bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Population structuring in the monogonont rotifer Synchaeta pectinata: high genetic divergence on a small geographical scale
Authors: Kimpel Dorothea , Gockel Julia , Gerlach Gabriele , Bininda‐Emonds Olaf R. P.
Published: April 2015

Like many other zooplankton species, individual species of planktonic freshwater rotifers often possess a cosmopolitan distribution despite inhabiting isolated habitats (e.g. ponds or lakes) that present little opportunity for direct gene flow. This ‘everything is everywhere’ distribution is typically ascribed to aspects of the life history of these animals (heterogonic reproductive strategy) in combination with the high dispersal capabilities presented by a dormant stage (resting eggs).

Recent molecular analyses indicate the presence of strong population structuring in many rotifer species, including both phylogeographic structuring and the potential for cryptic speciation. Building on these studies, we investigated the intraspecific genetic structuring in the mitochondrial barcoding marker cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) among mid‐European populations of the cosmopolitan rotifer Synchaeta pectinata (Rotifera, Monogononta). These data were analysed using a combination of phylogenetic analysis and haplotype networks as well as population‐genetic methods to assess the degree of population and geographic structuring.

Gene flow among four neighbouring populations in north‐west Germany (126 individuals; regional scale) and between them and a set of populations from northern Italy (an additional 48 individuals based on literature data; mid‐European scale) was generally low. Paradoxically, however, higher genetic similarity occurred across the broader mid‐European scale than within the regional scale. Nevertheless, no significant correlation with spatial distance was detected at the former scale, rejecting an isolation‐by‐distance model for population differentiation.

Most populations comprised several distinct haplotype clusters, each corresponding to ancient mitochondrial lineages of S. pectinata. Although it is common to infer cryptic speciation from results such as these, the pattern we observed can also arise through historical colonisation events and/or persistent founder effects (Monopolization hypothesis) and we present potential arguments against the default assumption that S. pectinata comprises a complex of cryptic species.
Use of the subcutaneous venous network of the forearm to create an arteriovenous fistula
Authors: Gołębiowski Tomasz , Letachowicz Krzysztof , Letachowicz Waldemar , Kusztal Mariusz , Garcarek Jerzy , Strempska Beata , Weyde Wacław , Klinger Marian
Published: April 2015

The reconstruction of vascular access in patients with kidney allograft failure is a challenging problem. A case of a 62‐year‐old man with transplanted kidney insufficiency is described. The patient was initially dialyzed with a wrist radial‐cephalic arteriovenous fistula. In the post‐transplantation period, the enormously dilated venous part of the anastomosis was ligated and the part of the vein suspected of being the source of bacteremia was excised. The man was referred to our department due to kidney allograft failure for vascular access creation. During preoperative assessment, we unexpectedly found a soft thrill on the forearm. Doppler ultrasound confirmed fistula patency, although the blood supply was not sufficient to perform dialysis. Angiography showed the blood flow from the radial artery to the cephalic vein, through a complicated vessel system consisting of inter alia a dilated vein of the subcutaneous venous network. We successfully used this vein as the vascular access outflow for fistula recreation. In conclusion, making use of veins of the subcutaneous venous network of the forearm for creation of a native fistula should be considered in selected cases.
Acute Treatment Optimization in Episodic and Chronic Migraine: Results of the American Migraine Prevalence and Prevention (AMPP) Study
Authors: Serrano Daniel , Buse Dawn C. , Manack Adams Aubrey , Reed Michael L. , Lipton Richard B.
Published: April 2015

Background

The migraine Treatment Optimization Questionnaire (mTOQ) was developed to assess response to acute treatment in persons with migraine. The original validated form used yes or no response options.

Objectives

This study aims to (1) assess the psychometric properties of a 6‐item version of the mTOQ (mTOQ‐6) using ordinal response options; (2) compare treatment optimization using the revised mTOQ‐6 for both episodic and chronic migraine (EM and CM, respectively); (3) identify demographic, headache, and treatment features associated with treatment optimization.

Methods

The American Migraine Prevalence and Prevention (AMPP) Study is a longitudinal, US population‐based study. Annual questionnaires were mailed to a sample of 24,000 severe headache sufferers identified by screening a panel constructed to be representative of the US population. The current study included respondents to the 2006 AMPP Study survey who met modified International Classification of Headache Disorders‐3 beta criteria for migraine; persons with CM (≥15 HA days/month) or EM (<15 HA days/month) were included. Acute treatment optimization was measured with the mTOQ‐6. A single factor latent variable model was used to assess item characteristics. This model was expanded through structural equation models (SEM) to incorporate a contrast between persons with CM and EM on the scaled treatment optimization scores. We estimated both an unadjusted SEM and a SEM adjusted for demographic features, headache characteristics, and acute treatment.

Results

Migraine criteria were met by 8612 persons (539 for CM and 8073 for EM) who completed the mTOQ‐6 as part of the 2006 AMPP Study survey. When compared, those with CM exhibited worse treatment optimization across all domains of the mTOQ‐6. For example, 35.1% of CM and 44.6% of EM respondents reported being pain free at 2 hours “half the time or more” with their usual migraine medication. Latent variable model parameters indicated excellent psychometric properties of the mTOQ‐6. Scaled treatment optimization scores obtained from the unadjusted SEM were significantly lower (indicating worse treatment optimization) for persons with CM (3.25) compared to persons with EM (4.01), b = −0.76, P < .0001; scores remained significantly lower for CM after adjustment with a wide array of demographic and disease severity covariates. Poor treatment optimization was associated with cutaneous allodynia, major depression, and the use of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs. Better treatment optimization was associated with the use of triptans and preventive medications.

Conclusion

Estimates of the latent variable scores for the mTOQ‐6 revealed persistent low levels of treatment optimization for both EM and CM, though treatment optimization is worse for CM.
Fibromuscular Dysplasia: An Update for the Headache Clinician
Authors: O'Connor Sarah C. , Poria Neil , Gornik Heather L.
Published: April 2015

Background

Fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) is an uncommon vascular disease that presents with stenosis, aneurysm, dissection, beading, and tortuosity of medium‐sized arteries. It primarily manifests in the renal and extracranial carotid and vertebral arteries, and is associated with major vascular events such as carotid artery dissection, renal artery dissection, ruptured aneurysm, transient ischemic attack, stroke, and myocardial infarction (due to coronary artery dissection).

Discussion

There is a wide spectrum of disease severity among FMD patients. Symptoms of FMD are related to the vascular beds involved and the severity of arterial stenoses. Headache is an extremely common and important symptom reported by patients with FMD, although the precise mechanism of headache in this population is not yet known.

Conclusion

This review summarizes the most recent literature regarding FMD, including epidemiology, clinical manifestations, imaging practices, and treatment. Special attention will be paid to the association of headaches and FMD. Correct diagnosis, optimal medical management, and appropriate referral for vascular intervention are vital elements of the treatment of patients with FMD. There is a great need for more clinical research regarding the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and optimal treatment of headache in the FMD patient population.
Evaluation of the effect of Ultra Rice®EDTA supplementation on the soluble iron, visual acceptance and vitamin A stability of commercial milled rice blends
Authors: Johns Paul W. , Patel Gaurav C. , Parker Megan E. , Lasekan John B. , Milani Peiman , Nixon Melissa K. , Tigner Maryann , Schmitz Daniel J.
Published: April 2015

The addition of NaFeEDTA at only 5% of total iron to ferric pyrophosphate‐fortified Ultra Rice® increased the in vitro soluble iron ten‐fold. Ultra Rice® formulated with NaFeEDTA at 2–7% of total iron, or with Na2EDTA·2H2O at 0.5× the total iron equivalents, increased the soluble iron seven‐ to thirty‐fold. The colour of the batches was acceptable through 20 weeks at 21 °C, but colour stability needs to be evaluated under authentic storage conditions. Although only 34–46% of the initial vitamin A remained after extrusion, 18‐week storage at 30 °C/70% relative humidity, and simulated cooking, there were indications that losses could be decreased by raising the pH (to ~5) and/or using a better protected vitamin A ingredient. The enhancement of soluble iron afforded by low‐level NaFeEDTA or Na2EDTA·2H2O supplementation suggests that this fortification strategy may merit further study as a means of increasing absorbable iron in Ultra Rice®.
Fragmented red cells reference range for the Sysmex XN®‐series of automated blood cell counters
Authors: Lesesve J.‐F. , Speyer E. , Perol J.‐P.
Published: April 2015

Introduction

Fragmented red cells (FRCs) are a new parameter determined automatically by the latest generation of blood cell counters. FRC counts may be of interest as they may reflect schistocyte counts measured on a stained peripheral blood smear observed under the microscope. However, FRC counts depend on the technical procedure used to detect them so that reference ranges are device dependent. The XN‐9000® is one of the latest models from the Sysmex series of analysers.

Material, methods and results

We aimed to establish a reference range for FRCs based on 1366 normal patient samples. The mean ± SD was 0.14 ± 0.35% and the median was 0% (95% confidence interval of the mean: 0.12–0.16%). We observed that the percentage of red blood cells with <17 pg of haemoglobin content (Hypo‐He) was correlated to an FRC increase and that flagged results relating to red blood cells, reticulocytes or platelets might have presented with artefactually increased FRCs.

Conclusion

The FRCs reference range (healthy subjects) should be useful for laboratory staff for selecting which blood smears to check optically.
Emergence of Industries: A Review and Future Directions
Authors: Gustafsson Robin , Jääskeläinen Mikko , Maula Markku , Uotila Juha
Published: April 2015

This paper reviews the literature on the emergence of industries and the theoretical and methodological approaches employed. The analysis reveals that industry emergence can be depicted as a three‐stage process. In the first, initial stage, a disruption to the existing industrial order triggers the second, the co‐evolutionary stage, which includes four sub‐processes related to developments in technology, markets, activity networks and industry identity. The convergence of these sub‐processes leads to the third stage, a growth stage and the birth of a new industry. While these three stages and the four sub‐processes are well covered in the literature, the authors find that there is a lack of understanding in terms of the transitions between the stages, the interactions and interdependencies between sub‐processes and moderating factors of industry emergence. Future research can bridge these gaps by exploring the different origins and initial conditions of industries, the processes and interactions in the earliest stages of industry emergence, and the role of facilitating and managing industry emergence. This implies a shift in the research focus from the industries that have emerged to the nascent processes of emergence.
Early introduction and cumulative consumption of sugar‐sweetened beverages during the pre‐school period and risk of obesity at 8–14 years of age
Authors: Cantoral A. , Téllez‐Rojo M. M. , Ettinger A. S. , Hu H. , Hernández‐Ávila M. , Peterson K.
Published: April 2015

Background

Consumption of sugar‐sweetened beverages (SSB) has been associated with risk of obesity, but little evidence exists to evaluate if age of introduction and cumulative SSB consumption increases risk in children.

Objectives

The objective of the study was to estimate the relationship between age of introduction and cumulative SSB consumption with risk of obesity in 227 Mexican children.

Methods

SSB intake was measured every 6 months; age of introduction and cumulative consumption during the pre‐school period were calculated. Height, weight, waist circumference, SSB intake and other relevant variables were measured at age 8–14 years and obesity defined using standard criteria.

Results

All participants were introduced to SSB before age 24 months and most (73%) before 12 months. Early SSB introduction (≤12 months) was not significantly associated with increased odds of obesity (odds ratio [OR] = 2.00, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.87, 4.59). However, children in the highest tertile of cumulative SSB consumption, compared with the lowest, had almost three times the odds of general (OR = 2.99, 95% CI: 1.27, 7.00) and abdominal (OR = 2.70, 95% CI: 1.03, 7.03) obesity at age 8–14 years.

Conclusions

High SSB consumption increased the likelihood of obesity in 8–14‐year‐old children. Our results suggest that SSB intake should be delayed and excessive SSB consumption in pre‐school period should be avoided.
Spontaneous rupture of a renal angiomyolipoma at 25 weeks of pregnancy treated with transarterial embolization: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Myoen Shingo , Mitsuzuka Koji , Saito Hideo , Ota Hideki , Takase Kei , Arai Yoichi
Published: April 2015

Treatment for ruptured renal angiomyolipoma in pregnancy requires immediate and appropriate decision‐making based on the condition of the mother and fetus, and gestational age. A 37‐year‐old woman at 25 weeks of pregnancy presented with severe right flank pain. Computed tomography showed a ruptured right renal angiomyolipoma (8 cm in diameter). The maternal and fetal conditions were stable. Transcatheter arterial embolization was carried out electively 4 days after the rupture. Minimization of radiation exposure to the fetus was achieved by X‐ray shielding for the fetus, low‐dose‐rate fluoroscopy, minimal angiography imaging and a color Doppler ultrasonography‐guided procedure. Although threatened premature labor occurred because of post‐embolization syndrome, the pregnancy was continued until cesarean section at 37 weeks of pregnancy.
Direct Imaging of the Distribution of Nd3+ Ions in Glasses Containing PbS Quantum Dots
Authors: Park Won Ji , Liu Chao , Heo Jong
Published: April 2015

The influence of Nd3+ ions was investigated on the precipitation and optical properties of PbS quantum dots (QDs) inside silicate glasses. The diameters of the PbS QDs decreased as the concentration of Nd3+ in the glass increased as evidenced by blue shifts in the absorption and photoluminescence spectra. Electron energy loss spectroscopy shows that Nd3+ ions exist preferentially inside the PbS nanocrystals rather than in the glass matrix. We postulate that Nd–O clusters are preserved during heat treatment and serve as nucleation sites for PbS crystals. No change in the local bonding scheme of the Nd3+ ions was observed following heat treatment.
Nurses' perceptions of conflict as constructive or destructive
Authors: Kim Wonsun (Sunny) , Nicotera Anne M. , McNulty Julie
Published: April 2015

Aims

The aim of this study was to examine nurses' perceptions of constructive and destructive conflicts and their management among nurses.

Background

Conflict among nurses is common and has been associated with lack of collaboration, lack of communication and disruptive behaviour, with the potential to have negative impact teamwork. However, unlike the broader social science literature, positive views of conflict are scarce in the nursing literature. Given the various functions of conflict and the high stakes of ineffective conflict management in nursing, it is necessary to examine how nurses understand both sides of conflict: constructive and destructive.

Design

A qualitative descriptive design.

Methods

Data were collected from 34 full time nurses as part of a conflict skills training course offered over 6 months beginning in October 2009. Each participant was asked to write a weekly journal about conflicts in his/her work place.

Result

Data yielded 163 entries (82 classified as constructive and 81 as destructive). Results showed that quality patient care and cooperative communication contributed to the perception that conflict is constructive in nature. The central underlying themes in nurses' perceptions of destructive conflict were time constraints, role conflict and power differences that are not managed through communication.

Conclusion

This article helps to identify nursing perceptions of constructive and destructive conflict and to understand complexities nurses face during their interactions with other nurses, physicians and patients. The insight that constructive views are related to constructive processes provides an excellent opportunity for an educational intervention, so that we can educate nurses to analyse problems and learn how to manage conflict with effective collaborative processes.
Structured Medication Review to Improve Pharmacotherapy in People with Intellectual Disability and Behavioural Problems
Authors: Scheifes Arlette , Egberts Toine C. G. , Stolker Joost Jan , Nijman Henk. L. I. , Heerdink Eibert R.
Published: April 2015

Background

Polypharmacy and chronic drug use are common in people with intellectual disability and behavioural problems, although evidence of effectiveness and safety in this population is lacking. This study examined the effects of a structured medication review and aimed to improve pharmacotherapy in inpatients with intellectual disability.

Methods

In a treatment facility for people with mild to borderline intellectual disability and severe behavioural problems, a structured medication review was performed. Prevalence and type of drug‐related problems (DRPs) and of the recommended and executed actions were calculated.

Results

In a total of 55 patients with intellectual disability and behavioural problems, 284 medications were prescribed, in which a DRP was seen in 106 (34%). No indication/unclear indication was the most prevalent DRP (70). Almost 60% of the recommended actions were also executed.

Conclusions

This high prevalence of DRPs is worrying. The structured medication review is a valuable instrument to optimize pharmacotherapy and to support psychiatrists in adequate prescribing of both psychotropic and somatic drugs.
Pulmonary Vein Isolation to Reduce Future Risk of Atrial Fibrillation in Patients Undergoing Typical Flutter Ablation: Results from a Randomized Pilot Study (REDUCE AF)
Authors: MOHANTY SANGHAMITRA , NATALE ANDREA , MOHANTY PRASANT , DI BIASE LUIGI , TRIVEDI CHINTAN , SANTANGELI PASQUALE , BAI RONG , BURKHARDT J. DAVID , GALLINGHOUSE G. JOSEPH , HORTON RODNEY , SANCHEZ JAVIER E. , HRANITZKY PATRICK M. , AL‐AHMAD AMIN , HAO STEVEN , HONGO RICHARD , BEHEIRY SALWA , PELARGONIO GEMMA , FORLEO GIOVANNI , ROSSILLO ANTONIO , THEMISTOCLAKIS SAKIS , CASELLA MICHELA , RUSSO ANTONIO DELLO , TONDO CLAUDIO , DIXIT SANJAY
Published: April 2015

Benefits of PVI in Patients with Atrial Flutter

Background

This study examined incidence of AF following cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) ablation alone or CTI plus prophylactic pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) in patients presenting with isolated atrial flutter (AFL) with no history of AF.

Methods and Results

We enrolled 216 patients with isolated typical atrial flutter and randomized them to CTI alone (group 1, n = 108, 61.2 ± 9.7 year, 75% male) or CTI+PVI ablation (group 2, n = 108, 62.4 ± 9.3 year, 73% male). Insertible loop recorder (ILR) was implanted in 21 and 19 patients from groups 1 and 2, respectively. Remaining patients were monitored with event recorders, ECG, 7‐day Holter. Follow‐up period was for 18 ± 6 months.

Compared to group 1, group 2 had significantly longer procedural duration (75.9 ± 33 min vs. 161 ± 48 min [P < 0.001]) and fluoroscopy time (15.9 ± 12.3 min vs. 56.4+21 min [P < 0.001]). At the end of follow‐up, 65 (60.2%) in group 1 and 77 (71.3%) in group 2 were arrhythmia free off‐AAD (log‐rank P = 0.044). A subgroup analysis was performed with 55 year age cut‐off. In the <55 age group the CTI only population had similar success as in CTI+PVI, (21 of 24 [83.3%] vs. 19 of 22 [86.4%], respectively, log‐rank P = 0.74). In the ≥55 group, having CTI+PVI showed significantly higher success compared to CTI only; 45 of 84 (53.6%) were AF/AT free in CTI only group versus 58 of 86 (67.4%) with CTI+PVI (log‐rank P = 0.029).

Conclusion

Prophylactic PVI reduced new‐onset AF in patients with lone atrial flutter.
Long dsRNAbut not siRNAinitiatesRNAi in western corn rootworm larvae and adults
Authors: Li H. , Khajuria C. , Rangasamy M. , Gandra P. , Fitter M. , Geng C. , Woosely A. , Hasler J. , Schulenberg G. , Worden S. , McEwan R. , Evans C. , Siegfried B. , Narva K. E.
Published: April 2015

Transgenic maize plants expressing dsRNAtargeting western corn rootworm (WCR,Diabrotica virgifera virgiferaLeConte) v‐ATPase subunit CmRNAforRNAi provided significant root protection fromWCRlarval feeding damage in greenhouse assays compared to negative controls. Transcribed hairpin dsRNAinWCR‐resistant maize plants was present as both intact hairpin‐derived dsRNAand plant‐processed siRNA. Therefore, the ability of dsRNAand siRNAtargetingDv v‐ATPase CmRNAto cause anRNAi response was studied in bothWCRlarvae and adults. In 9‐day diet‐based feeding assays, dsRNAof at least 60 bp in length resulted in high levels of larval mortality. In contrast, 15‐, 25‐ or 27‐bp dsRNAs or pooled 21‐bp siRNAs did not cause mortality of exposed larvae. When larvae were fed with diet overlaid with siRNAs,Dv v‐ATPase Ctranscript levels did not change. Conversely, whenWCRlarvae were fed with diet overlaid with 184‐bp dsRNA, themRNAlevel was reduced by >20‐fold relative toyfpdsRNAnegative control. Similarly, 184‐bp dsRNAcaused 100% mortality ofWCRadults, whereas the mortality of adults fed on diet treated with siRNAs was similar to the negative control. Feeding adults with siRNAs on diet did not affect the level ofDv v‐ATPase CmRNAtranscripts, whereas adults fed with the 184‐bp dsRNAshowed approximately 35‐fold reduction in the targetmRNAlevel. Similar results were obtained with theWCRadults injected with 184‐bp dsRNAor 21‐bp siRNA. These results suggest that only long dsRNAor hairpin‐derived dsRNAis effective in causing lethal knock‐down ofDv v‐ATPase CmRNA. These results have implications for efficacious plant‐delivered dsRNAfor the protection of transgenic maize fromWCRfeeding damage and for the risk assessment of transgenic maize expressing insecticidal dsRNA.
Degree of Conversion, Depth of Cure, and Color Stability of Experimental Dental Composite Formulated with Camphorquinone and Phenanthrenequinone Photoinitiators
Authors: Albuquerque Pedro Paulo A. C. , Bertolo Marcusv. L. , Cavalcante Larissa M. A. , Pfeifer Carmem , Schneider Luis F. S.
Published: April 2015

Purpose

This study evaluated the applicability of 9,10‐phenanthrenequinone (PQ) in experimental dental composites.

Materials

Camphorquinone (CQ), PQ, ethyl 4‐N,N‐dimethylaminobenzoate (EDMAB) and diphenyliodonium salt (DPI) were employed. A mixture of 2,2‐bis(4‐[2‐hydroxy‐3‐methacryloxypropoxy]phenyl)‐propane/triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (60:40%) and silanated glass filler at 60% were used. A two‐peak‐based light‐emitting diode (LED) was used.

Methods

The photoinitiator absorption and the light emission spectra were determined by a Ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy and a spectroradiometer, respectively. Relative photon absorption (RPabs) was calculated. Fourier‐transformed infrared spectroscopy analysis was used to determine the degree of conversion (DC). The optical properties were determined with a spectrophotometer. Depth of cure was assessed from adapted International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 4049. Results were analyzed with descriptive analysis, analysis of variance, and Tukey's test (α = 5%).

Results

PQ showed higher RPabs than CQ. Regarding the DC, CQ + EDMAB (control), CQ + EDMAB + DPI, PQ + DPI, and PQ + EDMAB + DPI produced statistically similar results. Groups formulated with CQ presented higher depth of cure. Only the group formulated with CQ + EDMAB presented satisfactory color stability (ΔE < 3.3).

Conclusion

PQ presented higher RPabs than CQ and it was able to produce DC similar to CQ + EDMAB, when used with DPI. However, groups formulated with PQ produced lower depth of cure, greater yellowing, and less color stability than the traditional combination CQ and amine.

Clinical Significance

Although research with novel photoinitiator systems should be encouraged, the traditional camphorquinone and amine pair remains as a reliable combination for the formulation of dental composites.
Rice tissue‐specific promoters and condition‐dependent promoters for effective translational application
Authors: Jeong Hee‐Jeong , Jung Ki‐Hong
Published: April 2015

Rice (Oryza sativa) is one of the most important staple food crops for more than half of the world's population. The demand is increasing for food security because of population growth and environmental challenges triggered by climate changes. This scenario has led to more interest in developing crops with greater productivity and sustainability. The process of genetic transformation, a major tool for crop improvement, utilizes promoters as one of its key elements. Those promoters are generally divided into three types: constitutive, spatiotemporal, and condition‐dependent. Transcriptional control of a constitutive promoter often leads to reduced plant growth, due to a negative effect of accumulated molecules during cellular functions or energy consumption. To maximize the effect of a transgene on transgenic plants, it is better to use condition‐dependent or tissue‐specific promoters. However, until now, those types have not been as widely applied in crop biotechnology. In this review, we introduce and discuss four groups of tissue‐specific promoters (50 promoters in total) and six groups of condition‐dependent promoters (27 promoters). These promoters can be utilized to fine‐tune desirable agronomic traits and develop crops with tolerance to various stresses, enhanced nutritional value, and advanced productivity.
The regulation of p53 up‐regulated modulator of apoptosis by JNK/c‐Jun pathway in β‐amyloid‐induced neuron death
Authors: Akhter Rumana , Sanphui Priyankar , Das Hrishita , Saha Pampa , Biswas Subhas Chandra
Published: April 2015

Neuronal loss in selective areas of brain underlies the pathology of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Recent evidences place oligomeric β‐amyloid (Aβ) central to the disease. However, mechanism of neuron death in response to Aβ remains elusive. Activation of the c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) pathway and induction of the AP‐1 transcription factor c‐Jun are reported in AD. However, targets of JNK/c‐Jun in Aβ‐induced neuron death are mostly unknown. Our study shows that pro‐apoptotic proteins, Bim (Bcl‐2 interacting mediator of cell death) and Puma (p53 up‐regulated modulator of apoptosis) are targets of c‐Jun in Aβ‐treated neurons. We demonstrate that the JNK/c‐Jun pathway is activated, in cultures of cortical neurons following treatment with oligomeric Aβ and in AD transgenic mice, and that inhibition of this pathway by selective inhibitor blocks induction of Puma by Aβ. We also find that both JNK and p53 pathways co‐operatively regulate Puma expression in Aβ‐treated neurons. Moreover, we identified a novel AP1‐binding site on rat puma gene which is necessary for direct binding of c‐Jun with Puma promoter. Finally, we find that knocking down of c‐Jun by siRNA provides significant protection from Aβ toxicity and that induction of Bim and Puma by Aβ in neurons requires c‐Jun. Taken together, our results suggest that both Bim and Puma are target of c‐Jun and elucidate the intricate regulation of Puma expression by JNK/c‐Jun and p53 pathways in neurons upon Aβ toxicity.

image

JNK/c‐Jun pathway is shown to be activated in neurons of the Alzheimer's disease (AD) brain and plays a vital role in neuron death in AD models. However, downstream targets of c‐Jun in this disease have not been thoroughly elucidated. Our study shows that two important pro‐apoptotic proteins, Bim (Bcl‐2 interacting mediator of cell death) and Puma (p53 up‐regulated modulator of apoptosis) are targets of c‐Jun in Aβ‐treated neurons. We demonstrate that the JNK/c‐jun pathway is activated, in cultures of cortical neurons following treatment with oligomeric Aβ and in AD transgenic mice, and that inhibition of this pathway by selective inhibitor blocks induction of Puma by Aβ. We have also observed functional co‐operation of both JNK and p53 pathway in regulation of Puma under Aβ toxicity. Most importantly, we identified a novel AP1‐binding site on rat puma gene which is necessary for direct binding of c‐Jun with Puma promoter. Thus, our results suggest that both Bim and Puma are target of c‐Jun and elucidate the intricate regulation of Puma expression by JNK/c‐Jun and p53 pathways in neurons upon Aβ toxicity.
“Target‐Lesion” SYNTAX Score (tSS) Determines Radiation Dose in Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: HEE LEIA , THOMAS LIZA , ULLAH INAAM , JUERGENS CRAIG P. , LO SIDNEY , HOPKINS ANDREW , FRENCH JOHN K. , MUSSAP CHRISTIAN J.
Published: April 2015

Objectives

To investigate the correlation between “target‐lesion” SYNTAX score (tSS) and radiation dose (RD) and examine the predictive value of tSS and other variables on RD from percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Background

The complexity of PCI influences procedural RD. The novel tSS was utilized to quantify targeted‐PCI complexity.

Methods

We studied 420 consecutive patients who had PCI in our hospital. Two investigators independently measured tSS using the SYNTAX scoring algorithm. Patients were divided into three BMI (kg/m2) subgroups: <25 (normal), 25–30 (overweight), and >30 (obese); and tSS tertiles: <5.5 (simple), 5.5–9 (moderate), and >9 (complex).

Results

Obese patients were significantly younger and likely to have diabetes mellitus (DM). tSS positively correlated with RD for both genders, with median RD significantly higher in males (P < 0.0001). tSS correlated with RD in all three BMI subgroups (all P < 0.0001). Multivariate linear regression showed RD can be predicted by the formula: RD = −898 + 18 tSS + 49 BMI + 142 DM + 207 male.

Conclusions

We report that tSS is a quantitative index of “target‐lesion” PCI complexity, which is easy to measure with good reproducibility. tSS significantly and independently correlates with RD, although the strength of the association is less than for other predictors of RD (gender, diabetes, and BMI). tSS may be used to determine the RD from PCI and enhance patient risk‐stratification when formulating a PCI strategy.
Is it Safe to Close ASD with the Guidance of Transthoraxic Echocardiography in Pediatric Population “Ten Years' Experience of a Single Center”
Authors: BAYKAN ALI , PAMUKCU OZGE , OZYURT ABDULLAH , ARGUN MUSTAFA , ONAN SERTAC HANDEDAN , SEZER SADETTIN , UZUM KAZIM , NARIN NAZMI
Published: April 2015

Objective

Main purpose of this study is to emphasize the usage and safety of transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) in percutaneous atrial septal defect (ASD) closure in appropriate pediatric cases.

Background

Nowadays, percutaneous closure is preferred as treatment modality for ASD in pediatric age group.

Methods

Between the dates December 2003–August 2013; 340 patients whose ASD were closed included in this study. Physical examination, electrocardiogram, TTE were done before the procedure, at the 24th hour, 1st and 6th month after the procedure. After the 6th month, routine control was done annually. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) was performed in 184 cases with large, multifenestrated ASD and when TTE views were poor in quality. We selected the 201 patients whose ASD diameter between 10–20 mm and formed 2 homogeneous groups according to the type of echocardiography used (TEE or TTE) in order to compare the role of echocardiography.

Results

The demographic features of patients of 2 groups were similar. There was not any statistically difference between ASD, balloon sizing diameters between the groups. No statistically significant difference in the success, complication, and residual shunt rates was found between the groups. Procedure, fluoroscopy time, and amount were significantly higher in TEE group. When hemodynamic variables except pulmonary blood flow to systemic blood flow (Qp/Qs; right–left atrium mean pressure, pulmonary vascular resistance, and peak‐mean pulmonary arterial pressure) were compared, there was not statistically difference.

Conclusion

TEE is an invasive procedure and requires general anesthesia, therefore, it should not be done routinely in ASD but only in selected cases. If the size and the anatomy of ASD is appropriate, TTE should be preferred primarily in percutaneous ASD closure.
Prehistoric and historic distributions of the critically endangered Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) in the eastern Atlantic
Authors: González Luis Mariano
Published: April 2015

The present Atlantic range of the Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus), a critically endangered species, comprises two populations in the Desertas Islands and Cape Blanco region. The species is currently the subject of an action plan that encourages the recolonization of its former range. I investigated their causes of its disappearance using species records from paleo‐archeological sites and historical sightings/toponyms. I hypothesize that the species' prehistoric range extended from the continental coasts of North Africa to the Iberian Peninsula, an area larger than its current known range. It is further hypothesized that the historic range included at least 13 colonies, seven more than the present number; and that the original optimal breeding habitat was open beaches, while sea caves were a suboptimal, marginal habitat. It is suggested that hunting and the disappearance of two islands due to a historical tsunami event explain the disappearance of the other populations, leaving only those at the Desertas Islands and Cape Blanco that were sheltered in sea caves. Furthermore, the use of sea caves, in conjunction with effective legal protection in the 20th century, explains the present‐day survival of these Atlantic colonies of M. monachus.
Nurses' perspectives: hospitalized older patients and end‐of‐life decision‐making
Authors: Dillworth Judy , Dickson Victoria V , Mueller Anna , Shuluk Joseph , Yoon Hye W , Capezuti Elizabeth
Published: April 2015

Aims

To explore pressing issues identified by nurses caring for older patients in US NICHE (Nurses Improving Care for the Healthsystem Elders) hospitals, regarding palliative care and end‐of‐life (EOL) decision‐making. Objectives are to (1) identify the most pressing palliative care and EOL decision‐making issues and strategies to address them and (2) identify the association of nursing demographics (age, gender, race, education and experience), institutional/unit characteristics and these issues.

Background

Critical care nurses have an integral role in supporting older patients and families faced with palliative care and EOL decision‐making issues. Despite national imperatives to improve the quality of palliative care, patients continue to experience uncontrolled pain, inadequate communication, disregard of their wishes and life prolonging interventions. These contribute to increased hospitalizations and costs. Understanding the prevalent issues is needed to address patient needs at the end‐of‐life.

Design

It is a mixed method study.

Methods

A secondary analysis of the NICHE Geriatric Institutional Assessment Profile (GIAP) database (collected 1/08‐9/13) was conducted using the sample of Critical Care RNs who provided comments regarding palliative care and EOL decision‐making. Qualitative data were analyzed using Dedoose software. Data clusters and patterns of co‐occurring codes were explored through an iterative analysis process. Themes were examined across nurse demographics, institutional and unit characteristics.

Results

Comments specifically addressing issues regarding EOL decision‐making were provided by 393 critical care nurses from 156 hospitals ( age = 42·3 years, 51% BSN degree). Overarching theme was discordance in goals of care (prolonging life versus quality of life), ineffective physician‐patient‐family communication, lack of time and unrealistic expectations.

Conclusions

Nurses' descriptions highlight the need for increased communication, staff education and availability of palliative care services.

Relevance to Practice

Palliative care and EOL decision‐making will remain a nursing priority as people age and require increased care.
Intravesical cidofovir to treat BK virus‐associated hemorrhagic cystitis in children after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Rascon Jelena , Verkauskas Gilvydas , Pasauliene Ramune , Zubka Vytautas , Bilius Vytautas , Rageliene Lina
Published: April 2015

HC related to BK virus replication might be a severe complication following allogeneic HSCT. There are no clearly defined treatment guidelines in pediatric population. The data on the effectiveness of ICI to manage severe bleeding in children are very limited. We report our experience of intravesical cidofovir in four children, 6–15 yr of age, to manage grade III–IV BK virus‐associated HC. Three of four children had high CSA serum level prior to developing cystitis. Intravesical instillations of cidofovir resulted only in temporal relief of bleeding. After immune suppression was withdrawn or tapered, intravesical instillations of formalin solution had to be undertaken to abort severe bleeding. We concluded that intravesical cidofovir alone did not appear to be sufficiently effective in case of severe HC, necessitating complimentary procedures to stop macrohematuria.
Lethal and nonlethal murine malarial infections differentially affect apoptosis, proliferation, and CD8 expression on thymic T cells
Authors: Khanam S. , Sharma S. , Pathak S.
Published: April 2015

Although thymic atrophy and apoptosis of the double‐positive (DP) T cells have been reported in murine malaria, comparative studies investigating the effect of lethal and nonlethal Plasmodium infections on the thymus are lacking. We assessed the effects of P. yoelii lethal (17XL) and nonlethal (17XNL) infections on thymic T cells. Both strains affected the thymus. 17XL infection induced DP T‐cell apoptosis and a selective decrease in surface CD8 expression on developing thymocytes. By contrast, more severe but reversible effects were observed during 17XNL infection. DP T cells underwent apoptosis, and proliferation of both DN and DP cells was affected around peak parasitemia. A transient increase in surface CD8 expression on thymic T cells was also observed. Adult thymic organ culture revealed that soluble serum factors, but not IFN‐γ or TNF‐α, contributed to the observed effects. Thus, lethal and nonlethal malarial infections led to multiple disparate effects on thymus. These parasite‐induced thymic changes are expected to impact the naïve T‐cell repertoire and the subsequent control of the immune response against the parasite. Further investigations are required to elucidate the mechanism responsible for these disparate effects, especially the reversible involution of the thymus in case of nonlethal infection.
Economic Growth and Wage Stagnation in Peru: 1998–2012
Authors: Paz Peter , Urrutia Carlos
Published: April 2015

From 1998 to 2012, the Peruvian economy exhibited rapid growth. Moreover, the composition of the labor force improved in terms of education and experience, two variables that are typically associated to higher human capital. The average worker in 2012 had a higher level of education and was one and a half years older than in 1998, reflecting the impact of the demographic transition. However, the average real wage was roughly constant. We show that a decline in the wage premium for education, and to a minor extent for experience, is responsible for the lack of growth in the average real wage. Had these two premia remained constant throughout the period of analysis, average labor earnings would have increased by about 2.6% per year, of which 0.7 percentage points are accounted for by the changes in the composition of the labor force in terms of age and education. We explore the role of the relative supply of workers with different levels of human capital as an explanation for the decline in the wage premium for education. Finally, we analyze the implications of these findings for some macroeconomic variables, as earnings and wage inequality, the labor share and total factor productivity.
Maternal Education and the Link Between Birth Timing and Children's School Readiness*
Authors: Augustine Jennifer March , Prickett Kate C. , Kendig Sarah M. , Crosnoe Robert
Published: April 2015

Objective

This study explored whether mothers’ education magnified any benefits that waiting until older ages to have children might have for their children's educational careers.

Methods

Multiple‐group path modeling assessed whether and why the positive association between mothers’ age at first birth and children's test scores was greater for children of college‐educated women than children of other women.

Results

Older age at first birth was associated with higher math and reading test scores among the children of college‐educated women via their mothers’ higher income and cognitive support for children. These mediational paths were less pronounced among the children of high‐school‐educated women and were not observed among the children of high school dropouts.

Conclusion

Any potential effects of women's delayed fertility on their children's early educational experiences appeared to be confined to the most educated women.
Accelerated healing in NONcNZO10/LtJ type 2 diabetic mice by FGF‐1
Authors: Blaber Sachiko I. , Diaz Jose , Blaber Michael
Published: April 2015

The development of novel therapies to treat chronic diabetic ulcers depends upon appropriate animal models for early stage investigation. The NONcNZO10/LtJ mouse is a new polygenic strain developed to more realistically model human metabolic syndrome and obesity‐induced type 2 diabetes; however, detailed wound healing properties have not been reported. Herein, we describe a quantitative wound healing study in the NONcNZO10/LtJ mouse using a splinted excisional wound. The rate of wound healing is compared to various controls, and is also quantified in response to topical administration of normal and mutant fibroblast growth factor‐1 (FGF‐1). Quantitation of reepithelialization shows that the diabetic condition in the NONcNZO10/LtJ mouse is concomitant with a decreased rate of dermal healing. Furthermore, topical administration of a FGF‐1/heparin formulation effectively accelerates reepithelialization. A similar acceleration can also be achieved by a stabilized mutant form of FGF‐1 formulated in the absence of heparin. Such accelerated rates of healing are not associated with any abnormal histology in the healed wounds. The results identify the NONcNZO10/LtJ mouse as a useful model of impaired wound healing in type 2 diabetes, and further, identify engineered forms of FGF‐1 as a potential “second‐generation” therapeutic to promote diabetic dermal wound healing.
The Inability to Screen Exhibition Swine for Influenza A Virus Using Body Temperature
Authors: Bowman A. S. , Nolting J. M. , Workman J. D. , Cooper M. , Fisher A. E. , Marsh B. , Forshey T.
Published: April 2015

Agricultural fairs create an unconventional animal–human interface that has been associated with swine‐to‐human transmission of influenza A virus (IAV) in recent years. Early detection of IAV‐infected pigs at agricultural fairs would allow veterinarians to better protect swine and human health during these swine exhibitions. This study assessed the use of swine body temperature measurement, recorded by infrared and rectal thermometers, as a practical method to detect IAV‐infected swine at agricultural fairs. In our first objective, infrared thermometers were used to record the body surface temperature of 1,092 pigs at the time of IAV nasal swab collection at the end of the exhibition period of 55 agricultural fairs. IAV was recovered from 212 (19.4%) pigs, and the difference in mean infrared body temperature measurement of IAV‐positive and IAV‐negative pigs was 0.83°C. In a second objective, snout wipes were collected from 1,948 pigs immediately prior to the unloading of the animals at a single large swine exhibition. Concurrent to the snout wipe collection, owners took the rectal temperatures of his/her pigs. In this case, 47 (2.4%) pigs tested positive for IAV before they entered the swine barn. The mean rectal temperatures differed by only 0.19°C between IAV‐positive and IAV‐negative pigs. The low prevalence of IAV among the pigs upon entry to the fair in the second objective provides evidence that limiting intraspecies spread of IAV during the fairs will likely have significant impacts on the zoonotic transmission. However, in both objectives, the high degree of similarity in the body temperature measurements between the IAV‐positive and IAV‐negative pigs made it impossible to set a diagnostically meaningful cut point to differentiate IAV status of the individual animals. Unfortunately, body temperature measurement cannot be used to accurately screen exhibition swine for IAV.
Computing overconvergent forms for small primes
Authors: Vonk Jan
Published: April 2015

We construct explicit bases for spaces of overconvergent $p$-adic modular forms when $p=2,3$ and study their interaction with the Atkin operator. This results in an extension of Lauder’s algorithms for overconvergent modular forms. We illustrate these algorithms with computations of slope sequences of some $2$-adic eigencurves and the construction of Chow–Heegner points on elliptic curves via special values of Rankin triple product L-functions.
Design and Performance of Selected Pipe-Type Diffusers
Authors: Reeves G. B.
Published: April 2015

This paper presents the design information and performance results of three pipe-type centrifugal compressor diffusers tested behind centrifugal impellers of both radial and backswept geometry with design point overall pressure ratios of 6:1 to 10:1. Data from all three diffusers substantiate an incidence based correlation for flow range capacity. The final configuration demonstrates the loss and recovery characteristics of a good conical pipe diffuser, but with improved flowrange and a more flexible noncircular throat cross-section and nonconical diffusion passage.
Variable Power Turbine Nozzle System Mechanical Development
Authors: Carriere D. L. , Rao V. D. , Vaughen M. R.
Published: April 2015

Mechanical, material, thermal, and actuator response time problems encountered and resolved during the development of a variable power turbine nozzle system for a nominal 400-hp (300-kw), 1950 F (1339 K) maximum cycle temperature truck industrial gas turbine power plant are described in this paper.