bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Efficacy of a Novel Microbial 6‐Phytase Expressed in Aspergillus oryzae on the Performance and Phosphorus Utilization of Cold‐ and Warm‐Water Fish: Rainbow Trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss, and Nile Tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus
Authors: Verlhac‐Trichet Viviane , Vielma Jouni , Dias Jorge , Rema Paulo , Santigosa Ester , Wahli Thomas , Vogel Kurt
Published: January 2015

The efficacy and tolerance of a novel microbial 6‐phytase were investigated in rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss, and Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus. Reference diets were sufficient in available phosphorus (P). The test diet limiting in available P was supplemented with phytase at 500, 1000, or 2000 phytase units/kg feed. The enzyme was effective in increasing total P apparent digestibility coefficient in relation to increasing the dose of phytase in rainbow trout and Nile tilapia. Zinc apparent digestibility improved in relation to phytase supplementation in rainbow trout. P release due to phytase supplementation ranged from 0.06 to 0.18% P/kg feed in rainbow trout and from 0.13 to 0.26% P/kg feed in Nile tilapia. A 58‐d performance trial was conducted to evaluate tolerance of fish to phytase supplementation. Dietary treatments consisted of a basal diet without phytase or supplemented with 2000 and 200,000 phytase units/kg feed. Results indicate that this novel microbial 6‐phytase is well tolerated by fish. Significant improvements for growth as well as feed conversion ratio were observed when the phytase was fed at 2000 phytase units/kg feed. This phytase is proven efficient in releasing P from phytate and could be added when plants are used for fish meal replacement in diets for salmonid and omnivorous fish.
Isotopic Evaluation of the Nutritional Contribution of Poultry By‐product Meal and Fish Meal to the Growth of Pacific White Shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei
Authors: Gamboa‐Delgado Julián , Castañeda‐Solís Juan de Dios , Nieto‐López Martha G. , Villarreal‐Cavazos David , Cruz‐Suárez Lucía Elizabeth
Published: January 2015

The nutritional contribution of the dietary nitrogen supplied by poultry by‐product meal (PBM) and fish meal (FM) to the somatic growth of Pacific white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei, was assessed by means of stable isotope analysis. Seven experimental diets were formulated with different proportions of PBM replacing FM. Practical diets were formulated to replace 0, 35, 50, 65, 80, 95, and 100% of FM with PBM, on a dietary nitrogen basis. At the end of the experiment, there were no significant differences in survival among dietary treatments (89 ± 5%); however, significant differences in final wet weights were observed. Diets having FM replacement levels of 35 and 50% with PBM promoted mean final weights (708–789 mg) similar to those observed in shrimps fed on diet containing 100% FM (874 mg). Shrimp final mean weight significantly decreased as a function of PBM inclusion (r = −0.98) owing to the use of only two dietary nitrogen sources and by possible nutritional restrictions as PBM levels increased. The relative proportions of dietary nitrogen supplied by PBM and FM were incorporated in muscle tissue at proportions that were statistically similar to those established in the dietary formulations.
Effects of Dietary Protein and Lipid Levels on Growth, Nutrient Utilization, and the Whole‐body Composition of Turbot, Scophthalmus maximus, Linnaeus 1758, at Different Growth Stages
Authors: Liu Xingwang , Mai Kangsen , Liufu Zhiguo , Ai Qinghui
Published: January 2015

Three 9‐wk feeding trials were performed to assess the effects of dietary protein and lipid levels on the growth, feed utilization, and body composition of turbot, Scophthalmus maximus Linnaeus, at three different growth stages with initial average weight 4.5 ± 0.01, 59.1 ± 0.24, and 209.1 ± 0.21 g, respectively. Six practical test diets were formulated to contain three protein levels (45, 50, and 55%), each of which was supplemented with two lipid levels (12.0 and 16.0%), to produce a range of P : E ratios (from 87.4 to 110.0 mg protein/kcal). The results of three experiments suggested that growth performance generally improved with increasing dietary protein irrespective of dietary lipid. Fish fed diets with 55% protein (12 and 16% lipid, P : E ratio of 110.9 and 107.1 mg protein/kcal) had the highest specific growth rates (SGRs), feed efficiency ratios (FERs), and energy retention. At the same protein level, FER and protein efficiency ratio (PER) increased significantly with the increase of lipid except in large fish (initial average weight 209.1 ± 0.21 g). SGR of medium turbot (initial average weight 59.1 ± 0.24 g) was also improved by the lipid increase, indicating a protein‐sparing effect of lipid.
Dietary Protein Requirement of Juvenile Dianchi Golden‐line Barbell, Sinocyclocheilus grahami
Authors: Deng Junming , Zhang Xi , Han Xuemei , Tao Linli , Bi Baoliang , Kang Bin
Published: January 2015

A 10‐wk feeding trial was conducted to estimate the dietary protein requirements of juvenile Dianchi golden‐line barbell, Sinocyclocheilus grahami (initial average weight 7.55 g). Five isocaloric diets were formulated to contain graded levels of protein (29, 34, 39, 44, and 49%). Each diet was fed to triplicate groups of fish in a recirculating rearing system maintained at 18–22 C. Feed intake of fish fed the diet with 39% protein was significantly higher than those fed the diet with 29, 34, and 49% protein (P < 0.05). Weight gain, specific growth rate (SGR), and protein gain significantly increased with increasing dietary protein levels up to 39% (P < 0.05), whereas no significant differences were observed among fish fed the diet with 39, 44, and 49% protein (P > 0.05). In contrast, feed conversion ratio was significantly decreased with increasing dietary protein levels up to 39%. Maximum protein retention and protein efficiency ratio were observed in fish fed the diet with 39% protein. The regression analysis based on SGR and protein gain showed that the dietary protein requirements of juvenile S. grahami were 38.57% or 41.09% (equivalent to ca. 32.94% or 35.42% estimated digestible protein) of diet with a calculated digestible energy of 3.6 kcal/g.
Long‐term Growth Study of Male and Female Green Sea Urchins, Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis, under Constant Light and Temperature Regime
Authors: Siikavuopio Sten I. , James Philip , Sæther Bjørn‐Steinar
Published: January 2015

Juvenile green sea urchins, Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis, with an initial mean test diameter of 9.5 mm (±1.2 SD) were held in the laboratory, in individual compartments and at constant temperatures (8.5 C) (n = 90) for a period of 99 wk. The animals were supplied with flow‐through sea water, and fed the Nofima sea urchin manufactured feed ad libitum. Growth, survival, feed intake, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and gonad index (GI) of the sea urchins were monitored during this period. The mortality was 11% throughout the experimental period. The test diameter (TD) increased significantly with time, best described by a polynomial equation (TD = 0.8756 + 0.584Time − 0.002Time2, R2 = 0.995). Sex was included as dummy variable, but did not contribute significantly; hence, there were no differences in growth trajectories between males and females. The study showed there were no significant differences in body wet weight or FCR between males and females. However at the end of the experiment the female urchins had a significantly higher GI of 31.1% (±4.4), compared with the male urchins which had an average GI of 26.8% (±5.4). In conclusion, the present study showed that male and female green sea urchins have the same growth capacity and feed convention ratio but by the end of the experiment the gonad index was significantly higher in female than male urchins.
The Social Life of Health Insurance in Low‐ to Middle‐income Countries: An Anthropological Research Agenda
Authors: Dao Amy , Nichter Mark
Published: January 2015

The following article identifies new areas for engaged medical anthropological research on health insurance in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs). Based on a review of the literature and pilot research, we identify gaps in how insurance is understood, administered, used, and abused. We provide a historical overview of insurance as an emerging global health panacea and then offer brief assessments of three high‐profile attempts to provide universal health coverage. Considerable research on health insurance in LMICs has been quantitative and focused on a limited set of outcomes. To advance the field, we identify eight productive areas for future ethnographic research that will add depth to our understanding of the social life and impact of health insurance in LMICs. Anthropologists can provide unique insights into shifting health and financial practices that accompany insurance coverage, while documenting insurance programs as they evolve and respond to contingencies.
Relationship between invasion success and colony breeding structure in a subterranean termite
Authors: Perdereau E. , Bagnères A.‐G. , Vargo E.L. , Baudouin G. , Xu Y. , Labadie P. , Dupont S. , Dedeine F.
Published: January 2015

Factors promoting the establishment and colonization success of introduced populations in new environments constitute an important issue in biological invasions. In this context, the respective role of pre‐adaptation and evolutionary changes during the invasion process is a key question that requires particular attention. This study compared the colony breeding structure (i.e. number and relatedness among reproductives within colonies) in native and introduced populations of the subterranean pest termite, Reticulitermes flavipes. We generated and analysed a data set of both microsatellite and mtDNA loci on termite samples collected in three introduced populations, one in France and two in Chile, and in the putative source population of French and Chilean infestations that has recently been identified in New Orleans, LA. We also provided a synthesis combining our results with those of previous studies to obtain a global picture of the variation in breeding structure in this species. Whereas most native US populations are mainly composed of colonies headed by monogamous pairs of primary reproductives, all introduced populations exhibit a particular colony breeding structure that is characterized by hundreds of inbreeding reproductives (neotenics) and by a propensity of colonies to fuse, a pattern shared uniquely with the population of New Orleans. These characteristics are comparable to those of many invasive ants and are discussed to play an important role during the invasion process. Our finding that the New Orleans population exhibits the same breeding structure as its related introduced populations suggests that this native population is pre‐adapted to invade new ranges.
Bayesian Modeling of External Corrosion in Underground Pipelines Based on the Integration of Markov Chain Monte Carlo Techniques and Clustered Inspection Data
Authors: Wang Hui , Yajima Ayako , Liang* Robert Y. , Castaneda Homero
Published: January 2015

In this study, a model is developed to assess external corrosion in buried pipelines based on the unification of Bayesian inferential structure derived from Markov chain Monte Carlo techniques using clustered inspection data. This proposed stochastic model combines clustering algorithms that can ascertain the similarity of corrosion defects and Monte Carlo simulation that can give an accurate probability density function estimation of the corrosion rate. The metal loss rate is chosen as the indicator of corrosion damage propagation, obeying a generalized extreme value (GEV) distribution. Bayesian theory was employed to update the probability distribution of metal loss rate as well as the GEV parameters in order to account for the model uncertainty. The proposed model was validated with direct and indirect inspection data extracted from a 110‐km buried pipeline system.
Influence of socioeconomic status on allograft and patient survival following kidney transplantation
Authors: Ward Frank L , O'Kelly Patrick , Donohue Fionnuala , ÓhAiseadha Coilin , Haase Trutz , Pratschke Jonathan , deFreitas Declan G , Johnson Howard , Conlon Peter J , O'Seaghdha Conall M
Published: January 2015

Aim

Whether socioeconomic status confers worse outcomes after kidney transplantation is unknown. Its influence on allograft and patient survival following kidney transplantation in Ireland was examined.

Methods

A retrospective, observational cohort study of adult deceased‐donor first kidney transplant recipients from 1990 to 2009 was performed. Those with a valid Irish postal address were assigned a socioeconomic status score based on the Pobal Hasse‐Pratschke deprivation index and compared in quartiles. Cox proportional hazards models and Kaplan–Meier survival analysis were used to investigate any significant association of socioeconomic status with patient and allograft outcomes.

Results

A total of 1944 eligible kidney transplant recipients were identified. The median follow‐up time was 8.2 years (interquartile range 4.4–13.3 years). Socioeconomic status was not associated with uncensored or death‐censored allograft survival (hazard ratio (HR) 1.0, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.99–1.00, P = 0.33 and HR 1.0, 95% CI 0.99–1.00, P = 0.37, respectively). Patient survival was not associated with socioeconomic status quartile (HR 1.0, 95% CI 0.93–1.08, P = 0.88). There was no significant difference among quartiles for uncensored or death‐censored allograft survival at 5 and 10 years.

Conclusion

There was no socioeconomic disparity in allograft or patient outcomes following kidney transplantation, which may be partly attributable to the Irish healthcare model. This may give further impetus to calls in other jurisdictions for universal healthcare and medication coverage for kidney transplant recipients.
Quantifying the effects of inactin vs Isoflurane anesthesia on gastrointestinal motility in rats using dynamic magnetic resonance imaging and spatio‐temporal maps
Authors: Ailiani A. C. , Neuberger T. , Brasseur J. G. , Banco G. , Wang Y. , Smith N. B. , Webb A. G.
Published: January 2015

Background

Anesthetics are commonly applied in animal studies of gastrointestinal (GI) function. Different anesthetics alter smooth‐muscle motility in different ways. The aim of this study is to quantify and compare non‐invasively with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) the motility patterns of the rat gut when anesthetized with inactin vs isoflurane anesthetics in the fed state.

Methods

Rats were given an oral gavage of MRI contrast agent for improved visualization of the GI tract. Two‐dimensional images through the jejunum of the pre‐ and postanesthetized rat in the fed state were acquired every 168 ms. Image registration, segmentation, and postprocessing algorithms were applied to produce spatio‐temporal maps that were used to quantify peristaltic and segmental motions in the jejunum region interspersed between periods of inactivity.

Key Results

There were significantly longer periods of inactivity in the rats treated with isoflurane than in those treated with inactin (179.9 ± 22.4 s vs 17.7 ± 10.3 s). The speed of propagation and wavelength of peristalsis, and the frequency and speed of pattern switching of segmental motility, were higher (p < 0.05) in rats treated with inactin.

Conclusions & Inferences

Isoflurane and inactin anesthetics produce significantly different motility behavior with the rat's GI tract in the fed state. Isoflurane anesthetic, results in a reduced frequency of occurrence of motility periods and an overall reduced level of motility in comparison with inactin.
Emerging treatments in neurogastroenterology: a multidisciplinary working group consensus statement on opioid‐induced constipation
Authors: Camilleri M. , Drossman D. A. , Becker G. , Webster L. R. , Davies A. N. , Mawe G. M.
Published: January 2015

Background

Opioids are effective for acute and chronic pain conditions, but their use is associated with often difficult‐to‐manage constipation and other gastrointestinal (GI) effects due to effects on peripheral μ‐opioid receptors in the gut. The mechanism of opioid‐induced constipation (OIC) differs from that of functional constipation (FC), and OIC may not respond as well to most first‐line treatments for FC. The impact of OIC on quality of life (QoL) induces some patients to decrease or stop their opioid therapy to relieve or avoid constipation.

Purpose

At a roundtable meeting on OIC, a working group developed a consensus definition for OIC diagnosis across disciplines and reviewed current OIC treatments and the potential of treatments in development. By consensus, OIC is defined as follows: ‘A change when initiating opioid therapy from baseline bowel habits that is characterized by any of the following: reduced bowel movement frequency, development or worsening of straining to pass bowel movements, a sense of incomplete rectal evacuation, or harder stool consistency’. The working group noted the prior validation of a patient response outcome and end point for clinical trials and recommended future efforts to create treatment guidelines and QoL measures specific for OIC. Details from the working group's discussion and consensus recommendations for patient care and research are presented in this article.
Genetic architecture of carbon isotope composition and growth in Eucalyptus across multiple environments
Authors: Bartholomé Jérôme , Mabiala André , Savelli Bruno , Bert Didier , Brendel Oliver , Plomion Christophe , Gion Jean‐Marc
Published: January 2015

In the context of climate change, the water‐use efficiency (WUE) of highly productive tree varieties, such as eucalypts, has become a major issue for breeding programmes. This study set out to dissect the genetic architecture of carbon isotope composition (δ13C), a proxy of WUE, across several environments.

A family of Eucalyptus urophylla × E. grandis was planted in three trials and phenotyped for δ13C and growth traits. High‐resolution genetic maps enabled us to target genomic regions underlying δ13C quantitative trait loci (QTLs) on the E. grandis genome.

Of the 15 QTLs identified for δ13C, nine were stable across the environments and three displayed significant QTL‐by‐environment interaction, suggesting medium to high genetic determinism for this trait. Only one colocalization was found between growth and δ13C. Gene ontology (GO) term enrichment analysis suggested candidate genes related to foliar δ13C, including two involved in the regulation of stomatal movements.

This study provides the first report of the genetic architecture of δ13C and its relation to growth in Eucalyptus. The low correlations found between the two traits at phenotypic and genetic levels suggest the possibility of improving the WUE of Eucalyptus varieties without having an impact on breeding for growth.
Traumatic long‐standing unilateral dislocation of TMJ – a case report
Authors: Mohd Razi M.R. , Zamhari A.K. , Lee S.W.
Published: January 2015

This article aims to report a rare case of traumatic long‐standing unilateral dislocation of temporomandibular joint (TMJ). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of unilateral TMJ dislocation in the paediatric population. A healthy 15‐year‐old boy presented to our department complaining of facial pain around the TMJ region. A diagnosis of unilateral left TMJ dislocation associated with myofacial pain was made based on history, clinical and radiographic examinations. Manual reduction alone was not successful to keep the reduced left condyle within the glenoid fossa. Intermaxillary fixation was needed to improve the treatment outcome. Non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug was prescribed for myofacial pain. The management of this case was challenging contributed to the nature of clinical presentations.
Protein body formation in leaves of Nicotiana benthamiana: a concentration‐dependent mechanism influenced by the presence of fusion tags
Authors: Saberianfar Reza , Joensuu Jussi J. , Conley Andrew J. , Menassa Rima
Published: January 2015

Protein bodies (PBs) are endoplasmic reticulum (ER) derived organelles originally found in seeds whose function is to accumulate seed storage proteins. It has been shown that PB formation is not limited to seeds and green fluorescent protein (GFP) fused to either elastin‐like polypeptide (ELP) or hydrophobin (HFBI) fusion tags induce the formation of PBs in leaves of N. benthamiana. In this study, we compared the ELP‐ and HFBI‐induced PBs and showed that ELP‐induced PBs are larger than HFBI‐induced PBs. The size of ELP‐ and HFBI‐induced PBs increased over time along with the accumulation levels of their fused protein. Our results show that PB formation is a concentration‐dependent mechanism in which proteins accumulating at levels higher than 0.2% of total soluble protein are capable of inducing PBs in vivo. Our results show that the presence of fusion tags is not necessary for the formation of PBs, but affects the distribution pattern and size of PBs. This was confirmed by PBs induced by fluorescent proteins as well as fungal xylanases. We noticed that in the process of PB formation, secretory and ER‐resident molecules are passively sequestered into the lumen of PBs. We propose to use this property of PBs as a tool to increase the accumulation levels of erythropoietin and human interleukin‐10 by co‐expression with PB‐inducing proteins.
Comparison of VHH‐Fc antibody production in Arabidopsis thaliana,Nicotiana benthamiana and Pichia pastoris
Authors: De Meyer Thomas , Laukens Bram , Nolf Jonah , Van Lerberge Els , De Rycke Riet , De Beuckelaer Ans , De Buck Sylvie , Callewaert Nico , Depicker Ann
Published: January 2015

VHHs or nanobodies are widely acknowledged as interesting diagnostic and therapeutic tools. However, for some applications, multivalent antibody formats, such as the dimeric VHH‐Fc format, are desired to increase the functional affinity. The scope of this study was to compare transient expression of diagnostic VHH‐Fc antibodies in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves with their stable expression in Arabidopsis thaliana seeds and Pichia pastoris. To this end, VHH‐Fc antibodies targeting green fluorescent protein or the A. thaliana seed storage proteins (albumin and globulin) were produced in the three platforms. Differences were mainly observed in the accumulation levels and glycosylation patterns. Interestingly, although in plants oligomannosidic N‐glycans were expected for KDEL‐tagged VHH‐Fcs, several VHH‐Fcs with an intact KDEL‐tag carried complex‐type N‐glycans, suggesting a dysfunctional retention in the endoplasmic reticulum. All VHH‐Fcs were equally functional across expression platforms and several outperformed their corresponding VHH in terms of sensitivity in ELISA.
McMYB10 regulates coloration via activating McF3′H and later structural genes in ever‐red leaf crabapple
Authors: Tian Ji , Peng Zhen , Zhang Jie , Song Tingting , Wan Huihua , Zhang Meiling , Yao Yuncong
Published: January 2015

The ever‐red leaf trait, which is important for breeding ornamental and higher anthocyanin plants, rarely appears in Malus families, but little is known about the regulation of anthocyanin biosynthesis involved in the red leaves. In our study, HPLC analysis showed that the anthocyanin concentration in ever‐red leaves, especially cyanidin, was significantly higher than that in evergreen leaves. The transcript level of McMYB10 was significantly correlated with anthocyanin synthesis between the ‘Royalty’ and evergreen leaf ‘Flame’ cultivars during leaf development. We also found the ever‐red leaf colour cultivar ‘Royalty’ contained the known R6: McMYB10 sequence, but was not in the evergreen leaf colour cultivar ‘Flame’, which have been reported in apple fruit. The distinction in promoter region maybe is the main reason why higher expression level of McMYB10 in red foliage crabapple cultivar. Furthermore, McMYB10 promoted anthocyanin biosynthesis in crabapple leaves and callus at low temperatures and during long‐day treatments. Both heterologous expression in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) and Arabidopsis pap1 mutant, and homologous expression in crabapple and apple suggested that McMYB10 could promote anthocyanins synthesis and enhanced anthocyanin accumulation in plants. Interestingly, electrophoretic mobility shift assays, coupled with yeast one‐hybrid analysis, revealed that McMYB10 positively regulates McF3′H via directly binding to AACCTAAC and TATCCAACC motifs in the promoter. To sum up, our results demonstrated that McMYB10 plays an important role in ever‐red leaf coloration, by positively regulating McF3′H in crabapple. Therefore, our work provides new perspectives for ornamental fruit tree breeding.
Exploiting algal NADPH oxidase for biophotovoltaic energy
Authors: Anderson Alexander , Laohavisit Anuphon , Blaby Ian K. , Bombelli Paolo , Howe Christopher J. , Merchant Sabeeha S. , Davies Julia M. , Smith Alison G.
Published: January 2015

Photosynthetic microbes exhibit light‐dependent electron export across the cell membrane, which can generate electricity in biological photovoltaic (BPV) devices. How electrons are exported remains to be determined; the identification of mechanisms would help selection or generation of photosynthetic microbes capable of enhanced electrical output. We show that plasma membrane NADPH oxidase activity is a significant component of light‐dependent generation of electricity by the unicellular green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. NADPH oxidases export electrons across the plasma membrane to form superoxide anion from oxygen. The C. reinhardtii mutant lacking the NADPH oxidase encoded by RBO1 is impaired in both extracellular superoxide anion production and current generation in a BPV device. Complementation with the wild‐type gene restores both capacities, demonstrating the role of the enzyme in electron export. Monitoring light‐dependent extracellular superoxide production with a colorimetric assay is shown to be an effective way of screening for electrogenic potential of candidate algal strains. The results show that algal NADPH oxidases are important for superoxide anion production and open avenues for optimizing the biological component of these devices.
Overexpression of the PtSOS2 gene improves tolerance to salt stress in transgenic poplar plants
Authors: Yang Yang , Tang Ren‐Jie , Jiang Chun‐Mei , Li Bei , Kang Tao , Liu Hua , Zhao Nan , Ma Xu‐Jun , Yang Lei , Chen Shao‐Liang , Zhang Hong‐Xia
Published: January 2015

In higher plants, the salt overly sensitive (SOS) signalling pathway plays a crucial role in maintaining ion homoeostasis and conferring salt tolerance under salinity condition. Previously, we functionally characterized the conserved SOS pathway in the woody plant Populus trichocarpa. In this study, we demonstrate that overexpression of the constitutively active form of PtSOS2 (PtSOS2TD), one of the key components of this pathway, significantly increased salt tolerance in aspen hybrid clone Shanxin Yang (Populus davidiana × Populus bolleana). Compared to the wild‐type control, transgenic plants constitutively expressing PtSOS2TD exhibited more vigorous growth and produced greater biomass in the presence of high concentrations of NaCl. The improved salt tolerance was associated with a decreased Na+ accumulation in the leaves of transgenic plants. Further analyses revealed that plasma membrane Na+/H+ exchange activity and Na+ efflux in transgenic plants were significantly higher than those in the wild‐type plants. Moreover, transgenic plants showed improved capacity in scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by salt stress. Taken together, our results suggest that PtSOS2 could serve as an ideal target gene to genetically engineer salt‐tolerant trees.
Eighteen Cases of Soft Tissue Atrophy After Intralesional Bleomycin A5 Injections for the Treatment of Infantile Hemangiomas: A Long‐Term Follow‐Up
Authors: Qiu Yajing , Lin Xiaoxi , Ma Gang , Chang Lei , Jin Yunbo , Chen Hui , Hu Xiaojie
Published: January 2015

Pingyangmycin is a commonly used drug in China for the treatment of infantile hemangiomas (IHs) and vascular malformations. Also known as bleomycin A5, it has a similar chemical structure to bleomycin. The side effects of bleomycin include swelling, erythema, fever, headache, hyperpigmentation, ulceration, allergic reactions, and pulmonary fibrosis. We conducted this retrospective study to identify the correlation between bleomycin A5 injections and soft tissue atrophy. We performed a retrospective chart review of all patients with IHs who had this treatment and presented with soft tissue atrophy in our department from January 2011 through July 2013. Eighteen children with IHs (14 girls, 4 boys) were included in this study. The average age was 8.6 ± 3.8 years. All of the atrophied deformities were located at the injection site. Thirteen (72.2%) were located on the upper lip, three (16.7%) on the nose, and two (11.1%) on the cheeks. Seventeen (94.5%) received their first injection at the age of 1 or 2 months. The mean number of injections was 3.5 ± 1.6. The mean interval between injections was 1.2 ± 0.3 months. Eight of 18 patients (44.4%) had ulceration after injection. Intralesional bleomycin A5 injection is not safe for the treatment of IHs because it may lead to soft tissue atrophy. Other safer treatments, such as oral propranolol, should replace this treatment.
Phototherapy for the Treatment of Vitiligo in Asian Children
Authors: Koh Mark Jean‐Aan , Mok Zhun‐Rui , Chong Wei‐Sheng
Published: January 2015

Vitiligo is a common acquired progressive depigmenting condition that can have devastating psychological effects in dark‐skinned patients. We performed a retrospective review of patients younger than 16 years of age with a clinical diagnosis of vitiligo treated using phototherapy at the National Skin Center, Singapore, over a 5‐year period. Seventy‐one Asian patients ages 5 to 15 years when they underwent phototherapy were identified. There was a higher proportion of Indian patients in our cohort than in the population. The duration of disease ranged from 2 months to 12 years. More than half of the patients had generalized vitiligo and more than one‐third had segmental vitiligo. Patients with generalized vitiligo had a better response than those with segmental vitiligo. Reported response rates were highest for narrowband ultraviolet B (UVB) phototherapy, followed by targeted phototherapy combining ultraviolet A1 (UVA1) and UVB; 308‐nm excimer lamp phototherapy and paint psoralen–UVA photochemotherapy had marginally lower reported response rates. The duration of treatment ranged from 3 to 40 months and the total number of treatments ranged from 20 to 209 sessions. Reported side effects were mild and included itching, scaling, erythema, pain, sunburn, blistering, and phototoxicity. We consider phototherapy to be a safe and efficacious modality for the treatment of vitiligo in Asian children.
The Successful Use of Extracorporeal Photopheresis in a 12‐Year‐Old Patient with Refractory Epidermolysis Bullosa Acquisita
Authors: Liszewski Walter , Omland Silje Haukali , Gniadecki Robert
Published: January 2015

Epidermolysis bullosa acquisita is a rare autoimmune bullous disease of the mucosa and skin characterized by the presence of anti‐collagen VII antibodies at the dermoepidermal junction. Most patients respond to immunosuppressive or antiinflammatory agents, although patients whose condition is refractory to these therapies will require more aggressive treatment. We present a 12‐year‐old girl with refractory epidermolysis bullosa acquisita who responded to extracorporeal photopheresis.
Outcome in VLBW infants with surgical intestinal disorder at 18 months of corrected age
Authors: Hayakawa Masahiro , Taguchi Tomoaki , Urushihara Naoto , Yokoi Akiko , Take Hiroshi , Shiraishi Jun , Fujinaga Hideshi , Ohashi Kensuke , Oshiro Makoto , Kato Yuichi , Ohfuji Satoko , Okuyama Hiroomi
Published: January 2015

Background

Surgical intestinal disorders, such as necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), focal intestinal perforation (FIP), and meconium‐related ileus (MRI), are serious morbidities in very low‐birthweight infants (VLBWI). The aim of this study was to compare the composite outcomes of death or neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI) in VLBWI with surgical intestinal disorders and assess independent risk factors for death and NDI at 18 months of corrected age.

Methods

A retrospective matched‐cohort study was conducted at 11 institutes. We included VLBWI who had undergone laparotomy for NEC, FIP, and MRI. Two control subjects were chosen for every surgical patient and matched for gestational age and birthweight to form the comparison group. Death and neurodevelopmental outcome at 18 months of corrected age were evaluated.

Results

The number of infants in the NEC, FIP, MRI, and control groups was 44, 47, 42, and 261, respectively. In‐hospital mortality was higher in infants with NEC and MRI relative to those in the control group (P < 0.001). The incidence rate for NDI at 18 months of corrected age was higher in infants with MRI relative to those in the control group (P = 0.021). On logistic regression analysis, low gestational age, male sex, small for gestational age, intraventricular hemorrhage, and MRI were associated with increased risk of death or NDI at 18 months of corrected age.

Conclusions

NEC and MRI were associated with in‐hospital mortality, and MRI was associated with NDI or death at 18 months of corrected age.
Corporate Memory: Historical Revisionism, Legitimation and the Invention of Tradition in a Multinational Mining Company
Authors: Rajak Dinah
Published: January 2015

In the world of neoliberal corporate capitalism the corporation is commonly represented as both asocial and ahistorical, as little more than the sum of its shareholders. But even within volatile capital markets, the need to project a corporate image of stability and confidence makes the narrative and performative aspects of corporate practice increasingly important. In Anglo American, one of the world's largest mining companies, that story has been told as much through the reinvention of a South African past as through the vision of a ‘global future’ making foundational myths, tradition and, not least, nostalgia vital corporate assets. Such corporate mythologizing—and the invention of corporate tradition—equips the ‘corporate citizen’ with both memory and moral self. This article argues that narratives of corporate virtue play a key role, not as the antithesis to the logic of capitalism nor as a company's conscience, but as the warm‐blooded twin to the business of mineral extraction and the mechanism through which Anglo American's economic and political hegemony in South Africa is legitimated.
Ambiguous States: Confucius Institutes and Chinese Soft Power in the U.S. Classroom
Authors: Hubbert Jennifer
Published: January 2015

This article offers an ethnographic examination of representations and perceptions of the Chinese state as manifest through Confucius Institutes in the United States. Confucius Institutes are Chinese language and culture programs that are funded and staffed by the Chinese government. Confucius Institutes are a constituent part of China's soft power policy efforts to communicate to the world that its cultural tradition stresses harmony and that its rise to power will be a peaceful and globally responsible process. Through analyzing parent and student perceptions of “the state” through their experiences with Confucius Institute teachers and pedagogical materials, it is possible to contextualize and problematize the means through which Cold War rhetoric is recast and recirculated in the contemporary “post‐Cold War” historical moment, thus interrogating assumptions about essentialized Chinese difference. This research reveals how understandings of a newly empowered China cast the nation as a threat to U.S. economic and political power in a manner that negates China's soft power efforts, dislocating policy intention and effect. At the same time, this research suggests that as Confucius Institute teachers distance themselves from perceptions of an authoritarian state, parents and students begin to disaggregate perceptions of a monolithic Chinese state in a manner that reinforces the state's soft power goals.
Good Governance Practices in Professional Associations for Public Employees: Evidence of a Public Service Ethos?
Authors: Gazley Beth
Published: January 2015

Professional associations and occupational societies play an important role in educating and credentialing public employees. Very little research has attempted to connect, empirically, a public service ethos to the professional memberships that public employees carry. Nowhere is that potential influence more likely to be seen than in the governing boards of these nonprofit associations, whose behavior is subject to strong normative and mimetic influences as a result of the public's expectations for good governance. This article uses a large generalizable sample of boards of directors, controlling for many organizational characteristics known to influence board behavior, to compare the governance practices of professional and trade associations serving public employees with those serving the private sector. The results suggest that governance practices are shaped by many forces but that public employees do indeed carry their public values into the associations they join, and these values, in turn, are positively related to board behavior.
Theorizing Sovereignty and European Integration
Authors: Avbelj Matej
Published: January 2015

This article examines the relationship between the concept of sovereignty and the process of European integration. It is argued that the nature of this relationship has been both mutually informative and transformative. As a particular understanding of sovereignty has influenced and determined the perception of European integration, i.e., its conceptualization, so the process of European integration has reflected back on sovereignty and entailed its rethinking. This poses a particular challenge for legal theorists: how to pin down the meaning of sovereignty and European integration so as to put both in the best conceptual and normative light. The article begins by looking at the traditional perspective on sovereignty and how this has been challenged by European integration. The focus then shifts from sovereignty to European integration in order to examine how different perspectives on sovereignty, when used as an epistemic lens for understanding the process of European integration, have produced uneven conceptions of this integration. Finally, the article concludes by making a choice between the various conceptions of sovereignty and European integration. It is argued that the best conception of European integration is offered by the constitutional form of a union founded on pluralist sovereignty.
Starting Points: Kantian Constructivism Reassessed
Authors: Bagnoli Carla
Published: January 2015

G. A. Cohen and J. Raz object that Constructivism is incoherent because it crucially deploys unconstructed elements in the structure of justification. This paper offers a response on behalf of constructivism, by reassessing the role of such unconstructed elements. First, it argues that a shared conception of rational agency works as a starting point for the justification, but it does not play a foundational role. Second, it accounts for the unconstructed norms that constrains the activity of construction as constitutive norms. Finally, on this basis, it draws a contrast between constructivist and foundational methods of ethics, such as deontology and teleology.
Law and the Evolutionary Turn: The Relevance of Evolutionary Psychology for Legal Positivism
Authors: Dyevre Arthur
Published: January 2015

In the present essay, I consider the relevance of evolutionary psychology (EP) for legal positivism, addressing the two main traditions in the legal positivist family: (1) the tradition I identify with the works of Hart and Kelsen and characterize as “normativist,” as it tries to describe law as a purely or, at least, as an essentially normative phenomenon, while remaining true to the ideal of scientific objectivity and value‐neutrality; (2) the tradition I broadly refer to as “legal realism,” which equates law with adjudication and “legal science” with the task of explaining judicial behaviour.
Bayesian Modelling of Rainfall Data by Using Non-Homogeneous Hidden Markov Models and Latent Gaussian Variables
Authors: Heaps Sarah E. , Boys Richard J. , Farrow Malcolm
Published: January 2015

We present a non-homogeneous hidden Markov model for the spatiotemporal analysis of rainfall data, within a subjective Bayesian framework. In this model, daily rainfall patterns are driven by a small number of unobserved states, interpreted as states of the weather, that evolve in time according to a first-order non-homogeneous Markov chain, with transition probabilities dependent on time varying atmospheric data. The weather states alone do not account for all the space–time structure in the data and so we introduce latent multivariate normal random variables in a flexible model for the probability of rain and the distribution of non-zero rainfall amounts. In the resulting hierarchical non-homogeneous hidden Markov model, rainfall occurrences and non-zero rainfall amounts are spatially dependent and conditionally Markov in time, given the weather state. We build a prior distribution that conveys genuine initial beliefs and apply the model and inferential procedures to data from a network of 12 sites located throughout the UK.
Optimal Retesting Configurations for Hierarchical Group Testing
Authors: Black Michael S. , Bilder Christopher R. , Tebbs Joshua M.
Published: January 2015

Hierarchical group testing is widely used to test individuals for diseases. This testing procedure works by first amalgamating individual specimens into groups for testing. Groups testing negatively have their members declared negative. Groups testing positively are subsequently divided into smaller subgroups and are then retested to search for positive individuals. We propose a new class of informative retesting procedures for hierarchical group testing that acknowledges heterogeneity among individuals. These procedures identify the optimal number of groups and their sizes at each testing stage to minimize the expected number of tests. We apply our proposals in two settings: human immunodeficiency virus testing programmes that currently use three-stage hierarchical testing and chlamydia and gonorrhoea screening practices that currently use individual testing. For both applications, we show that substantial savings can be realized by our new procedures.
Pathways into Bankruptcy: Accumulating Disadvantage and the Consequences of Adverse Life Events
Authors: Maroto Michelle Lee
Published: January 2015

This study combines theories of accumulating disadvantage and economic insecurity using the event of bankruptcy to investigate how certain adverse life events jointly affect inequality. I analyze National Longitudinal Survey of Youth data from 1985 through 2008 to highlight the complexities of financial hardship in the path to bankruptcy. By applying hybrid mixed effects models to parse out within‐ and between‐person variation, I show that, in the case of bankruptcy, financial hardship unfolds over a specific series of events, which can lead to the accumulation of disadvantage connected to changes in employment, marital, and health statuses. I find that bankruptcy results from people's recent experiences of illness and marital dissolution, but not always directly from employment disruption. The effects of job loss on bankruptcy become more apparent as these events accumulate over time and limit wealth creation. The timing of events and their relationship with net worth also influence when a person will file for bankruptcy. As a whole, my findings demonstrate how adverse events and financial hardship lead to bankruptcy through multiple pathways.
Resolution of diffuse skin and systemic Kaposi's sarcoma in a renal transplant recipient after introduction of everolimus: a case report
Authors: Detroyer D. , Deraedt K. , Schöffski P. , Hauben E. , Lagrou K. , Naesens M. , Delforge M.‐L. , Kuypers D.
Published: January 2015

We present a case report of a patient with diffuse skin and systemic Kaposi's sarcoma (KS), 1 year after renal transplantation. A concomitant Pyrenochaeta romeroi granuloma of the right hallux was diagnosed and illustrated an important immunodysfunction in our patient. Four months after reduction in immunosuppression and switch to everolimus, a total regression of the KS was observed. Reduction in the immunosuppression and treatment with terbinafine cleared the P. romeroi infection, while lowering immunosuppression and changing the type of immunosuppressive therapy were important steps in the successful management of the KS. In recent years, evidence of the antitumor effects of everolimus is increasing: total regression of KS in combination with renal function preservation in renal graft recipients is possible with mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor‐based regimens. In addition, with increasing numbers of human immunodeficiency virus‐positive transplant recipients, mTOR inhibitors may play a more crucial role in the management of KS.
Infectious complications following allogeneic stem cell transplantation by using anti‐thymocyte globulin‐based myeloablative conditioning regimens in children with hemoglobinopathies
Authors: Goussetis E. , Efstathiou E. , Paisiou A. , Avgerinou G. , Zisaki K. , Giamouris V.J. , Peristeri I. , Kitra V. , Vessalas G. , Gamaletsou M.N. , Sipsas N.V. , Graphakos S.
Published: January 2015

Background

Anti‐thymocyte globulin (ATG) has been used to prevent graft failure/rejection in the setting of allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo‐SCT) for hemoglobinopathies; however, epidemiology data for transplant‐related infections in this population are scarce.

Method

We retrospectively analyzed the epidemiology of bacterial, fungal, viral, and parasitic infections in a cohort of 105 children and adolescents with β‐thalassemia (n = 100) or sickle cell disease (n = 5) who underwent allo‐SCT using human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐identical sibling (n = 96) or HLA‐compatible unrelated donors (n = 9) in a single institution. All patients received an ATG‐based conditioning regimen.

Results

The cumulative incidence of cytomegalovirus (CMV) viremia was 45.7% (95% confidence interval [CI] 33–55%), developing at a median of 48 (range 12–142) days without evidence of overt CMV disease. Herpes zoster developed in 8 patients at a median of 12 months post transplant, while 10 patients presented with late onset hemorrhagic cystitis at a median of 35 days post transplant. The cumulative incidence of bacteremia was 17.1% (95% CI 10.6–25%), occurring at a median of 74 (range 24–110) days. No patient developed probable or definite invasive fungal infection. Four deaths were recorded; 2 of them were attributed to infections (toxoplasmosis and Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia, respectively).

Conclusion

The rate of infections after allo‐SCT, using an ATG‐containing preparative regimen, in our population of pediatric patients with hemoglobinopathies is comparable to that reported elsewhere with the use of non‐ATG containing regimens.