bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Etanercept for patients with psoriasis who did not respond or who lost their response to adalimumab or infliximab
Authors: Bissonnette R. , Maari C. , Barber K. , Lynde C.W. , Vender R.
Published: January 2015

Background

There is a paucity of data on the use of etanercept in patients who have previously failed a different tumour necrosis factor (TNF) alpha antagonist.

Objectives

To study etanercept in patients who did not achieve a satisfactory response to adalimumab or who lost their response to adalimumab or infliximab and to explore the role of anti‐adalimumab and anti‐infliximab antibodies in etanercept response.

Methods

Patients with psoriasis who did not achieve a satisfactory response to adalimumab or who lost their response to adalimumab or infliximab were included. All patients received etanercept 50 mg twice a week for 12 weeks followed by 50 mg once a week for 12 more weeks. Anti‐infliximab and anti‐adalimumab antibodies were measured at baseline. The primary objective was to study the efficacy of etanercept using the proportion of patients who achieved a physician global assessment (PGA) of 0 or 1.

Results

A total of 81 patients were included. The proportion of patients who achieved a PGA of 0 or 1 after 24 weeks of etanercept was 20.0% (95% CI 4.8–35.2%) for patients who had an unsatisfactory response to adalimumab, 35.1% (95% CI 19.0–51.3%) and 35.7% (95% CI 7.0–64.4%) for patients who lost their response to adalimumab and infliximab respectively. The proportion of patients who achieved a PGA of 0 or 1 at week 24 was numerically higher for patients who had anti‐adalimumab or anti‐infliximab antibodies (36.5%) as compared to those without (17.2%; P = 0.08).

Conclusions

Etanercept can be effective in patients with psoriasis who failed a previous TNF alpha antagonist.
The Development and Validation of An Activity Monitoring System for Use in Measurement of Posture of Childbearing Women During First Stage of Labor
Authors: Martin Caroline J. Hollins , Kenney Laurence , Pratt Thomas , Granat Malcolm H.
Published: January 2015

Introduction

There is limited understanding of the type and extent of maternal postures that midwives should encourage or support during labor. The aims of this study were to identify a set of postures and movements commonly seen during labor, to develop an activity monitoring system for use during labor, and to validate this system design.

Methods

Volunteer student midwives simulated maternal activity during labor in a laboratory setting. Participants (N = 15) wore monitors adhered to the left thigh and left shank, and adopted 13 common postures of laboring women for 3 minutes each. Simulated activities were recorded using a video camera. Postures and movements were coded from the video, and statistical analysis conducted of agreement between coded video data and outputs of the activity monitoring system.

Results

Excellent agreement between the 2 raters of the video recordings was found (Cohen's κ = 0.95). Both sensitivity and specificity of the activity monitoring system were greater than 80% for standing, lying, kneeling, and sitting (legs dangling).

Discussion

This validated system can be used to measure elected activity of laboring women and report on effects of postures on length of first stage, pain experience, birth satisfaction, and neonatal condition. This validated maternal posture‐monitoring system is available as a reference—and for use by researchers who wish to develop research in this area.
Zinc transporter found attached to n‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptors
Authors: Popescu Gabriela K.
Published: January 2015

Read the full article ‘Zinc transporter‐1: a novel NMDA receptor‐binding protein at postsynaptic density’ on page 159.
Hypothalamic Expression of Oestrogen Receptor α and Androgen Receptor is Sex‐, Age‐ and Region‐Dependent in Mice
Authors: Brock O. , De Mees C. , Bakker J.
Published: January 2015

Sex steroid hormones act on developing neural circuits regulating the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐gonadal axis and are involved in hormone‐sensitive behaviours. These hormones act mainly via nuclear receptors, such as oestrogen receptor (ER)‐α and androgen receptor (AR). By using immunohistochemistry, we analysed the expression level of ERα and AR throughout perinatal life [at embryonic (E) day 19 and postnatal (P) days 5, 15 and 25] and in adulthood in several hypothalamic nuclei controlling reproduction in both wild‐type and aromatase knockout (ArKO) (i.e. which cannot convert testosterone into oestradiol) mice to determine whether there are sex differences in hypothalamic ERα and AR expression and, if so, whether these are established by the action of oestradiol. As early as E19, ERα immunoreactivity (‐IR) was observed at same expression levels in both sexes in the anteroventral periventricular nucleus (AVPv), the medial preoptic area (MPOA), the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BnST), the ventrolateral part of the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus and the arcuate nucleus (ARC). Sex differences (female > male) in ERα‐IR were observed not only during the prepubertal period in the BnST (P5 to P25) and the MPOA (P15), but also in adulthood in these two brain regions. Sex differences in AR‐IR (male > female) were observed at P5 in the AVPv and ARC, and at P25 in the MPOA and ARC, as well as in adulthood in all hypothalamic regions analysed. In adulthood, gonadectomy and hormonal treatment (oestradiol or dihydrotestosterone) also strongly modulated ERα‐IR and AR, respectively. Taken together, sex differences in ERα‐IR and AR‐IR were observed in all hypothalamic regions analysed, although they most likely do not reflect the action of oestradiol because ArKO mice of both sexes showed expression levels very similar to wild‐type mice throughout perinatal development.
Let bone and muscle talk together: a study of real and virtual dissection and its implications for femoral musculoskeletal structure of chimpanzees
Authors: Morimoto Naoki , Suwa Gen , Nishimura Takeshi , Ponce de León Marcia S. , Zollikofer Christoph P. E. , Lovejoy C. Owen , Nakatsukasa Masato
Published: January 2015

Proximal femoral morphology and associated musculature are of special relevance to the understanding of hominoid locomotor systems. Knowledge of bone–muscle correspondence in extant hominoids forms an important comparative basis for inferring structure–function relationships in fossil hominids. However, there is still a lack of consensus on the correspondence between muscle attachment sites and surface morphology of the proximal femoral diaphysis in chimpanzees. Two alternative observations have been proposed regarding the attachment site positions of gluteus maximus (GM) and vastus lateralis (VL) relative to two prominent surface features of the proximal femoral diaphysis, the lateral spiral pilaster and the inferolateral fossa. Here, we use a combination of virtual and physical dissection in an attempt to identify the exact correspondence between muscle attachment sites and osteological features in two specimens of Pan troglodytes verus. The results show that the insertion of the GM tendon is consistently inferolateral to the lateral spiral pilaster, and that a part of the inferolateral fossa consistently forms the attachment site of the VL muscular fibers. While overall musculoskeletal features are similar in the two specimens examined in this study, GM and VL exhibit different degrees of segregation at the level of the inferolateral fossa. One specimen exhibited tendinous GM fibers penetrating the posteromedial part of VL, with both GM and VL inserting at the inferolateral fossa. In the other specimen, GM and VL were separated by a lateral intermuscular septum, which inserted into the inferolateral fossa. Variation of proximal femoral muscle attachments in chimpanzees is thus greater than previously thought. Our results indicate that a conspicuous osteological feature such as the inferolateral fossa does not necessarily correspond to the attachment site of a single muscle, but could serve as a boundary region between two muscles. Caution is thus warranted when interpreting the surface topography of muscle attachment sites and inferring locomotor functions.
Borrower Misreporting and Loan Performance
Authors: GARMAISE MARK J.
Published: January 2015

Borrower misreporting is associated with seriously adverse loan outcomes. Significantly more residential mortgage borrowers reported personal assets just above round number thresholds than just below. Borrowers who reported above‐threshold assets were almost 25 percentage points more likely to become delinquent (mean delinquency was 20%). For applicants with unverified assets, the increase in delinquency was greater than 40 percentage points. Misreporting was most frequent in areas with low financial literacy or social capital. Incorporating behavioral cues such as threshold effects into a risk assessment model improves its ability to uncover delinquencies, though at a cost of mischaracterizing some safe loans.
Teaching New Materials and Techniques for Fixed Dental Prostheses in Dental Schools in the United States and Canada: A Survey
Authors: Ben‐Gal Gilad , Herskowitz Hani D. , Beyth Nurit , Weiss Ervin I.
Published: January 2015

Purpose

Tooth‐supported fixed dental prostheses (FDPs) remain an extensive therapeutic option, with new materials and a digital fabrication process gradually replacing traditional methods. The variety of advances calls for dental schools to expand the teaching of this field. Our aim was to examine the nature and the amount of theoretical and practical training in clinical FDP courses, and the extent to which new methods and innovations in the field are being integrated.

Materials and Methods

Data were collected using an online questionnaire including theoretical and practical teaching regarding clinical courses, restorative materials, and new fabrication methods, which was sent to 58 dental schools in North America.

Results

A total of 36 schools responded to the survey for a response rate of 62.1%. All the schools teach theoretical and practical porcelain‐fused‐to‐metal (PFM) restorations, and almost all the schools teach full‐metal FDPs. In more than half (57.1%) of the schools, zirconia‐based FDPs are placed by students. Students place partial veneer FDPs in less than one‐fifth (17.9%) of the schools. The average number of restorations required for completion of the clinical course is 7.3 FDP units. The respondents assessed that of the total FDPs placed by students in the clinical course, tooth‐color coping (zirconia/alumina/porcelain) FDPs constituted 16.2%. None of the schools produce computer‐assisted design/computer‐assisted manufacturing copings or crowns within the school.

Conclusions

All North American dental schools include teaching and placement of PFM restorations in their curriculum, but only one‐third teach ceramic‐based crowns. The low average number of required crowns may lead to graduates not being exposed to and trained in up‐to‐date dental restorative materials and techniques.
Calibrating Use of Emotion Regulation Strategies to the Relationship Context: An Attachment Perspective
Authors: Winterheld Heike A.
Published: January 2015

This research tested whether adult attachment orientations predict use of emotion regulation strategies in theoretically consistent ways, and whether associations among attachment orientations and emotion regulatory strategies are moderated by critical features of the relationship context. Ninety‐six couples (192 individuals) reported on their attachment orientations, habitual use of emotion regulation strategies (cognitive reappraisal, expressive suppression, negative emotion expressivity), and perceptions of relationship closeness and negative partner behaviors. Highly secure individuals reported greater use of cognitive reappraisal, especially when they felt closer to their partners, and engaged in less suppression when their partners behaved more negatively toward them. Highly avoidant individuals reported greater use of suppression, especially when they perceived more negative partner behaviors, and when their partners were more avoidant. Highly anxious individuals also used more suppression when their partners were more avoidant, but they expressed more negative emotions when they were paired with less avoidant partners. Fearful‐avoidant individuals' emotion regulation patterns resembled those of both highly secure and dismissive‐avoidant individuals. This study illustrates how attending to moderating effects within specific relationships and testing joint effects of both partners' personality characteristics can help identify contextual boundaries of emotion regulation strategies and clarify emotional response patterns in couples.
Time‐Use Patterns and the Recreational Use of Prescription Medications Among Rural and Small Town Youth
Authors: Pulver Ariel , Davison Colleen , Pickett William
Published: January 2015

Purpose

To examine the relationship between rural and small town adolescents’ time‐use and an increased risk for recreational use of prescription drugs in rural settings.

Methods

Rural students in grades 9 and 10 (n = 2,393) were asked about past‐year recreational use of prescription medications and their time‐use in structured and unstructured activity contexts in the 2009/2010 Cycle of the Canadian Health Behaviour in School‐aged Children survey. Time‐use patterns of rural and small town youth from across Canada were examined using multilevel, multivariate Poisson regression analyses to determine whether they may impact the risk of this kind of substance use.

Findings

Peer time outside school hours and nonparticipation in extracurricular activities were significantly associated with rural youths’ recreational use of prescription drugs. Peer drug use, unhappy home lives and frequent binge drinking explained most of these associations.

Conclusions

Structured and unstructured activity contexts within rural settings play a role in the nonmedical use of prescription medications. Results support interventions aimed at increasing structured time‐use opportunities in addition to focusing on peer contexts and multiple risk‐taking behaviors among rural youth.
Magnetic resonance imaging of suspected idiopathic bilateral C2 hypertrophic ganglioneuritis in dogs
Authors: Joslyn S. , Driver C. , McConnell F. , Penderis J. , Wessmann A.
Published: January 2015

OBJECTIVES

To report the magnetic resonance imaging and clinical features of suspected idiopathic bilaterally symmetric hypertrophic ganglioneuritis affecting the C2 nerve roots.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of case records of dogs with imaging findings suggestive of idiopathic bilateral C2 neuritis. Data analysed included signalment, history, clinical signs, clinical pathology results and magnetic resonance imaging findings. Nerve root enlargement and spinal cord changes were classified as clinically significant or incidental, and further graded as mild, moderate or severe based on the degree of spinal cord distortion/compression. Imaging features were also correlated with severity of neurological deficits.

RESULTS

Twelve dogs, including nine Staffordshire bull terriers showed magnetic resonance imaging features suggestive of idiopathic hypertrophic neuritis of C2 nerve roots. Findings were considered incidental (4/12) or clinically significant (8/12) based on prior neurological examination. Changes were best visualised on transverse images at the level of the C1‐2 intervertebral foramina. The degree of associated spinal cord compression subjectively correlated with the severity of the neurological deficits. All cases with clinically significant lesions that were treated with corticosteroids responded favourably.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Bilaterally symmetric C2 neuritis likely represents idiopathic hypertrophic ganglioneuritis. Staffordshire bull terriers appear over represented. Immunosuppressive doses of corticosteroids should be considered for clinically significant lesions.
Researching Acquisition Sequences: Idealization and De‐idealization in SLA
Authors: Ellis Rod
Published: January 2015

Idealization plays a fundamental role in scientific inquiry. This article examines the case for maintaining the claim that the second language acquisition (SLA) of grammatical structures such as negation manifests identifiable stages of acquisition. It proposes that, while research has demonstrated the need for de‐idealization, there is no need to abandon the idealization itself. Drawing on work on idealization in the philosophy of science, it argues that the sequence of acquisition should be seen as a minimal idealization that is of continuing value for the domains of both SLA and, in particular, teacher education. This thesis is explored by examining four studies of second language negation that investigated the same data set. These studies afford important insights about the variability evident in the different stages and, as such, identify the limitations of the idealization but do not justify its rejection. The article concludes with a discussion of other factors (e.g., the first language and the role of instruction), the investigation of which may reveal further limitations and thus contribute further to the de‐idealization of the fundamental claim.
Envisioning possibilities: visualising as enquiry in literacy studies
Authors: Smith Anna , Hall Matthew , Sousanis Nick
Published: January 2015

Drawing from the research methods of three distinct literacy studies, in this piece, we highlight the visualisation approaches integral to our enquiry processes as researchers working to make sense of literacy and learning. We aim to encourage, provoke even, a conversation about visualisation processes in literacy research by sharing the individualised ways in which we (1) leaned on metaphors and visual aspects of musical notation to uncover new insights into the social nature of composing, (2) created comics shaped by particular aesthetic choices that influenced enquiry and meaning‐making, and (3) utilised insights gained from dynamic visualisations of data to see nonlinear patterns of writing development. With the descriptions of these studies and their methods as samples, we argue for a shift in focus from visualisation as an end product of analysis to an additional focus on the process of visualising as analysis.
Researching writing events: using mediated discourse analysis to explore how students write together
Authors: Rish Ryan M.
Published: January 2015

This article addresses how mediated discourse theory and related analytical tools can be used to explore how students write together. Considered within a sociocultural framework that conceptualises writing as involving distributed, mediated and dialogic processes of invention, this article presents an investigation of how three high school students wrote together for a collaborative project. This article presents a writing event selected from a larger study that is used to explore the ways authorship is distributed among the students, the resources that mediate their writing, the shifting social contexts they establish when writing and the relational and reflexive social positioning they enact. Mediated discourse theory and its related analytical tools are introduced for heuristic and methodological purposes for analysing how the coordination of these complexities shapes students' writing. The purpose for doing so is to gain a better understanding of how and why students write in the ways they do.
Contrasting definitive hosts as determinants of the genetic structure in a parasite with complex life cycle along the south‐eastern Pacific
Authors: López Z. , Cárdenas L. , Runil F. , González M. T.
Published: January 2015

The spatial genetic structure (and gene flow) of parasites with complex life cycles, such as digeneans, has been attributed mainly to the dispersion ability of the most mobile host, which most often corresponds to the definitive host (DH). In this study, we compared the genetic structure and diversity of adult Neolebouria georgenascimentoi in two fish species (DHs) that are extensively distributed along the south‐eastern Pacific (SEP). The analysis was based on the cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene sequences of parasites collected between 23°S and 45°S. In total, 202 sequences of N. georgenascimentoi in Pinguipes chilensis isolated from nine sites and 136 sequences of Prolatilus jugularis from five sites were analysed. Our results showed that N. georgenascimentoi is a species complex that includes three different parasite species; however, in this study, only lineage 1 and 2 found in P. chilensis and P. jugularis, respectively, were studied because they are widely distributed along the coastline. Lineage 1 parasites had two common haplotypes with wide distribution and unique haplotypes in northern sites. Lineage 2 had only one common haplotype with wide distribution and a large number of unique haplotypes with greater genetic diversity. Both lineages have experienced recent population expansion. Only lineage 1 exhibited a genetic structure that was mainly associated with a biogeographical break at approximately 30°S along the SEP. Our finding suggests that host access to different prey (=intermediate hosts) could affect the genetic structure of the parasite complex discovered here. Consequently, difference between these patterns suggests that factors other than DH dispersal are involved in the genetic structure of autogenic parasites.
A test of the central–marginal hypothesis using population genetics and ecological niche modelling in an endemic salamander (Ambystoma barbouri)
Authors: Micheletti Steven J. , Storfer Andrew
Published: January 2015

The central–marginal hypothesis (CMH) predicts that population size, genetic diversity and genetic connectivity are highest at the core and decrease near the edges of species' geographic distributions. We provide a test of the CMH using three replicated core‐to‐edge transects that encompass nearly the entire geographic range of the endemic streamside salamander (Ambystoma barbouri). We confirmed that the mapped core of the distribution was the most suitable habitat using ecological niche modelling (ENM) and via genetic estimates of effective population sizes. As predicted by the CMH, we found statistical support for decreased genetic diversity, effective population size and genetic connectivity from core to edge in western and northern transects, yet not along a southern transect. Based on our niche model, habitat suitability is lower towards the southern range edge, presumably leading to conflicting core‐to‐edge genetic patterns. These results suggest that multiple processes may influence a species' distribution based on the heterogeneity of habitat across a species' range and that replicated sampling may be needed to accurately test the CMH. Our work also emphasizes the importance of identifying the geographic range core with methods other than using the Euclidean centre on a map, which may help to explain discrepancies among other empirical tests of the CMH. Assessing core‐to‐edge population genetic patterns across an entire species' range accompanied with ENM can inform our general understanding of the mechanisms leading to species' geographic range limits.
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth: duodenal aspiration vs glucose breath test
Authors: Erdogan A. , Rao S. S. C. , Gulley D. , Jacobs C. , Lee Y. Y. , Badger C.
Published: January 2015

Background

The diagnosis of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) remains challenging. Our aim was to examine the diagnostic yield of duodenal aspiration/culture and glucose breath test (GBT), and effects of gender, race and demographics on prevalence of SIBO.

Methods

Patients with unexplained gas, bloating and diarrhea and negative endoscopy, imaging and blood tests were prospectively enrolled in two centers in USA. Randomly, within 1 week each patient underwent both duodenal aspiration/culture and GBT. The diagnostic yield of each test and relationship of symptoms, and effects of ethnicity, age, and gender on prevalence of SIBO were assessed and compared.

Key Results

Duodenal culture was positive in 62/139 (44.6%) subjects and GBT was positive in 38/139 (27.3%) subjects with an overall diagnostic agreement of 65.5%. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value of GBT was 42%, 84%, 68%, and 64%, respectively. Ethnicity or gender did not influence SIBO, but SIBO positive patients were older (p = 0.0018). Symptom patterns were similar except bloating was more prevalent in GBT positive and gas in culture positive subjects.

Conclusions & Inferences

Duodenal aspiration/culture identifies 45% of patients with suspected SIBO. GBT has lower sensitivity but good specificity for detection of SIBO. There were no ethnic or gender differences in the prevalence of SIBO, but patients with SIBO were older. Because GBT is non‐invasive, it should be considered first in patients with suspected SIBO.
Effect of dietary fat and food consistency on gastroparesis symptoms in patients with gastroparesis
Authors: Homko C. J. , Duffy F. , Friedenberg F. K. , Boden G. , Parkman H. P.
Published: January 2015

Background

Nutrition therapy for gastroparesis focuses on reducing meal size, fiber, fat intake, and increasing liquids intake relative to solid foods. Evidence to support these dietary interventions has been anecdotal. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of fat intake and solid/liquid meal consistency on symptoms in gastroparesis.

Methods

Twelve patients with gastroparesis were studied on four separate days receiving one of four meals each day in a randomized order: high‐fat solid, high‐fat liquid, low‐fat liquid, and low‐fat solid meal. At each visit, eight gastrointestinal symptoms were rated from 0 (none) to 4 (very severe) every 15 min, before and for 4 h after meal ingestion.

Key Results

There was an increase in the total symptom score in the following order: high‐fat solid > low‐fat solid > high‐fat liquid > low‐fat liquid. For the high‐fat solid meal, symptoms remained elevated throughout the 4 h postprandial period. Severity of nausea more than doubled after the high‐fat solid meal, whereas the low‐fat liquid meal caused the least increase in nausea.

Conclusions & Inferences

A high‐fat solid meal significantly increased overall symptoms among individuals with gastroparesis, whereas a low‐fat liquid meal had the least effect. With respect to nausea, low‐fat meals were better tolerated than high‐fat meals, and liquid meals were better tolerated than solid meals. These data provide support for recommendations that low‐fat and increased liquid content meals are best tolerated in patients with symptomatic gastroparesis.
Shear bond strength of an orthodontic self‐etching adhesive after intracoronary bleaching
Authors: Fernandes H. O. , Santos L. B. , Firoozmand L. M.
Published: January 2015

Structured Abstract

Objectives

To evaluate the effects of intracoronary bleaching on the bond strength of orthodontic brackets using self‐etching and total‐etch adhesive systems.

Material and Methods

In 60 bovine incisors, a coronal lingual access was made to clean the pulp chamber and standardise the thickness of the dentine. The sample was randomly divided into four groups (each n = 15): (CT), control group, without bleaching and bonded with the total‐etch system (Transbond™ XT‐3M); (CTSE), without bleaching treatment and bonded with the self‐etching system (Transbond™ Plus Self‐Etching Primer‐3M); (BT), treated with 35% hydrogen peroxide for internal bleaching and bonded with the total‐etch adhesive system; and (BTSE), treated with 35% hydrogen peroxide and bonded with the self‐etching adhesive system. Shear bond strength was measured using a universal testing machine (EMIC). The adhesive remnant index (ARI) score was verified. The data were analysed using a two‐way anova and Tukey test (p < 0.05).

Results

Significant differences were found, and the self‐etching adhesive groups presented the highest bond strength values (CTSE=11.55 ± 2.85 MPa; BTSE=14.14 ± 2.23 MPa). The ARI scores revealed significant differences among the groups; the greater amount of remaining adhesive was observed in the CTSE group, and the lowest scores were observed in the BT group.

Conclusions

The use of the self‐etching adhesive system, even after intracoronal bleaching, presented satisfactory adhesive strength for the bonding of brackets.
Houttuynia cordata modulates oral innate immune mediators: potential role of herbal plant on oral health
Authors: Satthakarn S , Chung WO , Promsong A , Nittayananta W
Published: January 2015

Objective

Epithelial cells play an active role in oral innate immunity by producing various immune mediators. Houttuynia cordata Thunb (H. cordata), a herbal plant found in Asia, possesses many activities. However, its impacts on oral innate immunity have never been reported. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of H. cordata extract on the expression of innate immune mediators produced by oral epithelial cells.

Materials and Methods

Primary gingival epithelial cells (GECs) were treated with various concentrations of the extract for 18 h. The gene expression of hBD2, SLPI, cytokines, and chemokines was measured using quantitative real‐time RT‐PCR. The secreted proteins in the culture supernatants were detected by ELISA or Luminex assay. Cytotoxicity of the extract was assessed using CellTiter‐Blue Assay.

Results

H. cordata significantly induced the expression of hBD2, SLPI, IL‐8, and CCL20 in a dose‐dependent manner without cytotoxicity. The secreted hBD2 and SLPI proteins were modulated, and the levels of IL‐2, IL‐6, IL‐8, and IFN‐γ were significantly induced by the extract.

Conclusions

Our data indicated that H. cordata can modulate oral innate immune mediators. These findings may lead to the development of new topical agents from H. cordata for the prevention and treatment of immune‐mediated oral diseases.
Oral treatment with the melatonin agonist agomelatine lowers the intraocular pressure of glaucoma patients
Authors: Pescosolido Nicola , Gatto Vittorio , Stefanucci Alessio , Rusciano Dario
Published: January 2015

Purpose

Agomelatine is an agonist of melatonin that is used in the treatment of major depressive disorders. It has also shown an ability to decrease IOP in experiment animals and in normal human subjects. This pilot study addresses for the first time agomelatine effects on the IOP of patients affected by POAG.

Methods

Ten patients affected by hypertensive POAG treated by multiple hypotensive topical drugs and under further treatment with agomelatine (25 mg day−1 per os) for psychiatric problems, were enrolled. IOP tonometric values were measured at enrolment and after 15 and 30 days of agomelatine supplementation.

Results

Agomelatine given orally showed a significant hypotonising effect, stably decreasing IOP by roughly 30% of the enrolment value after 15 and 30 days of treatment.

Conclusions

The hypotonising effect of oral systemic agomelatine at 25 mg day−1 was able to further decrease IOP in both eyes of all enrolled POAG patients in which multiple drug treatment with anti‐glaucoma eye drops had no further effect.
Risk of Device Malfunction in Cancer Patients with Implantable Cardiac Device Undergoing Radiotherapy: A Population‐Based Cohort Study
Authors: Zaremba Tomas , JAKOBSEN ANNETTE ROSS , SØGAARD METTE , THØGERSEN ANNA MARGRETHE , JOHANSEN MARTIN BERG , MADSEN LÆRKE BRUUN , RIAHI SAM
Published: January 2015

Background

Pacemakers (PMs) and implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) may develop malfunction during external beam radiotherapy (RT). We aimed to describe clinical practice in PM/ICD patients undergoing RT and to assess the rate and predictors of device malfunctions.

Methods

We reviewed medical records of all PM/ICD patients undergoing RT at four centers in Western Denmark during 2003–2012. Logistic regression was applied to identify predictors of PM/ICD malfunctions.

Results

Five hundred sixty patients were included. The annual rate of RT courses in PM/ICD patients increased by 199% from 1.45 treatments per 100,000 person‐years in 2003 to 4.33 in 2012. Safety measures included supplementary evaluations of PM/ICD (38.3%), reprogramming (1.5%), relocation of the device (3.5%), and application of a magnet to the ICD during RT (10.8%). At device evaluations after the RT (n = 453), malfunctions were detected in 10 (2.5%) PMs and four (6.8%) ICDs. Electrical resets constituted 11 (78.6%) of the malfunctions, and no failures were life‐threatening or warranted PM/ICD removal. Factors associated with device malfunctions in logistic regression analysis were beam energy ≥15 MV (odds ratio [OR] 5.73; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.58–20.76) and location of tumor below the diaphragm (OR 4.31; 95% CI, 1.42–13.12). However, the effect of tumor location declined (OR 2.27; 95% CI, 0.65–7.95) after adjustment for beam energy.

Conclusions

Although the rate of RT in PM/ICD patients is increasing, the damaging effects of RT on the devices seem to be usually transient. Our data suggest that high beam energy plays the pivotal role in inducing impairments in these devices.
Comparison of treatment selections by Japanese and US psychiatrists for major depressive disorder: A case vignette study
Authors: Nakagawa Atsuo , Williams Aya , Sado Mitsuhiro , Oguchi Yoshiyo , Mischoulon David , Smith Felicia , Mimura Masaru , Sato Yuji
Published: January 2015

Aims

A review of the published work on treatments for major depressive disorder suggests that there is an alarming gap between guideline recommendations and actual clinical practices worldwide. The purpose of this study was to compare early‐career psychiatrists' selections of treatment for mild to moderate major depression in Japan and the USA.

Methods

The authors surveyed 120 early‐career psychiatrists from two residency programs in Japan and the USA using web‐based questionnaires. In response to two case vignettes of mild to moderate major depression, the subjects selected treatment modalities and first‐ and second‐line pharmacotherapy.

Results

Eighty‐one psychiatrists (68%) returned surveys, of whom 42 (52%) were Japanese and 39 (48%) American. Fewer Japanese subjects selected psychotherapy than Americans. The Japanese psychiatrists favored benzodiazepine monotherapy for the treatment of mild depression, whereas the American psychiatrists favored antidepressant monotherapy. For the initial treatment of moderate depression, approximately half of the Japanese selected antidepressant monotherapy, and a quarter selected benzodiazepine monotherapy, whereas the Americans unanimously selected selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors monotherapy. As a second‐line strategy, the Japanese were more likely to augment medication and less likely to increase dosage for moderate depression than their American counterparts.

Conclusions

Differences were found between the treatment selections of early‐career psychiatrists in Japan and the USA, despite comparable guidelines and postgraduate training. The results suggest that the gap between guidelines and practice may also be shaped by physician workload, attitudes toward side‐effects, and the sociocultural contexts in which clinical decisions are made.
Psychotropic dose equivalence in Japan
Authors: Inada Toshiya , Inagaki Ataru
Published: January 2015

Psychotropic dose equivalence is an important concept when estimating the approximate psychotropic doses patients receive, and deciding on the approximate titration dose when switching from one psychotropic agent to another. It is also useful from a research viewpoint when defining and extracting specific subgroups of subjects. Unification of various agents into a single standard agent facilitates easier analytical comparisons. On the basis of differences in psychopharmacological prescription features, those of available psychotropic agents and their approved doses, and racial differences between Japan and other countries, psychotropic dose equivalency tables designed specifically for Japanese patients have been widely used in Japan since 1998. Here we introduce dose equivalency tables for: (i) antipsychotics; (ii) antiparkinsonian agents; (iii) antidepressants; and (iv) anxiolytics, sedatives and hypnotics available in Japan. Equivalent doses for the therapeutic effects of individual psychotropic compounds were determined principally on the basis of randomized controlled trials conducted in Japan and consensus among dose equivalency tables reported previously by psychopharmacological experts. As these tables are intended to merely suggest approximate standard values, physicians should use them with discretion. Updated information of psychotropic dose equivalence in Japan is available at http://www.jsprs.org/en/equivalence.tables/. [Correction added on 8 July 2015, after first online publication: A link to the updated information has been added.]
Dramatic Protests, Creative Communities: VVAW and the Expressive Politics of the Sixties Counterculture
Authors: Kirkby Ryan J.
Published: January 2015

This article locates the Vietnam Veterans Against the War (VVAW) within the context of the sixties counterculture. More specifically, it explores how VVAW's membership adopted an expansive definition of politics that relied on cultural forms such as guerrilla theater and community activism to convey their antiwar message. In the past, scholars have subdivided sixties protest into the categories of “expressive” and “instrumental” activism. This essay adds to the growing scholarship of the “long sixties” and challenges the division of protest into these two categories using VVAW to reveal the porous nature of cultural/expressive and political/instrumental activism. It illustrates how activists took advantage of this cross‐pollinating tendency to cultivate creative forms of protest that transcended the narrow boundaries separating hippies from politicos, and how VVAW's cultural politics gave rise to a unique antiwar veterans' culture premised on dramatic street theater, experimental self‐healing, and a deep suspicion of centralized authority.
Clinical trials of helminth therapy in autoimmune diseases: rationale and findings
Authors: Fleming J. O. , Weinstock J. V.
Published: January 2015

Some helminths are major human pathogens. Recently, however, increased understanding of the immunoregulatory responses induced by this class of parasites, in combination with epidemiologic and animal studies, suggests that helminths may have therapeutic potential in autoimmune diseases (AD) and other conditions. This article reviews the rationale for and results of clinical trials to test the safety and efficacy of helminth therapy in AD. Also discussed are future prospects for investigation and the possibility that helminth treatment may serve as a probe to help reveal the pathogenesis of AD.
Orexin A Expression in the Ovary of Dog and Cat
Authors: Levanti M , Germanà A , Abbate F
Published: January 2015

Contents

Orexin A and B, also known as hypocretin A and B, are hypothalamic neuropeptides arising from a precursor to the 130 amino acid, called pre–pro orexin. They are synthesized mainly in lateral and posterior hypothalamus and are involved in different functions such as regulation of food intake and energy balance. Orexins and orexin receptors were previously described also in different tissues and organs outside the brain. The aim of this study was to demonstrate by means of the immunofluorescence technique, the presence of orexin A in the ovary of cat and dog, to support the hypothesis of the role of this substance also at the level of the female genital system. The presence of orexin A in the ovary either in dog or in cat is in agreement with previous data on the presence and role of orexins in the female genital system of other species.
Induction of Gynogenetic and Androgenetic Haploid and Doubled Haploid Development in the Brown Trout (Salmo trutta Linnaeus 1758)
Authors: Michalik O , Dobosz S , Zalewski T , Sapota M , Ocalewicz K
Published: January 2015

Contents

Gynogenetic and androgenetic brown trout (Salmo trutta Linnaeus 1758) haploids (Hs) and doubled haploids (DHs) were produced in the present research. Haploid development was induced by radiation‐induced genetic inactivation of spermatozoa (gynogenesis) or eggs (androgenesis) before insemination. To provide DHs, gynogenetic and androgenetic haploid zygotes were subjected to the high pressure shock to suppress the first mitotic cleavage. Among haploids, gynogenetic embryos were showing lower mortality when compared to the androgenetic embryos; however, most of them die before the first feeding stage. Gynogenetic doubled haploids provided in the course of the brown trout eggs activation performed by homologous and heterologous sperm (rainbow trout) were developing equally showing hatching rates of 14.76 ± 2.4% and 16.14 ± 2.90% and the survival rates at the first feeding stage of 10.48 ± 3.48% and 12.78 ± 2.18%, respectively. Significantly, lower survival rate was observed among androgenetic progenies from the diploid groups with only few specimens that survived to the first feeding stage. Cytogenetic survey showed that among embryos from the diploid variants of the research, only gynogenetic individuals possessed doubled sets of chromosomes. Thus, it is reasonable to assume that radiation employed for the genetic inactivation of the brown trout eggs misaligned mechanism responsible for the cell divisions and might have delayed or even arrested the first mitotic cleavage in the androgenetic brown trout zygotes. Moreover, protocol for the radiation‐induced inactivation of the paternal and maternal genome should be adjusted as some of the cytogenetically surveyed gynogenetic and androgenetic embryos exhibited fragments of the irradiated chromosomes.
Race, Ethnicity, Immigration, and Living Conditions inCostaRica
Authors: Gradín Carlos
Published: January 2015

Using information from the 2011 census, we analyze the differential in living standards by race, ethnicity, and country of birth inCostaRica. We identify the main factors explaining such inequalities along the distribution of a composite index of wellbeing, with counterfactual analysis based on theBlinder–Oaxaca type of decomposition. Our results show that mulattoes, indigenous people, and immigrants fromNicaragua andPanama are generally worse off than the majority of the population, although the reasons differ. While lower education levels and lower paying occupations explain much of the differential in all cases, location is particularly important for indigenous people and immigrants fromPanama who live in the least developed areas of the country. We also investigate the distributive pattern of these inequalities and the remarkably distinctive situation ofCostaRican blacks.
Leghemoglobin is nitrated in functional legume nodules in a tyrosine residue within the heme cavity by a nitrite/peroxide‐dependent mechanism
Authors: Sainz Martha , Calvo‐Begueria Laura , Pérez‐Rontomé Carmen , Wienkoop Stefanie , Abián Joaquín , Staudinger Christiana , Bartesaghi Silvina , Radi Rafael , Becana Manuel
Published: January 2015

Protein tyrosine (Tyr) nitration is a post‐translational modification yielding 3‐nitrotyrosine (NO2–Tyr). Formation of NO2–Tyr is generally considered as a marker of nitro‐oxidative stress and is involved in some human pathophysiological disorders, but has been poorly studied in plants. Leghemoglobin (Lb) is an abundant hemeprotein of legume nodules that plays an essential role as an O2 transporter. Liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry was used for a targeted search and quantification of NO2–Tyr in Lb. For all Lbs examined, Tyr30, located in the distal heme pocket, is the major target of nitration. Lower amounts were found for NO2–Tyr25 and NO2–Tyr133. Nitrated Lb and other as yet unidentified nitrated proteins were also detected in nodules of plants not receiving and were found to decrease during senescence. This demonstrates formation of nitric oxide (˙NO) and by alternative means to nitrate reductase, probably via a ˙NO synthase‐like enzyme, and strongly suggests that nitrated proteins perform biological functions and are not merely metabolic byproducts. In vitro assays with purified Lb revealed that Tyr nitration requires  + H2O2 and that peroxynitrite is not an efficient inducer of nitration, probably because Lb isomerizes it to . Nitrated Lb is formed via oxoferryl Lb, which generates nitrogen dioxide and tyrosyl radicals. This mechanism is distinctly different from that involved in heme nitration. Formation of NO2–Tyr in Lb is a consequence of active metabolism in functional nodules, where Lb may act as a sink of toxic peroxynitrite and may play a protective role in the symbiosis.
A tonoplast Glu/Asp/GABAexchanger that affects tomato fruit amino acid composition
Authors: Snowden Christopher J. , Thomas Benjamin , Baxter Charles J. , Smith J. Andrew C. , Sweetlove Lee J.
Published: January 2015

Vacuolar accumulation of acidic metabolites is an important aspect of tomato fruit flavour and nutritional quality. The amino acids Asp and Glu accumulate to high concentrations during ripening, while γ‐aminobutyrate (GABA) shows an approximately stoichiometric decline. Given thatGABAcan be catabolised to form Glu and subsequently Asp, and the requirement for the fruit to maintain osmotic homeostasis during ripening, we hypothesised the existence of a tonoplast transporter that exportsGABAfrom the vacuole in exchange for import of either Asp or Glu. We show here that the tomato vacuolar membrane possesses such a transport property: transport of Glu across isolated tonoplast vesicle membranes wastrans‐stimulated in counterexchange mode byGABA, Glu and Asp. We identified SlCAT9 as a candidate protein for this exchanger using quantitative proteomics of a tonoplast‐enriched membrane fraction. Transient expression of a SlCAT9‐YFPfusion in tobacco confirmed a tonoplast localisation. The function of the protein was examined by overexpression of SlCAT9 in transgenic tomato plants. Tonoplast vesicles isolated from transgenic plants showed higher rates of Glu andGABAtransport than wild‐type (WT) only when assayed in counterexchange mode with Glu, Asp, orGABA. Moreover, there were substantial increases in the content of all three cognate amino acids in ripe fruit from the transgenic plants. We conclude that SlCAT9 is a tonoplast Glu/Asp/GABAexchanger that strongly influences the accumulation of these amino acids during fruit development.