bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neither Absence Nor Excess of FGF23 Disturbs Murine Fetal-Placental Phosphorus Homeostasis or Prenatal Skeletal Development and Mineralization
Authors: Ma Yue , Samaraweera Manoharee , Cooke-Hubley Sandra , Kirby Beth J. , Karaplis Andrew C. , Lanske Beate , Kovacs Christopher S.
Published: March 2014

Fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF23) controls serum phosphorus largely through actions on the kidneys to excrete phosphorus and reduce calcitriol. Although these actions are well established in adults and children, the role that FGF23 plays in regulating fetal phosphorus metabolism has not been previously studied. We used several mouse models to study the effect of endogenous deficiency or excess of FGF23 on fetal phosphorus metabolism. We found that intact FGF23 does not cross the placenta from mother to fetus, but wild-type fetuses normally have intact FGF23 levels that approximately equal the maternal level. Deletion of Fgf23 or 7.8-fold higher serum FGF23 levels did not disturb any parameter of fetal mineral homeostasis, including serum and amniotic fluid phosphorus, skeletal morphology, skeletal mineral content, and placental phosphorus transport. Placentas and fetal kidneys abundantly express FGF23 target genes. Cyp24a1 was significantly reduced in Fgf23 null kidneys and was significantly increased in Phex null placentas and fetal kidneys. Phex null kidneys also showed reduced expression of Klotho. However, these changes in gene expression did not disturb any physiological parameter related to phosphorus. A 50% reduction in FGF23 also failed to affect renal phosphorus excretion into amniotic fluid when either PTH or the vitamin D receptor were absent. In conclusion, FGF23 is not an important regulator of fetal phosphorous metabolism. The active delivery of phosphorus across the placenta does not require FGF23, and that process overrides any effects that absence or excess of FGF23 might otherwise have on phosphate handling by the fetal kidneys.
Age Below 40 or a Recently Proposed Clinical Prediction Score Cannot Bypass Adrenal Venous Sampling in Primary Aldosteronism
Authors: Riester Anna , Fischer Evelyn , Degenhart Christoph , Reiser Maximilian F. , Bidlingmaier Martin , Beuschlein Felix , Reincke Martin , Quinkler Marcus
Published: March 2014

Context:

Adrenal venous sampling (AVS) is used to distinguish bilateral from unilateral primary aldosteronism (PA). Due to its limited availability, clinical prediction scores have been proposed to diagnose unilateral disease without AVS.

Objective:

Our goal was to test 2 recently proposed predictors of unilateral PA: 1) a clinical prediction score using imaging, serum potassium, and glomerular filtration rate and 2) the combination of visible unilateral adenoma on imaging and age <40 years.

Design and Setting:

We used the data of all patients with PA of the prospective German Conn's Registry treated in Munich and Berlin since 2008.

Patients and Intervention:

Of 205 patients with PA, 194 had a successful AVS and were included.

Main Outcome Measures:

Parameters were compared between patients with lateralized and nonlateralized AVS. Specificity and sensitivity of the proposed predictors were calculated.

Results:

A total of 130 patients (67%) had unilateral PA according to AVS. Patients with unilateral PA showed a significantly lower estimated glomerular filtration rate compared with patients with bilateral disease (P < .05). The cohorts differed significantly in potassium supplementation, serum potassium, baseline and post-saline plasma aldosterone, baseline aldosterone to renin ratio, and adenoma in imaging. The proposed prediction score had a sensitivity of 46% (58 of 127) and a specificity of 80% (53 of 66). In patients below 40 years (n = 28), the prediction score achieved a specificity of 100%; however, relying only on imaging in this young cohort, the specificity dropped to 83%.

Conclusions:

The suggested prediction score has high accuracy only in young patients but cannot substitute for AVS in the elderly.
Thioredoxin Reductase 2 (TXNRD2) Mutation Associated With Familial Glucocorticoid Deficiency (FGD)
Authors: Prasad Rathi , Chan Li F. , Hughes Claire R. , Kaski Juan P. , Kowalczyk Julia C. , Savage Martin O. , Peters Catherine J. , Nathwani Nisha , Clark Adrian J. L. , Storr Helen L. , Metherell Louise A.
Published: March 2014

Context:

Classic ACTH resistance, due to disruption of ACTH signaling, accounts for the majority of cases of familial glucocorticoid deficiency (FGD). Recently FGD cases caused by mutations in the mitochondrial antioxidant, nicotinamide nucleotide transhydrogenase, have highlighted the importance of redox regulation in steroidogenesis.

Objective:

We hypothesized that other components of mitochondrial antioxidant systems would be good candidates in the etiology of FGD.

Design:

Whole-exome sequencing was performed on three related patients, and segregation of putative causal variants confirmed by Sanger sequencing of all family members. A TXNRD2-knockdown H295R cell line was created to investigate redox homeostasis.

Setting:

The study was conducted on patients from three pediatric centers in the United Kingdom.

Patients:

Seven individuals from a consanguineous Kashmiri kindred, six of whom presented with FGD between 0.1 and 10.8 years, participated in the study.

Interventions:

There were no interventions.

Main Outcome Measure:

Identification and functional interrogation of a novel homozygous mutation segregating with the disease trait were measured.

Results:

A stop gain mutation, p.Y447X in TXNRD2, encoding the mitochondrial selenoprotein thioredoxin reductase 2 (TXNRD2) was identified and segregated with disease in this extended kindred. RT-PCR and Western blotting revealed complete absence of TXNRD2 in patients homozygous for the mutation. TXNRD2 deficiency leads to impaired redox homeostasis in a human adrenocortical cell line.

Conclusion:

In contrast to the Txnrd2-knockout mouse model, in which embryonic lethality as a consequence of hematopoietic and cardiac defects is described, absence of TXNRD2 in humans leads to glucocorticoid deficiency. This is the first report of a homozygous mutation in any component of the thioredoxin antioxidant system leading to inherited disease in humans.
Pitx2c ensures habenular asymmetry by restricting parapineal cell number
Authors: Garric Laurence , Ronsin Brice , Roussigné Myriam , Booton Sabrina , Gamse Joshua T. , Dufourcq Pascale , Blader Patrick
Published: March 2014

Left-right (L/R) asymmetries in the brain are thought to underlie lateralised cognitive functions. Understanding how neuroanatomical asymmetries are established has been achieved through the study of the zebrafish epithalamus. Morphological symmetry in the epithalamus is broken by leftward migration of the parapineal, which is required for the subsequent elaboration of left habenular identity; the habenular nuclei flank the midline and show L/R asymmetries in marker expression and connectivity. The Nodal target pitx2c is expressed in the left epithalamus, but nothing is known about its role during the establishment of asymmetry in the brain. We show that abrogating Pitx2c function leads to the right habenula adopting aspects of left character, and to an increase in parapineal cell numbers. Parapineal ablation in Pitx2c loss of function results in right habenular isomerism, indicating that the parapineal is required for the left character detected in the right habenula in this context. Partial parapineal ablation in the absence of Pitx2c, however, reduces the number of parapineal cells to wild-type levels and restores habenular asymmetry. We provide evidence suggesting that antagonism between Nodal and Pitx2c activities sets an upper limit on parapineal cell numbers. We conclude that restricting parapineal cell number is crucial for the correct elaboration of epithalamic asymmetry.
Dynamin 2 regulation of integrin endocytosis, but not VEGF signaling, is crucial for developmental angiogenesis
Authors: Lee Monica Y. , Skoura Athanasia , Park Eon Joo , Landskroner-Eiger Shira , Jozsef Levente , Luciano Amelia K. , Murata Takahisa , Pasula Satish , Dong Yunzhou , Bouaouina Mohamed , Calderwood David A. , Ferguson Shawn M. , De Camilli Pietro , Sessa William C.
Published: March 2014

Here we show that dynamin 2 (Dnm2) is essential for angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. In cultured endothelial cells lacking Dnm2, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling and receptor levels are augmented whereas cell migration and morphogenesis are impaired. Mechanistically, the loss of Dnm2 increases focal adhesion size and the surface levels of multiple integrins and reduces the activation state of β1 integrin. In vivo, the constitutive or inducible loss of Dnm2 in endothelium impairs branching morphogenesis and promotes the accumulation of β1 integrin at sites of failed angiogenic sprouting. Collectively, our data show that Dnm2 uncouples VEGF signaling from function and coordinates the endocytic turnover of integrins in a manner that is crucially important for angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo.
Diffusible signals and epigenetic timing cooperate in late proximo-distal limb patterning
Authors: Roselló-Díez Alberto , Arques Carlos G. , Delgado Irene , Giovinazzo Giovanna , Torres Miguel
Published: March 2014

Developing vertebrate limbs initiate proximo-distal patterning by interpreting opposing gradients of diffusible signaling molecules. We report two thresholds of proximo-distal signals in the limb bud: a higher threshold that establishes the upper-arm to forearm transition; and a lower one that positions a later transition from forearm to hand. For this last transition to happen, however, the signal environment seems to be insufficient, and we show that a timing mechanism dependent on histone acetylation status is also necessary. Therefore, as a consequence of the time dependence, the lower signaling threshold remains cryptic until the timing mechanism reveals it. We propose that this timing mechanism prevents the distal transition from happening too early, so that the prospective forearm has enough time to expand and form a properly sized segment. Importantly, the gene expression changes provoked by the first transition further regulate proximo-distal signal distribution, thereby coordinating the positioning of the two thresholds, which ensures robustness. This model is compatible with the most recent genetic analyses and underscores the importance of growth during the time-dependent patterning phase, providing a new mechanistic framework for understanding congenital limb defects.
Plk2 regulates mitotic spindle orientation and mammary gland development
Authors: Villegas Elizabeth , Kabotyanski Elena B. , Shore Amy N. , Creighton Chad J. , Westbrook Thomas F. , Rosen Jeffrey M.
Published: March 2014

Disruptions in polarity and mitotic spindle orientation contribute to the progression and evolution of tumorigenesis. However, little is known about the molecular mechanisms regulating these processes in vivo. Here, we demonstrate that Polo-like kinase 2 (Plk2) regulates mitotic spindle orientation in the mammary gland and that this might account for its suggested role as a tumor suppressor. Plk2 is highly expressed in the mammary gland and is required for proper mammary gland development. Loss of Plk2 leads to increased mammary epithelial cell proliferation and ductal hyperbranching. Additionally, a novel role for Plk2 in regulating the orientation of the mitotic spindle and maintaining proper cell polarity in the ductal epithelium was discovered. In support of a tumor suppressor function for Plk2, loss of Plk2 increased the formation of lesions in multiparous glands. Collectively, these results demonstrate a novel role for Plk2 in regulating mammary gland development.
Cross gender–age trabecular texture analysis in cone beam CT
Authors: Ling H , Yang X , Li P , Megalooikonomou V , Xu Y , Yang J
Published: March 2014

Objectives:

To investigate whether multiple texture features in different regions of interest (ROIs) on cone beam CT (CBCT) are correlated with gender–age variation of trabecular patterns.

Methods:

CBCT volumes from 96 subjects were used. The data set was divided into four gender–age subgroups, including males younger than 40 years, males older than 40 years, females younger than 40 years and females older than 40 years. For each volume, cubes containing trabecular patterns at four ROIs in the jaws were manually cropped. 18 distinct texture features were calculated and their correlation with gender–age variations at different ROIs was studied through t-test statistical analysis.

Results:

For the 432 test pairs with different gender–age groups at different ROIs and texture features tested, 149 of them were shown to be statistically different at the 0.05 significance level and 60 of them at the 0.001 significance level. These features can therefore capture changes in trabecular patterns and have the potential to be used for trabecular analysis. Furthermore, fractal features were found to be better than intensity features in separating different gender–age groups. Trabecular patterns in the body of the mandible were more correlated with gender–age changes than other ROIs.

Conclusions:

Multiple texture features on CBCT were found to be correlated with the cross gender–age variation of trabecular patterns. The results support the use of CBCT for advanced trabecular analysis, including osteoporosis screening tools in the jaws.
Preface
Authors: Dufrêche Jean-François
Published: March 2014

The 32nd International Conference on Solution Chemistry (ICSC-32) was held 28 August-2 September 2011 in La Grande Motte, France. This conference series covers a wide range of topics related to solution chemistry, such as

- thermodynamics, kinetics, and structure

- polymers, colloids, interfaces, and membranes

- bioinorganic, biophysical, and pharmaceutical problems

- supramolecular assemblies and nanostructures

- analytical and environmental aspects

- solvents and solutions under extreme conditions

Five plenary lectures were given: “Electrochemistry, the challenge of 21st century: From living cells to energy production”, by Dr. Christian Amatore, Paris, France; “Ultrafast studies on chemical and biological systems”, by Prof. Majed Chergui, Lausanne, Switzerland; “Modelling ionic liquids”, by Prof. Paul Madden, Oxford, UK; “Structure and dynamics of liquids and solutions in confinement”, by Prof. Toshio Yamaguchi, Fukuoka, Japan; “Natural ionic liquids and green solution chemistry”, by Prof. Dr. Werner Kunz, Regensburg, Germany.

Two special lectures were given in the frame of the “Année Internationale de la Chimie”: “Solution chemistry and preservation of archeological wood: The case of Vasa”, by Prof. Ingmar Persson, Uppsala, Sweden; and “Molecular gastronomy: A solution chemistry problem”, by Hervé This, INRA, France.

Twenty-one papers based on lectures presented at the ICSC-32 are included in this issue of Pure and Applied Chemistry. These contributions feature the major themes of the conference, serve as a representative view of current activities in the field of solution chemistry, and demonstrate that solutions still prove to be challenging targets for contemporary physical and chemical research.

Jean-François Dufrêche

Conference Editor
Normatizing the silent drama: Photoplay manuals of the 1910s and early 1920s
Authors: Bailey Terry
Published: March 2014

The first instructional manuals to cover the writing of photoplays for silent drama emerged in 1911. In the wake of ‘Scenario Fever’, their style was often hyperbolic, and they claimed a great need in the film industry for new dramatic scenarists. In truth, few readers of manuals, or clients of the ‘schools’ that often distributed them, attained professional status. This article uses primary and secondary sources to examine the origins and content of the silent screenwriting manuals, and determines that, despite their poor record in fulfilling their ostensible purpose, they served valuable social functions. By overlooking screen drama’s debt to Victorian theatre and vaudeville, they served to normatize screenwriting practice in its own right, and thus helped to legitimize film’s sense of itself as a new medium. The uniform nature of their content, shaped by manual writers who were often working scenarists, suggests their reliability in clarifying aspects of screenwriting practice that lay behind the creation of silent films, and justifies their use as resources in film studies.
Start me up: Lean screenwriting for American entrepreneurial cinema
Authors: Gay Andrew Kenneth
Published: March 2014

This article proposes a new approach to script development modelled after lean software development practices and entrepreneurial startup principles. First, it argues that the Hollywood mode of production and its methods of project development, when applied to microbudget film-making, are inherently wasteful and fail in the face of extreme uncertainty and unpredictability. Second, it argues that entrepreneurial screenwriters and writer/film-makers can adopt lean thinking in order to eliminate waste from their creative labour and enhance learning at every stage of development and production, adding value for their audience. Finally, it argues that inexperienced writer/film-makers are particularly susceptible to the false security of the ‘blueprint’ metaphor, often clinging to an original plan even as it fails them. The flexibility inherent to lean thinking, on the other hand, not only reduces waste but also enhances creativity and collaboration, increasing a project’s chances of success.
What is a digital persona?
Authors: de Kerckhove Derrick , de Almeida Cristina Miranda
Published: March 2014

Digital persona is a part of the individual identity that has been extended into the online sphere to which corresponds a digital unconscious structuring a digitally divided self. It has personal, social, institutional, legal, scientific and technological aspects that have to be reconsidered to allow for new ways of understanding and managing identity. However, the fragmentation of scientific analysis fails to explain what happens to the digital personae in an interdisciplinary way. This is reflected by the current lack of comprehensive framework, the tendency to develop fragmentary management tools and gaps in legal frameworks. In this context society, experts, institutions and groups are still in a fragile unconscious, or pre-conscious phase, regarding the opportunities and problems associated with the management of digital persona. The objective of this article is to offer a first set of comprehensive features that shape the personal and social sense of digital selfhood and identity and provoke a reflection regarding the future personal, social and institutional management of our digital personae. This on-going research aims at contributing to define the digital persona and to develop models and typologies of digital personhood that are still being developed.
Gender wage differentials and occupational distribution
Authors: Mendes Raquel Vale
Published: March 2014

The study analyzes the role of occupational distribution in explaining the male-female wage gap in the Portuguese economy. The objective is to investigate to what extent gender wage disparities can be explained by occupational segregation. Relying on data from the personnel records for the period 1986-2004, this study uses the Brown, Moon, and Zoloth (1989) wage differential decomposition method to conduct the empirical analysis. The main findings reveal that occupational gender segregation is not a major contributor to the male-female wage gap and that within occupational wage effects play a prominent role in determining the overall differential. Additionally, the results indicate that a substantial portion of wage differentials within occupations potentially stems from wage discrimination.
Aggregate and sector-specific exchange rate indexes for the Portuguese economy
Authors: Alexandre Fernando , Bação Pedro , Cerejeira João , Portela Miguel
Published: March 2014

In this paper, we compute and compare aggregate and sector-specific exchange rate indexes for the Portuguese economy. We find that alternative effective exchange rate indexes are very similar between them. We also find that sector-specific effective exchange rates are strongly correlated with aggregate indexes. Nevertheless, we show that sector-specific exchange rates are more informative than aggregate exchange rates in explaining changes in employment: whereas aggregate indexes are statistically insignificant in employment equations, regressions using sector-specific exchange rate indexes show a statistically significant and economically large effect of exchange rates on employment.
Isolamento social e sentimento de solidão em jovens adolescentes
Authors: Dos Santos António J. , Ferreira Debora , Ribeiro Olívia , Freitas Miguel , Correia João V. , Rubin Kenneth
Published: March 2014

Os estudos mostram a importância das relações de pares para um desenvolvimento saudável e harmonioso, principalmente no período da adolescência. Como tal, a problemática do isolamento social torna-se num domínio com redobrado interesse durante esta fase da vida dos jovens. São vários os estudos que associam o retraimento social de crianças e adolescentes a consequências ligadas a perturbações internalizadas, como por exemplo, a solidão. O presente estudo teve como objectivo verificar os sentimentos de solidão expressos por adolescentes isolados-retraídos e isolados-agressivos. Conjuntamente, também se pretendeu verificar se existiam e como se manifestavam as diferenças em função do sexo relativamente a esse sentimento quer para os adolescentes isolados-retraídos, quer para os isolados-agressivos. Participaram neste estudo 900 jovens adolescentes (446 do sexo feminino), com idades compreendidas entre os 12 e 15 anos, provenientes de duas escolas da região da grande Lisboa. Os instrumentos de recolha de dados utilizados foram o ECP (Extended Class Play) e RPQ (Relational Provision Loneliness Questionnaire). A analise multivariada das dimensões do RPQ em função do Grupo (controle, isolados-retraídos e isolados-agressivos) e Sexo revelou efeitos principais multivariados para ambos os factores. Estes resultados evidenciaram um menor nível de Integração com os Pares nos adolescentes isolados-retraídos, comparativamente com os do grupo de controlo. Relativamente a Intimidade com os Pares verificou-se que os jovens isolados-retraídos apresentam níveis significativamente inferiores de intimidade por comparação com os do grupo de controlo. Considerando as diferenças em função do sexo, verificou-se que as raparigas se consideram significativamente mais intimas com os seus pares do que os rapazes.
The Boundary Conditions of Export Relational Governance: A “Strategy Tripod” Perspective
Authors: Ju Min , Zhao Hongxin , Wang Tiedong
Published: March 2014

Manufacturers often use relational governance to manage interfirm relationships with their distributors. Yet recent literature has cautioned that relational governance may only offer conditional benefits. In this study, the authors integrate the resource-, industry-, and institution-based views to examine whether there is a limit to the positive effect of relational governance on export performance. Furthermore, the authors investigate two conditioning factors: industry uncertainty and cross-national institutional distance. Using a survey of 184 export ventures from China, the authors find that relational governance has an inverted U-shaped relationship with performance. In addition, the findings show that the export performance effect of relational governance becomes less effective in uncertain industry environments, but cross-country institutional distance enhances the value of relational governance.
Application of PIMNT single crystals for long-range and wide FOV IR
flame detection
Authors: Movchikova Alena , Günther Armin , Neumann Norbert , Heinze Matthias
Published: March 2014

The suitability of single crystalline Lead Indium Niobate –
Lead Magnesium Niobate – Lead Titanate (PIMNT) for application in IR flame
detectors was studied and compared with state-of-the-art Lithium Tantalate
(LTO). Due to their high pyroelectric coefficient, PIMNT-based sensors
provide an increase of the specific detectivity in comparison to standard
LTO-based detectors even at a very small element size. The evaluation shows
good results in the design and the fabrication of the detectors for
long-range and wide field of view (FOV) flame detection.
Absorptionsschichten für thermische Infrarotsensoren
Authors: Schossig Marco , Norkus Volkmar , Gerlach Gerald
Published: March 2014

Damit thermische Infrarotsensoren,
wie z. B. Bolometer, Thermosäulen und pyroelektrische Detektoren, eine
maximale Sensorleistung erreichen, muss die einfallende Infrarotstrahlung
möglichst vollständig absorbiert werden. Dieser Artikel gibt einen
Überblick zu kommerziell eingesetzten Absorptionsschichten sowie
Neuentwicklungen, die durch Fortschritte in der Nanotechnologie und auf dem
Gebiet der Plasmonik ermöglicht wurden.
Low-protein diet in adult male rats has long-term effects on metabolism
Authors: Malta Ananda , de Oliveira Júlio Cezar , Ribeiro Tatiane Aparecida da Silva , Tófolo Laize Peron , Barella Luiz Felipe , Prates Kelly Valério , Miranda Rosiane Aparecida , Elmhiri Ghada , Franco Claudinéia Conationi da Silva , Agostinho Aryane Rodrigues , Trombini Amanda Bianchi , Pavanello Audrei , Gravena Clarice , Abdennebi-Najar Latifa , Mathias Paulo Cezar de Freitas
Published: March 2014

Nutritional insults during developmental plasticity have been linked with metabolic diseases such as diabetes in adulthood. We aimed to investigate whether a low-protein (LP) diet at the beginning of adulthood is able to program metabolic disruptions in rats. While control rats ate a normal-protein (23%; NP group) diet, treated rats were fed a LP (4%; LP group) diet from 60 to 90 days of age, after which an NP diet was supplied until they were 150 days old. Plasma levels of glucose and insulin, autonomous nervous system (ANS), and pancreatic islet function were then evaluated. Compared with the NP group, LP rats exhibited unchanged body weight and reduced food intake throughout the period of protein restriction; however, after the switch to the NP diet, hyperphagia of 10% (P<0.05), and catch-up growth of 113% (P<0.0001) were found. The LP rats showed hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, and higher fat accretion than the NP rats. While the sympathetic tonus from LP rats reduced by 28%, the vagus tonus increased by 21% (P<0.05). Compared with the islets from NP rats, the glucose insulinotropic effect as well as cholinergic and adrenergic actions was unaltered in the islets from LP rats. Protein restriction at the beginning of adulthood induced unbalanced ANS activity and fat tissue accretion later in life, even without functional disturbances in the pancreatic islets.
Asceticism Imposed: The Desert Theology of Oncology
Authors: Weaver Meaghann Shaw
Published: March 2014

The author reflects on the similarities between ascetic living and the oncology patient's experience resulting from disease-directed treatments.
How to Review a Paper
Authors: Oler Derek K. , Pasewark William R.
Published: March 2014

This paper introduces the review process to new researchers, describes the institutional background for reviews, and provides advice to reviewers. The objectives of a quality review are (1) to assist the editor in his/her gatekeeping role, and (2) to assist the authors in improving their work. We argue that the review process plays a critical role in the dissemination of research that ultimately provides credibility to the body of academic knowledge. This process relies on expert, anonymous reviews by established researchers (typically those who have already published in top journals on similar topics). Because reviewers are relatively scarce, and anonymous, the review process also relies on the personal ethics of reviewers. Invitations to review should only be accepted if the researcher has the skill, time, objectivity, and inclination to do a quality review. A quality review should consider the contribution, execution, and conclusions of the paper.
Empirical Validation of the Information–Motivation–Behavioral Skills Model of Diabetes Medication Adherence: A Framework for Intervention
Authors: Mayberry Lindsay S. , Osborn Chandra Y.
Published: March 2014

OBJECTIVE

Suboptimal adherence to diabetes medications is prevalent and associated with unfavorable health outcomes, but it remains unclear what intervention content is necessary to effectively promote medication adherence in diabetes. In other disease contexts, the Information–Motivation–Behavioral skills (IMB) model has effectively explained and promoted medication adherence and thus may have utility in explaining and promoting adherence to diabetes medications. We tested the IMB model’s hypotheses in a sample of adults with type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Participants (N = 314) completed an interviewer-administered survey and A1C test. Structural equation models tested the effects of diabetes medication adherence-related information, motivation, and behavioral skills on medication adherence and the effect of medication adherence on A1C.

RESULTS

The IMB elements explained 41% of the variance in adherence, and adherence explained 9% of the variance in A1C. As predicted, behavioral skills had a direct effect on adherence (β = 0.59; P < 0.001) and mediated the effects of information (indirect effect 0.08 [0.01–0.15]) and motivation (indirect effect 0.12 [0.05–0.20]) on adherence. Medication adherence significantly predicted glycemic control (β = −0.30; P < 0.001). Neither insulin status nor regimen complexity was associated with adherence, and neither moderated associations between the IMB constructs and adherence.

CONCLUSIONS

The results support the IMB model’s predictions and identify modifiable and intervenable determinants of diabetes medication adherence. Medication adherence promotion interventions may benefit from content targeting patients’ medication adherence-related information, motivation, and behavioral skills and assessing the degree to which change in these determinants leads to changes in medication adherence behavior.
A Feasibility Study of a 3-Day Basal-Bolus Insulin Delivery Device in Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Mader Julia K. , Lilly Leslie C. , Aberer Felix , Korsatko Stefan , Strock Ellie , Mazze Roger S. , Damsbo Peter , Pieber Thomas R.
Published: March 2014

OBJECTIVE

This study tested the feasibility of transition from multiple daily injections (MDI) to a 3-day, basal-bolus insulin delivery device (PaQ) for type 2 diabetes (T2D).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Twenty MDI-treated individuals with T2D with HbA1c ≤9% (75 mmol/mol) were enrolled in a single-center, single-arm pilot study, lasting three 2-week periods: baseline (MDI), transition to PaQ, and PaQ therapy. Feasibility of use, glycemic control, safety, and patient satisfaction were assessed.

RESULTS

Nineteen participants transitioned to PaQ treatment and demonstrated competency in assembling, placing, and using the device. Self-monitored blood glucose and blinded continuous glucose-monitoring data showed glycemic control similar to MDI. Study participants reported high satisfaction and device acceptance.

CONCLUSIONS

PaQ treatment is both feasible and acceptable in individuals with T2D. Transition from MDI is easy and safe. PaQ treatment might lead to better therapy adherence and improvements in glycemic control and clinical outcomes.
Laparoscopic evaluation of tubo-peritoneal causes of infertility
Authors: Nahar Shamsun , Jahan Dilshad , Akter Naznin , Das Bishwajit
Published: March 2014

Tubal and peritoneal factors are related to female infertility by about 25-30%. Through laparoscopy we want to know what are the tubal and peritoneal leading causes and its management related to primary & secondary infertility. Twelve hundred women were selected for laparoscopic evaluation from January 2001 to December 2012 (diagnostic as well as disease correction) those who have no other ovarian, uterine or extra uterine pathology and male factor abnormalities. Under spinal or general anaesthesia, abdomen was distended by C02, 10mm telescope was introduced by sub-umbilical port and another two ports are used for accessories. Before that history taking, general & pervaginal examination, associated relevant investigations were done for exclusion of other causes. Twelve hundred laparoscopy had been done only for detection of tubo-peritoneal causes of infertility. Sixtyseven percent was primary infertility and 33% was secondary infertility. Normal healthy tubes were found in 52% and among the unhealthy tubes, majority were peritubal adhesion (15.8%) followed by unilateral cornual block (12.9%). Treatment given to the patients were adhesiolysis, unilateral or bilateral salphingectomy, salphingostomy and fimbrial dilatation. Hysteroscopic canulation were done in 7 cases. Advice were given for in vitro fertilization & embryo transfer to 71 patients. Pregnancy rate after laparoscopic management was 43% and rest was under observation. Tubal block are more common than in peritubal adhesion. About 50% patient has a history of some form of genital tract infection. Laparoscopy and same sitting hysteroscopic canulation are essential for better pregnancy outcome in patient of proximal tubal block. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmjk.v46i1-2.18234 Bang Med J (Khulna) 2013; 46 : 16-20
Art of lecture in medical education
Authors: Gazi Easin Ali , Laskar Md Shawkatuzzaman
Published: March 2014

Teaching and learning is a lifelong process for human being. It ends with the end of lives. The professional teachers of all subjects are doing very tuff job. The adult learner only learns if they like the lecture or speech. So, the lecture should be made interesting or attractive. The teacher has to be skilled in teaching and lecturing methods. For quality and effective lecturing all teachers should know the modern techniques of teaching. Therefore training of all teachers is a must. All academic institutions need to arrange training for their teachers. The present article suggests some important tips for developing lecture and teaching skills for effective and quality teaching which might be helpful to those teachers who are not getting institutional training. One or more of the tips mentioned in this article may be used according to the topics during lecture time. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmjk.v46i1-2.18236 Bang Med J (Khulna) 2013; 46 : 24-27
The Role of STAT3 in Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Sosonkina Nadiya , Starenki Dmytro , Park Jong-In
Published: March 2014

Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine malignancy and its global incidence rates are rapidly increasing. Although the mortality of thyroid cancer is relatively low, its rate of recurrence or persistence is relatively high, contributing to incurability and morbidity of the disease. Thyroid cancer is mainly treated by surgery and radioiodine remnant ablation, which is effective only for non-metastasized primary tumors. Therefore, better understanding of the molecular targets available in this tumor is necessary. Similarly to many other tumor types, oncogenic molecular alterations in thyroid epithelium include aberrant signal transduction of the mitogen-activated protein kinase, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/AKT (also known as protein kinase B), NF-кB, and WNT/β-catenin pathways. However, the role of the Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT3) pathway, a well-known mediator of tumorigenesis in different tumor types, is relatively less understood in thyroid cancer. Intriguingly, recent studies have demonstrated that, in thyroid cancer, the JAK/STAT3 pathway may function in the context of tumor suppression rather than promoting tumorigenesis. In this review, we provide an update of STAT3 function in thyroid cancer and discuss some of the evidences that support this hypothesis.
Long Non-Coding RNA HOTAIR Promotes Cell Migration and Invasion via Down-Regulation of RNA Binding Motif Protein 38 in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Ding Chaofeng , Cheng Shaobing , Yang Zhe , Lv Zhen , Xiao Heng , Du Chengli , Peng Chuanhui , Xie Haiyang , Zhou Lin , Wu Jian , Zheng Shusen
Published: March 2014

Long non-coding RNA HOTAIR exerts regulatory functions in various biological processes in cancer cells, such as proliferation, apoptosis, mobility, and invasion. We previously found that HOX transcript antisense RNA (HOTAIR) is a negative prognostic factor and exhibits oncogenic activity in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this study, we aimed to investigate the role and molecular mechanism of HOTAIR in promoting HCC cell migration and invasion. Firstly, we profiled its gene expression pattern by microarray analysis of HOTAIR loss in Bel-7402 HCC cell line. The results showed that 129 genes were significantly down-regulated, while 167 genes were significantly up-regulated (fold change >2, p < 0.05). Bioinformatics analysis indicated that RNA binding proteins were involved in this biological process. HOTAIR suppression using RNAi strategy with HepG2 and Bel-7402 cells increased the mRNA and protein expression levels of RNA binding motif protein 38 (RBM38). Moreover, the expression levels of RBM38 in HCC specimens were significantly lower than paired adjacent noncancerous tissues. In addition, knockdown of HOTAIR resulted in a decrease of cell migration and invasion, which could be specifically rescued by down-regulation of RBM38. Taken together, HOTAIR could promote migration and invasion of HCC cells by inhibiting RBM38, which indicated critical roles of HOTAIR and RBM38 in HCC progression.
Endogenous Nitric-Oxide Synthase Inhibitor ADMA after Acute Brain Injury
Authors: Jung Carla , Wispel Christian , Zweckberger Klaus , Beynon Christopher , Hertle Daniel , Sakowitz Oliver , Unterberg Andreas
Published: March 2014

Previous results on nitric oxide (NO) metabolism after traumatic brain injury (TBI) show variations in NO availability and controversial effects of exogenous nitric oxide synthase (NOS)-inhibitors. Furthermore, elevated levels of the endogenous NOS inhibitor asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) were reported in cerebro-spinal fluid (CSF) after traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Therefore, we examined whether ADMA and the enzymes involved in NO- and ADMA-metabolism are expressed in brain tissue after TBI and if time-dependent changes occur. TBI was induced by controlled cortical impact injury (CCII) and neurological performance was monitored. Expression of NOS, ADMA, dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolases (DDAH) and protein-arginine methyltransferase 1 (PRMT1) was determined by immunostaining in different brain regions and at various time-points after CCII. ADMA and PRMT1 expression decreased in all animals after TBI compared to the control group, while DDAH1 and DDAH2 expression increased in comparison to controls. Furthermore, perilesionally ADMA is positively correlated with neuroscore performance, while DDAH1 and DDAH2 are negatively correlated. ADMA and its metabolizing enzymes show significant temporal changes after TBI and may be new targets in TBI treatment.
Screening of Repellents against Vespid Wasps
Authors: Boevé Jean-Luc , Honraet Kris , Rossel Bart
Published: March 2014

Vespid wasps are ecologically beneficial, but they can be a nuisance and dangerous to people due to their tendency to sting. Here, the aim was to screen samples of volatiles (i.e., essential oils and pure chemicals) for their repellency against wasps. The number of wasps (mainly Vespula vulgaris) present in a glass box with attractant and 5 µL sample was compared to the number of wasps in a similar box with attractant only. Both boxes were connected to a large glass container harboring 18–35 wasps. Among 66 tested samples, some essential oils from Lamiaceae and Asteraceae, as well as some pure natural compounds such as the monoterpenes (−)-terpinen-4-ol and isopulegol showed a significant repellency against vespids. Our results corroborate the potential of (mixtures of) volatiles in repelling these insects.
Restoration of Prairie Hydrology at the Watershed Scale: Two Decades of Progress at Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge, Iowa
Authors: Schilling Keith , Drobney Pauline
Published: March 2014

Tallgrass prairie once occupied 67.6 million hectares in the North American Midwest but less than 0.1% remains today. Consisting of more than 2200 ha, Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge (NSNWR) was established by the US Fish and Wildlife Service in the 5217 ha Walnut Creek watershed in Jasper County, Iowa. Large tracts of land are being converted from row crop agriculture to native prairie and savanna with the goal to restore the landscape to a semblance of the condition that existed prior to Euro-American settlement. Understanding hydrologic processes at the watershed scale has been a focus of research at NSNWR for nearly two decades and the purpose of this paper is to integrate research results from monitoring projects to assess the progress made towards restoring five key hydrologic components: the water balance, stream network, streamflow hydrograph, groundwater levels and water quality. Restoration of hydrology is severely challenged by the history of hydrologic changes that occurred in the basin during a century of intensive agricultural activity. We document measurable progress in restoring key hydrologic processes in some areas, particularly in upland catchments compared to the larger watershed scale and discuss the timeframe needed to observe changes at short- and long-term scales.
Domoic Acid Epileptic Disease
Authors: Ramsdell John , Gulland Frances
Published: March 2014

Domoic acid epileptic disease is characterized by spontaneous recurrent seizures weeks to months after domoic acid exposure. The potential for this disease was first recognized in a human case study of temporal lobe epilepsy after the 1987 amnesic shellfish-poisoning event in Quebec, and was characterized as a chronic epileptic syndrome in California sea lions through investigation of a series of domoic acid poisoning cases between 1998 and 2006. The sea lion study provided a breadth of insight into clinical presentations, unusual behaviors, brain pathology, and epidemiology. A rat model that replicates key observations of the chronic epileptic syndrome in sea lions has been applied to identify the progression of the epileptic disease state, its relationship to behavioral manifestations, and to define the neural systems involved in these behavioral disorders. Here, we present the concept of domoic acid epileptic disease as a delayed manifestation of domoic acid poisoning and review the state of knowledge for this disease state in affected humans and sea lions. We discuss causative mechanisms and neural underpinnings of disease maturation revealed by the rat model to present the concept for olfactory origin of an epileptic disease; triggered in dendodendritic synapases of the olfactory bulb and maturing in the olfactory cortex. We conclude with updated information on populations at risk, medical diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.
Two New Antibiotic Pyridones Produced by a Marine Fungus, Trichoderma sp. Strain MF106
Authors: Wu Bin , Oesker Vanessa , Wiese Jutta , Schmaljohann Rolf , Imhoff Johannes
Published: March 2014

Two unusual pyridones, trichodin A (1) and trichodin B (2), together with the known compound, pyridoxatin (3), were extracted from mycelia and culture broth of the marine fungus, Trichoderma sp. strain MF106 isolated from the Greenland Seas. The structures of the new compounds were characterized as an intramolecular cyclization of a pyridine basic backbone with a phenyl group. The structure and relative configuration of the new compounds were established by spectroscopic means. The new compound 1 and the known compound 3 showed antibiotic activities against the clinically relevant microorganism, Staphylococcus epidermidis, with IC50 values of 24 μM and 4 μM, respectively.
Optimization of Medium Using Response Surface Methodology for Lipid Production by Scenedesmus sp.
Authors: Yang Fangfang , Long Lijuan , Sun Xiumei , Wu Hualian , Li Tao , Xiang Wenzhou
Published: March 2014

Lipid production is an important indicator for assessing microalgal species for biodiesel production. In this work, the effects of medium composition on lipid production by Scenedesmus sp. were investigated using the response surface methodology. The results of a Plackett–Burman design experiment revealed that NaHCO3, NaH2PO4·2H2O and NaNO3 were three factors significantly influencing lipid production, which were further optimized by a Box–Behnken design. The optimal medium was found to contain 3.07 g L−1 NaHCO3, 15.49 mg L−1 NaH2PO4·2H2O and 803.21 mg L−1 NaNO3. Using the optimal conditions previously determined, the lipid production (304.02 mg·L−1) increased 54.64% more than that using the initial medium, which agreed well with the predicted value 309.50 mg L−1. Additionally, lipid analysis found that palmitic acid (C16:0) and oleic acid (C18:1) dominantly constituted the algal fatty acids (about 60% of the total fatty acids) and a much higher content of neutral lipid accounted for 82.32% of total lipids, which strongly proved that Scenedesmus sp. is a very promising feedstock for biodiesel production.
Determination of Pesticide Residues in Honeybees using Modified QUEChERS Sample Work-Up and Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Bargańska Żaneta , Ślebioda Marek , Namieśnik Jacek
Published: March 2014

Increasing emissions of chemical compounds to the environment, especially of pesticides, is one of factors that may explain present honeybee colony losses. In this work, an analytical method employing liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was optimized for the simultaneous screening of 19 pesticides which have not been yet determined in honeybee samples from northern Poland (Pomerania). The sample preparation, based on the QuEChERS method combining salting-out liquid-liquid extraction to acetonitrile and a dispersive-SPE clean-up, was adjusted to honeybee samples by adding a small amount of hexane to eliminate beeswax. The recovery of analytes ranged from 70% to 120% with relative standard deviation ≤20%. The limits of detection were in the range of 0.91–25 ng/g. A total of 19 samples of honeybees from suspected pesticide poisoning incidents were analyzed, in which 19 different pesticides were determined.
Ecological and Economic Assessment of Micro-/Milli-Continuous Campaign Manufacturing: The Case of Writing Ink
Authors: Grundemann Laura , Scholl Stephan
Published: March 2014

Many products from the fine chemicals and pharmaceuticals industries are currently manufactured batch-wise in multi-product plants. However, this processing scheme suffers from severe drawbacks, such as a high specific energy demand, cleaning costs and high staff requirements. Transferring batch into continuous campaign productions may overcome these drawbacks. Using the case of writing ink, such a continuous manufacturing scheme was developed employing micro- and milli-structured components in order to intensify certain unit operations. In this paper, an ecological and economic assessment of both production concepts considering all lifecycle stages is presented. The aim of our work is to highlight the advantages and disadvantages of the two multi-product plants and to derive recommendations for the most efficient design and operation of a continuous campaign manufacturing plant. The results show that lower environmental impacts are related to continuous processing, which is due to the option for energy integration in this case. Furthermore, in the economic assessment, continuous processing proved to be economically viable. In this case, reduced staff requirements based on a highly automated manufacturing plant are the key to lower personnel costs. In general, the results emphasize the importance of such micro-/milli-continuous multi-product plants for the future manufacturing of newly developed products in the mentioned industries.