bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Site‐specific dynamics in remnant populations of Northern Wheatears Oenanthe oenanthe in the Netherlands
Authors: van Oosten H. Herman , Van Turnhout Chris , Hallmann Caspar A. , Majoor Frank , Roodbergen Maja , Schekkerman Hans , Versluijs Remco , Waasdorp Stef , Siepel Henk
Published: September 2014

Dynamics of populations may be synchronized at large spatial scales, indicating driving forces acting beyond local scales, but may also vary locally as a result of site‐specific conditions. Conservation measures for fragmented and declining populations may need to address such local effects to avoid local extinction before measures at large spatial scales become effective. To assess differences in local population dynamics, we aimed to determine the demographic drivers controlling population trends in three remaining populations of the Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe in the Netherlands, as a basis for conservation actions. An integrated population model (IPM) was fitted to field data collected in each site in 2007–2011 to estimate fecundity, survival and immigration. Sites were 40–120 km apart, yet first‐year recruits were observed to move between some of the sites, albeit rarely. All three populations were equally sensitive to changes in fecundity and first‐year survival. One population was less sensitive to adult survival but more sensitive to immigration. A life table response experiment suggested that differences in immigration were important determinants of differences in population growth between sites. Given the importance of immigration for local dynamics along with high philopatry, resulting in low exchange between sites, creating a metapopulation structure by improving connectivity and the protection of local populations are important for the conservation of these populations. Site‐specific conservation actions will therefore be efficient and, for the short term, we propose different site‐specific conservation actions.
Cooling Rate Effects on the Microstructure, Magnetic Properties, and DC Superposition Behavior of NiCuZn Ferrites
Authors: Hsiang Hsing‐I , Wu Jhao‐Ling
Published: September 2014

This study investigated the cooling rate effects on the magnetic properties of NiCuZn ferrites. A copper‐rich phase segregated near the grain boundaries during sintering was observed. The amount of copper‐rich precipitates depends strongly on the cooling rate and decreases with decreasing cooling rate. The quenched sample exhibited superior initial permeability and DC‐bias‐superposition characteristics due to the highest saturation magnetization and a thick nonmagnetic second phase segregated at the grain boundaries. A NiCuZn ferrite with superior initial permeability and DC superposition characteristics can be obtained by controlling the cooling rate to adjust the copper‐rich precipitate thickness at the grain boundaries.
Hypoxic culture conditions enhance the generation of regulatory T cells
Authors: Neildez‐Nguyen Thi My Anh , Bigot Jérémy , Da Rocha Sylvie , Corre Guillaume , Boisgerault Florence , Paldi Andràs , Galy Anne
Published: September 2014

The generation of large amounts of induced CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3+ regulatory T (iTreg) cells is of great interest for several immunotherapy applications, therefore a better understanding of signals controlling iTreg cell differentiation and expansion is required. There is evidence that oxidative metabolism may regulate several key signalling pathways in T cells. This prompted us to investigate the effects of oxygenation on iTreg cell generation by comparing the effects of atmospheric (21%) or of low (5%) O2 concentrations on the phenotype of bead‐stimulated murine splenic CD4+ T cells from Foxp3‐KI‐GFP T‐cell receptor transgenic mice. The production of intracellular reactive oxygen species was shown to play a major role in the generation of iTreg cells, a process characterized by increased levels of Sirt1, PTEN and Glut1 on the committed cells, independently of the level of oxygenation. The suppressive function of iTreg cells generated either in atmospheric or low oxygen levels was equivalent. However, greater yields of iTreg cells were obtained under low oxygenation, resulting from a higher proliferative rate of the committed Treg cells and higher levels of Foxp3, suggesting a better stability of the differentiation process. Higher expression of Glut1 detected on iTreg cells generated under hypoxic culture conditions provides a likely explanation for the enhanced proliferation of these cells as compared to those cultured under ambient oxygen. Such results have important implications for understanding Treg cell homeostasis and developing in vitro protocols for the generation of Treg cells from naive T lymphocytes.
The enhanced healing of a high‐risk, clean, sutured surgical incision by prophylactic negative pressure wound therapy as delivered by Prevena™ Customizable™: cosmetic and therapeutic results
Authors: Scalise Alessandro , Tartaglione Caterina , Bolletta Elisa , Calamita Roberto , Nicoletti Giovanni , Pierangeli Marina , Grassetti Luca , Di Benedetto Giovanni
Published: September 2014

According to the literature, incisional closure complications may range from postoperative surgical site infections, representing 17–22% of health care‐associated infections, surgical wound dehiscence and formation of haematomas or seromas, and can lead to delayed or impaired incision healing. These kinds of situations are more common when wounds are closed under tension or in specific patient morbidities. Obesity, in particular, is associated with an impaired blood flow to tissues, predisposing the patient to increased risk of wound complications by various mechanisms. Incisional complications can become relevant economic burdens for health care systems because of an increase in the average length of hospital stay and readmissions, and additional medical and surgical procedures. Thus, a preventive therapy may have a critical role in the management of healing. Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) technology as delivered by Prevena™ Customizable™ (Kinetic Concepts Inc., San Antonio, TX) has recently been the focus of a new investigation, as a prophylactic measure to prevent complications via immediate postoperative application in high‐risk, clean, closed surgical incisions. The authors present a 62‐year‐old class II obese female, who underwent bilateral inguinal dermolipectomy. Prophylactic NPWT as delivered by Prevena™ was performed successfully over surgical incisions. Cosmetic and therapeutic results are shown.
Long‐term follow‐up of negative pressure wound therapy with instillation: a limb salvage procedure?
Authors: Bollero Daniele , Degano Kiran , Gangemi Ezio N , Aloj Domenico , Malvasio Valeria , Stella Maurizio
Published: September 2014

Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is a treatment to reduce oedema, stimulate granulation tissue formation, remove wound exudate and diminish wound area, thus preparing it for secondary healing, skin grafting or coverage with flaps. The association of instillation to NPWT (NPWTi) is a new method for treating severe wounds, in particular, limb lesions at high risk for amputation. This therapy helps to deliver instillation fluid automatically into the contaminated wound, before application of negative pressure. These steps, repeated cyclically, help to remove infectious material, leading to a better moist environment, a necessary condition for wound healing. We report our experience of treating three patients with complex wounds and associated noble structure exposition conservatively with NPWTi and flap coverage. In a long‐term follow‐up (5 years), we were able to achieve a stable surgery reconstruction on preserved limbs, without evidence of chronic infection and other sequelae or complications. Despite the fact that our experience is limited , as it is based on only a few cases, it suggests how NPWTi could be considered useful in a conservative approach to the treatment of acute complex wounds of the lower extremities. In these patients with high risk of amputation, a long‐term follow‐up becomes fundamental in order to evaluate wound bed status after NPTWi.
Flies who cannot take the heat: genome‐wide gene expression analysis of temperature‐sensitive lethality in an inbred line of Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Vermeulen C. J. , Sørensen P. , Gagalova K. K. , Loeschcke V.
Published: September 2014

Fitness decreases associated with inbreeding depression often become more pronounced in a stressful environment. The functional genomic causes of these inbreeding‐by‐environment (I × E) interactions, and of inbreeding depression in general, are poorly known. To further our understanding of I × E interactions, we performed a genome‐wide gene expression study of a single inbred line that suffers from temperature‐sensitive lethality. We confirmed that increased differential expression between the thermosensitive line and the control line occurs at the restrictive temperature. This demonstrates that I × E interactions in survival are reflected in similar I × E interactions at the gene expression level. To make an impression of the cellular response associated with the lethal effect, we analysed all functional annotation terms that were overrepresented among the differentially expressed genes. Some sets of differentially expressed genes function in the general stress response, and these are more likely to also be differentially expressed in other studies of inbreeding, inbreeding depression, immunity and heat stress. Other sets of differentially expressed genes are shared with studies of gene expression in inbred lines, but not studies of the response to extrinsic stress, and represent a general transcriptomic signature of inbreeding. Finally, some sets of genes have an annotation that is not reported in other studies. These we consider to be candidates for the genes harbouring the mutations responsible for the thermosensitive phenotype, as these mutations are expected to be unique to this line. These genes may also serve as candidate QTL in studies of thermal tolerance and heat resistance.
Developing major histocompatibility markers in a species of concern: the Sacramento perch Archoplites interruptus
Authors: Lavretsky P. , Schwartz R. S. , Baerwald M. R. , May B.
Published: September 2014

Primers targeting two non‐neutral major histocompatibility complex (mhc) II β genes were developed and assayed across several disjoint Sacramento perch Archoplites interruptus sampling locations. Variability at the two mhc loci among sampling stocks strongly correlated to previous estimates with neutral markers, suggesting that the effect of genetic drift was not limited to neutrally evolving regions of the genome. The novel mhc primers will help develop admixture schemes in A. interruptus captive breeding programmes and will increase the success of future reintroductions of this species of concern.
Absolute lymphocyte count recovery at 1 month after transplantation predicts favorable outcomes of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Zheng Zhiyun , Lin Bingyi , Zhang Jing , Yang Zhe , Xie Haiyang , Zhou Lin , Zhang Min , Zheng Shusen
Published: September 2014

Background and Aims

Absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) and the recovery of ALC after treatment have been identified as a prognostic biomarker for several malignancies. In this study, we aimed to investigate the prognostic role of peritransplant ALC and ALC recovery after liver transplantation (LT) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients.

Methods

A total of 269 HCC patients undergoing LT were enrolled in our study. Clinicopathological data were retrospectively collected and reviewed. Peritransplant ALC and the change of ALC (2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months post‐LT) were carefully monitored. All potential risk factors were analyzed by univariate and multivariate cox regression analysis.

Results

Over a mean follow‐up of 35.9 months, 120 recurrences and 89 deaths were recorded. In the multivariate analysis, HCC with ALC no recovery at 1 month after LT (P < 0.001), high pretransplant alpha fetoprotein (P = 0.010), total tumor size > 8 cm (P = 0.003), and beyond Milan criteria (P < 0.001) were four independent risk factors for HCC recurrence. For overall survival (OS) after LT, ALC no recovery at 1 month after LT (P = 0.003), total tumor size > 8 cm (P = 0.011), pretransplant albumin < 2.8 g/dL (P = 0.049), model of end‐stage liver disease score > 15 (P = 0.017), and beyond Milan criteria (P = 0.001) were significantly related to poor OS. When subgroup analyses were performed according to the Milan criteria, the results showed that the recovery of ALC at 1 month after LT still indicated longer recurrence‐free survival (RFS) (P < 0.001) and OS (P = 0.005) beyond Milan criteria as well as RFS (P < 0.001) within Milan criteria, but not OS (P = 0.157) within Milan criteria.

Conclusions

ALC recovery at 1 month after LT indicated favorable outcomes of HCC patients.
Ubiquitin D is an independent prognostic marker for survival in stage IIB–IIC colon cancer patients treated with 5‐fluoruracil‐based adjuvant chemotherapy
Authors: Zhao Senlin , Jiang Tao , Tang Huamei , Cui Feifei , Liu Chenchen , Guo Feng , Lu Huijun , Xue Yingming , Jiang Weiliang , Peng Zhihai , Yan Dongwang
Published: September 2014

Background

Postoperative 5‐fluoruracil (5‐FU)‐based adjuvant chemotherapy is recommended for stage II colon cancer patients with high conventional risk factors; however, some of these patients still experience tumor recurrence. Identifying novel biomarkers to distinguish the risk of tumor recurrence after surgery is vital for improving their prognoses. We previously showed that ubiquitin D (UBD) can predict the prognosis of colon cancer; however, there are limited data on whether UBD is an independent prognostic factor for stage II patients treated with 5‐FU‐based adjuvant chemotherapy.

Methods

Quantitative real‐time PCR and Western blot analyses were used to examine UBD expression in randomly selected stage II patients' tumor tissues. UBD expression and p65 distribution were assessed using immunohistochemistry in paraffin‐embedded specimens from the 101 tumor recurrence patients and 178 nonrelapse patients who received postoperative 5‐FU‐based adjuvant chemotherapy.

Results

UBD expression, both at transcriptional and posttranscriptional levels, was higher in relapse tumors (P < 0.001). Immunohistochemistry staining of UBD and p65 showed significant differences between the two groups (P < 0.001). Patients with tumor tissues that UBD‐positive expression alone or in combination with p65 nuclei translocation recurred early had a significantly shorter survival time (P < 0.001), especially in stage IIB‐IIC patients. UBD‐positive expression accompanied with p65 nuclei translocation was a significant independent predictive high risk factor for overall survival (HR 8.76; 95% CI, 5.35–14.27; P = 0.004) and disease‐free survival (HR 5.70; 95% CI, 1.43–11.55; P = 0.016).

Conclusion

UBD may help to identify recurrent risk in stage IIB‐IIC colon cancer patients and further predict which patients benefit from postoperative 5‐FU‐based adjuvant chemotherapy.
Cystic fibrosis: An update for clinicians. Part 2: Hepatobiliary and pancreatic manifestations
Authors: Ledder Oren , Haller Wolfram , Couper Richard TL , Lewindon Peter , Oliver Mark
Published: September 2014

This paper, the second in the series, will build on the first and explore the importance of liver and pancreatic manifestations of cystic fibrosis (CF) and the effect on morbidity and mortality of this multifaceted genetic condition. It will also further develop the critical role of the gastroenterologist as part of the multidisciplinary group of clinicians and allied health staff in the effective management of patients withCF.
The modest alcohol consumption reduces the incidence of fatty liver in men: a population‐based large‐scale cohort study
Authors: Hashimoto Yoshitaka , Hamaguchi Masahide , Kojima Takao , Ohshima Yasuhiro , Ohbora Akihiro , Kato Takahiro , Nakamura Naoto , Fukui Michiaki
Published: September 2014

Background and Aim

Recent cross‐sectional studies have been reported the possibility that light to moderate alcohol consumption might be negatively associated with fatty liver. However, there has been no large‐scale longitudinal study addressing an impact of alcohol consumption on a development of fatty liver diagnosed by ultrasonography. Thus, we investigated the impact of alcohol consumption on a natural history of fatty liver.

Methods

We analyzed 5437 apparently healthy Japanese who received the health checkup programs repeatedly over 10 years. In this study, we used a standardized questionnaire for addressing the medical history and lifestyle and used a standardized ultrasonographic diagnosis for fatty liver. The total amount of alcohol consumed per week was calculated and classified into four grades; none or minimal, light, moderate, or heavy alcohol consumption (< 40, 40–140, 140–280 or > 280 g/week, respectively). The hazard risks of alcohol consumption for the development of fatty liver were calculated by Cox hazard model after adjusting age, BMI, and parameters for lifestyle.

Results

During 10 years of follow‐up, fatty liver was continuously diagnosed just in 10% of men and 20% of women with fatty liver at the baseline. In men, the adjusted hazard risks of light and moderate alcohol consumption for the development of fatty liver were 0.72 (95% confidence interval 0.60–0.86, P < 0.001) and 0.69 (0.57–0.84, P < 0.001), respectively. However, they were not significant in women.

Conclusions

The newly onset of fatty liver was significantly repressed in apparently healthy men who consume light to moderate alcohol.
Normal perception of Mooney faces in developmental prosopagnosia: Evidence from the N170 component and rapid neural adaptation
Authors: Towler John , Gosling Angela , Duchaine Bradley , Eimer Martin
Published: September 2014

Individuals with developmental prosopagnosia (DP) have a severe difficulty recognizing the faces of known individuals in the absence of any history of neurological damage. These recognition problems may be linked to selective deficits in the holistic/configural processing of faces. We used two‐tone Mooney images to study the processing of faces versus non‐face objects in DP when it is based on holistic information (or the facial gestalt) in the absence of obvious local cues about facial features. A rapid adaptation procedure was employed for a group of 16 DPs. Naturalistic photographs of upright faces were preceded by upright or inverted Mooney faces or by Mooney houses. DPs showed face‐sensitive N170 components in response to Mooney faces versus houses, and N170 amplitude reductions for inverted as compared to upright Mooney faces. They also showed the typical pattern of N170 adaptation effects, with reduced N170 components when upright naturalistic test faces were preceded by upright Mooney faces, demonstrating that the perception of Mooney and naturalistic faces recruits shared neural populations. Our findings demonstrate that individuals with DP can utilize global information about face configurations for categorical discriminations between faces and non‐face objects, and suggest that face processing deficits emerge primarily at more fine‐grained higher level stages of face perception.
Evaluation of two observational pain assessment scales during the anaesthesia recovery period in Chinese surgical older adults
Authors: Guo Li‐Li , Li Li , Liu Yao‐Wei , Herr Keela
Published: September 2014

Aims and objectives

To evaluate the reliability and validity of the Pain Assessment in Advanced Dementia scale and the Checklist of Nonverbal Pain Indicators in Chinese older adults post surgery during the anaesthesia recovery period.

Background

Pain assessment in older surgical patients is complicated by factors such as anaesthesia and opioid administration. Although observational pain behavioural assessment tools have been validated for those unable to self‐report, research on their application during the anaesthesia recovery period is limited.

Design

A prospective correlational design.

Methods

Ninety‐three older patients admitted for scheduled abdominal surgery were recruited in a university‐affiliated hospital. The two observational scales were used to conduct pain assessments during the anaesthesia recovery period. On the first and the third postoperative day, participants recalled their pain intensity during the recovery period using the Numeric Rating Scale or the Faces Pain Scale‐Revised.

Results

The internal consistency reliability of the Pain Assessment in Advanced Dementia scale and the Checklist of Nonverbal Pain Indicators was 0·81 and 0·69 respectively. The correlation between scores of the two observational scales was 0·95. The recalled self‐reports of pain intensity were significantly correlated. The correlation of the Pain Assessment in Advanced Dementia scale and patients’ recalled self‐reports was 0·55, 0·54, and the correlation between the Checklist of Nonverbal Pain Indicators and the two recalled pain scores was both 0·60.

Conclusions

Both the two observational scales had good reliability and validity when used to assess pain in Chinese surgical older adults during the anaesthesia recovery period.

Relevance to clinical practice

Observational pain scales can be useful as a tool for patients unable to self‐report. Accurate use of one of the observational pain tools can help identify pain during the anaesthesia recovery period, when patients are unable to self‐report, to support effective pain management during this period.
Supporting family carers providing end‐of‐life home care: a qualitative study on the impact of a hospice at home service
Authors: Jack Barbara A , O'Brien Mary R , Scrutton Joyce , Baldry Catherine R , Groves Karen E
Published: September 2014

Aims and objectives

To explore bereaved family carers' perceptions and experiences of a hospice at home service.

Background

The increasing demand for the development of home‐based end‐of‐life services is not confined to the western world; such services are also emerging in resource‐poor countries where palliative care services are developing with limited inpatient facilities. Despite this growing trend, studies show a variety of interrelated factors, with an emphasis on the availability of informal carers and their ability to cope, which can influence whether terminally ill patients actually remain at home. A hospice at home service was developed to meet patients' and families' needs by providing individually tailored resources.

Design

A qualitative study.

Methods

Data were collected by semi‐structured, digitally recorded interviews from 20 family carers who had experienced the service. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and a thematic approach adopted for analysis.

Results

All participants reported a personal positive impact of the service. Family carers commented the service provided a valued presence, they felt in good hands and importantly it helped in supporting normal life.

Conclusions

The impact of an individualised, targeted, hospice at home service using dedicated, palliative care trained, staff, is perceived positively by family carers and importantly, supportive of those with additional caring or employment commitments.

Relevance to clinical practice

The emergence of hospice at home services has resulted in more options for patients and their families, when the increased amount of care a family member has to provide in these circumstances needs to be adequately supported, with the provision of a flexible service tailored to individual needs and delivered by appropriately trained staff.
Isolation of turbinaric acid as a chemomarker of Turbinaria conoides (J. Agardh) Kützing from South Pacific Islands
Authors: Le Lann Klervi , Kraffe Edouard , Kervarec Nelly , Cerantola Stéphane , Payri Claude Elisabeth , Stiger‐Pouvreau Valérie
Published: September 2014

Several species of the genus Turbinaria coexist along the coasts of islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Among these brown algae, Turbinaria ornata and T. conoides are sister species that are difficult to differentiate using exclusively morphological characters. Based on in vivo nuclear magnetic resonance and chromatographic techniques, i.e., liquid and gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry analysis, combined with phylogenetic data, we successfully identified turbinaric acid in T. conoides samples from several Indian and Pacific Ocean islands. This nonvariable discriminant molecule was only identified in T. conoides specimens, but not in the two allied species T. ornata and T. decurrens. Results are discussed with regard to turbinaric acid as an interesting chemomarker isolated from T. conoides and the rapid discrimination of Turbinaria specimens using chemical assays.
Predictors of Task-Persistent and Fear-Avoiding Behaviors in Women with Sexual Pain Disorders
Authors: Brauer Marieke , Lakeman Mariëlle , van Lunsen Rik , Laan Ellen
Published: September 2014

Introduction

Dyspareunia and vaginismus are the most common sexual pain disorders (SPDs). Literature suggests that many women with dyspareunia continue with intercourse despite pain (task persistence), whereas many women with vaginismus avoid penetrative activities that may cause pain (fear avoidance). Both forms of sexual pain behavior may maintain or aggravate complaints.

Aim

This study examined (i) whether women with SPD differ from pain-free controls in motives for sexual intercourse, sexual autonomy, maladaptive beliefs regarding vaginal penetration, and partner responses to pain; and (ii) which of these factors best predict whether women with SPD stop or continue painful intercourse (attempts).

Methods

Women with superficial dyspareunia (n = 50), women with lifelong vaginismus (n = 20), and pain-free controls (n = 45) completed questionnaires.

Main Outcome Measures

For Aim 1, the main outcome measures were (i) motives for intercourse; (ii) sexual autonomy; (iii) maladaptive beliefs regarding vaginal penetration; and (iv) partner responses to pain. For Aim 2, sexual pain behavior (to continue or discontinue with painful intercourse) was the outcome measure.

Results

(i) Women with dyspareunia exhibited more mate guarding and duty/pressure motives for intercourse and were less sexually autonomous than controls. (ii) Symptomatic women had more maladaptive penetration-related beliefs than controls, with women with vaginismus reporting the strongest maladaptive beliefs. (iii) Partners of women with dyspareunia self-reported more negative responses to pain than those of women with vaginismus. (iv) The factors that best predicted sexual pain behavior were the partner responses to pain and the woman's maladaptive beliefs regarding vaginal penetration.

Conclusions

Our findings reveal support for task persistence in women with dyspareunia and fear avoidance in women with lifelong vaginismus. As such, it is important to consider these distinct types of responding to sexual pain when treating SPD.
Papers with John on the Demand for Mail
Authors: Rodriguez Frank , Soteri Soterios , Veruete‐McKay Leticia
Published: September 2014

This paper is based on one presented to the John Nankervis Memorial Conference at the University of Essex in July 2013. It outlines John's pioneering contribution to the econometric modelling of the demand for mail.
Anti‐kelch‐like 12 and anti‐hexokinase 1: novel autoantibodies in primary biliary cirrhosis
Authors: Norman Gary L. , Yang Chen‐Yen , Ostendorff Heather P. , Shums Zakera , Lim Mark J. , Wang Jinjun , Awad Amany , Hirschfield Gideon M. , Milkiewicz Piotr , Bloch Donald B. , Rothschild Kenneth J. , Bowlus Christopher L. , Adamopoulos Iannis E. , Leung Patrick S.C. , Janssen Harry J. , Cheung Angela C. , Coltescu Catalina , Gershwin M. Eric
Published: September 2014

Background & Aims

Using high‐density human recombinant protein microarrays, we identified two potential biomarkers, kelch‐like 12 (KLHL12) and hexokinase‐1 (HK1), in primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC). The objective of this study was to determine the diagnostic value of anti‐KLHL12/HK1 autoantibodies in PBC. Initial discovery used sera from 22 patients with PBC and 62 non‐PBC controls. KLHL12 and HK1 proteins were then analysed for immunoglobulin reactivity by immunoblot and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in two independent cohorts of PBC and disease/healthy control patients.

Methods

Serum samples from 100 patients with PBC and 165 non‐PBC disease controls were analysed by immunoblot and samples from 366 patients with PBC, 174 disease controls, and 80 healthy donors were tested by ELISA.

Results

Anti‐KLHL12 and anti‐HK1 antibodies were each detected more frequently in PBC compared with non‐PBC disease controls (P < 0.001). Not only are both markers highly specific for PBC (≥95%) but they also yielded higher sensitivity than anti‐gp210 and anti‐sp100 antibodies. Combining anti‐HK1 and anti‐KLHL12 with available markers (MIT3, gp210 and sp100), increased the diagnostic sensitivity for PBC. Most importantly, anti‐KLHL12 and anti‐HK1 antibodies were present in 10–35% of anti‐mitochondrial antibody (AMA)‐negative PBC patients and adding these two biomarkers to conventional PBC assays dramatically improved the serological sensitivity in AMA‐negative PBC from 55% to 75% in immunoblot and 48.3% to 68.5% in ELISA.

Conclusions

The addition of tests for highly specific anti‐KLHL12 and anti‐HK1 antibodies to AMA and ANA serological assays significantly improves efficacy in the clinical detection and diagnosis of PBC, especially for AMA‐negative subjects.
The relationship between upper airways and craniofacial morphology studied in 3D. A CBCT study
Authors: Di Carlo G. , Polimeni A. , Melsen B. , Cattaneo P. M.
Published: September 2014

Structured Abstract

Objectives

To assess whether morphology and dimension of the upper airway differ between patients characterized by various craniofacial morphology.

Setting and Sample Population

Ninety young adult patients from the Postgraduate Clinic, Section of Orthodontics, Department of Dentistry, Health, Aarhus University, Denmark, with no obvious signs of respiratory diseases and no previous adeno‐tonsillectomy procedures. Thirty patients were characterized as Class I (−0.5 < ANB < 4.5), 30 as Class II (ANB > 4.5), and 30 as Class III (ANB < −0.5).

Material and Methods

Cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans obtained in a supine position for all patients. Cephalometric landmarks were identified in 3D. Sagittal and transversal dimensions, cross sections, and partial and total volumes of the upper airway were correlated with the cephalometric measurements in all three planes of space. The cross‐sectional minimal area of the upper airway was assessed as well.

Results

No statistical significant relationships between dimension and morphology of upper airways and skeletal malocclusion were found.

Conclusion

Differences in craniofacial morphology as identified by the sagittal jaw relationship were not correlated with variation in upper airway volumes. A clinical significant relation was detected between minimal area and total upper airway volume.
The role of the dental practitioner in diagnosing connective tissue and other systemic disorders: a case report of a patient diagnosed with type III Ehlers–Danlos syndrome
Authors: Awal D. , Lloyd T.W. , Petersen H.J.
Published: September 2014

An adolescent patient was referred to our specialist oral surgery unit for orthodontic exposure of an ectopic upper canine. The medical history revealed a recent diagnosis of mitral valve prolapse as well as an anecdotal tendency towards regular fainting/lethargy. Examination revealed a hypermobile temporomandibular joint, and an orthopantomogram showed lower supernumerary premolar teeth. Combined, these findings indicated a likely underlying connective tissue disorder, and an indirect referral to a specialist in hypermobility syndromes confirmed a diagnosis of type III Ehlers–Danlos syndrome with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome. This case highlights the importance of the dental practitioner in being able to provide holistic care for their patients.
Generalized Lenticular Atrophoderma of Pasini and Pierini
Authors: Avancini Joao , Valente Neusa Yuriko S. , Romiti Ricardo
Published: September 2014

We present a 16‐year‐old boy with multiple, well‐circumscribed, atrophic, light‐brown patches on his neck, chest, and back. The authors believe that it represents an unusual presentation of atrophoderma of Pasini and Pierini and suggest the designation “generalized lenticular APP.”
Pathotypic and genetic diversity in the population of Rhizoctonia solani AG1‐IA causing rice sheath blight in China
Authors: Wang L. , Liu L. M. , Hou Y. X. , Li L. , Huang S. W.
Published: September 2014

Sheath blight, caused by Rhizoctonia solani AG1‐IA, is one of the most serious diseases of rice. In this study, a total of 175 isolates of R. solani AG1‐IA were collected from five rice‐growing regions in China. Pathogenicity tests revealed that all isolates were virulent to five cultivars with different levels of resistance at the rice seedling stage in the greenhouse. There was considerable variation in aggressiveness, and the isolates were classified into three pathotypes based on disease severity, with moderately virulent isolates prevalent in the population. Forty‐three haplotypes were identified based on ITS sequencing, and 39 haplotypes were distinct among isolates. There were high levels of haplotype diversity and nucleotide diversity within the populations of R. solani AG1‐IA. High gene flow (Nm = 1·63–5·22) was detected, consistent with relatively low differentiation between pairs of populations. Five populations were divided into two distinct clusters by the unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA), and no spatial population differentiation was discernible. The majority (97·8%) of genetic diversity was distributed among isolates within populations, with only 2·2% of the genetic diversity attributed to differences among populations. The star‐like shape of the haplotype network provided evidence of signatures of population expansion in recent history. No significant relationships were found between the genetic diversity and aggressiveness or geographic origin among populations of R. solani AG1‐IA. These results highlight that the population characteristics of R. solani AG1‐IA should be taken into account in evaluating the germplasm resistance of rice cultivars to sheath blight.
Modulational Instability in the Whitham Equation for Water Waves
Authors: Hur Vera Mikyoung , Johnson Mathew A.
Published: September 2014

We show that periodic traveling waves with sufficiently small amplitudes of the Whitham equation, which incorporates the dispersion relation of surface water waves and the nonlinearity of the shallow water equations, are spectrally unstable to long‐wavelengths perturbations if the wave number is greater than a critical value, bearing out the Benjamin–Feir instability of Stokes waves; they are spectrally stable to square integrable perturbations otherwise. The proof involves a spectral perturbation of the associated linearized operator with respect to the Floquet exponent and the small‐amplitude parameter. We extend the result to related, nonlinear dispersive equations.
Deciding treatment for miscarriage – experiences of women and healthcare professionals
Authors: Linnet Olesen Mette , Graungaard Anette H. , Husted Gitte R.
Published: September 2014

Introduction

Women experiencing miscarriage are offered a choice of different treatments to terminate their wanted pregnancy at a time when they are often shocked and distressed. Women's and healthcare professionals’ experiences of the decision‐making process are not well described. We aimed to gain insight into this process and the circumstances that may affect it.

Method

A qualitative study using a grounded theory approach. Data were obtained through semi‐structured interviews with six women who had chosen and completed either surgical, medical or expectant treatment for miscarriage and five healthcare professionals involved in the decision‐making at an emergency gynaecological department in Denmark. An inductive explorative method was chosen due to limited knowledge about the decision‐making process, and a theoretical perspective was not applied until the final analysis.

Results

Despite information and pretreatment counselling, choice of treatment was often determined by unspoken emotional considerations, including fear of seeing the foetus or fear of anaesthesia. These considerations were not discussed during the decision‐making process, which was a time when the women were under time pressure and experienced emotional distress. Healthcare professionals did not explore women's considerations for choosing a particular treatment and prioritised information differently. We found theory about coping and decision‐making in stressful situations useful in increasing our understanding of the women's reactions. In relation to theory about informed consent, our findings suggest that women need more understanding of the treatments before making a decision. This study is limited due to a small sample size, but it generates important findings that need to be examined in a larger sample.

Conclusion

Frequently, women did not use information provided about treatment pros and cons in their decision‐making process. Because of unspoken thoughts, and women's needs being unexplored by healthcare professionals, information did not target women's needs and their reasoning remained unapparent.
Psychometric evaluation of the Persian version of the Type 2 Diabetes and Health Promotion Scale (T2DHPS): a diabetes‐specific measure of lifestyle
Authors: Saffari Mohsen , Karimi Tooba , Koenig Harold G. , Al‐Zaben Faten
Published: September 2014

Background

A healthy lifestyle is important for maintaining health and preventing complications in patients with type 2 diabetes, and yet, few instruments are available to measure this.

Aim

The aim of the present study was to examine the psychometrics of a recently developed tool that can be used to screen for a health‐promoting lifestyle in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

Data were collected from outpatients attending diabetes clinics. The Type 2 Diabetes and Health Promotion Scale (T2DHPS), EQ‐5D, medical records and a demographic questionnaire were administered to 368 participants. Forward–backward translation of the original English version was used to develop a Persian version. Internal consistency of the scale was assessed by Cronbach's alpha and item‐to‐total correlation. Acceptability was measured by assessing floor and ceiling effects for each item and subscale. The item scaling test was used to examine the convergent and discriminant validity of the measure. Pearson correlation was used to determine the predictive validity of the scale. An explanatory factor analysis and known‐group method were used to establish construct validity.

Results

Adjusted item‐total correlations were higher than 0.20. Cronbach's alpha for the 28‐item scale was 0.88 and for subscales ranged from 0.53 to 0.94. Correlations between the total score and subscale scores were significant (<0.01) and adequate (r's ≥ 0.53). There were significant relationships between the T2DHPS and both the EQ‐5D and indicators of glycaemic control. Convergent and discriminant validity of the scale was established. Significant differences in lifestyle dimensions were present between different groups of patients, demonstrating known‐group validity. A six‐factor solution was obtained that explained 54.6% of the total variance.

Conclusion

The T2DHPS is a valid and reliable tool for investigating lifestyle behaviours in patients with type 2 diabetes. Further studies to establish the psychometric properties of the scale in other languages and cultures are suggested.
Tectonic control of accommodation space and sediment supply within the Mata Amarilla Formation (lower Upper Cretaceous) Patagonia, Argentina
Authors: Varela Augusto N.
Published: September 2014

The Mata Amarilla Formation dates from the early Upper Cretaceous and was deposited during a transition in tectonic regime from the extensional Rocas Verdes Basin to the Austral Foreland Basin. Detailed sedimentological logs and architectural parameters were used to define 13 facies associations. The distribution of facies associations and associated variations in fluvial architecture have enabled large‐scale changes in accommodation space/sediment supply ratios (A/S ratio) to be defined for the three component sections of the Mata Amarilla Formation. The lower and upper sections are characterized by a high A/S ratio, whereas the middle section corresponds to a low A/S ratio. In the western part of the study area, small‐scale variations in the A/S ratio were recognized in the middle section. The strong west to east trend in evolution of the fluvial systems coincides with the direction of propagation of the Patagonian fold and thrust belt, which is located to the west of the study area. Intervals of high A/S ratio (i.e. lower and upper sections) are interpreted to have developed during periods of increased loading by the fold and thrust belt caused by tectonic uplift. In contrast, intervals of low A/S ratio (i.e. middle section) were developed during periods of tectonic quiescence. This article suggests that the large‐scale variations in A/S ratios are related to different rates of migration and growth of the Patagonian fold and thrust belt, whereas the small‐scale variation occurred in response to specific periods of thrusting and folding in the Patagonian fold and thrust belt (i.e. local loads). This field example of the effects of different scales of variation in A/S ratios across the Austral Foreland Basin could be used to recognize similar tectonically forced variations in stratigraphic architecture in other foreland basins throughout the world, as well as to understand the response of fluvial systems to such changes.
Exploratory studies on the age of transfused blood and in‐hospital mortality in patients with cardiovascular diagnoses
Authors: Heddle Nancy M. , Eikelboom John , Liu Yang , Barty Rebecca , Cook Richard J.
Published: September 2014

Background

The objective was to examine the association between blood storage duration and in‐hospital mortality in a large cohort of cardiovascular patients transfused between 2002 and 2011.

Study Design and Methods

Cox regression models were fitted to assess the effect of red blood cell (RBC) storage duration on risk of in‐hospital mortality in cardiovascular patients (2002‐2011). Time‐dependent covariates summarizing the maximum age of RBCs transfused per individual were included as continuous or categorical variables. Models were stratified by cumulative number of RBCs transfusions and other potential confounders. Exploratory analyses were performed by period (Period I, April 2002 to March 2006; Period II, April 2006 to October 2011) and controlling for fiscal year of admission.

Results

A total of 9669 patients received 46,868 RBCs. The median number of RBC units transfused was 3 (interquartile range [IQR], 2‐5); the median age of RBCs was 17 days (IQR, 13‐23 days). The progressive increase in risk of in‐hospital mortality with transfusion of older blood observed previously was not seen in the larger cohort (hazard ratio, 01.00; p = 0.692); significantly different effects were observed between periods (p = 0.016), but the difference between periods was no longer significant upon stratification by fiscal year of admission (interaction p = 0.094).

Conclusion

The analysis of a large cohort of cardiovascular patients showed no association between storage age of blood and in‐hospital mortality. This finding is inconsistent with those of our previous report that analyzed a smaller cohort.
The bioequivalence of frozen plasma prepared from whole blood held overnight at room temperature compared to fresh‐frozen plasma prepared within eight hours of collection
Authors: Dumont Larry J. , Cancelas Jose A. , Maes Lou Ann , Rugg Neeta , Whitley Pamela , Herschel Louise , Siegel Alan H. , Szczepiorkowski Zbigniew M. , Hess John R. , Zia Majid
Published: September 2014

Background

Overnight, room temperature hold of whole blood (WB) before leukoreduction and component processing offers significant logistic and cost advantages over WB processed within 8 hours. Plasma prepared from WB held at room temperature overnight (PF24RT24WB) may result in a degradation of plasma coagulation protein activities compared to plasma frozen within 8 hours of collection. In this study, we intended to evaluate the bioequivalence (BE) of PF24RT24WB prepared using a new WB collection, leukoreduction, and storage system compared to fresh‐frozen plasma (FFP) after 12 months of frozen storage.

Study Design and Methods

We conducted a three‐center, three‐arm evaluation of the LEUKOSEP HWB‐600‐XL test system (Hemerus Medical LLC) compared to the RZ2000 control (Fenwal, Inc.). FFP was prepared from WB held at room temperature more than 6 hours and placed at less than −18°C by 8 hours for control (n = 60) and test (n = 60) arms. PF24RT24WB (n = 60) was prepared with the test system from WB held at room temperature and then filtered and processed 20 to 24 hours postcollection. Frozen plasma was tested at 3, 6, and 12 months using a comprehensive panel of protein and coagulation factor assays.

Results

The test FFP was BE for all coagulation factors and tested proteins at 12 months. As expected, PF24RT24WB had a reduced Factor (F)VIII activity compared to control FFP (87.1%; 90% confidence interval, 79.4%‐93.3%) with the lower confidence limit less than 80%. All other factors were within the BE region.

Conclusion

Leukoreduced FFP and PF24RT24WB prepared using the LEUKOSEP HWB‐600‐XL system has been shown to be BE to control leukoreduced FFP with an expected decrease in FVIII activity after overnight hold.