bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Short‐Term Functional and Urodynamic Outcome of W‐ileal Orthotopic Neobladder with Serosa‐Lined Tunneled Uretero‐Ileal Anastomosis
Authors: BARAPATRE Yogesh R. , AGARWAL Mayank M. , MAVUDURU Ravimohan , SHARMA Suresh K. , KUMAR Santosh , SINGH Shrawan K. , MANDAL Arup K.
Published: March 2013

Objectives

Functional and urodynamic (UDS) outcomes of W‐configured ileal orthotopic neobladder (ONB) with extramural serosa‐lined tunnel uretero‐ileal anastomosis are presented

Methods

Consecutive 17 patients undergoing ONB during December 2009 to March 2011 were enrolled. Of these 15 men (bladder cancer 14, tuberculosis 1) with mean age 52.7 ± 11.3 years completed the follow‐up. Pouch‐related quality of life (PQOL) was assessed using a published questionnaire. Uroflowmetry, cystometry/cystography and urethral‐pressure profilometry were done at two follow‐up visits at least 3 months apart. Mean follow up 10 ± 5 months. Mean length of harvested ileum 48 ± 6 cm.

Results

Overall PQOL were similar at both evaluations (55 ± 11 and 54 ± 15, respectively). During first and second follow‐up, maximum flow‐rate, voided‐volume and post‐void residual urine were 11 ± 4 mL/sec, 246 ± 99 mL and 68 ± 74.9 mL and 10.4 ± 4.6 mL/sec, 234 ± 138 mL and 86 ± 146 mL, respectively. Mean neobladder capacity, compliance, maximum urethral closure‐pressure (MUCP) and functional urethral length were 484 ± 244 mL, 50.5 ± 49.1 mL/cmH2O, 42 ±20 cmH2O and 22 ± 12 mm, and 468 ± 250 mL, 46.4 ± 47.5 mL/cmH2O, 52 ± 27cmH2O and 23 ± 12 mm, respectively. Patients with smaller pouch (r = 0.828; P = 0.0001), longer urethral length (r = −0.392; P = 0.023) and lesser incontinence (r = 0.429; P = 0.011) had significantly better PQOL. With continued supervised pelvic‐floor rehabilitation, a trend in improvement in hesitancy (P = 0.058), MUCP (P = 0.05) and bothersome incontinence (P = NS) was observed. None of the patients had any obstruction or reflux of the upper tracts.

Conclusion

The index ONB has reasonable storage and voiding characteristics but with a rider of nocturnal urinary incontinence.
Proteolysis of BB0323 results in two polypeptides that impact physiologic and infectious phenotypes in Borrelia burgdorferi
Authors: Kariu Toru , Yang Xiuli , Marks Carolyn B. , Zhang Xinyue , Pal Utpal
Published: March 2013

Borrelia burgdorferi gene product BB0323 is required for cell fission and pathogen persistence in vivo. Here, we show that BB0323, which is conserved among globally prevalent infectious strains, supports normal spirochaete growth and morphology even at early phases of cell division. We demonstrate that native BB0323 undergoes proteolytic processing at the C‐terminus, at a site after the first 202 N‐terminal amino acids. We further identified a periplasmic BB0323 binding protein in B. burgdorferi, annotated as BB0104, having serine protease activity responsible for the primary cleavage of BB0323 to produce discrete N‐ and C‐terminal polypeptides. These two BB0323 polypeptides interact with each other, and either individually or as a complex, are associated with multiple functions in spirochaete biology and infectivity. While N‐terminal BB0323 is adequate to support cell fission, the C‐terminal LysM domain is dispensable for this process, despite its ability to bind B. burgdorferi peptidoglycan. However, the LysM domain or the precisely processed BB0323 product is essential for mammalian infection. As BB0323 is a membrane protein crucial for B. burgdorferi survival in vivo, exploring its function may suggest novel ways to interrupt infection while enhancing our understanding of the intricate spirochaete fission process.
Review: Cerebral amyloid angiopathy, prion angiopathy, CADASIL and the spectrum of protein elimination failure angiopathies (PEFA) in neurodegenerative disease with a focus on therapy
Authors: Carare R. O. , Hawkes C. A. , Jeffrey M. , Kalaria R. N. , Weller R. O.
Published: March 2013

Failure of elimination of proteins from the brain is a major feature in many neurodegenerative diseases. Insoluble proteins accumulate in brain parenchyma and in walls of cerebral capillaries and arteries. Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is a descriptive term for amyloid in vessel walls. Here, we adopt the term protein elimination failure angiopathy (PEFA) to focus on mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of a spectrum of disorders that exhibit both unique and common features of protein accumulation in blood vessel walls. We review (a) normal pathways and mechanisms by which proteins and other soluble metabolites are eliminated from the brain along 100‐ to 150‐nm‐thick basement membranes in walls of cerebral capillaries and arteries that serve as routes for lymphatic drainage of the brain; (b) a spectrum of proteins involved in PEFA; and (c) changes that occur in artery walls and contribute to failure of protein elimination. We use accumulation of amyloid beta (Aβ), prion protein and granular osmiophilic material (GOM) in cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) as examples of different factors involved in the aetiology and pathogenesis of PEFA. Finally, we discuss how knowledge of factors involved in PEFA may help to focus on new therapies for neurodegenerative diseases. When Aβ (following immunotherapy) and prion protein are released from brain parenchyma they deposit in walls of cerebral capillaries and arteries; GOM in CADASIL accumulates primarily in artery walls. Therefore, the focus of therapy for protein clearance in neurodegenerative disease should perhaps be on facilitating perivascular elimination of proteins and reducing PEFA.
Value of myocardial perfusion imaging in renal transplant evaluation
Authors: Chew Chong Ghee , Unger Steve , Shakib Sepehr
Published: March 2013

Aim

Myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) with SPECT (single photon emission computerized tomography) is commonly used for preoperative renal transplant assessment. We performed an audit to evaluate the prognostic value of MPI in this cohort.

Method

Between 1999 and 2009, 838 transplants were performed in South Australia. A total of 387 patients had 393 preoperative MPI in three hospitals. Using a statewide electronic clinical information system (OACIS) cardiac events, MPI results (positive: any reversible defect; negative: fixed defects and normal), clinical follow up and comorbidities (diabetes and hypertension) were determined. End‐point events were ‘soft’: admission with angina, percutaneous intervention or bypass; or ‘hard’: myocardial infarction or cardiac death. The end‐point event rates were determined using Kaplan–Meier curves. Multivariate analyses were performed for age (60 years), gender, diabetes and hypertension. For negative MPI the event rates in dipyridamole stress were compared with tachycardic stress.

Results

Soft events: There was a statistically significant lower event rate for MPI negative versus positive, 3.9% versus 20.8% (hazard ratio 4.4 confidence interval: 2.1–9.6, P < 0.001) at 5 years of follow up – no effect from age, gender, diabetes and hypertension. Hard events: There was a lower event rate for MPI negative versus positive (also unaffected by age, gender, hypertension and diabetes) but the result was not statistically significant, P = 0.153. For negative MPI the soft and hard event rates were similar for dipyridamole and tachycardic stress.

Conclusion

MPI is a good modality of prognosticating cardiac events in renal failure patients being considered for transplantation. The value of a negative MPI is similar for dipyridamole and tachycardic stress.
Analytical strategies for large imaging genetic datasets: experiences from the IMAGEN study
Authors: Nymberg Charlotte , Jia Tianye , Ruggeri Barbara , Schumann Gunter
Published: March 2013

Large imaging genetic studies are becoming increasingly common in psychiatric research. In order to fully explore the collected information, analytical strategies that allow comprehensive investigations of the genetic and neural underpinnings of psychiatric disorders are needed. On the basis of our experience with the IMAGEN study, this review evaluates univariate and multivariate analytical strategies for exploring large imaging genetic datasets, with particular focus on reinforcement mechanisms in adolescents. Heritability estimates of functional and structural MRI endophenotypes are presented along with analytical strategies, ranging from those used in univariate candidate gene studies to genome‐wide association studies. Finally, data reduction strategies are discussed at both the genotype level, in the form of expression SNPs and pathway analyses, and the phenotype level, as network analyses of neuroimaging data. Overall, imaging genetic studies have the potential to significantly contribute to our understanding of neurophysiological processes underlying human behavior. The analytical strategies presented here may aid in the comprehensive investigation of reinforcement and other neurobehavioral phenotypes.
Direct Medical Costs and Medication Compliance among Fibromyalgia Patients: Duloxetine Initiators vs. Pregabalin Initiators
Authors: Sun Peter , Peng Xiaomei , Sun Steve , Novick Diego , Faries Douglas E. , Andrews Jeffrey S. , Wohlreich Madelaine M. , Wu Andrew
Published: March 2013

Objectives

To assess and compare direct medical costs and medication compliance between patients with fibromyalgia who initiated duloxetine and patients with fibromyalgia who initiated pregabalin in 2008.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study design was used based on a large US national commercial claims database (2006 to 2009). Patients with fibromyalgia aged 18 to 64 who initiated duloxetine or pregabalin in 2008 and who had continuous health insurance 1 year preceding and 1 year following the initiation were selected into duloxetine cohort or pregabalin cohort based on their initiated agent. Medication compliance was measured by total supply days, medication possession ratio (MPR), and proportion of patients with MPR ≥ 0.8. Direct medical costs were measured by annual costs per patient and compared between the cohorts in the year following the initiation. Propensity score stratification and bootstrapping methods were used to adjust for distribution bias, as well as cross‐cohort differences in demographic, clinical and economic characteristics, and medication history prior to the initiation.

Results

Both the duloxetine (n = 3,033) and pregabalin (n = 4,838) cohorts had a mean initiation age around 49 years, 89% were women. During the postindex year, compared to the pregabalin cohort, the duloxetine cohort had higher totally annual supply days (273.5 vs. 176.6, P < 0.05), higher MPR (0.7 vs. 0.5, P < 0.05), and more patients with MPR ≥ 0.8 (45.1% vs. 29.4%, P < 0.05). Further, relative to pregabalin cohort, duloxetine cohort had lower inpatient costs ($2,994.9 vs. $4,949.6, P < 0.05), lower outpatient costs ($8,259.6 vs. $10,312.2, P < 0.05), similar medication costs ($5,214.6 vs. $5,290.8, P > 0.05), and lower total medical costs ($16,469.1 vs. $20,552.6, P < 0.05) in the postinitiation year.

Conclusions

In a real‐world setting, patients with fibromyalgia who initiated duloxetine in 2008 had better medication compliance and consumed less inpatient, outpatient, and total medical costs than those who initiated pregabalin.
Narrative and attachment in the process of recovery from substance misuse
Authors: Waters Kathryn , Holttum Sue , Perrin Ines
Published: March 2013

Objectives

The aim of this study was to illustrate the individual accounts of a small group of substance misusers who had found psychological therapy helpful in their recovery from substance misuse. The study also aimed to highlight the roles that the psychologists played within these narratives.

Design

Narrative analysis, a qualitative design, was used to capture the unique recovery narratives of substance users who had received psychological therapy.

Methods

Seven participants (three males and four females, age range 40–54 years, six White British, one White European) were recruited via clinical psychologists from an addictions psychology department and participated in 60–90 min interviews.

Results

Analysis of the recovery narratives resulted in an overarching theme; role of the psychologists as a secure attachment figure leading to the development of surrogate internal working models, and the following subthemes which developed and maintained the attachments: closeness and proximity leading to positive expectations about the relationship, safe haven leading to increasing capacities for affect regulation, secure base leading to the experience of being able to mentalize regarding ones mental states and associated actions, and separation distress leading to internalizing the psychologists.

Conclusions

The study analysed the personal accounts of seven substance misusers regarding their use of psychological therapy in their recovery. The relationship between the therapists and the clients developed as a result of the psychologists serving as secure attachment figures, and providing closeness and proximity, a safe haven and a secure base to the clients. Clients' separation distress also led to the internalizing of the psychologists. Future studies are needed to tease out which substance user clients would most be suited to the above approach. Measures of newer more adaptive internal working models could then be applied to relationships outside of therapy to see in what way the newer, more flexible, and transferable IWMs were truly internalized and influential in the recovering minds of substance misusers.

Practitioner points

Clinical Psychologists can play a vital role in the recovery of substance misusers who are ready to work through their psychological recovery.

Forming a positive therapeutic relationship is dependent on the psychologists fulfilling the role of positive attachment figures for the clients.
Mapping QTLs for salt tolerance with additive, epistatic and QTL × treatment interaction effects at seedling stage in wheat
Authors: Xu Y. , Li S. , Li L. , Zhang X. , Xu H. , An D.
Published: March 2013

Quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for salt tolerance with additive, epistatic and QTL × treatment interaction effects at seedling stage in wheat were identified. A set of 131 recombinant inbred lines derived from cross Chuan 35050 × Shannong 483 were evaluated under salt stress and normal conditions. Wide variation was found for all studied traits. A total of 18 additive and 16 epistatic QTLs were detected, among which five and 11 were with significant QTL × treatment effects. Ten QTL clusters were identified, and each may represent a single gene or closely linked genes. The locus controlling shoot K+/Na+ concentration ratio and shoot Na+ concentration on chromosome 5A may be identical to Nax2. The interval Xgwm6‐Xgwm538 on chromosome 4B for total dry weight was also identified in a previous study, both near the marker Xgwm6. The marker Xgwm6 may be useful for marker‐assisted selection. Six pairs of homoeologous QTLs were detected, showing synteny among the A, B and D genomes. These results facilitate understanding the mechanisms and the genetic basis of salt tolerance in wheat.
Ethylene limits abscisic acid‐ or soil drying‐induced stomatal closure in aged wheat leaves
Authors: CHEN LIN , DODD IAN C. , DAVIES WILLIAM J. , WILKINSON SALLY
Published: March 2013

The mechanism of age‐induced decreased stomatal sensitivity to abscisic acid (ABA) and soil drying has been explored here. Older, fully expanded leaves partly lost their ability to close stomata in response to foliar ABA sprays, and soil drying which stimulated endogenous ABA production, while young fully expanded leaves closed their stomata more fully. However, ABA‐ or soil drying‐induced stomatal closure of older leaves was partly restored by pretreating plants with 1‐methylcyclopropene (1‐MCP), which can antagonize ethylene receptors, or by inoculating soil around the roots with the rhizobacterium Variovorax paradoxus 5C‐2, which contains 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylic acid (ACC)‐deaminase. ACC (the immediate biosynthetic precursor of ethylene) sprays revealed higher sensitivity of stomata to ethylene in older leaves than younger leaves, despite no differences in endogenous ACC concentrations or ethylene emission. Taken together, these results indicate that the relative insensitivity of stomatal closure to ABA and soil drying in older leaves is likely due to altered stomatal sensitivity to ethylene, rather than ethylene production. To our knowledge, this is the first study to mechanistically explain diminished stomatal responses to soil moisture deficit in older leaves, and the associated reduction in leaf water‐use efficiency.
Radial transport of salt and water in roots of the common reed (Phragmites australis Trin. ex Steudel)
Authors: FRITZ MICHAEL , EHWALD RUDOLF
Published: March 2013

To understand the root function in salt tolerance, radial salt and water transport were studied using reed plants growing in brackish habitat water with an osmotic pressure (πM) of 0.63 MPa. Roots bathed in this medium exuded a xylem sap with NaCl as the major osmolyte and did so even at higher salt concentration (πM up to 1.3 MPa). Exudation was stopped after a small increase of πM (0.26 MPa) using polyethylene glycol 600 as osmolyte. The endodermis of fine lateral roots was found to be the main barrier to radial solute diffusion on an apoplastic path. Apoplastic salt transfer was proven by rapid replacement of stelar Na+ by Li+ in an isomolar LiCl medium. Water fluxes did not exert a true solvent drag on NaCl. Xylem sap concentrations of NaCl in basal internodes of transpiring culms were more than five times higher than in medial and upper ones. It was concluded that the radial NaCl flux was mainly diffusion through the apoplast, and radial water transport, because of the resistance of the cell wall matrix to convective mass flow, was confined to the symplast. Radial salt permeation in roots reduced the water stress exerted by the brackish medium.
Dermoid Cysts: A Report of 75 Pediatric Patients
Authors: Orozco‐Covarrubias Luz , Lara‐Carpio Raquel , Saez‐De‐Ocariz Marimar , Duran‐Mckinster Carola , Palacios‐Lopez Carolina , Ruiz‐Maldonado Ramon
Published: March 2013

Dermoid cysts (DCs) are benign cutaneous tumors that tend to persist and grow. The aim of this study was to examine the clinicopathologic features of congenital DCs. We present a case series of 75 children with a clinicopathologic diagnosis of DC. Seventy‐two cysts were located on the head, one on the neck, and two on the trunk. Six cysts were located along the midline. Eight patients had symptoms other than changes in cyst size. Imaging studies were performed on 15 patients. Surgical excision was the primary treatment in all 75 cases. Neurosurgery and ophthalmology services were involved in the care of some patients. Histopathologic studies reported a foreign body giant cell reaction in 17 of the cysts. No recurrence was documented. DCs can remain stable for years, but they can become symptomatic as a result of enlargement and rupture or, more rarely, as a result of extension into surrounding tissues. Physicians should be aware that certain locations have a higher risk of DC extension, and adequate diagnostic investigations should be performed before their complete resection.
Cutaneous Fistula Due to Pulmonary Actinomycosis in a Mapuche Girl
Authors: Briceño Gaston , Guzman Pablo , Schafer Fabiola
Published: March 2013

Actinomycosis is a chronic granulomatous disease caused by Gram‐positive anaerobic bacteria of the genus Actinomyces. Pulmonary actinomycosis is a rare infection in children, and its extension into the chest wall is infrequently reported. We report a case of pulmonary actinomycosis in a 14‐year‐old girl of Mapuche descent who presented with chronic respiratory symptoms and multiple discharging skin sinuses on her right lower chest wall. The diagnosis was made by skin biopsy, which showed sulfur granules with actinomyces colonies. She was successfully treated with intravenous ceftriaxone and penicillin G for 6 weeks, followed by oral amoxicillin for 6 months.
Concealing negative evaluations of a romantic partner's physical attractiveness
Authors: LEMAY EDWARD P. , BECHIS MARGARITE A. , MARTIN JESSAMINE , NEAL ANGELA M. , COYNE CHRISTINE
Published: March 2013

Two studies provided evidence that people hide their negative evaluations of their romantic partner's physical attractiveness. This pattern was found using self‐reports of concealment (Study 1) and a behavioral observation measure (Study 2). Participants who engaged in this deception also exhibited elevated speech disfluencies, which is a deception cue. Moderators of concealment were examined. Concealment was especially pronounced for participants high in care for the partner's welfare (Studies 1 and 2), low in commitment (Studies 1 and 2), and high in attractiveness ideals (Study 2). Results suggest that people use deception to regulate their romantic partner's feelings, but that long‐term orientation or desire to maintain closeness may curtail use of this strategy.
Kierkegaard and Recent Continental Philosophy of Religion
Authors: Tilley Michael
Published: March 2013

The place and significance of religious community is a central concern in recent continental philosophy of religion. Although Kierkegaard is a significant influence for many recent continental philosophers of religion, recent work on his social thought is largely ignored. I begin the paper by describing how recent continental philosophers of religion, in particular John Caputo, John Milbank, and Jürgen Habermas, have used Kierkegaard in order to address social questions. Then I show how recent work on Kierkegaard’s social thought – namely, his social ontology and his account of community – that can enrich discussion in recent continental philosophy of religion about the nature of religious community.
Design for the Environment: Life‐Cycle Approach Using a Newsvendor Model
Authors: Raz Gal , Druehl Cheryl T. , Blass Vered
Published: March 2013

Introducing environmental innovations in product and process design can affect the product's cost and demand, as well as the environmental impact in different stages of its life cycle (such as manufacturing and use stages). In this article, we advance understanding on where such design changes can be most effective economically to the firm and examine their corresponding environmental consequences. We consider a profit maximizing firm (newsvendor) deciding on the production quantity as well as its environmentally focused design efforts. We focus our results along the two dimensions of demand characteristics and life‐cycle environmental impact levels, specifically functional vs. innovative products, and higher manufacturing stage environmental impact vs. higher use stage environmental impact. We also discuss the environmental impact of overproduction and how it relates to the different types of products and their salvage options. We find that although the environmental impact per unit always improves when firms use eco‐efficient or demand‐enhancing innovations, the total environmental impact can either increase or decrease due to increased production quantities. We identify the conditions for such cases by looking at the environmentally focused design efforts needed to compensate for the increase in production. We also show that the environmental impact of overproduction plays an important role in the overall environmental impact of the firm. We conclude by applying our model to different product categories.
The multiple stress‐responsive transcription factor SlNAC1 improves the chilling tolerance of tomato
Authors: Ma Na‐Na , Zuo Yan‐Qiu , Liang Xiao‐Qing , Yin Bo , Wang Guo‐Dong , Meng Qing‐Wei
Published: March 2013

NAC (NAM‐ATAF1, 2‐CUC2) family members play important roles in various environmental responses. Here, we cloned a full‐length NAC gene (954 bp) from Solanum lycopersicum (SlNAC1). This gene belonged to ATAF subfamily which included ATAF1 and ATAF2 of Arabidopsis thaliana. SlNAC1 expression was induced by chilling stress (4°C), heat stress (40°C), high salinity, osmotic stress and mechanical wounding. SlNAC1 transcripts were enhanced after application of abscisic acid, methyl jasmonate, salicylic acid, gibberellin, ethylene, methyl viologen and hydrogen peroxide. The seedlings of transgenic plants overexpressing SlNAC1 grew more leaves but were shorter than wild‐type (WT) plants. SlNAC1 overexpression increased the chilling tolerance of tomato plants by maintaining the higher maximal photochemical efficiency of photosystem II and oxygen‐evolving activities. Compared with WT plants, transgenic plants showed higher superoxide dismutase (EC 1.15.1.1) and catalase (EC 1.11.1.6) activities, which reduced levels of H2O2 and superoxide anion radicals and promoted lower ion leakage and malondialdehyde content. The expression level of SlCBF1 in transgenic plants was also higher than that in WT plants under both normal conditions and chilling stress; this increased expression may be the main factor influencing the high chilling tolerance of transgenic plants. The results suggest that SlNAC1 plays important roles in diversiform plant‐stress responses and diverse signaling pathways.
A Weeping on the Road to Bethlehem: Contestation over the Uses of Rachel’s Tomb
Authors: Bowman Glenn
Published: March 2013

This paper examines the case of Rachel’s Tomb, a shrine revered at various times by various combinations of Muslims, Christians and Jews, looking at how the increasingly incommensurate ideas of local inhabitants and immigrant Jews about how the holy place should be approached led initially to a spatial separation within the shrine and then to violent, and exclusive, battles over sectarian (and increasingly ‘national’) properties.
Medication use in Indian children with asthma: The user's perspective
Authors: Grover Charu , Goel Nitin , Chugh Krishan , Gaur Shailendra Nath , Armour Carol , van Asperen Peter Paul , Moles Rebekah Jane , Saini Bandana
Published: March 2013

Background and objective

Despite the high prevalence of asthma in children, there has been limited research into patient perception of medication use, particularly in the developing world. This study therefore aimed to carry out an in‐depth exploration of the views of carers and children with asthma on asthma medication use.

Methods

Grounded theory approach was used to conduct semistructured qualitative interviews in a purposive convenience sample of parents and children with asthma. The participants were recruited from two specialty hospitals in New Delhi, India. Interviews were tape‐recorded, transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed.

Results

Twenty children (7–12 years old) with asthma and their parent or carer were interviewed in July 2011. Major reported issues included poor parent and child understanding of disease and medications. Fears, misinformed beliefs and lack of self‐management skills were apparent. Child self‐image, resistance to medication use and lack of responsibility in medication taking were themes that emerged from child interviews.

Conclusions

This is one of the first research studies exploring the viewpoint of children with asthma about their medications. Resource constraints dictate a pragmatic paternalistic approach by physicians which, in contrast to patients in westernized nations, seems to be acceptable and satisfactory to Indian patients (carers).
Export Growth, Capacity Utilization, and Productivity Growth: Evidence from the Canadian Manufacturing Plants
Authors: Baldwin John R. , Gu Wulong , Yan Beiling
Published: March 2013

Aggregate labor and multifactor productivity growth slowed substantially post‐2000 in the Canadian manufacturing sector. To examine the source of the decline, this paper proposes a decomposition method that delves deeper into the two micro‐components of aggregate productivity growth: a within‐plant component and a between‐plant component. The decomposition builds on earlier work by Jorgenson and his collaborators that decomposes aggregate productivity growth into its industry components, but applies it to the plant level and introduces non‐neoclassical features of the plant‐level economic environment. It finds that the preponderance of the aggregate labor and multifactor productivity growth slowdown is due to the pro‐cyclical nature of productivity growth arising from capacity utilization. Almost all of the aggregate productivity growth slowdown is driven by exporters, as exporters experienced large declines in labor productivity growth in the post‐2000 period as a result of large declines in their capacity utilization.
IL‐1β/HMGB1 Complexes Promote The PGE2 Biosynthesis Pathway in Synovial Fibroblasts
Authors: Leclerc P. , Wähämaa H. , Idborg H. , Jakobsson P. J. , Harris H. E. , Korotkova M.
Published: March 2013

PGE2 is a potent lipid mediator of pain and oedema found elevated in RA. Microsomal prostaglandin E synthase‐1 (mPGES‐1) is a terminal enzyme of the PGE2 pathway inducible by proinflammatory cytokines. mPGES‐1 is markedly upregulated in RA synovial tissue despite antirheumatic treatments, suggesting that multiple inflammatory stimuli contribute to its induction. High‐mobility group box chromosomal protein 1 (HMGB1) is known to induce inflammation both by direct interaction with TLR4 and by enhancement of other proinflammatory molecules signalling, through complex formation. The high expression of extracellular HMGB1 within the inflamed synovium, implies its pro‐arthritogenic role in RA. We aimed to investigate the effects of IL‐1β/HMGB1 complexes on mPGES‐1 and other enzymes of the PGE2 pathway in synovial fibroblasts (SFs) from patients with arthritis. Furthermore, we studied the effect of COX‐2 inhibition and IL‐1RI antagonism on prostanoid and cytokine production by SFs. Stimulation of SFs with HMGB1 in complex with suboptimal amounts of IL‐1β significantly increased mPGES‐1 and COX‐2 expressions as well as PGE2 production, as compared to treatment with HMGB1 or IL‐1β alone. Furthermore, NS‐398 reduced the production of IL‐6 and IL‐8, thus indicating that IL‐1β/HMGB1 complexes modulate cytokine production in part through prostanoid synthesis. Treatment with IL‐1RA completely abolished the induced PGE2 and cytokine production, suggesting an effect mediated through IL‐1RI. IL‐1β/HMGB1 complexes promote the induction of mPGES‐1, COX‐2 and PGE2 in SF. The amplification of the PGE2 biosynthesis pathway by HMGB1 might constitute an important pathogenic mechanism perpetuating inflammatory and destructive activities in rheumatoid arthritis.
Effect of Branched α‐Oligomannoside Structures on Induction of Anti‐Candida Humoral Immune Response
Authors: Paulovičová L. , Paulovičová E. , Karelin A. A. , Tsvetkov Y. E. , Nifantiev N. E. , Bystrický S.
Published: March 2013

Several studies have established the potential efficacy of humoral immunity, primarily mannan‐specific antibodies, in host protection against major fungal pathogen Candida albicans. In this study, we analysed humoral immune response induced by immunization with BSA‐based conjugates bearing synthetic α‐1,6‐branched oligomannosides (pentamannosides (M5) or hexamannosides (M6)) mimicking antigenic sequences of Candida cell wall mannan. We analysed the ability of antibodies prepared by immunization to recognize relevant antigenic determinants in mannan polysaccharide structure and in C. albicans yeast and hyphal morphoforms. M6‐BSA conjugate induced markedly higher levels of mannan‐specific IgG compared with M5‐BSA conjugate. In contrast to M5‐BSA conjugate, M6‐BSA conjugate induced immunoglobulin isotype class switch from IgM to IgG, as revealed also from ELISPOT analysis. Immunization‐induced antibodies showed higher reactivity with hyphal form of C. albicans cells. The reduced immunogenicity of M5‐BSA conjugate seems to be related to branching point location at terminal non‐reducing end in comparison with M6‐BSA oligomannoside with branching point at non‐terminal location. Candidacidal activity assay revealed different capacity of sera prepared by immunization with M5‐BSA and M6‐BSA conjugates to improve candidacidal activity of polymorphonuclear leucocytes. Limited capacity of α‐1,6‐branched oligomannoside – BSA conjugates to induce antibodies significantly enhancing candidacidal activity of polymorphonuclear leucocytes – was presumably related to absence of antibodies with strong reactivity to corresponding antigenic determinants in natural cell wall mannan and with reduced ability to activate complement. The study documented markedly structure‐dependent immunogenicity and limited capacity of branched α‐mannooligosides conjugates to induce production of potentially protective antibodies.
Diagnostic Yield of Heat Shock Protein 70 (HSP‐70) and Anti‐HSP‐70 in Behcet‐Induced Uveitis
Authors: Sahebari M. , Hashemzadeh K. , Mahmoudi M. , Saremi Z. , Mirfeizi Z.
Published: March 2013

Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are intracellular proteins with pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory actions, playing an important role in the pathogenesis of Behcet's disease (BD). Diagnosis of BD uveitis in early stages is still problematic, thus this study was undertaken to determine diagnostic values of serum HSP‐ and anti‐HSP‐70 in BD uveitis. Serum levels of HSP‐ and anti‐HSP‐70 were measured in 53 patients with BD (26 with and 27 without uveitis). In control group, 25 age‐ and sex‐matched idiopathic uveitis patients were enrolled consecutively. Both groups had no medical problems save uveitis at the time of sampling. Confounders like medications were analysed subsequently. HSP‐ and anti‐HSP‐70 values were measured by commercial ELISA kits. Data were analysed by spss 11.5 and medcalc 11.5.1 software. The Mean HSP‐70 serum levels were different among aforementioned subgroups (P = 0.001, anova). They were elevated in BD uveitis compared with BD without uveitis (4.84 ± 4.21 versus 2.24 ± 2.08 ng/ml; P = 0.045). HSP‐70 in sera of BD uveitis was also higher than that parameter in patients with idiopathic uveitis (4.84 ± 4.21 versus 2.37 ± 3.30 ng/ml; P = 0.001; cut‐off point value 1.0 9 ng/ml, 95% CI 0.61–0.86, P = 0.0002, ß = 0.06). However, there was not any statistical difference among those groups in the serum anti‐HSP‐70 levels (P = 0.63, anova). Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that among different confounders, only prednisolone increases and BD uveitis decreases HSP‐70 levels independently. This prospective cross‐sectional study suggested that HSP‐70 serum level is impressed over the course of BD uveitis, and it could be utilized to diagnose or predict developing it.
Pectic Polysaccharides Isolated from Malian Medicinal Plants Protect against Streptococcus pneumoniae in a Mouse Pneumococcal Infection Model
Authors: Inngjerdingen K. T. , Langerud B. K. , Rasmussen H. , Olsen T. K. , Austarheim I. , Grønhaug T. E. , Aaberge I. S. , Diallo D. , Paulsen B. S. , Michaelsen T. E.
Published: March 2013

The aim of this study was to investigate whether the pectic polysaccharides BP‐II, Oc50A1.I.A and CC1P1 isolated from the Malian medicinal plants Biophytum petersianum, Opilia celtidifolia and Cola cordifolia, respectively, were able to protect against Streptococcus pneumoniae infection in mice. The pectin preparations were administered intraperitoneally 3 h before challenge with S. pneumoniae serotype 6B. Blood samples were obtained from all animals before and at 3 h, 24 h and 72 h after challenge with the pneumococci. The number of bacteria in blood was recorded and the blood concentration of a range of cytokines measured. The pretreatment with BP‐II, Oc50A1.I.A and CC1P1 demonstrated a protective activity against S. pneumoniae serotype 6B infection, albeit at different range of concentrations. The pectins showed no direct antibacterial effects towards S. pneumonia; however, they induced the production of a range of cytokines and chemokines. We have previously shown that BP‐II, Oc50A1.I.A and CC1P1 exhibit complement fixation activity and also that BP‐II and Oc50A1.I.A stimulate macrophages to produce NO. The observed clinical effect might therefore be linked to the ability of the pectic polysaccharides to stimulate the innate immune system.
Patient‐Specific Finite Element Modelling and Validation of Porcine Femora in Torsion
Authors: Emerson Nicholas J. , Offiah Amaka C. , Reilly Gwendolen C. , Carré Matt J.
Published: March 2013

The accuracy of biomechanical simulation has been improved by using high‐resolution computed tomography (CT) to define the geometry and material parameters. This technique has been used to assess numerous systems, including the mechanical properties of bone, fixation techniques post‐fracture and the performance of bone microarchitecture. In this study, a semi‐automated process for converting CT data into finite element (FE) models was used to model the mid‐shaft (diaphysis) of porcine femoral samples under sub‐maximal torsional and compressive load. Physical validation was undertaken to investigate if the all‐important geometry and material property mapping functioned correctly. Porcine femoral specimens were imaged using contiguous helical CT, which was converted to FE models using ScanIP from Simpleware, Exeter, UK. The heterogeneous material properties were estimated using density–elasticity relationships proposed in literature for human bone samples. Laboratory testing performed favourably, with a linear strain response validating the use of the array of linear material models used in simulation. The simulation procedure also performed well. Linear regression and mean error calculation demonstrated accurate correlation between predicted (from simulation) and observed (measured within the laboratory) results that offered improvement over the accuracy within comparative testing for human samples. Using FE modelling on a patient‐specific basis offers potential in a number of scenarios, including the determination of injury risk and design of protective equipment. The increased accessibility of animal samples allows large‐scale fracture testing of complex loading mechanisms and the potential to consider younger animal samples (to investigate the behaviour of developing bone). Spiral fractures of long bones have been demonstrated to be an indicator of non‐accidental injury in children. Combining the increased accuracy in torsional simulation in this study with younger sample testing may be employed to attempt to determine the causes of fracture from post fracture scans, aiding in the diagnosis of non‐accidental injury.
Caveats on tomographic images
Authors: Foulger Gillian R. , Panza Giuliano F. , Artemieva Irina M. , Bastow Ian D. , Cammarano Fabio , Evans John R. , Hamilton Warren B. , Julian Bruce R. , Lustrino Michele , Thybo Hans , Yanovskaya Tatiana B.
Published: March 2013

Geological and geodynamic models of the mantle often rely on joint interpretations of published seismic tomography images and petrological/geochemical data. This approach tends to neglect the fundamental limitations of, and uncertainties in, seismic tomography results. These limitations and uncertainties involve theory, correcting for the crust, the lack of rays throughout much of the mantle, the difficulty in obtaining the true strength of anomalies, choice of what background model to subtract to reveal anomalies, and what cross‐sections to select for publication. The aim of this review is to provide a relatively non‐technical summary of the most important of these problems, collected together in a single paper, and presented in a form accessible to non‐seismologists. Appreciation of these issues is essential if final geodynamic models are to be robust, and required by the scientific observations.
Medico‐social pathways of obstetric fistula patients in Mali and Niger: an 18‐month cohort follow‐up
Authors: Maulet Nathalie , Keita Mahamoudou , Macq Jean
Published: March 2013

Objectives

To gain understanding of care pathways and induced mobility patterns of obstetric fistula patients in French‐speaking West African fistula repair centres.

Methods

We followed prospectively during 18 months a cohort of obstetric fistula patients in Mali and Niger (2008–2009). 120 patients were recruited at different stages of their care process in 5 reference fistula repair centres. Follow‐up was carried out in repair centres and communities. Quantitative data were collected through close‐ended questionnaires at three time points. Medico‐social pathways were explored through a longitudinal analysis focusing on six indicators: fistula duration, care process duration, patients' mobility, marital status, number of surgeries and continence status.

Results

Patients' pathways were characterised by their length: fistula duration (median 4 years), care process duration (median 2.7 years), aggregated time spent in repair centres during study (median 7 months). Patients developed four mobility patterns (homebound, itinerant, institutionalised and urbanised). Adverse marital status change continued over time. Sample stratification according to number of previous surgeries revealed differences in care process duration and outcome: 23/31 new cases (≤1 surgery) gained continence with a mean of 1.5 surgeries in a median of 0.6 year while only 17/78 old cases (≥2 surgeries) became continent with a mean of 4 surgeries in a median time of 4.9 years.

Conclusion

The quest for continence does not end with admission to a fistula repair centre. Analysing fistula care experience across time within the varying settings highlights the twofold population and mixed medico‐social outcomes that should prompt new development in obstetric fistula care management and research.
Subglobal Climate Agreements and Energy‐intensive Activities: An Evaluation of Carbon Leakage in the Copper Industry
Authors: Lanz Bruno , Rutherford Thomas F. , Tilton John E.
Published: March 2013

Subglobal climate policies induce changes in international competitiveness and favour a relocation of carbon‐emitting activities to nonabating regions. In this paper, we evaluate the potential for CO abatement and the emissions ‘leakage’ effect in the copper industry, a prominent energy‐intensive trade‐exposed sector. We formulate a plant‐level spatial equilibrium model for copper commodities in which parameters describing the behavioural response of agents are calibrated to a set of estimated price elasticities. We find producers and consumers to be price inelastic even in the long run, making the copper industry unresponsive to climate policies. Monte Carlo simulations with our model based on statistical uncertainty on elasticity estimates suggest that around 30 per cent of emissions reductions in industrialised countries would be compensated by an increase of emissions in nonabating countries.
The Direct Contribution of FDI to Productivity Growth in Britain, 1997–2008
Authors: Harris Richard , Moffat John
Published: March 2013

This paper considers the contribution of foreign‐owned plants and firms to aggregate total factor productivity (TFP) growth in Britain for 1997–2008 using data from the Annual Respondents' Database. The contribution of different sub‐groups is further decomposed to show the role of continuing plants vis‐à‐vis reallocations in output shares. TFP is calculated using system GMM estimation. Taking into account the smaller initial size of the foreign‐owned sector in 1997, foreign‐owned plants contributed relatively more to aggregate productivity growth than UK‐owned plants over the period. This strong performance is mostly the result of reallocations of output shares towards high productivity continuing plants and the opening of high productivity plants.
Estimating the Impact of Currency Unions on Trade: Solving the Glick and Rose Puzzle
Authors: Campbell Douglas L.
Published: March 2013

Does leaving a currency union reduce international trade? This paper uses a historical approach to re‐examine the puzzling large apparent impact of currency unions on trade. I find that the early time series estimates were driven by the gradual decaying of colonial trade ties and other major geopolitical factors, including warfare, communist takeovers and ethnic cleansing episodes. My methodology, which carries lessons for other uses of gravity equations in policy analysis, yields point estimates of currency unions on trade that are not statistically distinct from zero.
What Determines Export Diversification in the Development Process? Empirical Assessment
Authors: Parteka Aleksandra , Tamberi Massimo
Published: March 2013

This paper assesses the role played by country‐specific factors as determinants of relative export diversification. Using a panel data set for 60 countries and 20 years (1985–2004), we confirm that even after clearing out differences in income per capita, cross‐country variability in the degree of export diversification is significant. In general, apart from per capita income, features influencing the size of accessible markets (domestic and foreign) are the most relevant and robust determinants of the export diversification process. Diversification opportunities grow if countries are large and not located far from economic core areas and when barriers to trade are restricted.
Do Vertical Linkages Limit Protectionism? Switzerland in the Multifibre Arrangement
Authors: Weder Rolf , Wyss Simone
Published: March 2013

The multifibre arrangement (MFA) heavily restricted the world trade in textiles and clothing (T&C) from 1974 to 1994. Switzerland joined the MFA as one of 44 signatory economies in 1974, but never applied its discriminatory instruments. To explain this peculiar behaviour, we apply international trade theory as well as files gathered from the Swiss Federal Archives. Our analysis suggests that Switzerland used the MFA, first, as an instrument to seek better market access, and second, as an option to protect its T&C industry if required. Switzerland refrained, however, from exercising the option mainly because of the existence of an important vertically related export industry, that is the Swiss textile machinery industry.
Comparison of mitotic index and Ki67 index in the prognostication of canine cutaneous mast cell tumours
Authors: Berlato D. , Murphy S. , Monti P. , Stewart J. , Newton J. R. , Flindall A. , Maglennon G. A.
Published: March 2013

Proliferation markers are commonly used for prognostication of mast cell tumours. The aim of the study is to compare the relative abilities of Ki67 and mitotic index to predict survival in the same cohort of dogs with cutaneousMCTs. Histological grade, mitotic index and Ki67 index were performed in all samples and clinical information was obtained by a follow‐up questionnaire. Ninety‐five dogs were included in the study with a median follow‐up of 1145 days. Survival times varied significantly between categories of histological grade, mitotic index and Ki67 index. Multivariable analyses showed that the risk of dying due toMCTwas similar in dogs with increased Ki67 index [hazard ratio,HR: 3.0 (95% CI 1.3–6.8)] or increased mitotic index [HR: 2.7 (95% CI 1.1–6.5)]. In conclusion, both mitotic index and Ki67 index were able to independently differentiateMCTswith worse prognosis. This distinction is particularly meaningful in selecting intermediate gradeMCTsthat may benefit from more aggressive local or systemic treatment.
Flexible Minerals: Self-Assembled Calcite Spicules with Extreme Bending Strength
Authors: Natalio Filipe , Corrales Tomas P. , Panthöfer Martin , Schollmeyer Dieter , Lieberwirth Ingo , Müller Werner E. G. , Kappl Michael , Butt Hans-Jürgen , Tremel Wolfgang
Published: March 2013

Flexi-Fibers

Glass or metal fibers can show incredible flexibility.

Natalio
et al.

(p.
1298
; see the Perspective by

Sethmann

) used the protein silicatein-α, which is responsible for the biomineralization of silicates in sponges, to guide the formation of spicules made of calcite. These synthetic spicules could be bent to a high degree because of their inherent elasticity, whilst retaining the ability to guide light.