bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The MATS-1 Risk Assessment Scale
Authors: Helmus Leslie , Thornton David
Published: April 2014

Recently, Wollert and colleagues proposed that sex offender recidivism estimates should be stratified by age and they developed an age-stratified scale called the MATS-1 (Multisample Age-Stratified Table of Sexual Recidivism). The purpose of this article is to highlight concerns with the development of the MATS-1 and to validate the scale using 3,510 sex offenders from 14 unique samples. Concerns with the scale’s development fall into three categories: approximations leading to considerable loss of precision, absence of appropriate statistical tests, and the use of inappropriate statistical techniques. The predictive accuracy of the MATS-1 (Area Under the Curve [AUC] = .663) was significantly lower than Static-99R (AUC = .708). The MATS-1 also significantly underestimated recidivism for some offenders. Both the relative and absolute predictive properties of the MATS-1 were not stable across samples. We conclude that the MATS-1 is not appropriate to use for applied risk assessment. Proposals are made for alternate ways to develop risk scales using the age-stratification method.
Daytime Sleepiness in Adults With ADHD
Authors: Sobanski Esther , Alm Barbara , Hennig Oliver , Riemann Dieter , Feige Bernd , Schredl Michael
Published: April 2014

Objective: To evaluate sleep latency (SL) during the multiple sleep latency test (MSLT) and subjective daytime sleepiness in adult ADHD and controls. Method: Subjective daytime sleepiness was assessed by Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) in 27 unmedicated adults with ADHD and in 182 controls. Thirteen ADHD patients and 26 controls underwent MSLT after one night of polysomnography (PSG). Results: Mean MSLT-SL was 10.6 ± 4.8 min in ADHD and 12.2 ± 4.2 min in controls (n.s.). Mean ESS score was 9.3 ± 4.9 points in ADHD and 6.9 ± 3.4 points in controls ( p < .005). MSLT-SL and ESS scores correlated inversely by trend ( r = −.45, p < .1) but not with ADHD symptoms or ADHD subtype. Conclusion: Adults with ADHD do not differ from controls in mean MSLT-SL but experience increased subjective daytime sleepiness. Patients with subjective higher daytime tiredness fell asleep faster during MSLT.
Bangladeshi parental ethnotheories in the United Kingdom: Towards cultural collaborations in clinical practice
Authors: Bose Ruma
Published: April 2014

Parental meaning systems (ethnotheories) constitute a very important part of the context in which children live and develop. Parental ethnotheories are in turn shaped by implicit cultural ideals that organize parental beliefs and actions and frame child-rearing practices. The article presents a qualitative research into Bangladeshi parental ethnotheories in the United Kingdom, which illustrates both the rich cultural meanings that orientate parental action and also demonstrates how parents generate new meanings following migration and culture change. Professional understandings about children’s developmental needs, of child rearing and parenting, are not culture free and an examination of the cultural frames of professional theories is important as parenting is often taught as a universal technique that takes little account of the cultural context and of what parents think. An engagement with other cultural theories about child development can enhance critical reflexivity in clinical practice by provoking reflection on the cultural constructions of professional theories. Creating a context for the expression of parental ethnotheories is necessary for developing cross-cultural collaborations in clinical practice as it empowers families and redresses the power relationship between the therapist and the parent.
Imagined intergroup contact facilitates intercultural communication for college students on academic exchange programs
Authors: Vezzali Loris , Crisp Richard J. , Stathi Sofia , Giovannini Dino
Published: April 2014

Imagined intergroup contact (Crisp & Turner, 2009) is a new cognitive intervention designed to improve intergroup relations. In two studies, we examined whether it could also facilitate intercultural communication among international students and host country natives engaged in a college exchange program. In Study 1, international students who had recently arrived in Italy and participated in an imagined contact session displayed increased self-disclosure toward, and improved evaluation of, host country natives. In Study 2, Italian students mentally simulated positive contact with an unknown native from the host country prior to leaving for the exchange. Results from an online questionnaire administered on their return (on average, more than 7 months after the imagery task) revealed that participants who imagined contact reported spending more time with natives during the stay and enhanced outgroup evaluation, via reduced intergroup anxiety. Implications for enhancing the quality and effectiveness of college student exchange programs are discussed.
In over their heads: Public consultation, administrative capacity and legislative duration in the European Union
Authors: Chalmers Adam William
Published: April 2014

What effect do online public consultations have on legislative duration in the European Union? While scholars are divided on whether consultations speed things up or slow things down, they agree that consultations affect how decision-makers think about legislative proposals. I argue that this is only part of the story: the impact of consultations on legislation duration is also a function of the administrative capacity of decision-makers and their staff to process consultation submissions. I test this argument using a unique data set of over 750 legislative proposals in the period 2009–2013. I find that consultations tend to have a negative impact on the time it takes to pass legislation. However, this negative effect is less pronounced when decision-makers have sufficient administrative capacity to process submissions.
Crucial dimensions constituting dignity experience in persons living with dementia
Authors: Tranvåg Oscar , Petersen Karin Anna , Nåden Dagfinn
Published: April 2014

Dignity is seen as an essential need, fundamental right, and inherent quality of each human being. There is however, a need for increased knowledge on crucial dimensions constituting dignity experience in persons living with dementia. This study explored personal dimensions of life which persons with dementia perceived crucial for experiencing dignity in their daily lives. Based on the findings of eight empirical sub-dimensions, three main dimensions crucial for constituting dignity experience, were identified through hermeneutical interpretation: A historical dignity-dimension, acknowledging one’s own life-projects and life-history; an intrapersonal dignity-dimension, recognizing one’s own human worth, and living according to internal values; and an interpersonal dignity-dimension, experiencing being part of a caring and confirming communion. Knowledge of dignity preservation should be a crucial foundation for future dementia care.
Numerical analysis of wake structure and performance of two oscillatory mechanisms of a foil: Pure pitching and undulating
Authors: Abbaspoor Madjid , Ebrahimi Mohsen
Published: April 2014

There are various propulsion, maneuvering, and stabilization mechanisms in nature, which can provide inspiration for similar mechanisms in man-made vehicles. This study aims to elucidate and compare the propulsive vortical signature and performance of a foil in two important natural mechanisms of pure pitching and undulatory oscillations. Governing equations are solved with a pressure-based finite volume method solver, in an arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian framework domain containing a NACA 0012 foil moving with prescribed kinematics. The results show that in a given Reynolds number ( Re), the undulating mechanism produces thrust at a higher Strouhal number ( St) and with smaller growth slope, but mostly higher efficiency, versus St, than pitching mechanism. In addition, vortical structures of these mechanisms have significant differences and also vary considerably with St. One of the distinguishable features of vortical signatures is the presence of the leading-edge vortices for the pitching foil, which are not appearing in the undulating foil’s vortical pattern.
A method to simplify perturbation analyses of periodical flows
Authors: Söding Heinrich
Published: April 2014

Perturbation methods up to first order with respect to motion or wave amplitude are common in seakeeping predictions. For higher than first order, lengthy theoretical analyses are required. They result in complicated formulae requiring high programming effort, and often the well-established numerical methods for first-order quantities fail when applied to second-order flow quantities. Both the derivation of the required expressions and their programming are simplified by using mathematical entities called perturbators. The concept of perturbators is described, and their application is demonstrated, for a two-dimensional test problem: A cylinder with horizontal axis partly immersed into an ideal fluid. The cylinder performs sinusoidal heave, sway, and roll motions. Stationary and double-frequency second-order forces are determined. For a heaving semicircle, vertical forces are determined numerically and compared to published results.
A Huge Morel-Lavallée Lesion Treated Using a Quilting Suture Method
Authors: Seo Bommie F. , Kang In Sook , Jeong Yeon Jin , Moon Suk Ho
Published: April 2014

The Morel-Lavallée lesion is a collection of serous fluid that develops after closed degloving injuries and after surgical procedures particularly in the pelvis and abdomen. It is a persistent seroma and is usually resistant to conservative methods of treatment such as percutaneous drainage and compression. Various methods of curative treatment have been reported in the literature, such as application of fibrin sealant, doxycycline, or alcohol sclerodhesis. We present a case of a huge recurrent Morel-Lavallée lesion in the lower back and buttock region that was treated with quilting sutures, fibrin sealant, and compression, with a review of the literature.
Psychosocial Interventions for Patients With Advanced Cancer and Their Families
Authors: Badr Hoda
Published: April 2014

Few randomized controlled trials of family-based psychosocial interventions involving patients and at least one other family member have been conducted in the context of advanced cancer. Moreover, existing interventions have largely been stand-alone programs that have not been well integrated into routine palliative and clinical care. Programs that address this gap may not only improve patient and caregiver quality of life (QOL) but also the quality of palliative and supportive care services. The aim of this narrative review is to describe published interventions that have attempted to improve the QOL of advanced cancer patients and their family caregivers (eg, spouses, partners, and other family members) and to describe some of the challenges that make it difficult to implement such programs in clinical settings. Toward that end, the added value that family-based psychosocial interventions can bring to advanced cancer care is first described. Next, the literature on family-based interventions in advanced cancer is reviewed, and different theoretical approaches and outcomes are highlighted. This is followed by a description of some of the health system barriers to supportive family care in advanced cancer care. The article concludes with a synthesis of research findings and proposes directions for future research.
Improving the Drug Quality and Safety Net
Authors: Carter Alan
Published: April 2014

When large quantities of contaminated, subpotent, or superpotent drugs are introduced into the medical supply pipeline, injury or death of hundreds or thousands of patients can occur. Tracing the origin of substandard and dangerous products and tracking across regions and countries where shipped is quite costly in both money and time. From patients’ perspective, timely access to quality product is paramount. Receiving deficient product threatens their survival and creates huge sums of financial cost to both them and the medical system. With the passage of HR 3204 the FDA must now find a way to be proactive in policing the global medical product supply line without restricting market availability. Without a comprehensive, world-focused implementation plan these new regulations will fail to protect the public.
Childhood Diabetes in the Nordic Countries
Authors: Hanberger Lena , Birkebaek Niels , Bjarnason Ragnar , Drivvoll Ann Kristin , Johansen Anders , Skrivarhaug Torild , Thorsson Arni V. , Samuelsson Ulf
Published: April 2014

Background:

In 2008 a Nordic collaboration was established between the quality registries in Denmark, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden to improve quality of care for children with diabetes. This study aimed to describe those registries and confirm that the registry variables are comparable. Selected variables were used to demonstrate outcome measurements.

Methods:

The organization of the registries and methodology are described. Cross-sectional data for patients between birth and 14.9 years with type 1 diabetes mellitus in 2009 (n = 6523) from 89 centers were analyzed. Variables were age, gender, and diabetic ketoacidosis at onset, together with age, gender, HbA1c, insulin regimen, and severe hypoglycemia at follow-up in 2009.

Results:

All 4 registries use a standardized registration at the onset of diabetes and at follow-up, conducted at the local pediatric diabetes centers. Methods for measuring HbA1c varied as did methods of registration for factors such as hypoglycemia. No differences were found between the outcomes of the clinical variables at onset. Significant variations were found at follow-up for mean HbA1c, the proportion of children with HbA1c < 57 mmol/mol (NGSP/DCCT 7.4%), (range 15-31%), the proportion with insulin pumps (range 34-55%), and the numbers with severe hypoglycemia (range 5.6-8.3/100 patient years).

Conclusions:

In this large unselected population from 4 Nordic countries, a high proportion did not reach their treatment target, indicating a need to improve the quality of pediatric diabetes care. International collaboration is needed to develop and harmonize quality indicators and offers possibilities to study large geographic populations, identify problems, and share knowledge.
Evaluation of Intravascular Microdialysis for Continuous Blood Glucose Monitoring in Hypoglycemia
Authors: Schierenbeck Fanny , Wallin Mats , Franco-Cereceda Anders , Liska Jan
Published: April 2014

Background:

We have previously shown that intravascular microdialysis in a central vein is an accurate method for continuous glucose monitoring in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. However, no hypoglycemia occurred in our earlier studies, prompting further evaluation of the accuracy of intravascular microdialysis in the hypoglycemic range. Thus, this animal study was performed.

Method:

A porcine model was developed; hypoglycemia was induced using insulin injections. The pigs were monitored with intravascular microdialysis integrated in a triple-lumen central venous catheter. As reference, venous blood gas samples were taken every 5 minutes and analyzed in a blood gas analyzer. Ethical permission for the animal experiments was obtained from the Stockholm Regional Ethical Committee, reference no N397/09.

Results:

A total of 213 paired samples were obtained for analysis, and 126 (59.2%) of these were in the hypoglycemic range (<74 mg/dl). Using Clarke error grid analysis, 100% of the paired samples were in region AB and 99% in region A. The ISO standard (ISO15197) was met. Bland–Altman analysis showed bias (mean difference) ± limits of agreement was −0.18 ± 16.2 mg/dl. No influence from glucose infusions was seen. The microdialysis monitoring system was found to be very responsive in rapid changes in blood glucose concentration.

Conclusions:

This study shows that intravascular microdialysis in a central vein is an accurate method for continuous glucose monitoring in hypoglycemia in a porcine experimental model. Furthermore, the system was not influenced by glucose administration and was found to be responsive in rapid blood glucose fluctuations.
Counseling Athletes on the Risk of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy
Authors: Concannon Leah G. , Kaufman Marla S. , Herring Stanley A.
Published: April 2014

Context:

Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a rare progressive neurologic disorder that can manifest as a combination of cognitive, mood and behavioral, and neurologic symptoms. Despite clinically apparent symptoms, there is no imaging or other diagnostic test that can confirm diagnosis in living subjects. Diagnosis can only be confirmed postmortem by specific histopathologic features within the brain tissue identified on autopsy. CTE represents a unique tauopathy that is distinct from other neurodegenerative diseases.

Evidence Acquisition:

PubMed was searched from 1990 to 2013 for sport concussion and chronic traumatic encephalopathy. Articles were also identified from bibliographies of recent reviews and consensus statements.

Study Design:

Clinical review.

Level of Evidence:

Level 5.

Results:

Although CTE is postulated to occur as a result of repetitive mild traumatic brain injury, the specific etiology and risk factors have not yet been elucidated, and postmortem diagnosis makes causality difficult to determine.

Conclusion:

When counseling athletes and families about the potential association of recurrent concussions and the development of CTE, discussion of proper management of concussion is cornerstone. Unfortunately, to date, there is no equipment that can prevent concussions; however, rule changes and legislation may decrease the risk. It is imperative that return to play is medically supervised by a provider trained in the management of concussion and begins only once symptoms have resolved. In addition, athletes with permanent symptoms should be retired from contact sport.
Fatal case of cephalexin-induced toxic epidermal necrolysis
Authors: Hafermann Matthew J , Barber Gerard R , Dreskin Stephen C , Lindberg Gordon K
Published: April 2014

Purpose:

To describe a case of toxic epidermal necrolysis likely caused by cephalexin with a review of the literature.

Case:

An 80-year-old male with a known allergy to cephalosporins, residing at a long-term acute care hospital, received cephalexin for a urinary tract infection. And 1 day after starting therapy, the patient developed an extensive erythematous rash accompanied by skin sloughing; 4 days after receiving cephalexin, the patient was directly admitted to the burn intensive care unit and was diagnosed with toxic epidermal necrolysis involving 56% of the total body surface area. Progressive deterioration to multisystem organ failure ensued, and the patient died 5 days following his admission to the burn intensive care unit. At the time of death, ulcerations were noted over approximately 80% of his body.

The temporal association of the patient’s ingestion of cephalexin for a urinary tract infection to his onset of toxic epidermal necrolysis suggests that this 80-year-old man developed toxic epidermal necrolysis following the administration of cephalexin for a urinary tract infection.
Spirulina maxima Protects Liver From Isoniazid and Rifampicin Drug Toxicity
Authors: Jatav Santosh Kumar , Kulshrestha Archana , Zacharia Anish , Singh Nita , Tejovathi G. , Bisen P. S. , Prasad G. B. K. S.
Published: April 2014

Hepatotoxicity associated with isoniazid and rifampicin is one of the major impediments in antituberculosis therapy. The present study explored the prophylactic and therapeutic efficacies of Spirulina maxima in isoniazid and rifampicin induced hepatic damage in a rat model. Hepatic damage induced in Wistar rats by isoniazid and rifampicin resulted in significant alterations in biomarkers of liver function, namely, bilirubin, aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, and oxidative stress markers such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances. Co-administration of Spirulina maxima along with antituberculosis drugs protected liver from hepatotoxicity due to isoniazid and rifampicin. Administration of Spirulina maxima consecutively for 2 weeks to hepatodamaged animals resulted in restoration of hepatic function as evident from normalization of serum markers of liver function. Thus, the present study revealed remarkable prophylactic and therapeutic potential of Spirulina maxima. Co-administration of Spirulina maxima and antituberculosis drugs is advantageous as it provides extra nutritional benefit.
The Effect of Extract/Fractions of Caralluma tuberculata on Blood Glucose Levels and Body Weight in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rabbits
Authors: Sultan Khushbakht , Zakir Muhammad , Khan Haroon , Khan Ihsaan Ullah , Rehman Ali , Akber Noor Ul , Muhammad Naveed , Khan Murad Ali
Published: April 2014

Caralluma tuberculata is a cooked food item in Pakistan especially for diabetics. The current study was designed to explore the antidiabetic potential of extract/fractions of Caralluma tuberculata in alloxan-induced diabetic rabbits and its effect on body weight. The crude extract of the plant provoked 24% and 44% antidiabetic action at 25 and 50 mg/kg OP, respectively, after the 24th day of treatment, which was strongly supported by a positive effect on the body weight of animals. On fractionation, pretreatment of the ethyl acetate fraction demonstrated most dominant (25.17% and 34.83%) antidiabetic activity followed by n-hexane (19.33% and 32.76%) and aqueous fractions (16.44% and 22.36%) at 25 and 50 mg/kg OP, respectively, after the 24th day of treatment. The corresponding effect on blood glucose was also observed on body weight of diabetic rabbits. In sum, extract/fractions of the plant showed marked antidiabetic action and thus a provided scientific foundation to the use of the plant as an antidiabetic.
Lower Back Symptoms in Adolescent Soccer Players
Authors: Shah Talib , Cloke David J. , Rushton Steven , Shirley Mark D.F. , Deehan David J.
Published: April 2014

Background:

There are little published data on factors relating to low back pain in the younger athletic population.

Hypothesis:

Independent predictors of recovery and return to participation in sports could be determined by event analysis, which investigates the impacts of covariates, including age, position, and injury type, on the risk of delayed recovery after injury.

Study Design:

Descriptive epidemiology study.

Methods:

This study examined 41 English Premiership soccer academy squads consisting of 12,306 player seasons for the incidence of lower back injury, injury severity, and investigated time to recovery in relation to potential risk factors. Injury risk was assessed for different times in a match and season, mechanism of injury, player position, player age, and competitive compared with noncompetitive play.

Results:

A total of 310 (3.0% of all injuries sustained in the population) lumbar spine injuries were recorded. Overall, 10,265 training days (median, 14 days; interquartile range, 8-30 days) were lost. The risk of injury increased as the first half progressed and was maintained throughout the second half with a contact mechanism and with increasing age. Neither competitive play compared with noncompetitive play nor player position had an effect on injury incidence. Prognostic factors for poor recovery were bony injuries and increasing age.

Conclusion:

These findings indicate that prolonged absence from training after a back injury is seen, especially in bony injuries and in older adolescents. It is suggested that there should be a low threshold for investigation of adolescent patients with back pain in the hope of early appropriate management of more severe diagnoses.
Ophthalmic Ultrasonography
Authors: Brunell Kristin S.
Published: April 2014

Ophthalmic sonography has been practiced for more than 50 years, but it is not an area of sonography that is familiar to many physicians and sonographers. However, it can be very helpful as a means to noninvasively evaluate for specific anomalies and also assist in cases of trauma. This article has been written to describe ocular sonography and its clinical capabilities in a wide variety of settings, from an individual physician office to a busy emergency department.
Evaluation of the Association between Compensated Hepatitis C Infectivity and Endothelial Dysfunction, Using Flow-Mediated Vasodilatation of the Brachial Artery
Authors: Mathur Jagrati , Guthrie Joy D. , Javed Usman , Sheikh Muhammad Y.
Published: April 2014

Background and Aim:

We prospectively investigated, using sonographic methods, whether hepatitis C infection in compensated patients is related to endothelial dysfunction of the brachial artery, a potential indicator of subclinical atherosclerosis.

Methods:

Brachial artery flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) was used as a noninvasive test to measure the endothelial function of the brachial artery among the cases and the controls. The peak systolic velocity (PSV) and the resistive index (RI) were also measured. Multivariate statistics were used to compare the FMD, PSV, and RI in 28 cases (diagnosed with hepatitis C) and 14 healthy controls, all of whom were without cardiovascular risk factors or a history of cardiovascular disease.

Results:

Flow-mediated dilatation (baseline to 1 minute post-cuff inflation) was positively correlated with the patient’s body mass index (BMI) (Pearson’s r = .309, P = .025). When the BMI was accounted for using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), there was no evidence for a significant difference between the mean FMD of the cases versus the controls ( F = 0.11, P = .598). The mean FMD was 6.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.1%-10.2%) among the cases and 7.3% (95% CI, 1.1%-13.6%) among the controls. Peak systolic velocity and RI (baseline to 3 minutes post-cuff inflation) were not positively correlated with BMI. The mean PSV was 0.57 m/s (95% CI, 0.51-0.66) for the cases and 0.64 m/s (95% CI, 0.56-0.72) for the controls; repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated no significant difference ( F = 1.65, P = .208). Similarly, the mean RI was 0.87 (95% CI, 0.85-0.89) among the cases and 0.64 (95% CI, 0.82-0.88) among the controls, with no significant difference ( P = .772).

Conclusion:

Our results show that hepatitis C positivity in compensated patients, in the absence of cardiovascular risk factors, does not appear to be independently associated with endothelial dysfunction when objectively analyzed by brachial artery flow-mediated vasodilatation.
Exhaled breath metabolomics as a noninvasive diagnostic tool for acute respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Bos Lieuwe D.J. , Weda Hans , Wang Yuanyue , Knobel Hugo H. , Nijsen Tamara M.E. , Vink Teunis J. , Zwinderman Aeilko H. , Sterk Peter J. , Schultz Marcus J.
Published: April 2014

There is a need for biological markers of the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Exhaled breath contains hundreds of metabolites in the gas phase, some of which reflect (patho)physiological processes. We aimed to determine the diagnostic accuracy of metabolites in exhaled breath as biomarkers of ARDS.

Breath from ventilated intensive care unit patients (n=101) was analysed using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry during the first day of admission. ARDS was defined by the Berlin definition. Training and temporal validation cohorts were used.

23 patients in the training cohort (n=53) had ARDS. Three breath metabolites, octane, acetaldehyde and 3-methylheptane, could discriminate between ARDS and controls with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.80. Temporal external validation (19 ARDS cases in a cohort of 48) resulted in an AUC of 0.78. Discrimination was insensitive to adjustment for severity of disease, a direct or indirect cause of ARDS, comorbidities, or ventilator settings. Combination with the lung injury prediction score increased the AUC to 0.91 and improved net reclassification by 1.17.

Exhaled breath analysis showed good diagnostic accuracy for ARDS, which was externally validated. These data suggest that exhaled breath analysis could be used for the diagnostic assessment of ARDS.
Benzodiazepine drug use and adverse respiratory outcomes among older adults with COPD
Authors: Vozoris Nicholas T. , Fischer Hadas D. , Wang Xuesong , Stephenson Anne L. , Gershon Andrea S. , Gruneir Andrea , Austin Peter C. , Anderson Geoffrey M. , Bell Chaim M. , Gill Sudeep S. , Rochon Paula A.
Published: April 2014

Our purpose was to evaluate the association of new benzodiazepine use relative to non-use with adverse clinical respiratory outcomes among older adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

This was a retrospective population-based cohort study of Ontario, Canada, residents between 2003 and 2010. A validated algorithm was applied to health administrative data to identify adults aged 66 years and older with COPD. Relative risks (RRs) of several clinically important respiratory outcomes were examined within 30 days of incident benzodiazepine use compared with non-use, applying propensity score matching.

New benzodiazepine users were at significantly higher risk for outpatient respiratory exacerbations (RR 1.45, 95% CI 1.36–1.54) and emergency room visits for COPD or pneumonia (RR 1.92, 95% CI 1.69–2.18) compared to non-users. Risk of hospitalisation for COPD or pneumonia was also increased in benzodiazepine users, but was nonsignificant (RR 1.09, 95% CI 1.00–1.20). There were no significant differences in intensive care unit admissions between the two groups and all-cause mortality was slightly lower among newversusnon-users.

Benzodiazepines were associated with increased risk for several serious adverse respiratory outcomes among older adults with COPD. The findings suggest that decisions to use benzodiazepines in older patients with COPD need to consider potential adverse respiratory outcomes.
MicroRNA clusters: dysregulation in lung adenocarcinoma and COPD
Authors: Molina-Pinelo Sonia , Pastor M. Dolores , Suarez Rocío , Romero-Romero Beatriz , González De la Peña Miriam , Salinas Ana , García-Carbonero Rocío , De Miguel María José , Rodríguez-Panadero Francisco , Carnero Amancio , Paz-Ares Luis
Published: April 2014

Lung adenocarcinoma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are pulmonary diseases that share common aetiological factors (tobacco smoking) and probable dysregulated pathways. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play an essential role in regulating numerous physiological and pathological processes. The purpose of this study was to assess global miRNA expression patterns in patients with COPD and/or adenocarcinoma to elucidate distinct regulatory networks involved in the pathogenesis of these two smoking-related diseases.

Expression of 381 miRNAs was quantified by TaqMan Human MicroRNA A Array v2.0 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid samples from 87 patients classified into four groups: COPD, adenocarcinoma, adenocarcinoma with COPD, and control (neither COPD nor adenocarcinoma). 11 differentially expressed miRNAs were randomly selected for validation in an independent cohort of 40 patients.

Distinct miRNA expression profiles were identified and validated for each pathological group, involving 66 differentially expressed miRNAs. Four miRNA clusters (the mir-17-92 cluster and its paralogues, mir-106a-363 and mir-106b-25; and the miR-192-194 cluster) were upregulated in patients with adenocarcinoma and one miRNA cluster (miR-132-212) was upregulated in patients with COPD.

These results contribute to unravelling miRNA-controlled networks involved in the pathogenesis of adenocarcinoma and COPD, and provide new tools of potential use as biomarkers for diagnosis and/or therapeutic purposes.
The identification of tuberculosis biomarkers in human urine samples
Authors: Young Brandy L. , Mlamla Zandile , Gqamana Putuma P. , Smit Salome , Roberts Teri , Peter Jonathan , Theron Grant , Govender Ureshnie , Dheda Keertan , Blackburn Jonathan
Published: April 2014

We aimed to determine whether shotgun proteomic approaches could be used to identify tuberculosis (TB)-specific biomarkers in the urine of well-characterised patients with active TBversusno TB.

Patients with suspected TB (n=63) were classified as: definite TB (Mycobacterium tuberculosispositive culture, n=21); presumed latent-TB infection (LTBI) (M. tuberculosisnegative culture, no radiological features of active TB, a positive QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube (QFT-IT) test and a positive T-SPOT.TB test, n=24); and presumed non-TB/non-LTBI (M. tuberculosisnegative culture, no radiological features of active TB, a negative QFT-IT test and a negative T-SPOT.TB test, n=18). Urine proteins, in the range of 3–50 kDa, were collected, separated by a one-dimensional SDS-PAGE gel and digested using trypsin, after which high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was used to identify the urinary proteome.

10 mycobacterial proteins were observed exclusively in the urine of definite TB patients, while six mycobacterial proteins were found exclusively in the urine of presumed LTBI patients. In addition, a gene ontology enrichment analysis identified a panel of 20 human proteins that were significant discriminators (p<0.05) for TB disease compared to no TB disease. Furthermore, seven common human proteins were differentially over- or under-expressed in the TBversusthe non-TB group.

These biomarkers hold promise for the development of new point-of-care diagnostics for TB.
SFTA3, a novel protein of the lung: three-dimensional structure, characterisation and immune activation
Authors: Schicht Martin , Rausch Felix , Finotto Susetta , Mathews Martina , Mattil Anja , Schubert Melanie , Koch Beate , Traxdorf Maximilian , Bohr Christopher , Worlitzsch Dieter , Brandt Wolfgang , Garreis Fabian , Sel Saadettin , Paulsen Friedrich , Bräuer Lars
Published: April 2014

The lung constantly interacts with numerous pathogens. Thus, complex local immune defence mechanisms are essential to recognise and dispose of these intruders. This work describes the detection, characterisation and three-dimensional structure of a novel protein of the lung (surfactant-associated protein 3 (SFTA3/SP-H)) with putative immunological features.

Bioinformatics, biochemical and immunological methods were combined to elucidate the structure and function of SFTA3. The tissue-specific detection and characterisation was performed by using electron microscopy as well as fluorescence imaging.

Three-dimensional structure generation and analysis led to the development of specific antibodies and, as a consequence, to the localisation of a novel protein in human lung under consideration of cystic fibrosis, asthma and sepsis.In vitroexperiments revealed that lipopolysaccharide induces expression of SFTA3 in the human lung alveolar type II cell line A549. By contrast, the inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-23 inhibit expression of SFTA3 in A549. Sequence- and structure-based prediction analysis indicated that the novel protein is likely to belong to the family of lung surfactant proteins.

The results suggest that SFTA3 is an immunoregulatory protein of the lung with relevant protective functions during inflammation at the mucosal sites.
Quantitative imaging of airway liquid absorption in cystic fibrosis
Authors: Locke Landon W. , Myerburg Michael M. , Markovetz Matthew R. , Parker Robert S. , Weber Lawrence , Czachowski Michael R. , Harding Thomas J. , Brown Stefanie L. , Nero Joseph A. , Pilewski Joseph M. , Corcoran Timothy E.
Published: April 2014

New measures are needed to rapidly assess emerging treatments for cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease. Using an imaging approach, we evaluated the absorptive clearance of the radiolabeled small molecule probe diethylene triamine penta-acetic acid (DTPA) as anin vivoindicator of changes in airway liquid absorption.

DTPA absorption and mucociliary clearance rates were measured in 21 patients with CF (12 adults and nine children) and nine adult controls using nuclear imaging. The effect of hypertonic saline on DTPA absorption was also studied. In addition,in vitrostudies were conducted to identify the determinants of transepithelial DTPA absorption.

CF patients had significantly increased rates of DTPA absorption compared with control subjects but had similar mucociliary clearance rates. Treatment with hypertonic saline resulted in a decrease in DTPA absorption and an increase in mucociliary clearance in 11 out of 11 adult CF patients compared with treatment with isotonic saline.In vitrostudies revealed that ∼50% of DTPA absorption can be attributed to transepithelial fluid transport. Apically applied mucus impedes liquid and DTPA absorption. However, mucus effects become negligible in the presence of an osmotic stimulus.

Functional imaging of DTPA absorption provides a quantifiable marker of immediate response to treatments that promote airway surface liquid hydration.
RNA sequencing-mediated transcriptome analysis of rice plants in endoplasmic reticulum stress conditions
Authors: Wakasa Yuhya , Oono Youko , Yazawa Takayuki , Hayashi Shimpei , Ozawa Kenjirou , Handa Hirokazu , Matsumoto Takashi , Takaiwa Fumio
Published: April 2014

Background

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response is widely known to function in eukaryotes to maintain the homeostasis of the ER when unfolded or misfolded proteins are overloaded in the ER. To understand the molecular mechanisms of the ER stress response in rice (Oryza sativa L.), we previously analyzed the expression profile of stably transformed rice in which an ER stress sensor/transducer OsIRE1 was knocked-down, using the combination of preliminary microarray and quantitative RT-PCR. In this study, to obtain more detailed expression profiles of genes involved in the initial stages of the ER stress response in rice, we performed RNA sequencing of wild-type and transgenic rice plants produced by homologous recombination in which endogenous genomic OsIRE1 was replaced by missense alleles defective in ribonuclease activity.

Results

At least 38,076 transcripts were investigated by RNA sequencing, 380 of which responded to ER stress at a statistically significant level (195 were upregulated and 185 were downregulated). Furthermore, we successfully identified 17 genes from the set of 380 ER stress-responsive genes that were not included in the probe set of the currently available microarray chip in rice. Notably, three of these 17 genes were non-annotated genes, even in the latest version of the Rice Annotation Project Data Base (RAP-DB, version IRGSP-1.0).

Conclusions

Therefore, RNA sequencing-mediated expression profiling provided valuable information about the ER stress response in rice plants and led to the discovery of new genes related to ER stress.
Mammotome-assisted endoscopic breast-conserving surgery: a novel technique for early-stage breast cancer
Authors: Xu Yan , Ming Jia , Zhou Yan , Qi Xiaowei , Fan Linjun , Jiang Jun
Published: April 2014

Background

Because of its minimally invasive and highly accurate nature, the use of Mammotome, a vacuum-assisted breast biopsy device has proven beneficial to the treatment of benign breast lesions. Taking advantage of endoscopic and Mammotome techniques together, we utilized the Mammotome device for therapeutic excision of malignant lesions in breast-conserving surgery (BCS).

Methods

Between December 2009 and January 2010, two patients with early breast cancer received Mammotome-assisted endoscopic BCSs. Under ultrasound monitoring, the Mammotome system dissected the surrounding tissue and freed the tumor en bloc leaving negative margins; endoscopic axillary lymph node dissection then followed.

Results

The operation time was less than 180 minutes and the mean blood loss was 60 ml. The post-operative pathology report confirmed two patients to have invasive ductal carcinoma, one without axillary lymph nodes metastasis (0/11) and the other with one lymph node metastasis (1/21). No adverse events were noted. During a mean follow-up of 26.5 months, no evidence of recurrence or metastasis was found. The patients were satisfied with the cosmetic results.

Conclusions

Mammotome-assisted endoscopic surgery appears to be a valuable option for early breast cancer. The long-term therapeutic effect remains to be confirmed.
IL-17+Foxp3+ T cells: an intermediate differentiation stage between Th17 cells and regulatory T cells
Authors: Du Ruijuan , Zhao Hua , Yan Fan , Li Hui
Published: April 2014

Foxp3+ Tregs have been known as a major regulator of immune homeostasis through their immunosuppressive function. Th17 lineage is a CD4+ T cell subset that exerts its function by secreting proinflammatory cytokines and protecting host against microbial infections. The altered ratio between Foxp3+ Tregs and Th17 cells plays an important role in the pathogenesis of immune-related diseases. Recent mice and human studies have demonstrated that Tregs can be reprogrammed into a novel population, IL-17+Foxp3+ T cells, phenotypically and functionally resembling Th17 cells under the complicated cytokine stimulation. The identification of IL-17+Foxp3+ T cells may provide a new understanding of therapy targeting Tregs and Th17 cells in autoimmune diseases and cancer. Here, we highlight significant data regarding the phenotype profile, origination, differentiation, and the pleiotropic functions of IL-17+Foxp3+ T cells and the reciprocal relationships of these cells to Tregs and Th17 cells. Furthermore, the role of IL-17+Foxp3+ T cells in tumorigenesis and clinical implications in cancer therapy are discussed in this review.
Gold Nanoparticle Satellite Nanostructures on a Glass Substrate for Dual-responsive Optical Sensing of Organic Liquids
Authors: Tanaka Yuya , Matsumoto Ai , Tsuruoka Takaaki , Nawafune Hidemi , Akamatsu Kensuke
Published: April 2014

Core–satellite nanostructures made of gold nanoparticles were fabricated on glass substrates by controlled immobilization of the nanoparticles and VUV irradiation. Coupled SPR absorption between core and satellite nanoparticles was observed, depending on the length of the dithiol linkers. These satellite nanostructures provide an improved selectivity for distinguishing various liquids using single and coupled SPR absorption in a dual-responsive manner.
Influences of Acrylonitrile (AN) Content in Styrene–Acrylonitrile (SAN) Copolymer on the Mechanical Property, Thermo-deformation Resistance, and Morphology of PVC–ASA–DOP Blends
Authors: Ren Liang , Li Yu , Zhang Mingyao , Han Ye , Zhang Huixuan
Published: April 2014

In this work, PVC–ASA–DOP blends were prepared by melt blending ASA (acrylate–styrene–acrylonitrile) graft copolymer, poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) resin with dioctyl phthalate (DOP). The effects of AN content on the property of the blends were investigated. The results showed that the mechanical property depended on AN content in the SAN copolymer, and PVC was immiscible with the SAN copolymer over the entire AN composition range. Thermo-deformation resistance was dependent on Tg and the storage modulus. From SEM, it was found that the morphology was consistent with the property.
Molecular Muscles: From Species in Solution to Materials and Devices
Authors: Niess Frédéric , Duplan Vincent , Sauvage Jean-Pierre
Published: April 2014

The field of “molecular machines” based on interlocking ring compounds started about twenty years ago with the deliberate synthesis of molecules or molecular assemblies which could be set in motion using various types of signals (mostly photonic, electrochemical, or chemical). The complexity of the systems gradually increased and, twelve years ago, rotaxane dimers whose length could be controlled were proposed. At that time, they were among the most sophisticated machines. In the present review article, we present a survey of the most significant systems published since the beginning of nanosize molecular muscles. The doubly threaded nature of rotaxane dimers consisting of two “ring-and-string” fragments with the ring of one fragment being threaded by the thread of the other fragment, and vice versa, is certainly very well adapted to contraction and elongation motions. The various muscle-like species discussed are based on significantly different principles: coordination chemistry, the transition metals used playing a central role, hydrophobic forces combined with photoisomerization processes or solvent effects when the threaded rings were cyclodextrins, hydrogen bonding and acceptor–donor interactions, the movement being driven by a pH change in this latter case. Particularly promising extensions of the field have been reported in recent years. In a very significant example, contraction and extension of surface-bound “molecular muscles” was shown to induce the bending of a beam that is five orders of magnitude larger in size than the molecular species itself. In the most recent contribution, preparation of a polymer from an elemental nanosize molecular muscle was achieved, leading to a long molecular fragment able to undergo contraction and elongation under well-controlled conditions. The corresponding material, formed by the association of thousands of molecular muscles, was shown to behave as a contractile and extensible system at the macroscopic level.
Structural dynamics of a single-stranded RNA–helix junction using NMR
Authors: Eichhorn Catherine D. , Al-Hashimi Hashim M.
Published: April 2014

Many regulatory RNAs contain long single strands (ssRNA) that adjoin secondary structural elements. Here, we use NMR spectroscopy to study the dynamic properties of a 12-nucleotide (nt) ssRNA tail derived from the prequeuosine riboswitch linked to the 3′ end of a 48-nt hairpin. Analysis of chemical shifts, NOE connectivity, 13C spin relaxation, and residual dipolar coupling data suggests that the first two residues (A25 and U26) in the ssRNA tail stack onto the adjacent helix and assume an ordered conformation. The following U26-A27 step marks the beginning of an A6-tract and forms an acute pivot point for substantial motions within the tail, which increase toward the terminal end. Despite substantial internal motions, the ssRNA tail adopts, on average, an A-form helical conformation that is coaxial with the helix. Our results reveal a surprising degree of structural and dynamic complexity at the ssRNA–helix junction, which involves a fine balance between order and disorder that may facilitate efficient pseudoknot formation on ligand recognition.
Properties of the Multiclass Traffic Network Equilibria Under a Tradable Credit Scheme
Authors: Zhu Dao-Li , Yang Hai , Li Chang-Min , Wang Xiao-Lei
Published: April 2014

The multiclass network equilibrium problem is investigated under a tradable credit scheme. The social planner initially distributes a certain number of credits to all eligible travelers, charges a link-specific number of credits from travelers using that link, and allows for free trading of the credits among travelers. Travelers are assumed to be heterogeneous with a continuously distributed value of time (VOT). For a given tradable credit scheme and VOT distribution, the combined user equilibrium and credit market equilibrium problem is formulated into an infinite-dimensional variational inequality system, and the conditions for the uniqueness of the network flow pattern and the credit price at equilibrium are established. Manageable credit schemes that can decentralize a given target network flow pattern (e.g., the system optimum one) into a user equilibrium link flow pattern is proposed. With a numerical example, it is shown that an appropriate credit distribution rule may make every traveler better off. The stability of a desirable tradable credit scheme is also established, based on rigorous sensitivity analysis.