bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cholinergic enhancement differentially modulates neural response to encoding during face identity and face location working memory tasks
Authors: Handjaras Giacomo , Ricciardi Emiliano , Szczepanik Joanna , Pietrini Pietro , Furey Maura L
Published: August 2013

Potentiation of cholinergic transmission influences stimulus processing by enhancing signal detection through suppression and/or filtering out of irrelevant information (bottom-up modulation) and with top-down task-oriented executive mechanisms based on the recruitment of prefrontal and parietal attentional systems. The cholinergic system also plays a critical role in working memory (WM) processes and preferentially modulates WM encoding, likely through stimulus-processing mechanisms. Previous research reported increased brain responses in visual extrastriate cortical regions during cholinergic enhancement in the encoding phase of WM, independently addressing object and spatial encoding. The current study used functional magnetic resonance imaging to determine the effects of cholinergic enhancement on encoding of key visual processing features. Subjects participated in two scanning sessions, one during an intravenous (i.v.) infusion of saline and the other during an infusion of the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor physostigmine. In each scan session, subjects alternated between a face identity recognition and a spatial location WM. Enhanced cholinergic function increased neural activity in the ventral stream during encoding of face identity and in the dorsal stream during encoding of face location. Conversely, a reduction in brain response was found for scrambled sensorimotor control images. The cholinergic effects on neural activity in the ventral stream during encoding of face identity were stronger than those observed in the dorsal stream during encoding of face location, likely as a consequence of the role of acetylcholine in establishing the inherently relevant nature of face identity. Despite the limited sample-size, the results suggest the stimulus-dependent role of cholinergic system in signal detection, as they show that cholinergic potentiation enhances neural activity in regions associated with early perceptual processing in a selective manner depending on the attended stimulus feature.
Averting School Rampage
Authors: Madfis Eric
Published: August 2013

Pulling from in-depth interviews with school administrators, counselors, security and police officers, and teachers directly involved in thwarting rampage attacks at 11 Northeastern schools, this study considers the extent to which students have broken through a “code of silence,” discouraging them from informing on their peers. While findings support prior research indicating the vital preventative role of students’ coming forward with information about threats, close scrutiny of averted incidents reveals that scholars and educational practitioners have overestimated the extent to which the student code of silence has diminished post-Columbine. Even in these successfully averted incidents, numerous students exposed to threats still did not come forward; those who did were rarely close associates or confidants of accused students; and some who did ultimately come forward did so as a result of being personally threatened or in order to deflect blame away from themselves, rather than out of altruistic concern for others.
Gendered Pathways to Delinquency
Authors: Yun Minwoo , Kim Eunyoung , Morris Robert
Published: August 2013

This study examines whether gendered pathways to delinquency posited by general strain theory (GST) operate equivalently for contemporary Korean youth as compared to past studies focused on American youth. The study analyzed longitudinal data from 3,125 South Korean teenagers and revealed some support for GST. The findings suggest that gender equalization transition affected reports of alcohol use but not for aggressive behaviors. The findings also indicate that GST is gender-specific for Korean youth and depends on the type of delinquency, strains, negative emotionality, and conditioning factors. Unlike males, female strains tend to be more psychological and subtle, leading toward deviance through mediation effects of anger and various conditioning factors such as peer delinquency and gender role socialization. The findings also support GST as being applicable to Korean social and cultural contexts, thereby strengthening the theory’s generalizability. However, gendered pathways to delinquency in the GST framework may be conditioned by the contemporary Korean cultural context of asymmetric gender equalization transition.
Microwave-absorbing properties of CoNi nanoparticles
Authors: Lu Wanheng , Yu Hongying , Sun Dongbai , Lu Lixiang
Published: August 2013

The CoNi alloy nanoparticles with different molar ratios of Co:Ni were prepared by the liquid-phase reduction, and the morphology, chemical composition and structure of the particles were investigated by field-emission scanning electron microscopy and X-ray powder diffraction. The complex permittivity and permeability of the nanoparticles were investigated by network analyzer in the frequency range of 1–18 GHz. The reflection loss was calculated based on the determined complex permittivity and permeability. The field-emission scanning electron microscopy results showed that all samples with different Co:Ni molar ratios were spherical and evenly distributed with the diameter ranging from 60 to 200 nm. Compared with other samples with different Co:Ni molar ratios, the sample with Co:Ni molar ratio of 1:2 displayed higher microwave-absorbing properties due to the higher imaginary parts of the complex permittivity and permeability.
Healthcare workers’ hand hygiene and infection control compliance: should patients and relatives be involved?
Authors: Ampofo Brenya
Published: August 2013

Hand hygiene, though simple and inexpensive, has been recognised as one of the single most important interventions to prevent cross-contamination. Despite its significance, compliance among healthcare workers (HCWs) remains poor. This study sought to find out whether patients and their relatives were willing to get involved to improve HCWs’ hand hygiene and infection control compliance in a community hospital. Thirty-eight conveniently selected patients completed survey questionnaires. Twenty-five (66%) indicated that patients and relatives should be involved in improving HCWs’ hand hygiene compliance. Thirty-four (90%) said that they or their relatives had been encouraged by HCWs to decontaminate their hands. Thirty-three (87%) felt confident to ask any HCW to decontaminate their hands before providing care for them. A total of thirty-two (83%) indicated that they would either remind or report HCWs who were found to be breaching hand hygiene protocols, while a total of thirty-three (86%) said they would either remind or report HCWs if they found the environment to be unclean. The majority of patients appeared to feel empowered to challenge breaches in hand hygiene and infection control protocols by HCWs and were also willing to get involved. This empowerment and willingness should be encouraged and supported by HCWs.
Can measuring environmental cleanliness using ATP aid in the monitoring of wards with periods of increased incidence of Clostridium difficile?
Authors: Hardy Katherine , Abbott Gill , Bashford Sarah , Bucior Helen , Codd Jane , Holland Madelaine , Reynolds Mandy , Simms Avril , Thomlinson Diane
Published: August 2013

Management of periods of increased incidence of Clostridium difficile (PIIs) on a ward have become multi-factorial and involve isolation of patients, typing of the isolates, antibiotic audit and a weekly environmental audit completed until three consecutive weekly passes are obtained. The aim of this study was to establish if monitoring the environment using adenosine triphosphate (ATP) could aid in reducing the length of time the wards remained on the weekly environmental audit. Secondly, it was to establish if certain pieces of equipment had continually high ATP scores requiring wider interventions. The study took place across three hospital sites covered by one infection control team over a 22 month period. There were three study periods, with the only difference being that ATP monitoring was conducted during period B. There was a difference in the length of time the wards remained on the audit between the first period and the ATP period; however this decrease was sustained in the third period when ATP monitoring ceased. There was an increase in the percentage of sites achieving a pass with ATP week on week. ATP monitoring provided the staff with non-subjective results and immediate feedback that facilitated discussions about cleaning regimes. ATP monitoring was a useful adjunct to environmental audits.
Updates in Critical Care 2012-2013
Authors: Seeley Eric J.
Published: August 2013

Important advances in treating critically ill patients often proceed in fits and starts. Thematic studies are often published in clusters and concordant negative or positive results can accelerate shifts in clinical practice. The past few years have seen several important studies that address key knowledge gaps in treating critically ill patients. In this article, 6 studies that address key questions in the implementation of lung-protective ventilation, the use of oscillatory ventilation in severe acute respiratory distress syndrome, transfusion practices during upper gastrointestinal bleeds, and the use of total parenteral nutrition in critically ill patients are reviewed. These studies should shift the way we ventilate, transfuse, and nourish patients in the ICU.
Fatal pulmonary embolism update: 10 years of autopsy experience at an academic medical center
Authors: Sweet Patrick H , Armstrong Theodore , Chen John , Masliah Eliezer , Witucki Peter
Published: August 2013

Objective

To investigate the rate of death caused by pulmonary embolism (PE) and the antemortem performance in diagnosis and treatment of PE.

Design

A systematic search of cases involving fatal PE via PowerPath® (Sunquest) followed by chart review.

Setting

An academic medical centre located in San Diego, United States of America.

Participants

Postmortem cases with pathological findings of PE.

Main outcome measures

After data collection and collation, the data were subject to analysis.

Results

From 2002 to 2012, PE was identified as the mechanism of death in 108 of 982 cases (11%, 95% CI 9.01–12.99%) at an institution with an average autopsy rate of 30% ± 0.07%. Excluding cases where care was withheld (by advance directive) or unavailable, 29 of 108 were eligible for antemortem treatment for PE. In 31% (nine of 29) of these cases the diagnosis of PE was considered antemortem. Only three of 29 were given thrombolytics despite only one case being contraindicated.

Conclusion

The rate of PE-related death is consistent with most other autopsy series and major epidemiologic studies despite advances in system wide deep venous thrombosis prophylaxis. The results validate previous studies that this diagnosis is often missed but probably improving compared to historical standards. Even when the diagnosis is considered, however, thrombolytics are not routinely given, even without contraindications. The cause of this failure to treat may require further study with comparison to patients that were treated to determine the utilization of this treatment. It also underscores the continued difficulty in the diagnosis of this disease.
CD25 and TNF receptor II reflect early primary response to infliximab therapy in patients with ulcerative colitis
Authors: Magnusson Maria K , Dahlén Rahil , Strid Hans , Isaksson Stefan , Simrén Magnus , Lasson Anders , Bajor Antal , Ung Kjell‐Arne , Öhman Lena
Published: August 2013

Background

Although infliximab treatment is an option for patients with ulcerative colitis (UC), not all patients do respond to therapy, and cellular mechanisms leading to therapy response are incompletely known.

Objective

The objective of this article is to determine early effects of infliximab therapy on T cells in the blood of UC patients and if effects differed in therapy responders and nonresponders.

Methods: Blood samples were obtained before and two weeks post‐treatment start from 34 anti‐tumor necrosis factor (TNF) therapy‐naïve UC patients undergoing infliximab therapy. Response to therapy was evaluated prior to the fourth treatment dose. Expression of T cell surface markers and levels of soluble receptors and cytokines in serum were determined.

Results

At baseline, there were no differences in cellular, biochemical or clinical parameters between therapy responders and nonresponders. Infliximab therapy reduced frequencies of CD25+ T cells and increased frequencies of annexin V+ T cells in patients responding to infliximab, but not in nonresponding patients, two weeks after therapy start. Only therapy responders had decreased serum levels of sCD25 and sTNFRII two weeks after treatment start. In contrast, clinical parameters did not reflect therapy outcome already two weeks after therapy start.

Conclusion

Soluble and membrane‐bound T cell receptors may be early indicators of infliximab therapy response in UC, which can be of clinical importance for the decision when to continue or to stop the treatment.
Views on Lifestyle Change From Caregivers of People With Cognitive Impairment in China
Authors: Mei Y. John , Levkoff Sue , Wang Quan , Wang Huali , Dan Cui , Mao Zongfu , Wu Bei
Published: August 2013

Lifestyle changes such as in physical exercise, social activity, and diet can mitigate cognitive decline and improve quality of life in caregivers and care recipients with cognitive impairment. However, caregiver perspectives on lifestyle change remain largely unexamined. This study compares perspectives among caregivers for those with dementia and those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Interviews were conducted with caregivers in two sites in China, and thematic similarities and differences were examined between the two groups. Caregivers from both groups identified exercise, social activity, and diet as healthy ways of life. Differences were found in approaching lifestyle change based on health of the care recipient. Caregivers for patients with dementia found more often that they had no time or possibility for change, while caregivers for individuals with MCI were more often hopeful about change.
Genome-wide DNA methylation analysis identifies hypomethylated genes regulated by FOXP3 in human regulatory T cells
Authors: Zhang Yuxia , Maksimovic Jovana , Naselli Gaetano , Qian Junyan , Chopin Michael , Blewitt Marnie E. , Oshlack Alicia , Harrison Leonard C.
Published: August 2013

Key Points

Human naive CD4+ T cells and resting nTreg are differentially methylated at 127 regions in their genomic DNA. Forkhead-binding motifs are present in promoter-associated differentially methylated regions, inferring broader epigenetic control of Treg.
Pediatric acute myeloid leukemia with t(8;16)(p11;p13), a distinct clinical and biological entity: a collaborative study by the International-Berlin-Frankfurt-Münster AML-study group
Authors: Coenen Eva A. , Zwaan C. Michel , Reinhardt Dirk , Harrison Christine J. , Haas Oskar A. , de Haas Valerie , Mihál Vladimir , De Moerloose Barbara , Jeison Marta , Rubnitz Jeffrey E. , Tomizawa Daisuke , Johnston Donna , Alonzo Todd A. , Hasle Henrik , Auvrignon Anne , Dworzak Michael , Pession Andrea , van der Velden Vincent H. J. , Swansbury John , Wong Kit-fai , Terui Kiminori , Savasan Sureyya , Winstanley Mark , Vaitkeviciene Goda , Zimmermann Martin , Pieters Rob , van den Heuvel-Eibrink Marry M.
Published: August 2013

Key Points

Pediatric t(8;16)(p11;p13) AML is a rare entity defined by a unique gene expression signature and distinct clinical features. Spontaneous remissions occur in a subset of neonatal t(8;16)(p11;p13) AML cases.
Preclinical and clinical efficacy of XPO1/CRM1 inhibition by the karyopherin inhibitor KPT-330 in Ph+ leukemias
Authors: Walker Christopher J. , Oaks Joshua J. , Santhanam Ramasamy , Neviani Paolo , Harb Jason G. , Ferenchak Gregory , Ellis Justin J. , Landesman Yosef , Eisfeld Ann-Kathrin , Gabrail Nash Y. , Smith Carrie L. , Caligiuri Michael A. , Hokland Peter , Roy Denis Claude , Reid Alistair , Milojkovic Dragana , Goldman John M. , Apperley Jane , Garzon Ramiro , Marcucci Guido , Shacham Sharon , Kauffman Michael G. , Perrotti Danilo
Published: August 2013

Key Points

XPO1/CRM1 is upregulated in a BCR-ABL1 kinase-dependent and -independent manner and negatively controls PP2A tumor suppressor activity. KPT-330 antagonizes survival of TKI-resistant Ph+ acute leukemias in vitro, in CML-BC animals, and in a CML-AP patient.
The impact of response on bone-directed therapy in patients with multiple myeloma
Authors: Larocca Alessandra , Child J. Anthony , Cook Gordon , Jackson Graham H. , Russell Nigel , Szubert Alexander , Gregory Walter M. , Brioli Annamaria , Owen Roger G. , Drayson Mark T. , Wu Ping , Palumbo Antonio , Boccadoro Mario , Davies Faith E. , Morgan Gareth J.
Published: August 2013

Key Points

The use of ZOL is better than CLO in the improvement of SREs and survival in symptomatic myeloma patients at diagnosis. Response category posttransplant may influence the impact of bisphosphonate therapy.
Genome-wide analysis of the AP2/ERF transcription factor superfamily in Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa ssp. pekinensis)
Authors: Song Xiaoming , Li Ying , Hou Xilin
Published: August 2013

Background

Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapassp.pekinensis) is a member of one of the most important leaf vegetables grown worldwide, which has experienced thousands of years in cultivation and artificial selection. The entire Chinese cabbage genome sequence, and more than forty thousand proteins have been obtained to date. The genome has undergone triplication events since its divergence fromArabidopsis thaliana(13 to 17 Mya), however a high degree of sequence similarity and conserved genome structure remain between the two species.Arabidopsisis therefore a viable reference species for comparative genomics studies. Variation in the number of members in gene families due to genome triplication may contribute to the broad range of phenotypic plasticity, and increased tolerance to environmental extremes observed inBrassicaspecies. Transcription factors are important regulators involved in plant developmental and physiological processes. The AP2/ERF proteins, one of the most important families of transcriptional regulators, play a crucial role in plant growth, and in response to biotic and abiotic stressors. Our analysis will provide resources for understanding the tolerance mechanisms inBrassica rapassp.pekinensis.

Results

In the present study, 291 putative AP2/ERF transcription factor proteins were identified from the Chinese cabbage genome database, and compared with proteins from 15 additional species. The Chinese cabbage AP2/ERF superfamily was classified into four families, including AP2, ERF, RAV, and Soloist. The ERF family was further divided into DREB and ERF subfamilies. The AP2/ERF superfamily was subsequently divided into 15 groups. The identification, classification, phylogenetic reconstruction, conserved motifs, chromosome distribution, functional annotation, expression patterns, and interaction networks of the AP2/ERF transcription factor superfamily were predicted and analyzed. Distribution mapping results showed AP2/ERF superfamily genes were localized on the 10 Chinese cabbage chromosomes. AP2/ERF transcription factor expression levels exhibited differences among six tissue types based on expressed sequence tags (ESTs). In the AP2/ERF superfamily, 214 orthologous genes were identified between Chinese cabbage andArabidopsis. Orthologous gene interaction networks were constructed, and included seven CBF and four AP2 genes, primarily involved in cold regulatory pathways and ovule development, respectively.

Conclusions

The evolution of the AP2/ERF transcription factor superfamily in Chinese cabbage resulted from genome triplication and tandem duplications. A comprehensive analysis of the physiological functions and biological roles of AP2/ERF superfamily genes in Chinese cabbage is required to fully elucidate AP2/ERF, which provides us with rich resources and opportunities to understand crop stress tolerance mechanisms.
Development of biodegradable polycaprolactone film as an internal fixation material to enhance tendon repair: an in vitro study
Authors: Hu Jian-Zhong , Zhou Yong-Chun , Huang Li-Hua , Lu Hong-Bin
Published: August 2013

Background

Current tendon repair techniques do not provide sufficient tensile strength at the repair site, and thus early active motion rehabilitation after tendon repair is discouraged. To enhance the post-operative tensile strength, we proposed and tested an internal fixation technique using a polycaprolactone (PCL) biofilm. PCL was chosen for its good biocompatibility, excellent mechanical strength, and an appropriate degradation time scale.

Methods

PCL biofilms were prepared by a modified melt-molding/leaching technique, and the physical and mechanical properties andin vitrodegradation rate were assessed. The pore size distribution of the biofilm and the paratenon of native tendons were observed using scanning electron microscopy. Next, we determined whether this biofilm could enhance the tensile strength of repaired tendons. We performed tensile tests on rabbit Achilles tendons that were first lacerated and then repaired: 1) using modified Kessler suture combined with running peripheral suture (‘control’ group), or 2) using biofilm to wrap the tendon and then fixation with sutures (‘biofilm’ group). The influence of different repair techniques on tendon tensile strength was evaluated by mechanical testing.

Results

The novel biofilm had supple texture and a smooth surface. The mean thickness of the biofilm was 0.25 mm. The mean porosity of the biofilm was 45.3%. The paratenon of the rabbit Achilles tendon had pores with diameters ranging from 1 to 9 μm, which were similar to the 4–12 μm diameter pores in the biofilm cross-section. The weight loss of the biofilms at 4 weeks was only 0.07%. The molecular weight of PCL biofilms did not change after immersion in phosphate buffered saline for 4 weeks. The failure loads of the biofilm were similar before (48 ± 9 N) and after immersion (47 ± 7 N,P > 0.1). The biofilm group had ~70% higher mean failure loads and 93% higher stiffness compared with the control group.

Conclusions

We proposed and tested an internal fixation technique using a PCL biofilm to enhance tendon repair. Internal fixation with the biofilm followed by standard suturing can significantly increase the tensile strength of tendon repair sites. This technique has the potential to allow active motion rehabilitation during the early post-operative period.
Integrating child health services into malaria control services of village malaria workers in remote Cambodia: service utilization and knowledge of malaria management of caregivers
Authors: Hasegawa Aya , Yasuoka Junko , Ly Po , Nguon Chea , Jimba Masamine
Published: August 2013

Background

Malaria and other communicable diseases remain major threats in developing countries. In Cambodia, village malaria workers (VMWs) have been providing malaria control services in remote villages to cope with the disease threats. In 2009, the VMW project integrated child health services into the original malaria control services. However, little has been studied about the utilization of VMWs’ child health services. This study aimed to identify determinants of caregivers’ VMW service utilization for childhood illness and caregivers’ knowledge of malaria management.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in 36 VMW villages of Kampot and Kampong Thom provinces in July-September 2012. An equal number of VMW villages with malaria control services only (M) and those with malaria control plus child health services (M+C) were selected from each province. Using structured questionnaires, 800 caregivers of children under five and 36 VMWs, one of the two VMWs who was providing VMW services in each study village were interviewed.

Results

Among the caregivers, 23% in M villages and 52% in M+C villages utilized VMW services for childhood illnesses. Determinants of caregivers’ utilization of VMWs in M villages included their VMWs’ length of experience (AOR = 11.80, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 4.46-31.19) and VMWs’ service quality (AOR = 2.04, CI = 1.01-4.11). In M+C villages, VMWs’ length of experience (AOR = 2.44, CI = 1.52-3.94) and caregivers’ wealth index (AOR = 0.35, CI = 0.18-0.68) were associated with VMW service utilization. Meanwhile, better service quality of VMWs (AOR = 3.21, CI = 1.34-7.66) and caregivers’ literacy (AOR = 9.91, CI = 4.66-21.05) were positively associated with caregivers’ knowledge of malaria management.

Conclusions

VMWs’ service quality and length of experience are important determinants of caregivers’ utilization of VMWs’ child health services and their knowledge of malaria management. Caregivers are seeking VMWs’ support for childhood illnesses even if they are providing only malaria control services. This underlines the importance of scaling-up VMWs’ capacity by adding child health services of good quality, which will result in improving child health status in remote Cambodia.
Morphology and property control of NiO nanostructures for supercapacitor applications
Authors: Dar Farrukh Iqbal , Moonoosawmy Kevin Radakishna , Es-Souni Mohammed
Published: August 2013

We process one-dimensional (1D) NiO nanostructures in anodized alumina templates starting from electrochemically deposited Ni nanotubes (NTs), and characterize their morphology-dependent supercapacitance behavior. The morphology of the 1D NiO nanostructures is controlled by the time of annealing at 450°C. After 25 min of annealing, the NTs start to close but maintain the tubular structure, and after a further 300 min of annealing time, the tubes are completely closed and nanorods (NRs) are formed. We show that the structures obtained are highly promising for supercapacitor applications; the performance of the NiO NT structure is with a specific capacitance of 2,093 F/g, the highest ever obtained for NiO, approaching the theoretical capacitance of this material. A suitable combination of nanocrystalline grain size and the high surface area akin to the tubular structure is responsible for this high performance. In contrast, the NiO NR structure is characterized by lower performance (797 F/g). A further attribute of the proposed structure is its high stability against galvanostatic charging-discharging cycling at high current densities, with almost no alteration to performance after 500 cycles.
The growth factor progranulin attenuates neuronal injury induced by cerebral ischemia-reperfusion through the suppression of neutrophil recruitment
Authors: Egashira Yusuke , Suzuki Yukiya , Azuma Yukio , Takagi Toshinori , Mishiro Keisuke , Sugitani Sou , Tsuruma Kazuhiro , Shimazawa Masamitsu , Yoshimura Shinichi , Kashimata Masanori , Iwama Toru , Hara Hideaki
Published: August 2013

Background

To improve the clinical outcome of patients who suffered ischemic stroke, cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury is one of the major concerns that should be conquered. Inflammatory reactions are considered a major contributor to brain injury following cerebral ischemia, and I/R exacerbates these reactions. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible ameliorative effects of progranulin (PGRN) against I/R injury in mice.

Methods

In vivo I/R was induced in four-week-old male ddY mice by 2 h of MCAO (middle cerebral artery occlusion) followed by 22 h of reperfusion. We evaluate expression of PGRN in I/R brain, efficacy of recombinant-PGRN (r-PGRN) treatment and its therapeutic time-window on I/R injury. Two hours after MCAO, 1.0 ng of r-PRGN or PBS was administered via intracerebroventricular. We assess neutrophil infiltration, expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and phosphorylation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) by immunofluorescense staining and Western blotting. We also investigate neutrophil chemotaxis and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) expression in vitro inflammation models using isolated neutrophils and endothelial cells.

Results

We found that expression of PGRN was decreased in the I/R mouse brain. r-PGRN treatment at 2 h after MCAO resulted in a reduction in the infarct volume and decreased brain swelling; this led to an improvement in neurological scores and to a reduction of mortality rate at 24 h and 7 d after MCAO, respectively. Immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, and gelatin zymography also confirmed that r-PGRN treatment suppressed neutrophil recruitment into the I/R brain, and this led to a reduction of NF-κB and MMP-9 activation. In the in vitro inflammation models, PGRN suppressed both the neutrophil chemotaxis and ICAM-1 expression caused by TNF-α in endothelial cells.

Conclusions

PGRN exerted ameliorative effects against I/R-induced inflammation, and these effects may be due to the inhibition of neutrophil recruitment into the I/R brain.
Paratesticular dedifferentiated liposarcoma with leiomyosarcomatous differentiation: a case report with a review of literature
Authors: Hatanaka Kazuhito , Yoshioka Takako , Tasaki Takashi , Tanimoto Akihide
Published: August 2013

Paratesticular liposarcoma is a rare neoplasm, described in single case studies or components of larger studies, as histologically well-differentiated liposarcoma (WDL) and dedifferentiated liposarcoma (DL). However, leiomyosarcomatous differentiation is an extremely rare occurrence in WDL and DL. We report a case of leiomyosarcomatous differentiation in a 77-year-old man. The patient presented with a painless right scrotal mass. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a large mass along the right spermatic cord. The resected mass, measuring 17.5 × 12 × 5 cm, was composed of a high-grade pleomorphic undifferentiated sarcomatous component with necrosis. Atypical smooth muscle differentiation was also detected. Additional tumor sampling revealed the presence of a WDL component. Immunohistochemical analysis of the pleomorphic sarcomatous component showed positive staining for MDM2 and CDK4, and negative staining for alpha smooth muscle actin (αSMA) and desmin. The smooth muscle component was positive for αSMA and desmin, and negative for MDM2 and CDK4. Extension from primary retroperitoneal sarcoma was not proved. We diagnosed of DL with leiomyosarcomatous differentiation.

Virtual slides

The virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here: http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/1484291498104021.
Esophageal rupture caused by explosion of an automobile tire tube: a case report
Authors: Yu Yongkang , Ding Sheng , Zheng Yifeng , Li Wei , Yang Lie , Zheng Xiushan , Liu Xiaoyan , Jiang Jianqing
Published: August 2013

Introduction

There have been no reports in the literature of esophageal rupture in adults resulting from an explosion of an automobile tire. We report the first case of just such an occurrence after an individual bit into a tire, causing it to explode in his mouth.

Case presentation

A 47-year-old Han Chinese man presented with massive hemorrhage in his left eye after he accidentally bit an automobile tire tube which burst into his mouth. He was diagnosed with esophageal rupture based on a chest computed tomography scan and barium swallow examination. Drainage of empyema (right chest), removal of thoracic esophagus, exposure of cervical esophagus, cardiac ligation and gastrostomy were performed respectively. After that, esophagogastrostomy was performed.

Conclusions

Successful anastomosis was obtained at the neck with no postoperative complications 3 months after the surgery. The patient was discharged with satisfactory outcomes. We present this case report to bring attention to esophageal rupture in adults during the explosion of an automobile tire tube in the mouth.
Synotis xinningensis (Asteraceae), a new species from Hunan, China
Authors: Tang Ming , Wang Long-Yuan , Yang Qin-Er
Published: August 2013

Background

Synotis is one of the several genera within Senecioneae (Asteraceae) with more than 40 species that are mainly distributed in China or in the Sino-Himalayan region. During a botanical expedition in central and southwestern China in 2011, we found an unusual population of Synotis in southwestern Hunan Province. To determine the taxonomic identity of the population, we carried out gross-morphological, floral micromorphological, and cytological observations.

Results

Our gross-morphological observations have shown that the population is most similar to Synotis changiana Y. L. Chen, but readily distinguishable in the discoid capitula (vs. radiate), and in the bracts of calyculus 9–10 (vs. 6–8), 6–7 mm long (vs. 3–4 mm). The floral micromorphological observations on the population and S. changiana agree with previous reports for other species of Synotis. The chromosomes of the population are counted to be 2n = 40 + 0–1B. Its karyotype is formulated as 2n = 22m + 14sm + 4st.

Conclusions

The population is determined to represent a new species, i.e. Synotis xinningensis M. Tang & Q. E. Yang, which is described herein. The new species belongs to Synotis ser. Synotis.
Synotis baoshanensis (Asteraceae), a new species from Yunnan, China
Authors: Tang Ming , Hong Yu , Yang Qin-Er
Published: August 2013

Background

Synotis (Asteraceae; Senecioneae) is a genus of about 55 species mostly distributed in the Sino-Himalayan region. During a botanical expedition in southwestern China in 2012, we found an unusual population of Synotis in southwestern Yunnan Province. To determine the taxonomic identity of the population, we carried out gross-morphological, floral micromorphological, and cytological observations.

Results

Our gross-morphological observations have shown that the population is most similar to Synotis auriculata C. Jeffrey & Y. L. Chen in leaf shape and in the number of phyllaries and florets, but readily distinguishable by the glabrous stem and petiole (vs. glandular pubescent), the exauriculate petiole (vs. auriculate), the uppermost leaves obviously smaller than the middle ones (vs. almost equally sized), and the larger ray florets (4–4.5 mm vs. ca. 2.5 mm). The floral micromorphological observations on the population agree with previous reports for other species of Synotis. The chromosomes of the population are counted to be 2n = 40. Its karyotype is formulated as 2n = 20m + 14sm + 6st.

Conclusions

The population was determined to represent a new species, i.e. Synotis baoshanensis M. Tang & Q. E. Yang, which is described herein. The species belongs to Synotis ser. Microglossae.
Incidence, prevalence, and occurrence rate of infection among adults hospitalized after traumatic brain injury: study protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Scott Brittney NV , Roberts Derek J , Robertson Helen Lee , Kramer Andreas H , Laupland Kevin B , Ousman Shalina S , Kubes Paul , Zygun David A
Published: August 2013

Background

Infection occurs commonly among patients hospitalized after traumatic brain injury (TBI) and has been associated with increased intensive care unit and hospital lengths of stay and an elevated risk of poor neurological outcome and mortality. However, as many relevant published studies to date have varied in the type and severity of TBI among included patients as well as in their design (randomized versus non-randomized), risk of bias, and setting (hospital ward versus intensive care unit), their reported estimates of infection occurrence vary considerably. Thus, the purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to estimate the incidence, prevalence, and occurrence rate of infection among patients hospitalized after TBI.

Methods/Design

We will search electronic bibliographic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Scopus, Web of Science, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews) from their first available date as well as personal files, reference lists of included articles, and conference proceedings. Two investigators will independently screen titles and abstracts and select cohort studies, cross-sectional studies, and randomized controlled trials involving adults hospitalized after TBI that reported estimates of cumulative incidence, incidence rate, prevalence, or occurrence rate of infection for inclusion in the systematic review. These investigators will also independently extract data and assess risk of bias. We will exclude studies with fewer than ten patients; experimental groups allocated to treatment with antibiotics, glucocorticoids, immunosuppressants, barbiturates, or hypothermia; and studies focused on military/combat-related TBI. Pooled estimates of cumulative incidence, incidence rate, prevalence, and occurrence rate will be calculated using random effects models. We will also calculate I2 and Cochran Q statistics to assess for inter-study heterogeneity and conduct stratified analyses and univariate meta-regression to determine the influence of pre-defined study-level covariates on our pooled estimates.

Discussion

This study will compile the world literature regarding the epidemiology of infection among adults hospitalized after TBI. A better understanding of the role of infection will be helpful in the development of guidelines for patient management. This protocol has been registered in the PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (ID: CRD42013005146).
A case report of human immunodeficiency virus-associated anaplastic lymphoma kinase protein-negative anaplastic large cell lymphoma
Authors: Taniai Hiroaki , Furusyo Norihiro , Murata Masayuki , Mitsumoto Fujiko , Shimizu Motohiro , Toyoda Kazuhiro , Ogawa Eiichi , Kainuma Mosaburo , Okada Kyoko , Hayashi Jun
Published: August 2013

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) is not so common, and anaplastic lymphoma kinase protein (ALK)-negative ALCL is rare and has a low survival rate. We report a case of a 31-year-old Japanese man diagnosed with HIV-associated ALK-negative ALCL who presented with long-lasting fever of unknown origin. The diagnosis was based on a full work-up that included inguinal lymph-node biopsy. Eight-cycle chemotherapy that included cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone in addition to antiretroviral therapy for HIV infection provided a complete remission of his ALCL and over 5-year survival for him.
Hiring discrimination based on national origin and religious closeness: results from a field experiment in the Paris area
Authors: Pierné Guillaume
Published: August 2013

This study uses the findings of a test carried out by correspondence in order to assess separately the potential hiring effects of North African origin and Muslim or Catholic religious affiliation in the French real estate sector. We constructed six jobseeker profiles, each representing a particular situation with respect to national origin and religious closeness, and we sent 1800 resumés in reply to 300 job vacancies advertised from mid April to mid September 2011 in Paris and its suburbs. We find evidences of significant hiring discrimination against applicants of North African origin, regardless of their religious closenesses and against applicants signaling closeness to the Muslim religion, regardless of their national origin.

JEL codes

C81, C93, J15, J71
Clinical associations of serum interleukin-17 in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Vincent Fabien B , Northcott Melissa , Hoi Alberta , Mackay Fabienne , Morand Eric F
Published: August 2013

Introduction

Serum interleukin (IL)-17 concentrations have been reported to be increased in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), but associations with clinical characteristics are not well understood. We characterized clinical associations of serum IL-17 in SLE.

Methods

We quantified IL-17 in serum samples from 98 SLE patients studied cross-sectionally, and in 246 samples from 75 of these patients followed longitudinally over two years. Disease activity was recorded using the SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI)-2k. Serum IL-6, migration inhibitory factor (MIF), and B cell activating factor of the tumour necrosis factor family (BAFF) were also measured in these samples.

Results

Serum IL-17 levels were significantly higher in SLE patients compared to healthy donors (P <0.0001). No correlation was observed between serum IL-17 and SLEDAI-2k, at baseline or during longitudinal follow-up. However, we observed that SLEDAI-2k was positively correlated with IL-17/IL-6 ratio. Serum IL-17 was significantly increased in SLE patients with central nervous system (CNS) disease (P = 0.0298). A strong correlation was observed between serum IL-17 and IL-6 (r = 0.62, P <0.0001), and this relationship was observed regardless of disease activity and persisted when integrating cytokine levels over the period observed (r = 0.66, P <0.0001). A strong correlation of serum IL-17 was also observed with serum BAFF (r = 0.64, P <0.0001), and MIF (r = 0.36, P = 0.0016).

Conclusions

Serum IL-17 concentration correlates poorly with SLE disease activity but is significantly elevated in patients with CNS disease. IL-17/IL-6 ratio may be more useful than IL-17 or IL-6 alone to characterize Th17-driven disease, such as SLE. The association of other cytokines with serum IL-17 suggests that IL-17 may drive activation of diverse immune pathways in SLE.
LOXL2 induces aberrant acinar morphogenesis via ErbB2 signaling
Authors: Chang Joan , Nicolau Monica M , Cox Thomas R , Wetterskog Daniel , Martens John WM , E Barker Holly , Erler Janine T
Published: August 2013

Introduction

Lysyl oxidase-like 2 (LOXL2) is a matrix-remodeling enzyme that has been shown to play a key role in invasion and metastasis of breast carcinoma cells. However, very little is known about its role in normal tissue homeostasis. Here, we investigated the effects of LOXL2 expression in normal mammary epithelial cells to gain insight into how LOXL2 mediates cancer progression.

Methods

LOXL2 was expressed in MCF10A normal human mammary epithelial cells. The 3D acinar morphogenesis of these cells was assessed, as well as the ability of the cells to form branching structures on extracellular matrix (ECM)-coated surfaces. Transwell-invasion assays were used to assess the invasive properties of the cells. Clinically relevant inhibitors of ErbB2, lapatinib and Herceptin (traztuzumab), were used to investigate the role of ErbB2 signaling in this model. A retrospective study on a previously published breast cancer patient dataset was carried out by using Disease Specific Genomic Analysis (DSGA) to investigate the correlation of LOXL2 mRNA expression level with metastasis and survival of ErbB2-positive breast cancer patients.

Results

Fluorescence staining of the acini revealed increased proliferation, decreased apoptosis, and disrupted polarity, leading to abnormal lumen formation in response to LOXL2 expression in MCF10A cells. When plated onto ECM, the LOXL2-expressing cells formed branching structures and displayed increased invasion. We noted that LOXL2 induced ErbB2 activation through reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and ErbB2 inhibition by using Herceptin or lapatinib abrogated the effects of LOXL2 on MCF10A cells. Finally, we found LOXL2 expression to be correlated with decreased overall survival and metastasis-free survival in breast cancer patients with ErbB2-positive tumors.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that LOXL2 expression in normal epithelial cells can induce abnormal changes that resemble oncogenic transformation and cancer progression, and that these effects are driven by LOXL2-mediated activation of ErbB2. LOXL2 may also be a beneficial marker for breast cancer patients that could benefit most from anti-ErbB2 therapy.
MicroRNA-510 promotes cell and tumor growth by targeting peroxiredoxin1 in breast cancer
Authors: Guo Qi J , Mills Jamie N , Bandurraga Savannah G , Nogueira Lourdes M , Mason Natalie J , Camp E Ramsay , Larue Amanda C , Turner David P , Findlay Victoria J
Published: August 2013

Introduction

MicroRNAs are small non-coding RNAs that are involved in the post-transcriptional negative regulation of mRNAs. MicroRNA 510 (miR-510) was initially shown to have a potential oncogenic role in breast cancer by the observation of its elevated levels in human breast tumor samples when compared to matched non-tumor samples. Few targets have been identified for miR-510. However, as microRNAs function through the negative regulation of their direct targets, the identification of those targets is critical for the understanding of their functional role in breast cancer.

Methods

Breast cancer cell lines were transfected with pre-miR-510 or antisense miR-510 and western blotting and quantitative real time PCR were performed. Functional assays performed included cell growth, migration, invasion, colony formation, cytotoxicity and in vivo tumor growth. We performed a PCR assay to identify novel direct targets of miR-510. The study focused on peroxiredoxin 1 (PRDX1) as it was identified through our screen and was bioinformatically predicted to contain a miR-510 seed site in its 3' untranslated region (3'UTR). Luciferase reporter assays and site-directed mutagenesis were performed to confirm PRDX1 as a direct target. The Student's two-sided, paired t-test was used and a P-value less than 0.05 was considered significant.

Results

We show that miR-510 overexpression in non-transformed and breast cancer cells can increase their cell growth, migration, invasion and colony formation in vitro. We also observed increased tumor growth when miR-510 was overexpressed in vivo. We identified PRDX1 through a novel PCR screen and confirmed it as a direct target using luciferase reporter assays. The reintroduction of PRDX1 into breast cancer cell lines without its regulatory 3'UTR confirmed that miR-510 was mediating its migratory phenotype at least in part through the negative regulation of PRDX1. Furthermore, the PI3K/Akt pathway was identified as a positive regulator of miR-510 both in vitro and in vivo.

Conclusions

In this study, we provide evidence to support a role for miR-510 as a novel oncomir. We show that miR-510 directly binds to the 3'UTR of PRDX1 and blocks its protein expression, thereby suppressing migration of human breast cancer cells. Taken together, these data support a pivotal role for miR-510 in breast cancer progression and suggest it as a potential therapeutic target in breast cancer patients.
Mental disorders and risk of accidental death
Authors: Crump Casey , Sundquist Kristina , Winkleby Marilyn A. , Sundquist Jan
Published: August 2013

Background

Little is known about accidental death risks among psychiatric patients.

Aims

To examine this issue in the most comprehensive study to date.

Method

National cohort study of all Swedish adults (n = 6 908 922) in 2001–2008.

Results

There were 22 419 (0.3%) accidental deaths in the total population, including 5933 (0.9%) accidental deaths v. 3731 (0.6%) suicides among psychiatric patients (n = 649 051). Of persons who died from accidents, 26.0% had any psychiatric diagnosis v. 9.4% in the general population. Accidental death risk was four- to sevenfold among personality disorders, six- to sevenfold among dementia, and two- to fourfold among schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression or anxiety disorders, and was not fully explained by comorbid substance use. Strong associations were found irrespective of sociodemographic characteristics, and for different types of accidental death (especially poisoning or falls).

Conclusions

All mental disorders were strong independent risk factors for accidental death, which was substantially more common than suicide.