 receptors are not functionally equivalent. The agonist site at the α4(+)/α4(−) interface defines the sensitivity of (α4β2)2α4 receptors to agonist‐induced activation and desensitization. Functional differences between (α4β2)2α4 and (α4β2)2β2 receptors might shape the physiological and behavioural responses to nicotinic ligands when the receptors are exposed to nicotinic ligands for prolonged periods of times.
Gene expression signature‐based prognostic risk score in patients with glioblastoma
Authors: Kawaguchi Atsushi , Yajima Naoki , Tsuchiya Naoto , Homma Jumpei , Sano Masakazu , Natsumeda Manabu , Takahashi Hitoshi , Fujii Yukihiko , Kakuma Tatsuyuki , Yamanaka Ryuya
Published: June 2013

The present study aimed to identify genes associated with patient survival to improve our understanding of the underlying biology of gliomas. We investigated whether the expression of genes selected using random survival forests models could be used to define glioma subgroups more objectively than standard pathology. The RNA from 32 non‐treated grade 4 gliomas were analyzed using the GeneChip Human Genome U133 Plus 2.0 Expression array (which contains approximately 47 000 genes). Twenty‐five genes whose expressions were strongly and consistently related to patient survival were identified. The prognosis prediction score of these genes was most significant among several variables and survival analyses. The prognosis prediction score of three genes and age classifiers also revealed a strong prognostic value among grade 4 gliomas. These results were validated in an independent samples set (n = 488). Our method was effective for objectively classifying grade 4 gliomas and was a more accurate prognosis predictor than histological grading.
Pathways to Prevention: Improving Nonresident African American Fathers' Parenting Skills and Behaviors to Reduce Sons' Aggression
Authors: Caldwell Cleopatra Howard , Antonakos Cathy L. , Assari Shervin , Kruger Daniel , De Loney E. Hill , Njai Rashid
Published: June 2013

This study describes a test of the Fathers and Sons Program for increasing intentions to avoid violence and reducing aggressive behaviors in 8‐ to 12‐year‐old African American boys by enhancing the parenting skills satisfaction and parenting behaviors of their nonresident fathers. The study included 158 intervention and 129 comparison group families. Structural equation model results indicated that the intervention was effective for improving fathers' parenting skills satisfaction, which was positively associated with sons' satisfaction with paternal engagement. Sons' paternal engagement satisfaction was positively associated with their intentions to avoid violence. Although aggressive behaviors were lower for comparison group sons, the intervention effectively reduced sons' aggressive behaviors indirectly by enhancing fathers' parenting behaviors. Support for family‐centered youth violence prevention efforts is discussed.
A comparison of cardiovascular risk indices in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome with and without coexisting nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Dawson Alison J. , Sathyapalan Thozhukat , Smithson Jacqueline A. J. , Vince Rebecca V. , Coady Anne‐Marie , Ajjan Ramzi , Kilpatrick Eric S. , Atkin Stephen L.
Published: June 2013

Background

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have an adverse cardiovascular risk profile and an increased prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is also associated with an adverse cardiovascular risk profile.

Objective

To compare the cardiovascular risk profile of women with PCOS alone and women with PCOS and NAFLD.

Design, Setting and Participants

Twenty‐five oligoanovulatory women with PCOS were screened for NAFLD (including liver biopsy if appropriate) and had their cardiovascular risk factors measured which included the inflammatory marker C‐reactive protein (CRP), endothelial function {measured using endoPAT 2000 and serum markers [intracellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1), vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 (VCAM‐1), E‐selectin and P‐selectin]}, clot structure and function [maximum absorbance (MA) and lysis potential (LT)].

Results

Twelve patients had confirmed PCOS without evidence of NAFLD, and 13 patients had confirmed PCOS with evidence of NAFLD. The PCOS and NAFLD group were heavier (BMI 43·9 ± 2·2 kg/m2) compared with the PCOS alone group (BMI 37·6 ± 1·4 kg/m2 P = 0·03). There was no difference in CRP (7·57 ± 0·95 vs 6·59 ± 1·87 mm P = 0·62) or endothelial function (RH‐PAT 1·96 ± 0·1 vs 1·74 ± 0·16 P = 0·25), ICAM‐1 (221 ± 48 vs 250 ± 60 ng/ml P = 0·19), VCAM‐1 (2124 ± 78 vs 2314 ± 91 ng/ml P = 0·13), E‐selectin (33·9 ± 3·3 vs 39·5 ± 15·5 ng/ml P = 0·31) and P‐selectin (101·0 ± 6·6 vs 95·9 ± 10·2 ng/ml P = 0·69). There was no difference in clot formation or lysis.

Conclusion

The patients with PCOS and NAFLD were heavier compared with patients with PCOS alone. Despite this, we were unable to demonstrate differences in inflammatory markers, endothelial function or clot structure and function, suggesting that severity of steatosis is not the most important determinant of cardiovascular risk in PCOS.
The heritability of circulating testosterone, oestradiol, oestrone and sex hormone binding globulin concentrations in men: the Framingham Heart Study
Authors: Travison T. G. , Zhuang W. V. , Lunetta K. L. , Karasik D. , Bhasin S. , Kiel D. P. , Coviello A. D. , Murabito J. M.
Published: June 2013

Objective

Circulating testosterone, oestradiol and oestrone concentrations vary considerably between men. Although a substantial proportion of this variation may be attributed to morbidity and behavioural factors, these cannot account for its entirety, suggesting genetic inheritance as a potential additional determinant. The analysis described here was intended to estimate the heritability of male circulating total testosterone (TT), calculated free testosterone (cFT), oestrone (E1), oestradiol (E2) and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), along with the genetic correlation between these factors.

Design

Cross‐sectional, observational analysis of data from male members of the Offspring and Generation 3 cohorts of the Framingham Heart Study. Data were collected in the years 1998–2005.

Participants

A total of 3367 community‐dwelling men contributed to the analysis, including 1066 father/son and 1284 brother pairs among other family relationships.

Measurements

Levels of serum sex steroids (TT, E1 and E2) were measured by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry, SHBG by immunofluorometric assay and cFT by mass action equation. Heritability was obtained using variance components analysis with adjustment for covariates including age, diabetes mellitus, body mass index and smoking status.

Results

Age‐adjusted heritability estimates were 0·19, 0·40, 0·40, 0·30 and 0·41 for cFT, TT, E1, E2 and SHBG, respectively. Adjustment for covariates did not substantially attenuate these estimates; SHBG‐adjusted TT results were similar to those obtained for cFT. Genetic correlation coefficients (ρG) indicated substantial genetic association between TT and cFT (ρG = 0·68), between TT and SHBG (pG = 0·87), between E1 and E2 (ρG = 0·46) and between TT and E2 (ρG = 0·48).

Conclusion

Circulating testosterone, oestradiol and oestrone concentrations exhibit substantial heritability in adult men. Significant genetic association between testosterone and oestrogen levels suggests shared genetic pathways.
Metabolic syndrome is strictly associated with parental obesity beginning from childhood
Authors: Monzani Alice , Rapa Anna , Fuiano Nicola , Diddi Giuliana , Prodam Flavia , Bellone Simonetta , Bona Gianni
Published: June 2013

Objective

We aimed to identify potential correlates or risk factors for metabolic syndrome (MetS) in a cohort of schoolchildren. We quantified the prevalence of MetS, analysed the clustering of MetS components and described the distribution of metabolic parameters not included in MetS definition.

Design

Population‐based, cross‐sectional study.

Patients and measurements

A total of 489 children (6·7–13 years) representing the 92·6% of the whole school population between the 1st year of primary school and the 2nd year of junior high school living in a centre of southern Italy. Weight, height, waist circumference, blood pressure (BP), laboratory parameters (indexes of glucose metabolism, lipid profile and uric acid), anamnestic and parental information, lifestyle and dietary habits were collected. Dietary habits data were available only for 353 children.

Results

MetS prevalence was 9·8%. Of 48 children with MetS, 38 (79·2%) were simultaneously positive for abdominal obesity and elevated BP. In children with MetS, the prevalence of insulin resistance, high insulin, high non‐HDL(high‐density lipoprotein) cholesterol and high uric acid was higher than in children without MetS. In 6·7–10‐year‐old children, only the presence of parental history of obesity [odds ratio (OR) = 4·3, 95% CI = 1·8–10·2] was higher in those with MetS than in those without. In 10·1–13‐year‐old children, the presence of parental history of obesity, the habits of no walking/cycling to school, long screen time and no breakfast consumption were higher in children with MetS than in those without, but only parental history of obesity (adjusted OR = 3·8, 95% CI = 1·7–8·4) remained significantly related to MetS in multivariate logistic regression.

Conclusions

Parental obesity was strictly associated with MetS in all children and should be considered in clinical practice. In older children, wrong lifestyle and dietary habits were related to parental obesity.
A systematic review on the critical size defect model
Authors: Vajgel André , Mardas Nikos , Farias Bruna Carvalho , Petrie Aviva , Cimões Renata , Donos Nikolaos
Published: June 2013

Objectives

To systematically review the literature data regarding the critical size defect (CSD) in adult rat calvaria and to determine which defect dimensions could be considered as being critical size.

Material and methods

A literature search was conducted at Ovid Medline and Embase up to July 2012. Studies presenting with at least one of the primary outcomes of interest (number of defects with complete closure and the percentage of new bone formation (%NBF) in rat calvaria) were included. Screening, data extraction and quality assessment were conducted independently and in duplicate.

Results

From 1461 citations, 257 full‐text papers were screened and 61 papers were included in the analysis. Fourteen of 937 evaluated defects presented complete closure. Only 7 and 6 untreated sites in 5.0‐ and 6.0‐mm‐diameter defects, respectively, showed complete closure. A great variability among the preclinical models was seen, and the meta‐analysis result showed a high heterogeneity regarding the mean %NBF. The mean %NBFaccording to the defect dimension was as follows: 18.29% and 21.44% for 5.0 mm central single defects at 1 and 3 months, respectively; 17.55%, 20.24% and 22.65% for 5.0 mm bilateral defects; 9.81%, 12.56% and 7.96% for 8.0 mm single defect; 11.18%, 9.48% and 26.24% for 9.0 mm single defects at 1, 2 and 3 months, respectively.

Conclusion

Calvarial defects with a diameter of 5.0 mm could be considered as aCSD. However, there is a necessity for further standardization of the rat calvaria model to enable more accurate comparison among future studies.
Six‐Month Ischemic Mice Show Sensorimotor and Cognitive Deficits Associated with Brain Atrophy and Axonal Disorganization
Authors: Zanier Elisa R. , Pischiutta Francesca , Villa Pia , Paladini Alessandra , Montinaro Mery , Micotti Edoardo , Orrù Alessandro , Cervo Luigi , De Simoni Maria Grazia
Published: June 2013

Aims

To identify long‐term sensorimotor and cognitive deficits and to evaluate structural alterations in brain ischemic mice.

Methods

C57Bl/6J male mice were subjected to 30 min transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAo) or sham surgery. Sensorimotor deficits, exploratory behavior, and cognitive functions were evaluated up to 6 months. Cortical and subcortical damage were analyzed by MRI multiparameter analysis and histopathology.

Results

tMCAo mice showed significant sensorimotor deficits in the rotarod, negative geotaxis, neuroscore, and beam walk tests. They also showed impairment in exploratory behavior in the open field test and in spatial learning in the Morris water maze. T2‐weighted MRI revealed a volume reduction in injured brain areas at 12 and 24 weeks postinjury. Brain atrophy was shown by MRI and conventional postmortem analysis. Diffusion tensor imaging on the external capsule showed increased values of axial and radial diffusivity. Fiber tracking revealed a reduction in the number and length of ipsilateral fibers.

Conclusions

tMCAo in mice induces sensorimotor and cognitive impairments detectable at least up to 6 months postinjury, associated with brain atrophy, and axonal and myelin damage of the external capsule. These behavioral tests and anatomical investigations may represent important tools in translational studies in cerebral ischemia.
License to Kill: Reforming Federal Wildlife Control to Restore Biodiversity and Ecosystem Function
Authors: Bergstrom Bradley J. , Arias Lily C. , Davidson Ana D. , Ferguson Adam W. , Randa Lynda A. , Sheffield Steven R.
Published: June 2013

For more than 100 years, the US government has conducted lethal control of native wildlife, to benefit livestock producers and to enhance game populations, especially in the western states. Since 2000, Wildlife Services (WS), an agency of the US Department of Agriculture, has killed 2 million native mammals, predominantly 20 species of carnivores, beavers, and several species of ground‐dwelling squirrels, but also many nontarget species. Many are important species in their native ecosystems (e.g., ecosystem engineers such as prairie dogs and beavers, and apex predators such as gray wolves). Reducing their populations, locally or globally, risks cascading negative consequences including impoverishment of biodiversity, loss of resilience to biotic invasions, destabilization of populations at lower trophic levels, and loss of many ecosystem services that benefit human society directly and indirectly. Lethal predator control is not effective at reducing depredation in the long term. Instead, we recommend that WS and its government partners involved in wildlife conflict management emphasize training livestock producers in methods of nonlethal control, with sparing use of lethal control by methods that are species‐specific, and cease all lethal control in federal wilderness areas and for the purpose of enhancing populations of common game species.
A new dye‐modified poly(ethylene oxide)–poly(propylene oxide) polymer used as a dispersant for CI Disperse Red 60
Authors: Zhang Bin , Dong Xia , Xuan Jian , He Jinxin
Published: June 2013

A new dye‐modified poly(ethylene oxide)–poly(propylene oxide) polymer, in which the dye molecule (CI Disperse Red 60) is bonded onto polyether monoamine via a triazine ring, was synthesised for the preparation of dye aqueous dispersions and was characterised by Fourier Transform‐infrared spectroscopy, 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and elemental analysis. This polymer exhibits unique dispersing performance for CI Disperse Red 60. The mechanism behind the improved performance is briefly discussed with the help of adsorption isotherms. The results indicated that the hydrophobic dye group of this polymer can strongly adsorb onto the dye particle surface through π–π interaction while its long hydrophilic poly(ethylene oxide) chains allow the formation of a thick layer around the dye particles. It was speculated that the adsorbed polymer molecule on the dye surface would form a brush‐like monolayer conformation. The dyeing performance of the prepared dye dispersions on polyester fabrics was also investigated. It was found that this polymer can effectively increase the apparent solubility of disperse dye. The dyed fabrics showed very good to excellent fastness to washing and rubbing, while the dyeing effluent was colourless.
Are children and adolescents with psychiatric illness at risk for increased future body weight? A systematic review
Authors: Korczak Daphne J , Lipman Ellen , Morrison Katherine , Szatmari Peter
Published: June 2013

The aim of this paper was to review the longitudinal relationship between early‐onset depression and disruptive behaviour and adult body weight. A systematic review of prospective longitudinal studies was conducted of articles in which (1) initial assessment occurred during childhood or adolescence (<18y); and (2) the primary outcome reported as body mass index (BMI), overweight (BMI>25–<30kg/m2), obesity (BMI≥30kg/m2), or depression; and (3) validated assessment measures for assessment of depressive symptoms or disruptive behaviour problems were employed. A total number of 16 articles were identified for review. Obese adolescent females are more likely to develop depressive illness in adulthood than their non‐obese peers. Conversely, depressed adolescent females, and possibly males, are more likely to become overweight adults than non‐depressed adolescents. There are insufficient data addressing future depression risk among overweight, non‐obese, adolescents to evaluate the potentially interactive nature of this relationship. Studies to date are consistent in reporting that children with behaviour problems are at increased risk of future overweight, though whether this risk is conferred by conduct symptoms, ADHD symptoms, or both, is less clear. Care providers of children with disruptive behaviour problems and depressed adolescents should monitor weight gain. Among obese adolescent females, mood should be followed.
MOTIVATION CROWDING IN REAL CONSUMPTION DECISIONS: WHO IS MESSING WITH MY GROCERIES?
Authors: PERINO GRISCHA , PANZONE LUCA A. , SWANSON TIMOTHY
Published: June 2013

We present evidence of crowding out of intrinsic motivation in real purchasing decisions from a field experiment in a large supermarket chain. We compare three instruments, a label, a subsidy, and a neutral price change, in their ability to induce consumers to switch from dirty to clean products. Interestingly, a subsidy framed as an intervention is less effective than either a label or a neutrally framed price change. We argue that this provides a new explanation for crowding behavior: consumers are resistant to having the line of demarcation between public and private decision making moved in either direction. (JEL C93, Q18, Q54, Q58, H23, H41)
Swimming performance and ecomorphology of the Iberian barbel Luciobarbus bocagei (Steindachner, 1864) on permanent and temporary rivers
Authors: Alexandre Carlos M. , Quintella Bernardo R. , Ferreira Ana F. , Romão Filipe A. , Almeida Pedro R.
Published: June 2013

Spatial variability in streamflow characteristics is responsible for a large range of habitat variations to which fish are adapted through life‐cycle strategies and morphological adaptations. In this study, we compared the swimming performance and related morphology of two Iberian barbel populations from permanent and temporary rivers. The permanent river was characterised by its Atlantic influence with higher water availability and a more unstable and turbulent environment, contrasting with the lower discharge setting observed in the southern Mediterranean ecosystem during most of the hydrological year. Barbels from the permanent river exhibited a higher critical swimming speed (Ucrit) associated with a more fusiform body shape, narrower head and caudal peduncle, lower body condition and longer and higher pectoral and dorsal fins, when compared with the population from the temporary watercourse. These results reflect a morphological response in a way to reduce hydrodynamic resistance and energy expenditure during locomotion that we hypothesise here to be related with the different hydrological regimes of the studied systems.
Emergency room access for recurring seizures: when and why
Authors: Balestrini S. , Cagnetti C. , Foschi N. , Buratti L. , Petrelli C. , Luzzi S. , Silvestrini M. , Provinciali L.
Published: June 2013

Background and purpose

To develop a hypothetical model identifying potentially modifiable predictive factors of Emergency Room (ER) visits by patients suffering from drug resistant epilepsy.

Methods

During a 1‐year period, all adult drug resistant patients followed by the same epileptologist were recruited after the occurrence of one or more epileptic attacks. They were divided into two groups based on whether they went to the ER after seizures. A prospective comparative analysis of the clinical and social characteristics of the two groups was performed in order to identify independent predictors of ER visits. Logistic regression analysis was used to confirm the potential predictive role of the evaluated variables.

Results

Logistic regression analysis confirmed the potential role in predicting ER visits for these variables: foreign nationality, current psychiatric therapy, current antiepileptic drug polytherapy, comorbidities, more than one episode in the same day and changes in usual seizure pattern. A relevant association was also found between the frequency of ER neuroimaging use and the following variables: occurrence of episodes on holidays or weekends, current antiepileptic drug monotherapy, multiple comorbidities and brain injury after seizure.

Conclusions

The present study evaluated factors, some potentially amenable to change, related to drug resistant epileptic patients' ER visits following a seizure. This information may serve to improve the clinical and therapeutic management of patients, decrease the need for urgent care and reduce subsequent patient stress and related costs.
‘It's a curse!’: coprolalia in Tourette syndrome
Authors: Eddy C. M. , Cavanna A. E.
Published: June 2013

Background and purpose

Coprolalia is a complex socially inappropriate vocal tic most frequently reported in the context of Tourette syndrome (TS) and widely portrayed as a cardinal characteristic of this condition throughout popular culture. This study investigated which clinical factors may predispose some patients with TS to experience coprolalia and the impact of this symptom on quality of life.

Methods

Participants were 60 patients with TS (39 males, mean age 32.15, SD 14.1 years) of whom 50% reported mental coprolalia (urges) and 33% reported actual involuntary swearing as a tic. Relationships between the presence of coprolalia and a range of clinical variables including severity of tics, obsessive−compulsive symptoms, attention problems, anxiety, depression, premonitory urges for tics and quality of life were investigated.

Results

The presence of urges to utter obscene language was significantly related to non‐obscene socially inappropriate symptoms and self‐reported tic severity. Although experiencing socially inappropriate urges in general was correlated with the presence of mental coprolalia, only the presence of more severe tics was a good indicator of outbursts of obscene vocal tics. Having coprolalia was related to significantly poorer quality of life in TS.

Conclusions

As outbursts of coprolalia exert a specific negative impact on quality of life clinicians should consider improvement in this symptom during evaluation of treatment efficacy.
Consumption of Habenaria sagittifera pollinia by juveniles of the katydid Ducetia japonica
Authors: Suetsugu Kenji , Tanaka Koji
Published: June 2013

While Habenaria (Orchidaceae) is a species‐rich genus and the orchid diversification is considered to be tightly related to its diverse pollination system, floral visitors of few Habenaria spp. have been studied. Here, we investigated the diurnal floral visitors of Habenaria sagittifera. While Orthoptera have not been considered a regular floral visitor, we observed that juvenile katydid Ducetia japonica (Tettigoniidae) regularly visited and consumed the pollinia and anther caps of H. sagittifera. The relationship between Habenaria and Ducetia would not be a tight mutualism. However, the regular visitation and pollinia consumption may showcase the evolutionary route to Orthoptera–orchid pollination mutualism.
Isolation of Treponema and Tannerella spp. from equine odontoclastic tooth resorption and hypercementosis related periodontal disease
Authors: Sykora S. , Pieber K. , Simhofer H. , Hackl V. , Brodesser D. , Brandt S.
Published: June 2013

Reasons for performing study

Red complex bacteria, i.e. Porphyromonas gingivalis, Treponema denticola and Tannerella forsythia, are involved in the onset and progression of periodontal disease in man, yet seldom inhabit the oral cavity of healthy individuals. Periodontal disease is also encountered in horses, with equine odontoclastic tooth resorption and hypercementosis (EOTRH) constituting a particular form of disease. However, only little is known about the oral microbiome of healthy and periodontitis‐affected equids.

Objective

We aimed to test the hypothesis that red complex bacteria are also associated with EOTRH‐related periodontal disease.

Study design

Controlled cross‐sectional study.

Methods

We screened DNA purified from crevicular fluid derived from 23 EOTRH‐affected and 21 disease‐free horses for the presence of Treponema spp., Tannerella spp. and Porphyromonas gingivalis DNA by polymerase chain reaction. Subsequently, amplified DNA was bidirectionally sequenced and identified via BLAST analysis.

Results

Treponema and/or Tannerella DNA was detected in 100% of periodontitis‐related samples and in 52.2% of DNA derived from healthy horses. Twenty‐six amplicon sequences were 98–100% homologous to published bacterial sequences, which mostly corresponded to Treponema pectinovorum, oral Treponema clones JU025 and OMZ 840, and Tannerella forsythia. P. gingivalis DNA was only found in 3 EOTRH‐related samples. Forty‐three amplicon sequences revealed weaker homologies ranging between 80% and 97% to known Treponema or Tannerella strains, partly because of their heterogeneity, partly because they obviously represented so far unknown types.

Conclusions

This is the first report in which known and novel Treponema and Tannerella spp. were isolated in association with EOTRH‐related periodontal disease.
S100A11 is involved in the regulation of the stability of cell cycle regulator p21CIP1/WAF1 in human keratinocyte HaCaT cells
Authors: Foertsch Franziska , Teichmann Nicole , Kob Robert , Hentschel Julia , Laubscher Ulrike , Melle Christian
Published: June 2013

The cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor p21CIP1/WAF1 is a regulatory factor of the cell cycle. Its transcriptional activation and protein stability are tightly controlled by several distinct mechanisms. S100A11 is a member of the S100 family of Ca2+‐binding proteins involved in several biological processes, including cell cycle progression and signal transduction. In the present study, we show that down‐regulation of S100A11 results in the reduction of p21 protein in human HaCaT keratinocytes. It appears that a ubiquitin‐independent proteasomal degradation process is involved in p21 degradation in S100A11 down‐regulated cells. The application of a proteasome inhibitor stabilized p21 protein in these cells. Analysis of distinct signal transduction pathways revealed a disturbed phosphatidylinositol‐3‐kinase/Akt pathway after S100A11 knockdown. We determined that the glycogen synthase kinase‐3, which is negatively regulated by phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase/Akt, was activated in cells possessing knocked‐down S100A11 and appears to be involved in p21 protein destabilization. The application of a specific inhibitor of glycogen synthase kinase 3 resulted in an increase of the p21 protein level in S100A11 down‐regulated HaCaT cells. Glycogen synthase kinase 3 is able to phosphorylate p21 at T57, which induces p21 proteasomal turnover. Mutation of the glycogen synthase kinase 3 site threonine 57 into alanine (T57A) stabilizes p21 in HaCaT cells lacking S100A11. Beside decreased p21 protein, down‐regulation of S100A11 triggered the induction of apoptosis in HaCaT cells. These observations suggest that S100A11 is involved in the maintenance of p21 protein stability and appears to function as an inhibitor of apoptosis in human HaCaT keratinocyte cells. Thus, the data shed light on a novel pathway regulating p21 protein stability.
Preconditioning of leaves by solar radiation and anoxia affects microbial colonisation and rate of leaf mass loss in an intermittent stream
Authors: Dieter Daniela , Frindte Katharina , Krüger Angela , Wurzbacher Christian
Published: June 2013

Seasonal flow intermittence in streams often coincides with early leaf abscission of riparian vegetation due to water stress. When accumulated on dry stream beds or in remaining pools, leaves are exposed to solar radiation or fermentation processes, respectively. However, very little information exists on how these preconditioning processes could affect leaf decomposition when stream flow has recovered.

We simulated natural preconditioning of leaves by irradiation with UV‐VIS fluorescent lamps and incubation under anoxic conditions. Mass loss rates of preconditioned leaf litter from deciduous trees (Alnus glutinosa, Fraxinus excelsior, Populus tremula and Quercus petreae) were quantified in a temporary stream during base flow conditions. Coarse and fine mesh litter bags were used to study the effect of benthic macroinvertebrates and microorganisms on leaf mass loss.

Preconditioning reduced the concentration of macronutrients such as P, K and Mg and increased the relative cellulose content of the leaves. Preconditioning changed the fungal community structure (analysed by DGGE) depending on leaf species and sampling date. Preconditioning in anoxic conditions also suppressed fungal decomposer biomass (measured as ergosterol) by 42% resulting in 33% lower mass loss rates in fine mesh bags. In contrast, mass loss rates were not affected by preconditioning when macroinvertebrate decomposers had access to the leaf litter.

In streams exhibiting seasonal flow intermittence, preconditioning will influence organic carbon dynamics towards lower rates of microbially mediated turnover and towards poorer quality of downstream‐transported material.
Fiscal Multipliers and Their Relevance in a Currency Union – A Survey
Authors: Illing Gerhard , Watzka Sebastian
Published: June 2013

The article reviews the debate on government spending multiplier and provides a detailed discussion of the underlying economic mechanisms, focusing on the role of the state of the business cycle and the monetary policy reaction. Special emphasis is on the effects of fiscal policy within a currency union and its implications for the euro crisis.
Contrast‐enhanced ultrasound in the preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative assessment of liver lesions
Authors: Alzaraa Ahmed , Gravante Gianpiero , Chung Wen Yuan , Al‐Leswas Dhya , Morgan Bruno , Dennison Ashley , Lloyd David
Published: June 2013

The use of contrast agents (CA) with liver ultrasound (US) has gained recently an established role for the diagnosis of various hepatic diseases due to their safety, high versatility and low costs (contrast‐enhanced ultrasound: CEUS). The purpose of this review is to provide a state‐of‐the‐art summary of the available evidence for their use in the characterization of focal liver lesions. A published work search was conducted for all preclinical and clinical studies involving CA on hepatic US imaging. CEUS increases the sensitivity for lesion detection and the specificity to differentiate between benign and malignant diseases due to the enhanced visualization of the tumor microcirculation. Results achieved seem at least equivalent to those of spiral computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. The association of CA with intraoperative ultrasound has changed the surgical approach in 25% of patients and guarantees complete ablations by a single session in most of them. CEUS provides detailed information about tumor vasculature, improves the preoperative characterization and therefore the therapeutic strategy, and can evaluate the intraoperative completeness of the ablation.
Perceived pension injustice: A multidimensional model for two most‐different cases
Authors: Sabbagh Clara , Vanhuysse Pieter
Published: June 2013

This article analyses a nationally representative sample of 3,000 respondents from the 2006 wave of the International Social Justice Project to investigate the determinants of citizens' perceptions of the injustice of their country's prevalent pension system. We studied two ‘most‐different’ cases: Israel, a relatively new democracy and demographically young society, and Western Germany, an established democracy and demographically older society. We found that age is negatively associated, and social status positively associated, with reported levels of PPI. Moreover, PPI is higher both when citizens lack intra‐familial social solidarity and when they more strongly endorse pro‐state welfare attitudes. At the same time, there are distinct culture‐specific patterns in PPI, such as the stronger effect of subjective class position and pro‐social family norms in Israel. We explain these by reference to the institutional characteristics of the Israeli pension system and the particularly dominant normative position of the family in Israeli‐Jewish culture.
Development of nursing research in Jordan (1986–2012)
Authors: Khalaf I.
Published: June 2013

Aim

To provide an overview of nursing research in Jordan based on the topic researched, source and setting of data collection, methodology, theoretical framework used and source of funding.

Background

Nursing research contributes to nursing education, clinical practice, health policy and the establishment of nursing research priorities in Jordan to guide future research.

Methods

Databases such as MEDLINE, CINAHL, Google Scholar, PubMed and national sources were searched for published articles related to nursing in Jordan through a range of keywords. Articles were included in the analysis if they were published in English or Arabic through December 2012.

Findings

The search resulted in the identification of 999 publications, from which 462 articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. The highest percentage of studies (23% of articles) focused on nursing management issues. Forty‐four per cent were conducted in a hospital setting; only six studies used a nursing theory. Seventy‐seven per cent of the studies were quantitative and 29.0% were funded mostly by universities. Twenty‐one per cent were not directly related to improving nursing education or practice in Jordan. A Jordanian Database for nursing research was developed as a result of this review.

Discussion

Jordanian nurses have slowly started to build nursing research, the real nursing research work in Jordan started with the return of the first PhD graduate to Jordan in 1986.

Conclusion

Jordanian nurses in collaboration with international colleagues were motivated to publish research and build the body of nursing knowledge.
A prospective randomised comparative parallel study of amniotic membrane wound graft in the management of diabetic foot ulcers
Authors: Zelen Charles M , Serena Thomas E , Denoziere Guilhem , Fetterolf Donald E
Published: June 2013

Our purpose was to compare healing characteristics of diabetic foot ulcers treated with dehydrated human amniotic membrane allografts (EpiFix®, MiMedx, Kennesaw, GA) versus standard of care. An IRB‐approved, prospective, randomised, single‐centre clinical trial was performed. Included were patients with a diabetic foot ulcer of at least 4‐week duration without infection having adequate arterial perfusion. Patients were randomised to receive standard care alone or standard care with the addition of EpiFix. Wound size reduction and rates of complete healing after 4 and 6 weeks were evaluated. In the standard care group (n = 12) and the EpiFix group (n = 13) wounds reduced in size by a mean of 32·0% ± 47·3% versus 97·1% ± 7·0% (P < 0·001) after 4 weeks, whereas at 6 weeks wounds were reduced by −1·8% ± 70·3% versus 98·4% ± 5·8% (P < 0·001), standard care versus EpiFix, respectively. After 4 and 6 weeks of treatment the overall healing rate with application of EpiFix was shown to be 77% and 92%, respectively, whereas standard care healed 0% and 8% of the wounds (P < 0·001), respectively. Patients treated with EpiFix achieved superior healing rates over standard treatment alone. These results show that using EpiFix in addition to standard care is efficacious for wound healing.
Open‐label clinical trial comparing the clinical and economic effectiveness of using a polyurethane film surgical dressing with gauze surgical dressings in the care of post‐operative surgical wounds
Authors: Arroyo Ana Abejón , Casanova Pabló López , Soriano José Verdú , Torra i Bou Joan‐Enric
Published: June 2013

Surgical site infection (SSI) is a common postoperative complication and can cause avoidable morbidity and excessive costs for the health service. Novel dressings, designed specifically for postoperative wounds, can help to reduce the risk of SSI and other complications such as blistering. This study compared the use of a new polyurethane film surgical dressing (Opsite Post‐Op Visible, Smith & Nephew, Hull, UK) with gauze and tape in the management of postoperative wounds. The results show that the polyurethane film dressing results in a significant reduction in SSI (1·4% versus 6·6%, P = 0·006) as well as a reduction in other postoperative wound complications (e.g. blistering and erythema). Economic analysis conducted alongside the study suggests that these improved outcomes can be achieved at a lower treatment cost than gauze and tape dressings. The modest incremental cost of the polyurethane film surgical dressing is easily offset by the reduction in the costs related to treating SSI and other wound complications associated with gauze and tape dressings.