bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mass balance and life cycle assessment of biodiesel from microalgae incorporated with nutrient recycling options and technology uncertainties
Authors: Yuan Juhong , Kendall Alissa , Zhang Yizhen
Published: October 2014

This article presents mass balances and a detailed life cycle assessment (LCA) for energy and greenhouse gases (GHGs) of a simulated microalgae biodiesel production system. Key parameters of the system include biomass productivity of 16 and 25 g m−2 day−1 and lipid content of algae of 40% and 25% for low and normal nitrogen conditions respectively. Based on an oil extraction efficiency from wet biomass of 73.6% and methane yields from anaerobically digested lipid‐extracted biomass of 0.31 to 0.34 l per gram of volatile solids, the mass balance shows that recycling growth media and recovering nutrients from residual biomass through anaerobic digestion can reduce the total demand for nitrogen by 66% and phosphorus by 90%. Freshwater requirements can be reduced by 89% by recirculating growth media, and carbon requirements reduced by 40% by recycling CO2 from biogas combustion, for normal nitrogen conditions. A variety of technology options for each step of the production process and allocation methods for coproducts used outside the production system are evaluated using LCA. Extensive sensitivity and scenario analysis is also performed to provide better understanding of uncertainty associated with results. The best performing scenario consists of normal nitrogen cultivation conditions, bioflocculation and dissolved air flotation for harvesting, centrifugation for dewatering, wet extraction with hexane, transesterification for biodiesel production, and anaerobic digestion of biomass residual, which generates biogas used in a combined heat and power unit for energy recovery. This combination of technologies and operating conditions results in life cycle energy requirements and GHG emissions of 1.02 MJ and 71 g CO2‐equivalent per MJ of biodiesel, with cultivation and oil extraction dominating energy use and emissions. Thus, even under optimistic conditions, the near‐term performance of this biofuel pathway does not achieve the significant reductions in life cycle GHG emissions hoped for from second‐generation biofuel feedstocks.
Stocking rate effects on liveweight gain of ewes and their twin lambs when grazing subterranean clover–perennial grass pastures
Authors: Ates S. , Lucas R. J. , Edwards G. R.
Published: October 2014

Two grazing experiments were conducted on non‐irrigated tall fescue–subterranean clover and cocksfoot–subterranean pastures subject to summer‐dry conditions in Canterbury, New Zealand, to measure the effect of low (8·3–10 ewes and their twin lambs ha−1) vs. high (13·9–20 ewes and their twin lambs ha−1) stocking rates (SR) on lamb and ewe liveweight gain in spring. In tall fescue–subterranean clover pasture, lambs grew faster at low (374 g per head d−1) than high (307 g per head d−1) SR, but total liveweight gain per ha was greater at high (12·3 kg ha−1 d−1) than low (7·5 kg ha−1 d−1) SR. In successive years in spring in cocksfoot–subterranean clover pastures, lambs grew faster at low (327, 385 g per head d−1) than high (253, 285 g per head d−1) SR but total liveweight gain per ha was greater at high (7·26, 7·91 kg ha−1) than low (5·43, 6·38 kg ha−1) SR. These studies indicate that in summer‐dry areas, subterranean clover‐based pastures will support high twin lamb growth rates in spring, with lower SR leading to higher lamb growth rates and more lambs reaching slaughter weights before the onset of dry conditions.
Spontaneous colonization of restored dry grasslands by target species: restoration proceeds beyond sowing regional seed mixtures
Authors: Johanidesová E. , Fajmon K. , Jongepierová I. , Prach K.
Published: October 2014

Dry grasslands are endangered habitats across Europe, and their restoration requires increasing attention, including their re‐creation on arable land. We studied spontaneous colonization by eleven target species on thirty‐five dry grassland sites restored with regional seed mixtures 1–13 years ago in the eastern part of the Czech Republic, a region where species‐rich dry grasslands often occur in the vicinity of the restored grasslands. Occurrence of the target species (not sown in the restored grasslands) was quantified inside and outside each restored grassland up to distances of 100 and 500 m, and the distance to the nearest population outside was assessed. Data were processed using univariate (Spearman rank‐correlation coefficient, generalized linear models) and multivariate (redundancy analysis) statistics. The establishment of all target species was closely related to their occurrence in the surroundings. Occurrence of species at a distance of up to 500 m, minimum distance to the nearest population and time since start of restoration significantly influenced the occurrence of all the species in the restored grasslands, while distance up to 100 m influenced all except two species. The most successful were wind‐dispersedCirsium canumandInula salicinaand, the least successful was the myrmecochorousEuphorbia virgata. Seeding regional seed mixtures may be considered an appropriate first step in the restoration of species‐rich grasslands on arable land. Following diversification of the vegetation in restored grassland, spontaneous establishment of additional species may occur if the species occur in the vicinity. Results are discussed in the context of grassland restoration and agri‐environmental objectives.
Effects of systemic fungal endophytes on the performance of meadow fescue and tall fescue in mixtures with red clover
Authors: Dirihan S. , Helander M. L. , Saloniemi I. , Gundel P. E. , Saikkonen K.
Published: October 2014

A symbiosis between grasses and systemic fungal endophytes exists in both natural and agricultural grassland communities. Our objective was to examine the effects of systemic endophytes on the competitive ability of two agronomically important grass species: meadow fescue [Festuca pratensis(Huds.) syn.Schedonorus pratensis(Huds.)P.Beauv] and tall fescue [Festuca arundinacea(Schreb.) syn.Schedonorus phoenix(Scop.)]. Plants of meadow and tall fescue were grown for 48 days in replacement series of interspecific mixture with a legume (red clover,Trifolium pratenseL.) in different nutrient environments in a greenhouse. Neither of the grass species gained endophyte‐promoted competitive advantage over red clover in grass–clover mixtures. Endophyte infection increased the growth of meadow fescue monocultures by 89% compared to endophyte‐free monocultures in high‐nutrient soils, but plant competition or the cost of endophyte infection to the meadow fescue decreased the yield in resource‐limited conditions. On average, endophyte‐infected and endophyte‐free meadow fescues produced 0·15 and 0·17 g, and 0·14 and 0·14 g dry biomass per plant in mixtures with red clover in high‐ and low‐nutrient soils respectively. In contrast to meadow fescue, endophyte‐promoted growth of tall fescue monocultures was not detected. Endophyte‐infected and endophyte‐free tall fescue monocultures produced 0·76 and 0·95 g biomass per pot, respectively, in the high‐nutrient environment. Endophyte infection can increase the performance of the host grass, but the positive effects depend on the host species, the species composition and soil nutrient availability.
Hypotension, bedridden, leukocytosis, thrombocytopenia and elevated serum creatinine predict mortality in geriatric patients with fever
Authors: Chung Min‐Hsien , Chu Feng‐Yuan , Yang Tzu‐Meng , Lin Hung‐Jung , Chen Jiann‐Hwa , Guo How‐Ran , Vong Si‐Chon , Su Shih‐Bin , Huang Chien‐Cheng , Hsu Chien‐Chin
Published: October 2014

Aim

The geriatric population (aged ≥65 years) accounts for 12–24% of all emergency department (ED) visits. Of them, 10% have a fever, 70–90% will be admitted and 7–10% of will die within a month. Therefore, mortality prediction and appropriate disposition after ED treatment are of great concern for geriatric patients with fever. We tried to identify independent mortality predictors of geriatric patients with fever, and combine these predictors to predict their mortality.

Methods

We enrolled consecutive geriatric patients visiting the ED between 1 June and 21 July 2010 with the following criteria of fever: a tympanic temperature ≥37.2°C or a baseline temperature elevated ≥1.3°C. We used 30‐day mortality as the primary end‐point.

Results

A total of 330 patients were enrolled. Hypotension, bedridden, leukocytosis, thrombocytopenia and serum creatinine >2 mg/dL, but not age, were independently associated with 30‐day mortality. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) ranged from 18.2% to 90.9%, 34.7% to 100%, 9.0% to 100% and 94.5% to 98.2%, respectively, depending on how many predictors there were.

Conclusions

The 30‐day mortality increased with the number of independent mortality predictors. With at least four predictors, 100% of the patients died within 30 days. With none of the predictors, just 1.8% died. These findings might help physicians make decisions about geriatric patients with fever. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 834–839.
Characteristics of visiting nurse agencies with high home death rates: A prefecture‐wide study in Japan
Authors: Kashiwagi Masayo , Tamiya Nanako , Murata Masako
Published: October 2014

Aim

The purpose of the present study was to identify characteristics of visiting nurse agencies (VNA) in Japan with high home death rates by a prefecture‐wide survey.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study of visiting nurse agencies (n = 101) in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan, was completed. Data included the basic characteristics of each VNA, the type of services provided, level of coordination with other service providers, total number of VNA patients who died per year and place of death and contractual relationship with home‐care supporting clinics providing end‐of‐life care services in the home 24 h a day. The VNA characteristics were analyzed by logistic regression, using the home death rate per VNA as a dependent variable.

Results

A total 69 agencies, excluding those that did not report number of deaths (n = 14) and those without deaths during the year (n = 6), were analyzed. The median home death rate of the 69 VNA was 29.8%. The results of logistic regression analysis showed that higher home death rate was significantly associated with lack of attachment to a hospital, existence of a contractual relationship with home‐care supporting clinics and existence of an interactive information exchange through telephone/face‐to‐face communication with attending physicians.

Conclusions

In order to increase the home death rate of people using VNA, policymakers must consider establishing home‐based service systems within the community that can provide home end‐of‐life care services 24 h a day, and support the interactive exchange of information between the visiting nurse and the attending physician. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 936–943.
Prognosis‐related factors concerning oral and general conditions for homebound older adults in Japan
Authors: Suzuki Ryo , Kikutani Takeshi , Yoshida Mitsuyoshi , Yamashita Yoshihisa , Hirayama Yoji
Published: October 2014

Purpose

The present study examined the relationship between oral function, such as eating/swallowing, and life prognosis among a homebound elderly population, considering physical and mental function.

Methods

The participants were 511 homebound older adults aged 65 years or older living in four Japanese prefectures. Sex, age, activities of daily living (ADL), cognitive function, underlying disease, nutritional status as Mini‐Nutritional Assessment‐Short Form (MNA®‐SF), swallowing function, dietary modification and occlusal status were examined at baseline. Participants were categorized into poor outcome (died or admitted to hospital or nursing home) and good outcome (still under home care) groups at 1‐year follow up, and significant related baseline factors were analyzed. In addition, these groups were compared by the ADL subgroup divided into <60 (lower) and ≥60 (higher) by Barthel Index.

Results

In total, 473 participants were followed up (poor outcome group 177 [37.4%], good outcome group 296 [62.6%]). Sex, age, ADL, MNA®‐SF, swallowing function, dietary modification and occlusal support were significantly different between these groups. Logistic regression analysis showed that sex and MNA®‐SF score were significantly related to prognosis in the lower ADL group, and sex, age, Charlson Comorbidity Index and occlusal support were significantly related in the higher ADL group.

Conclusions

ADL was strongly correlated with life prognosis in homebound older adults. Within the higher ADL participants, occlusal support was related to this outcome. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 1001–1006.
Haploidentical peripheral blood stem cell infusion in combination with chemotherapy for acute myeloid leukaemia in elderly patients
Authors: Bishop D. C. , Johnston A. J. , Kwan J. M. W. , Antonenas V. , Gottlieb D. J.
Published: October 2014

Elderly patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) have a poor prognosis with standard chemotherapy. Two elderly AML patients treated with infusion of family‐derived partially human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐matched peripheral blood stem cells following each cycle of chemotherapy entered morphological complete remission without graft versus host disease or major toxicity. Our results support this as a non‐toxic approach for inducing a graft versus leukaemia effect in patients not suitable for allogeneic transplantation. Additional resources required for donor assessment and harvest may be reduced by using banked partially HLA‐matched mononuclear cells from unrelated donors.
Prescribing for older people discharged from the acute sector to residential aged‐care facilities
Authors: Hopcroft P. , Peel N. M. , Poudel A. , Scott I. A. , Gray L. C. , Hubbard R. E.
Published: October 2014

For frail older people, admission to hospital is an opportunity to review the indications for specific medications. This research investigates prescribing for 206 older people discharged into residential aged care facilities from 11 acute care hospitals in Australia. Patients had multiple comorbidities (mean 6), high levels of dependency, and were prescribed a mean of 7.2 regular medications at admission to hospital and 8.1 medications on discharge, with hyper‐polypharmacy (≥10 drugs) increasing from 24.3% to 32.5%. Many drugs were preventive medications whose time until benefit was likely to exceed the expected lifespan. In summary, frail patients continue to be exposed to extensive polypharmacy and medications with uncertain risk–benefit ratio.
Restless legs syndrome: an underappreciated and distressing problem for haemodialysis patients
Authors: Chu L. , Chu E. , Dogra G. , Chakera A.
Published: October 2014

Restless legs syndrome is a distressing condition that is more common in patients with end‐stage renal failure. Despite the significant impact it has on quality of life and the documented association between restless legs syndrome and increased mortality, limited data regarding the epidemiology of restless legs syndrome in Australian dialysis patients are available. We report a prospective study that assessed the prevalence and factors associated with restless legs syndrome in an in‐centre haemodialysis population.
On Pooling of Data and Its Relative Efficiency
Authors: Xu Jinfeng , Kuk Anthony
Published: October 2014

Pooling of data is often carried out to protect privacy or to save cost, with the claimed advantage that it does not lead to much loss of efficiency. We argue that this does not give the complete picture as the estimation of different parameters is affected to different degrees by pooling. We establish a ladder of efficiency loss for estimating the mean, variance, skewness and kurtosis, and more generally multivariate joint cumulants, in powers of the pool size. The asymptotic efficiency of the pooled data non‐parametric/parametric maximum likelihood estimator relative to the corresponding unpooled data estimator is reduced by a factor equal to the pool size whenever the order of the cumulant to be estimated is increased by one. The implications of this result are demonstrated in case–control genetic association studies with interactions between genes. Our findings provide a guideline for the discriminate use of data pooling in practice and the assessment of its relative efficiency. As exact maximum likelihood estimates are difficult to obtain if the pool size is large, we address briefly how to obtain computationally efficient estimates from pooled data and suggest Gaussian estimation and non‐parametric maximum likelihood as two feasible methods.
How Does the Largest Shareholder Affect Dividends?
Authors: Aoki Yasuharu
Published: October 2014

Focusing on the legal protection of minority shareholders in Japan, which suggests that manager‐owned firms are better governed than corporation‐owned firms, this study presents a new test of two dividend models: the substitute model and the outcome model. In support of the latter, I find that manager‐owned firms pay higher dividends than corporation‐owned firms. The paper also examines the association between ownership by the largest shareholder and dividend payments. I find an inverted U‐shaped relationship for manager‐owned firms and a U‐shaped relationship for corporation‐owned firms between them. These results can be explained by the benefits and drawbacks of concentrated ownership.
The Interaction of Post‐Acquisition Integration and Acquisition Focus in Relation to Long‐Run Performance
Authors: Daniliuc Sorin , Bilson Chris , Shailer Greg
Published: October 2014

We examine the joint influence of post‐acquisition integration management and acquisition focus on long‐run post‐acquisition performance. We develop a financial measure related to integration that is based on changes in net purchases/disposals of physical assets. For a sample of acquisitions by Australian listed firms, we find that the main effects and the interaction of our integration measure and focus are related to performance in the direction suggested by theory. Our results suggest that inconsistencies in previous studies of the focus‐performance relation are partly explained by the failure to consider the post‐acquisition asset management strategies.
Photosynthesis is Reduced, and Seeds Fail to Set and Fill at Similar Soil Water Contents in Grass Pea (Lathyrus sativus L.) Subjected to Terminal Drought
Authors: Kong H. , Palta J. A. , Siddique K. H. M. , Stefanova K. , Xiong Y.‐C. , Turner N. C.
Published: October 2014

Grass pea (Lathyrus sativus L.) is an indeterminate grain legume considered adapted to dry environments, but the mechanisms of its adaptation are not well understood. Grass pea plants were exposed to terminal drought from podding, and the development of water deficit was measured together with its effects on leaf photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, carbon remobilisation to the seeds, flower production and abortion, pod production and abortion, seed set, seed growth and the neurotoxin β‐N‐oxalyl‐L‐a, β‐diaminopropionic acid (β‐ODAP) concentration. Predawn leaf water potential (Ψleaf), stomatal conductance (gs), rate of leaf photosynthesis (Pn), flower production, pod production, filled pod number, seed number, seed size and yield decreased, while flower abortion, pod abortion and seed abortion increased, and the concentration of β‐ODAP was unchanged under terminal drought conditions. gs and Pn began to decrease at a higher plant‐available soil water content (PAWC) (67.2 ± 2.3 % and 62.9 ± 2.3 %) than Ψleaf (43.7 ± 1.1 %). Flowers and pods ceased being produced only when the PAWC decreased below 40.1 ± 4.6 % and 35.3 ± 3.0 %, respectively, but seed set and seed growth ceased when PAWC decreased below 55.5 ± 1.6 % and 58.0 ± 3.7 %, respectively. The mobilization of 13C labelled assimilates from the stems was greater under terminal drought than under well‐watered conditions, but the transfer to the seed was small. We conclude that seed set and seed growth decreased as the soil dried due to a reduction in current photosynthesis as a result of stomatal closure.
The Liquidus in Cu–O–CaO System at Metallic Copper Saturation up to 1698 K
Authors: Hamuyuni Joseph , Hellstén Niko , Akdogan Guven , Taskinen Pekka
Published: October 2014

We present experimental results for the liquidus of the pseudo binary system Cu2O–CaO at metallic copper saturation up to 1698 K in steps of 25 K. In this study, we quantified the liquidus (on the CaO side of the binary) by the equilibration, quench, and analysis technique, with Cu2O, CaO, and Cu as the only primary crystalline phases. Experiments were conducted in an atmosphere of pure argon up to the critical temperature (1618 K) in the Cu–O system. Above this temperature, experiments were performed at a fixed oxygen pressure of (PO2 = 1.01 kPa). Equilibrated specimens were quenched in ice‐cold water. We then quantified the liquid chemical compositions by means of energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy and electron probe micro‐analyzer. Results from this study reveal that below the critical point, some previous studies have overestimated CaO solubility amounts in the molten phase of the system, by up to 4.35 wt% CaO. Thermodynamic modeling of systems containing this binary should therefore also account for this variance.
Systematics and evolution of the Pan‐Alcidae (Aves, Charadriiformes)
Authors: Smith N. Adam , Clarke Julia A.
Published: October 2014

Puffins, auks and their allies in the wing‐propelled diving seabird clade Pan‐Alcidae (Charadriiformes) have been proposed to be key pelagic indicators of faunal shifts in Northern Hemisphere oceans. However, most previous phylogenetic analyses of the clade have focused only on the 23 extant alcid species. Here we undertake a combined phylogenetic analysis of all previously published molecular sequence data (∼ 12 kb) and morphological data (n = 353 characters) with dense species level sampling that also includes 28 extinct taxa. We present a new estimate of the patterns of diversification in the clade based on divergence time estimates that include a previously vetted set of twelve fossil calibrations. The resultant time trees are also used in the evaluation of previously hypothesized paleoclimatic drivers of pan‐alcid evolution. Our divergence dating results estimate the split of Alcidae from its sister taxon Stercorariidae during the late Eocene (∼ 35 Ma), an evolutionary hypothesis for clade origination that agrees with the fossil record and that does not require the inference of extensive ghost lineages. The extant dovekieAlle alleis identified as the sole extant member of a clade including four extinct Miocene species. Furthermore, whereas anUria+Alleclade has been previously recovered from molecular analyses, the extinct diversity of closely relatedMiocepphusspecies yields morphological support for this clade. Our results suggest that extant alcid diversity is a function of Miocene diversification and differential extinction at the Pliocene–Pleistocene boundary. The relative timing of the Middle Miocene climatic optimum and the Pliocene–Pleistocene climatic transition and major diversification and extinction events in Pan‐Alcidae, respectively, are consistent with a potential link between major paleoclimatic events and pan‐alcid cladogenesis.
Girls’ childhood trajectories of disruptive behavior predict adjustment problems in early adolescence
Authors: van der Molen Elsa , Blokland Arjan A.J. , Hipwell Alison E. , Vermeiren Robert R.J.M. , Doreleijers Theo A.H. , Loeber Rolf
Published: October 2014

Background

It is widely recognized that early onset of disruptive behavior is linked to a variety of detrimental outcomes in males, later in life. In contrast, little is known about the association between girls’ childhood trajectories of disruptive behavior and adjustment problems in early adolescence.

Methods

This study used nine waves of data from the ongoing Pittsburgh Girls Study. A semiparametric group‐based model was used to identify trajectories of disruptive behavior in 1,513 girls from age 6 to 12 years. Adjustment problems were characterized by depression, self‐harm, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), substance use, interpersonal aggression, sexual behavior, affiliation with delinquent peers, and academic achievement at ages 13 and 14.

Results

Three trajectories of childhood disruptive behavior were identified: low, medium, and high. Girls in the high group were at increased risk for depression, self‐harm, PTSD, illegal substance use, interpersonal aggression, early and risky sexual behavior, and lower academic achievement. The likelihood of multiple adjustment problems increased with trajectories reflecting higher levels of disruptive behavior.

Conclusion

Girls following the high childhood trajectory of disruptive behavior require early intervention programs to prevent multiple, adverse outcomes in adolescence and further escalation in adulthood.
Cardiovascular outcomes and systemic anti‐inflammatory drugs in patients with severe psoriasis: 5‐year follow‐up of a Danish nationwide cohort
Authors: Ahlehoff O. , Skov L. , Gislason G. , Gniadecki R. , Iversen L. , Bryld L.E. , Lasthein S. , Lindhardsen J. , Kristensen S.L. , Torp‐Pedersen C. , Hansen P.R.
Published: October 2014

Background

Psoriasis is a common disease and is associated with cardiovascular diseases. Systemic anti‐inflammatory drugs may reduce risk of cardiovascular events. We therefore examined the rate of cardiovascular events, i.e. cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction and stroke, in patients with severe psoriasis treated with systemic anti‐inflammatory drugs.

Methods

Individual‐level linkage of administrative registries was used to perform a longitudinal nationwide cohort study. Time‐dependent multivariable adjusted Cox regression was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of cardiovascular events associated with use of biological drugs, methotrexate, cyclosporine, retinoids and other antipsoriatic therapies, including topical treatments, phototherapy and climate therapy.

Results

A total of 6902 patients (9662 treatment exposures) with a maximum follow‐up of 5 years were included. Incidence rates per 1000 patients‐years for cardiovascular events were 4.16, 6.28, 6.08, 18.95 and 14.63 for biological drugs, methotrexate, cyclosporine, retinoid and other therapies respectively. Relative to other therapies, methotrexate (HR 0.53; CI 0.34–0.83) was associated with reduced risk of the composite endpoint and a comparable but non‐significant protective effect was observed with biological drugs (HR 0.58; CI 0.30–1.10), whereas no protective effect was apparent with cyclosporine (HR 1.06; CI 0.26–4.27) and retinoids (HR 1.80; CI 1.03–2.96). Tumour necrosis factor inhibitors (HR 0.46; CI 0.22–0.98) were linked to reduced event rates, whereas the interleukin‐12/23 inhibitor ustekinumab (HR 1.52; CI 0.47–4.94) was not.

Conclusion

Systemic anti‐inflammatory treatment with methotrexate was associated with significantly lower rates of cardiovascular events during long‐term follow‐up compared to patients treated with other antipsoriatic therapies. The treatment strategy in patients with severe psoriasis may have an impact on cardiovascular outcomes and randomized trials to evaluate the cardiovascular safety and efficacy of systemic antipsoriatic therapies are called for.
Prominent protein Z‐induced thrombin inhibition in cirrhosis: A new functional assay for hypercoagulability assessment
Authors: Kim Seon Young , Kim Ji‐Eun , Kim Yoon Jun , Han Kyou‐Sup , Kim Hyun Kyung
Published: October 2014

Background and Aims

Protein Z (PZ) is an anticoagulant that accelerates the inhibitory effect of PZ‐dependent protease inhibitor (ZPI) on coagulation factor Xa. We assessed functional status of PZ system in 158 patients with liver cirrhosis and 59 healthy controls.

Methods

Plasma PZ and ZPI levels were measured by enzyme immunoassay. Thrombin generation assays (TGA) were performed with and without thrombomodulin (TM) or PZ, and the ratios were calculated by dividing TGA values with TM or PZ by values without TM or PZ.

Results

PZ and ZPI levels were reduced and elevated in advanced cirrhosis, respectively. The lag time ratio–PZ was significantly higher in cirrhosis patients than controls and correlated with the model for end‐stage liver disease score. The peak thrombin ratio–PZ and endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) ratio–PZ were significantly lower in cirrhosis patients than controls and correlated with the severity of liver cirrhosis. The peak thrombin ratio–PZ was dramatically reduced in advanced cirrhosis. Cirrhosis patients had a significantly higher ETP ratio–TM than the controls, although the ratio was not correlated with cirrhosis severity. The lag time ratio–PZ and peak time ratio–PZ were significantly correlated with the levels of all coagulation and anticoagulation factors. Interestingly, the lag time ratio–PZ and peak thrombin ratio–PZ were significantly associated with thrombotic events.

Conclusion

The anticoagulant role of PZ is insufficient in advanced stages of cirrhosis. Our newly developed functional assay for measuring the PZ system is expected to reflect the ongoing hypercoagulability of cirrhosis.
Predictive value of early restoration of quality of life in Crohn's disease patients receiving antitumor necrosis factor agents
Authors: Herrera‐deGuise Claudia , Casellas Francesc , Robles Virginia , Navarro Ester , Borruel Natalia
Published: October 2014

Background and Aim

Crohn's disease (CD) impairs patients' health‐related quality of life (HRQoL), therefore a goal of treatment is to improve their health. Recently, a more ambitious therapeutic target has been proposed, to reestablish patients' HRQoL to normal standards. There is no information on long‐term prognostic value of restoring the health of patients with CD. Our aim was to determine if early restoration of HRQoL with antitumor necrosis factor (anti‐TNF) agents is associated with long‐term clinical remission.

Methods

Retrospective longitudinal study in patients with active CD treated with anti‐TNF agents. Patients completed the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (IBDQ)‐36 at baseline and weeks 2, 6, 14, 28, and 52. Early restoration of health was defined as an IBDQ‐36 score > 209 at week14, and long‐term clinical remission as a Cohn's disease activity index (CDAI) score < 150 maintained through week 52.

Results

Ninety‐four patients were included. Sixty‐three patients maintained long‐term remission, with 47 (75%) of them achieving early restoration of HRQoL. Of the 31 patients who did not maintain long‐term remission, only 4 (13%) restored their HRQoL early (P < 0.01). There was a strong negative correlation between the IBDQ‐36 at week14 and CDAI values at week 52 (rs = − 0.64, P < 0.01). Ninety‐two percent of patients with early restoration of HRQoL maintained long‐term remission versus 37% who did not restore their HRQoL (P < 0.01). To predict long‐term remission, the cutoff point of 209 of the early IBDQ‐36 had an area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve of 0.87.

Conclusion

Achieving early restoration of HRQoL with anti‐TNF agents is associated with sustained long‐term remission. This could be a therapeutic goal of treatment in clinical trials and daily practice.
Association between promoter methylation and expression of thyroid hormone receptor beta (THRβ) gene in patients with gastric cancer in an Iranian population
Authors: Kordi Tamandani Dor Mohammad , Hemati Simin , Davani Shahrbbanou Karimi , Arbabi Farshid
Published: October 2014

Background and Aim

There is evidence that gastric cancer patients suffer from thyroid disorders. However, the relationship between thyroid receptor (TR) expression and gastric cancer remains unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the status of promoter methylation and expression of the thyroid hormone receptor beta (THRβ) gene in gastric cancer patients in an Iranian population.

Methods

Analysis of THRβ promoter methylation was performed on 85 pairs of formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) tissue samples as cases and controls via methylation‐specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR [MSP]). The samples were obtained from tumors and surrounding healthy tissues from resected gastric cancers. The expression assay was also performed with 25 FFPE tissue pairs (tumor and surrounding healthy tissues of the same individual) using real‐time PCR.

Results

The results of the present study show that there is a statistically significant difference between tumor and adjacent normal tissues regarding promoter methylation status and THRβ expression (P = 0.04 and P = 0.036, respectively).

Conclusion

Therefore, promoter methylation of THRβ may be involved in the development of gastric cancer.
Juxtaposition of Barrovian and migmatite domains in the Chinese Altai: a result of crustal thickening followed by doming of partially molten lower crust
Authors: Jiang Y. D. , Štípská P. , Sun M. , Schulmann K. , Zhang J. , Wu Q. H. , Long X. P. , Yuan C. , Racek M. , Zhao G. C. , Xiao W. J.
Published: October 2014

Ordovician metasedimentary rocks are the oldest and most extensive sedimentary sequence in the Chinese Altai. They experienced two major episodes of deformation (D1 and D2) resulting in the formation of juxtaposed Barrovian‐type and migmatite domains. D1 is characterized by a penetrative sub‐horizontal fabric (S1), and D2 is marked by upright folds (F2) withNW–SE‐trending axial planes in shallow crustal levels and by sub‐vertical transposition foliations (S2) in the high‐grade cores of large‐scale F2 antiforms. In the Barrovian‐type domain, successive growth of biotite, garnet and staurolite is observed in the S1 fabric. Kyanite included in garnet and plagioclase in the migmatite domain is interpreted to have formed also in S1. In the biotite and garnet zones, the spaced S2 cleavage is marked by biotite and muscovite, and in the staurolite and kyanite zones, the penetrative S2 fabric is characterized by sillimanite, locally with late cordierite. Phase equilibria modelling indicates that the S1 fabric was associated with an increase in pressure and temperature under Barrovian‐type conditions in both domains. The S2 fabric was related to decompression, in which rocks in the biotite and garnet zones well preserve the peak assemblage, and the higher grade rocks in the staurolite and kyanite zones re‐equilibrated to different degrees under high‐temperature/low‐pressure (HT/LP) conditions. The D1 metamorphic history is attributed to the progressive burial related to Early–Middle Palaeozoic crustal thickening and the metamorphism associated with D2 is interpreted to result from exhumation by vertical extrusion. The extrusion of hot rocks was contemporaneous with the formation of gneiss domes accompanied by the intrusion of juvenile magmas at middle crustal levels during the Middle Palaeozoic. Consequently, there is a genetic link between the Barrovian‐type and migmatite domains related to continuous transition of the Barrovian‐type fabric into theHT/LPone during development of domal structures in the southern Altai orogenic belt. This study has a broad impact on the understanding of the thermo‐mechanical behaviour of accretionary orogenic systems worldwide. The lower crustal flow and doming of hot crust, so far reported only in continental collisional settings, seems to be also an integral mechanism responsible for both horizontal and vertical redistribution of accreted material prior to continental collision.
Modifications of Glucocorticoid Receptors mRNA Expression in the Hypothalamic‐Pituitary‐Adrenal Axis in Response to Early‐life Stress in Female Japanese Quail
Authors: Zimmer C. , Spencer K. A.
Published: October 2014

Stress exposure during early‐life development can programme individual brain and physiology. The hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) axis is one of the primary targets of this programming, which is generally associated with a hyperactive HPA axis, indicative of a reduced negative‐feedback. This reduced feedback efficiency usually results from a reduced level of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and/or the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) within the HPA axis. However, a few studies have shown that early‐life stress exposure results in an attenuated physiological stress response, suggesting an enhance feedback efficiency. In the present study, we aimed to determine whether early‐life stress had long‐term consequences on GR and MR levels in quail and whether the effects on the physiological response to acute stress observed in prenatally stressed individuals were underpinned by changes in GR and/or MR levels in one or more HPA axis components. We determined GR and MR mRNA expression in the hippocampus, hypothalamus and pituitary gland in quail exposed to elevated corticosterone during prenatal development, postnatal development, or both, and in control individuals exposed to none of the stressors. We showed that prenatal stress increased the GR:MR ratio in the hippocampus, GR and MR expression in the hypothalamus and GR expression in the pituitary gland. Postnatal stress resulted in a reduced MR expression in the hippocampus. Both early‐life treatments permanently affected the expression of both receptor types in HPA axis regions. The effects of prenatal stress are in accordance with a more efficient negative‐feedback within the HPA axis and thus can explain the attenuated stress response observed in these birds. Therefore, these changes in receptor density or number as a consequence of early‐life stress exposure might be the mechanism that allows an adaptive response to later‐life stressful conditions.
Severity of post‐partum hemorrhage after vaginal delivery is not predictable from clinical variables available at the time post‐partum hemorrhage is diagnosed
Authors: Cortet Marion , Maucort‐Boulch Delphine , Deneux‐Tharaux Catherine , Dupont Corinne , Rudigoz René‐Charles , Roy Pascal , Huissoud Cyril
Published: October 2014

Aim

Identify women at risk of severe post‐partum hemorrhage (PPH) by building a prediction model based on clinical variables available at PPH diagnosis.

Methods

We analyzed data on a cohort of 7236 women with PPH after vaginal delivery from 106 maternity units. Severe PPH was defined as the loss of more than 2000 mL of blood, peripartum drop in hemoglobin of 4 g/dL or more, transfusion of at least four packed red blood cells, embolization, hemostasis surgery, transfer to an intensive care unit or death. The Akaike criterion helped selecting the covariates of a multivariate logistic regression model. The performance of the model was studied through building a receiver–operator curve (ROC). The relative utility of the final model was used to determine the importance of the model in decision‐making.

Results

Among all PPH, the prevalence of severe cases was 18.5%. Several clinical variables were significantly associated with severe PPH (e.g. parity, multiple pregnancy, labor induction, instrumental delivery). The multivariate prediction model was built. The area under the ROC for prediction of severe cases was 0.63 (95% confidence interval, 0.62–0.65). Nevertheless, the sensitivity and specificity of the prediction model were 0.49 and 0.70, respectively, for a threshold at 0.20 (near prevalence). The relative utility was 0.19 for a threshold near prevalence (20%).

Conclusion

Because of important misclassifications, even the best model we could build with the available clinical data cannot be reasonably recommended for routine use. Every patient with PPH should receive most optimal management. Other types of information, possibly laboratory data, are probably needed.
Regression of experimental endometriotic implants in a rat model with the angiotensin II receptor blocker losartan
Authors: Cakmak Bulent , Cavusoglu Turker , Ates Utku , Meral Ayfer , Nacar Mehmet Can , Erbaş Oytun
Published: October 2014

Aim

Endometriosis is a common disease in women of reproductive age, and many different treatments have been developed, although none has provided a cure. In this study, the efficacy of losartan, an angiotensin II type 1 receptor blocker and an antiangiogenic and anti‐inflammatory agent, on regression of experimental endometriotic implants in a rat model was investigated.

Methods

Peritoneal endometriosis was surgically induced in 16 mature female Sprague–Dawley rats. The peritoneal endometriotic implant was confirmed after 28 days, and the animals were divided randomly into two groups. The control group (n = 8) was given 4 mL/day tap water by oral gavage, and the losartan group (n = 8) was given 20 mg/kg per day losartan p.o. We compared endometriotic implant size, extent and severity of adhesion, as well as plasma and peritoneal lavage fluid cytokine levels including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, plasma inflammatory factor pentraxin‐3 (PTX‐3) and C‐reactive protein (CRP) between the treatment groups.

Results

Mean surface endometriotic area, histological score of implants, adhesion formation, plasma VEGF, TNF, PTX‐3 and CRP levels were significantly lower in the losartan group compared with control (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the peritoneal VEGF level was lower in the losartan group than in the control group (P < 0.001), but peritoneal TNF‐α was similar in both groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Losartan suppressed the implant surface area of experimental endometriosis in rats and reduced the levels of plasma VEGF, TNF‐α, PTX‐3 and CRP.
Mucoadhesive polymers-based film as a carrier system for sublingual delivery of glutathione
Authors: Chen Guanyu , Bunt Craig , Wen Jingyuan
Published: October 2014

Objectives

The sublingual mucosa provides a promising route for the delivery of glutathione (GSH). However, challenges are encountered in developing sublingual mucoadhesive drug delivery formulations such as: prolonging drug retention, uniform drug content, desirable drug release profiles, adequate drug permeation and efficient delivery of GSH. The aim of this study was to develop a suitable mucoadhesive polymer-based sublingual film.

Methods

The mucoadhesive films were prepared by casting method. Several characterization studies including thickness, weight uniformity, surface pH, elongation, mucoadhesiveness, swelling and erosion were carried out on preliminary formulations to optimise formulations for in-vitro drug release and ex-vivo permeation studies.

Key findings

The optimal mucoadhesive polymer-based films showed acceptable physical properties and good mucoadhesion, and remained attached to excised porcine sublingual mucosa for sufficient time, providing a sustained delivery of GSH through the mucosal epithelial.

Conclusion

The optimal mucoadhesive films may provide a promising drug delivery platform to develop commercial sublingual products of GSH as well as a wide range of protein and peptide drugs.
Bicarbonate uptake via an anion exchange protein is the main mechanism of inorganic carbon acquisition by the giant kelp Macrocystis pyrifera (Laminariales, Phaeophyceae) under variable pH
Authors: Fernández Pamela A. , Hurd Catriona L. , Roleda Michael Y.
Published: October 2014

Macrocystis pyrifera is a widely distributed, highly productive, seaweed. It is known to use bicarbonate (HCO3−) from seawater in photosynthesis and the main mechanism of utilization is attributed to the external catalyzed dehydration of HCO3− by the surface‐bound enzyme carbonic anhydrase (CAext). Here, we examined other putative HCO3− uptake mechanisms in M. pyrifera under pHT 9.00 (HCO3−: CO2 = 940:1) and pHT 7.65 (HCO3−: CO2 = 51:1). Rates of photosynthesis, and internal CA (CAint) and CAext activity were measured following the application of AZ which inhibits CAext, and DIDS which inhibits a different HCO3− uptake system, via an anion exchange (AE) protein. We found that the main mechanism of HCO3− uptake by M. pyrifera is via an AE protein, regardless of the HCO3−: CO2 ratio, with CAext making little contribution. Inhibiting the AE protein led to a 55%–65% decrease in photosynthetic rates. Inhibiting both the AE protein and CAext at pHT 9.00 led to 80%–100% inhibition of photosynthesis, whereas at pHT 7.65, passive CO2 diffusion supported 33% of photosynthesis. CAint was active at pHT 7.65 and 9.00, and activity was always higher than CAext, because of its role in dehydrating HCO3− to supply CO2 to RuBisCO. Interestingly, the main mechanism of HCO3− uptake in M. pyrifera was different than that in other Laminariales studied (CAext‐catalyzed reaction) and we suggest that species‐specific knowledge of carbon uptake mechanisms is required in order to elucidate how seaweeds might respond to future changes in HCO3−:CO2 due to ocean acidification.
Quality of Life Measurement in Prospective Studies of Cancer Treatments in Dogs and Cats
Authors: Giuffrida M.A. , Kerrigan S.M.
Published: October 2014

Background

Quality of life (QOL) is an important consideration in healthcare decision‐making for pets with cancer. To determine the effect of disease and treatment on pet QOL, this important variable should be objectively measured as an outcome in veterinary cancer studies.

Objectives

To determine the prevalence and methodology of QOL measurement in a sample of recently published reports of prospective studies evaluating cancer treatments in client‐owned dogs and cats; to characterize reporting of QOL outcomes and to identify article characteristics associated with QOL measurement.

Methods

English‐language reports of prospective studies of cancer treatments in dogs and cats published from 2008 to 2013 were identified using medical research databases combined with a hand‐searching strategy. Data pertaining to general article characteristics and QOL measurement were abstracted and summarized.

Results

Reports of 144 eligible studies were identified. QOL was measured in 16 (11.1%) studies, with 8 (5.6%) reporting the results. All studies that measured QOL reported using unvalidated instruments, or did not report how QOL was assessed. Only 1 study provided sufficient information for QOL measurements to be replicated. Recently published articles (2011–2013) were significantly more likely to report measuring QOL, compared with earlier articles.

Conclusions

Quality of life of pets undergoing cancer treatment is largely unreported and cannot be meaningfully compared across treatments or disease states using the existing literature. Reliable, validated instruments are needed to facilitate the measurement and comparison of pet QOL in veterinary cancer research. Consistent reporting practices could improve transparency and interpretation of QOL results.