bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reduced Mitochondrial DNA Content and Heterozygous Nuclear Gene Mutations in Patients With Acute Liver Failure
Authors: Helbling Daniel , Buchaklian Adam , Wang Jing , Wong Lee‐Jun , Dimmock David
Published: June 2013

Objectives:

Historically, mitochondrial disorders have been associated with predominantly multisystem or neurological symptoms. If present, hepatic complications were thought to be a late feature. Recently, mutations in at least 4 nuclear genes have been identified in infants presenting with rapidly progressive hepatic failure, which may be precipitated by infection or drugs. We aimed to determine whether hepatic mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) depletion is associated with apparently isolated hepatic failure in individuals with acute liver failure (ALF) of known or unknown etiologies undergoing liver transplant (LT). In addition, we wished to establish whether there was an excess of mutations in gene known to cause hepatic mtDNA depletion.

Methods:

Using previously established methods, we demonstrated that end‐stage liver disease from known causes did not lead to hepatic mtDNA depletion.

Results:

Using thresholds derived from receiver‐operator curve analysis, 66% of cases with ALF had probable or definite mtDNA depletion, including 34% with definite mtDNA depletion. There was a small but significant increase in the proportion of patients undergoing LT for ALF with heterozygous mutations known to lead to mtDNA depletion and hepatic failure compared with controls (P = 0.001).

Conclusions:

Liver disease severe enough to require LT does not cause secondary mtDNA depletion; however, the majority of patients undergoing LT for ALF had reduced mtDNA content, which fell within the range seen in patients with classic mtDNA depletion. A subset of patients with ALF has mutations in genes known to lead to mtDNA depletion and hepatic failure. Together, these results suggest defective mtDNA maintenance is associated with ALF.
Transglutaminase IgA Antibodies in a Celiac Disease Mass Screening and the Role of HLA‐DQ Genotyping and Endomysial Antibodies in Sequential Testing
Authors: Sandström Olof , Rosén Anna , Lagerqvist Carina , Carlsson Annelie , Hernell Olle , Högberg Lotta , Ivarsson Anneli
Published: June 2013

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to evaluate hypothetical screening strategies in a Swedish celiac disease (CD) mass screening.

Methods:

Of 10,041 Swedish sixth graders born in 1993 invited to a population‐based CD mass screening, 7208 participated. Anti‐tissue transglutaminase (tTG) immunoglobulin (Ig) A were analyzed in all children and total serum IgA (s‐IgA) in 7161 children. Additional analyses of tTG‐IgG, endomysial antibodies (EMA) IgA and IgG, and human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles were performed according to a standardized protocol. Children with elevated levels of serological markers were recommended to undergo a small intestinal biopsy to verify diagnosis, and 153 children with CD were thus identified. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values (PPVs) and negative predictive values (NPVs) were calculated and receiver operating characteristic curves were plotted.

Results:

By lowering the cutoff for tTG‐IgA, 17 additional cases of CD were identified at the cost of 32 biopsies. All children with tTG‐IgA >50 U/mL (10 times the recommended upper limit of normal) had gluten enteropathy. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for tTG‐IgA was 0.988. All cases carried HLA‐DQ2 or HLA‐DQ8, as did 53% of the controls. For different hypothetical screening strategies, sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV ranged between 87.6% and 100%, 99.5% and 99.9%, 79.7% and 89.7%, and 99.7% and 100%, respectively. Efforts to increase sensitivity by lowering tTG‐IgA cutoff would result in increased number of small intestinal biopsies and lower PPV. Sequential testing for both EMA and HLA‐DQ genotyping would reduce the number of negative small intestinal biopsies.

Conclusions:

tTG‐IgA is a robust marker when used in CD mass screening and its performance can be enhanced by sequential testing for EMA or HLA‐DQ genotyping.
Nutritional and Psychosocial Outcomes of Gastrostomy Tube–Dependent Children Completing an Intensive Inpatient Behavioral Treatment Program
Authors: Silverman Alan H. , Kirby Midge , Clifford Lisa M. , Fischer Elizabeth , Berlin Kristoffer S. , Rudolph Colin D. , Noel Richard J.
Published: June 2013

Objectives:

Limited published data describe the long‐term effects of behavioral strategies to wean children from gastrostomy tube (GT) feeding dependence. This study presents data relating to nutritional and psychosocial outcomes observed during a 1‐year period in medically complex GT feeding–dependent patients who completed an inpatient behavioral‐based tube weaning protocol.

Methods:

This was a retrospective study of prospectively and retrospectively collected data associated with a clinical cohort of 77 children diagnosed as having a feeding disorder, GT feeding dependence (>1 year), and an inability to maintain acceptable growth via oral feeding completing an inpatient tube weaning protocol. Nutritional data (percentage of ideal body weight, and oral energy intake as percent ofenergy goal) and psychosocial data (mealtime behavior problems, quality of caregiver and child interactions, and parenting stress) were assessed pre‐ and post‐hospitalization. Nutritional data were also monitored longitudinally at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postreatment. Data were grouped for retrospective analysis.

Results:

Mealtime environment and feeding behaviors significantly improved, and all of the patients demonstrated reductions in tube dependence aside from 1 treatment failure. Fifty‐one percent of patients were fully weaned from tube feeding after 2 weeks and an additional 12% completed weaning in the outpatient follow‐up clinic within 1 year. Patients maintained nutritional stability at the 1‐year posttreatment follow‐up appointment.

Conclusions:

Inpatient behavioral interventions are highly effective and safe for transitioning long‐term tube feeding children to oral feeding.
Subretinal Abscess Causing Restricted Diffusion on Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Peeler Crandall , Parmar Hemant , Trobe Jonathan D.
Published: June 2013

Background:

Restricted diffusion of water molecules on diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging most commonly associated with acute stroke, has also been described in brain abscess. It has been reported in only one case of sub-retinal abscess.

Methods:

Review of two cases.

Results:

Two cases of visual loss from subretinal abscess had restricted diffusion in the region of the abscess. In the first case, DWI revealed restricted diffusion in a white mass visible in the posterior retina. In the second case, restricted diffusion was present in an anterior retinal mass invisible by ophthalmoscopy and ultrasound. In combination of restricted diffusion in the cerebrum consistent with septic emboli, these imaging abnormalities allowed earlier treatment that either preserved vision or prevented enucleation.
Carbon stocks in tropical forests decrease with liana density
Authors: Durán Sandra M. , Gianoli Ernesto
Published: June 2013

Tropical forests are experiencing structural changes that may reduce carbon storage potential. The recent increase in liana abundance and biomass is one such potential change. Lianas account for approximately 25 per cent of woody stems and may have a strong impact on tree dynamics because severe liana infestation reduces tree growth and increases tree mortality. Based on forest inventory data from 0.1 ha plots, we evaluated the association between above-ground carbon stocks and liana abundance in 145 tropical forests worldwide. Liana abundance was negatively associated with carbon stocks of large trees (greater than 10 cm diameter), while it was not related to small trees (10 cm diameter or less). Results suggest that liana abundance may have pervasive effects on carbon stocks in tropical forests, as large trees store about 90 per cent of total forest carbon. We stress the need to include liana abundance in carbon stocks estimates, as this can enhance the accuracy of predictions of global changes in tropical forests.
The dynamics of audience applause
Authors: Mann Richard P. , Faria Jolyon , Sumpter David J. T. , Krause Jens
Published: June 2013

The study of social identity and crowd psychology looks at how and why individual people change their behaviour in response to others. Within a group, a new behaviour can emerge first in a few individuals before it spreads rapidly to all other members. A number of mathematical models have been hypothesized to describe these social contagion phenomena, but these models remain largely untested against empirical data. We used Bayesian model selection to test between various hypotheses about the spread of a simple social behaviour, applause after an academic presentation. Individuals' probability of starting clapping increased in proportion to the number of other audience members already ‘infected’ by this social contagion, regardless of their spatial proximity. The cessation of applause is similarly socially mediated, but is to a lesser degree controlled by the reluctance of individuals to clap too many times. We also found consistent differences between individuals in their willingness to start and stop clapping. The social contagion model arising from our analysis predicts that the time the audience spends clapping can vary considerably, even in the absence of any differences in the quality of the presentations they have heard.
An analytical connection between temporal and spatio-temporal growth rates in linear stability analysis
Authors: Náraigh Lennon Ó , Spelt Peter D. M.
Published: June 2013

We derive an exact formula for the complex frequency in spatio-temporal stability analysis that is valid for arbitrary complex wavenumbers. The usefulness of the formula lies in the fact that it depends only on purely temporal quantities, which are easily calculated. We apply the formula in two model dispersion relations: the linearized complex Ginzburg–Landau equation, and a model of wake instability. In the first case, a quadratic truncation of the exact formula applies; in the second, the same quadratic truncation yields an estimate of the parameter values at which the transition to absolute instability occurs; the error in the estimate decreases upon increasing the order of the truncation. We outline ways in which the formula can be used to characterize stability results obtained from purely numerical calculations, and point to a further application in global stability analyses.
Neutral and selection-driven decay of sexual traits in asexual stick insects
Authors: Schwander Tanja , Crespi Bernard J. , Gries Regine , Gries Gerhard
Published: June 2013

Environmental shifts and lifestyle changes may result in formerly adaptive traits becoming non-functional or maladaptive. The subsequent decay of such traits highlights the importance of natural selection for adaptations, yet its causes have rarely been investigated. To study the fate of formerly adaptive traits after lifestyle changes, we evaluated sexual traits in five independently derived asexual lineages, including traits that are specific to males and therefore not exposed to selection. At least four of the asexual lineages retained the capacity to produce males that display normal courtship behaviours and are able to fertilize eggs of females from related sexual species. The maintenance of male traits may stem from pleiotropy, or from these traits only regressing via drift, which may require millions of years to generate phenotypic effects. By contrast, we found parallel decay of sexual traits in females. Asexual females produced altered airborne and contact signals, had modified sperm storage organs, and lost the ability to fertilize their eggs, impeding reversals to sexual reproduction. Female sexual traits were decayed even in recently derived asexuals, suggesting that trait changes following the evolution of asexuality, when they occur, proceed rapidly and are driven by selective processes rather than drift.
When the sun never sets: diverse activity rhythms under continuous daylight in free-living arctic-breeding birds
Authors: Steiger Silke S. , Valcu Mihai , Spoelstra Kamiel , Helm Barbara , Wikelski Martin , Kempenaers Bart
Published: June 2013

Circadian clocks are centrally involved in the regulation of daily behavioural and physiological processes. These clocks are synchronized to the 24 h day by external cues (
Zeitgeber
), the most important of which is the light–dark cycle. In polar environments, however, the strength of the
Zeitgeber
is greatly reduced around the summer and winter solstices (continuous daylight or continuous darkness). How animals time their behaviour under such conditions has rarely been studied in the wild. Using a radio-telemetry-based system, we investigated daily activity rhythms under continuous daylight in Barrow, Alaska, throughout the breeding season in four bird species that differ in mating system and parental behaviour. We found substantial diversity in daily activity rhythms depending on species, sex and breeding stage. Individuals exhibited either robust, entrained 24 h activity cycles, were continuously active (arrhythmic) or showed ‘free-running’ activity cycles. In semipalmated sandpipers, a shorebird with biparental incubation, we show that the free-running rhythm is synchronized between pair mates. The diversity of diel time-keeping under continuous daylight emphasizes the plasticity of the circadian system, and the importance of the social and life-history context. Our results support the idea that circadian behaviour can be adaptively modified to enable species-specific time-keeping under polar conditions.
Male age mediates reproductive investment and response to paternity assurance
Authors: Benowitz Kyle M. , Head Megan L. , Williams Camellia A. , Moore Allen J. , Royle Nick J.
Published: June 2013

Theory predicts that male response to reduced paternity will depend on male state and interactions between the sexes. If there is little chance of reproducing again, then males should invest heavily in current offspring, regardless of their share in paternity. We tested this by manipulating male age and paternity assurance in the burying beetle
Nicrophorus vespilloides
. We found older males invested more in both mating effort and parental effort than younger males. Furthermore, male age, a component of male state, mediated male response to perceived paternity. Older males provided more prenatal care, whereas younger males provided less prenatal care, when perceived paternity was low. Adjustments in male care, however, did not influence selection acting indirectly on parents, through offspring performance. This is because females adjusted their care in response to the age of their partner, providing less care when paired with older males than younger males. As a result offspring, performance did not differ between treatments. Our study shows, for the first time, that a male state variable is an important modifier of paternity–parental care trade-offs and highlights the importance of social interactions between males and females during care in determining male response to perceived paternity.
Mutational activation of the RocR activator and of a cryptic rocDEF promoter bypass loss of the initial steps of proline biosynthesis in Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Zaprasis Adrienne , Hoffmann Tamara , Wünsche Guido , Flórez Lope A. , Stülke Jörg , Bremer Erhard
Published: June 2013

The gamma‐glutamyl‐phosphate reductase (ProA) interlinks both the anabolic and osmostress adaptive proline biosynthetic routes of Bacillus subtilis. Because no paralogous protein to ProA exists in this microorganism, proA mutants should exhibit a tight proline auxotrophic growth phenotype. Contrary to expectations, proA mutants formed microcolonies on agar plates lacking proline and faster growing Pro+ suppressor mutants arose. These mutants carried alterations in the rocR‐rocDEF region encoding enzymes of the arginine degradation pathway and its transcriptional activator RocR. They were of two types: (i) mutants carrying single amino acid substitutions in RocR resulting in partial inducer‐independent variants and (ii) mutants carrying single base‐pair changes in the vicinity of the SigL/Sig‐54‐dependent −12/−24 class rocDEF promoter that activate a cryptic SigA‐type promoter. Consequently, enhanced rocDEF transcription should lead to increased cellular amounts of the RocD ornithine aminotransferase, an enzyme that synthesizes the same reaction product as ProA, gamma‐glutamic‐semialdehyde/delta‐1‐pyrroline‐5‐carboxylate. This compound can be enzymatically converted into proline. The Pro+ suppressors also exhibited a new regulatory pattern by allowing enhanced rocDEF transcription in response to proline availability when ammonium is present. Our work provides an example how flexibly bacteria can genetically develop routes to bypass constraints imposed on their biosynthetic networks and evolve new regulatory mechanisms.
A morphogenetic survey on ciliate plankton from a mountain lake pinpoints the necessity of lineage‐specific barcode markers in microbial ecology
Authors: Stoeck Thorsten , Breiner Hans‐Werner , Filker Sabine , Ostermaier Veronika , Kammerlander Barbara , Sonntag Bettina
Published: June 2013

Analyses of high‐throughput environmental sequencing data have become the ‘gold‐standard’ to address fundamental questions of microbial diversity, ecology and biogeography. Findings that emerged from sequencing are, e.g. the discovery of the extensive ‘rare microbial biosphere’ and its potential function as a seed‐bank. Even though applied since several years, results from high‐throughput environmental sequencing have hardly been validated. We assessed how well pyrosequenced amplicons [the hypervariable eukaryotic V4 region of the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene] reflected morphotype ciliate plankton. Moreover, we assessed if amplicon sequencing had the potential to detect the annual ciliate plankton stock. In both cases, we identified significant quantitative and qualitative differences. Our study makes evident that taxon abundance distributions inferred from amplicon data are highly biased and do not mirror actual morphotype abundances at all. Potential reasons included cell losses after fixation, cryptic morphotypes, resting stages, insufficient sequence data availability of morphologically described species and the unsatisfying resolution of the V4 SSU rRNA fragment for accurate taxonomic assignments. The latter two underline the necessity of barcoding initiatives for eukaryotic microbes to better and fully exploit environmental amplicon data sets, which then will also allow studying the potential of seed‐bank taxa as a buffer for environmental changes.
Relating a City's History and Geography with Bourdieu: One Hundred Years of Spatial Distinction inTelAviv
Authors: Marom Nathan
Published: June 2013

This article advances a conceptualization of spatial distinction that, followingBourdieu, relates principles of division in ‘social space’ with formations of segregation in urban space. It applies this interpretive framework to concisely narrate the one hundred years' history of spatial distinction inTelAviv. Analyzing five moments in the city's development, it focuses on a dominant principle of distinction in each period and its ensuing segregations: predominantly ethno‐national (Jewish–Arab) distinction that establishedTelAviv in opposition to Jaffa at the turn of the twentieth century; nuanced ethno‐class distinction that shaped the city's rapid growth in the 1920s–30s and created an elaborate socio‐spatial hierarchy of neighborhoods; institutionalized distinction that governed the collective supply of housing in the 1930s–40s, evolving into a complex system of housing classifications; ‘distinction‐by‐distance’ through exclusive suburbanization and the emergence of a metropolitan scale of distinction in the 1950s–70s; and a ‘back‐to‐the‐center’ strategy of distinction by way of gentrification in the 1980s–90s and within gated residential enclaves at the beginning of the twenty‐first century. Through this concise history, various principles, mechanisms and scales of spatial distinction are elaborated upon, as a way to think about the socially constructed, historically contingent and continuously changing divisions and segregations in cities.
Optimisation of a process for shelf‐stable dietetic Chhana kheer and changes in physicochemical properties during storage
Authors: Gautam Anuj Kumar , Jha Alok , Jafri Mahwash , Kumar Arvind
Published: June 2013

In the production of shelf‐stable dietetic Chhana kheer, optimised levels of Chhana and artificial sweeteners were examined using a stationary retort. The product was characterised by short lag period for heating (jh) (0.78–1.03), small heating rate index (fh) (7.69–17.00 min) and short lag factor for cooling (jc) (0.76–1.06), implying convective heating regime. The total process time B was 19.13–32.98 min for corresponding process lethality values (Fo) of 4.56–25.50 min. Based on optimisation, processing of the dietetic Chhana kheer at 121.40 °C for 20 min was found to be the optimum. Optimised product was stable up to 90 days at 37 °C.
Comparison of survival and tumor recurrence rates in patients undergoing liver transplantation for hepatitis B‐related hepatocellular carcinoma using Milan, Shanghai Fudan and Hangzhou criteria
Authors: Gao Ting , Xia Qiang , Qiu De Kai , Feng Yi Yan , Chi Jia Chang , Wang Si Yue , Xi Zhi Feng , Zhang Jian Jun , Xu Ning , Chen Shi Yao , Qiu Yu Lan , Shen Li Wei , Zhou Ting Ting , Dong Xiao Jun , Li Qi Gen , Li Hai
Published: June 2013

Objectives

To assess the performance of the Milan, Shanghai Fudan and Hangzhou criteria based on a preoperative evaluation in patients undergoing liver transplantation (LT) for hepatitis B‐related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

Using a prospectively collected database, the data of consecutive patients with hepatitis B‐related HCC undergoing LT at the Department of Liver Surgery of Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University from January 2005 to December 2009 were reviewed. Overall survival and tumor recurrence rates of patients fulfilling the Milan, Shanghai Fudan and Hangzhou criteria were compared using log–rank test.

Results

Altogether 148 patients were enrolled in the study, among whom 88 fulfilled the Milan criteria and 24 and 39 were beyond Milan but within the Shanghai Fudan or Hangzhou criteria, respectively. After a median follow‐up of 44 months, survival rates did not differ among the three groups (P = 0.8780). Recurrence rates were significantly higher for newly eligible patients by the Shanghai Fudan or Hangzhou criteria compared with those within the Milan criteria.

Conclusions

The Milan criteria should be used as the preferred criteria for the selection of hepatitis B‐related HCC for LT. Considering the high tumor recurrence rates and donor scarcity, a moderate expansion of the Milan criteria must be performed cautiously until high‐quality clinical trials are conducted.
Avian frugivore assemblages on Celtis gomphophylla, Baker, in Budongo Forest Reserve, Uganda
Authors: Uwimbabazi Moreen , Eilu Gerald
Published: June 2013

The relationship between selective logging and avian frugivores feeding on Celtis gomphophylla was examined in Budongo Forest Reserve, from June to July 2005, using scan sampling. Abundance and species richness of avian frugivores were compared between two compartments (N3 and W22 last logged in 1952 and 1997 respectively). Two 1‐ha plots were established in each compartment from which two C. gomphophylla trees selected for observation. A total of 203 avian frugivores comprising 17 species, visited the eight C. gomphophylla trees. Avian frugivore abundance and richness were significantly higher in N3 than W22 (χ2 = 5.83, χ2 = 0.03, P < 0.05). Fischer's alpha diversity index also indicated a higher avian frugivore (frugivory?) in N3 than that in W22. The Sorensen's similarity index showed that species composition between the two compartments was moderately similar. The diversity of forest specialists and generalists was not significantly different in the two compartments (F = 0.3451, P = 0.082 and F = 0.368, P = 0.553). Our results stress the significance of logging intensity on avian feeding guilds and confirm that forests which have had enough recovery time are better habitats for avian frugivore assemblages.
Effectiveness of cognitive behavioural coaching in improving the well‐being and retention of rural general practitioners
Authors: Gardiner Maria , Kearns Hugh , Tiggemann Marika
Published: June 2013

Objective

To determine the relationship between cognitive behavioural coaching, the well‐being of rural general practitioners (GPs), their intentions to leave and actual leaving of rural general practice.

Design

Quasi‐experimental study utilising an intervention group of rural GPs and deidentified data for a baseline group and a control group consisting of the remaining population of rural GPs in South Australia.

Setting

Rural general practice.

Participants

Rural GPs in South Australia: intervention group (n = 69), baseline group (n = 205) and control group (n = 312).

Interventions

A 9‐hour cognitive behavioural coaching program.

Main outcome measure(s)

Rural doctor distress, intention to leave rural general practice and actual retention rate of rural GPs.

Results

GPs who underwent cognitive behavioural coaching had lower rural doctor distress scores (mean = 24.50; confidence interval, 21.71–27.29) than the baseline group (mean = 28.63; confidence interval, 27.08–30.17). Before coaching, 81% of rural GPs in the intervention group had considered leaving general practice, which reduced to 40% after coaching (χ2(2) = 16.31, P < .001). Over a 3‐year period, 94% of the coaching group remained in general practice compared with 80% of the control group (χ2(1) = 4.89, P = 0.027).

Conclusions

Cognitive behavioural coaching reduced the stress levels of rural GPs who self‐identified the need for managing stress and reduced their intention to leave rural general practice. Further, despite initially being more stressed compared with the general population of rural GPs, more GPs from the coaching group remained in rural general practice.
Splenic injury admitted to a rural Level 3 trauma centre: A 10‐year audit
Authors: Hoskins Wayne , Jacob Abraham , Wijeratne Shiran , Campbell Ian , Taylor Peter
Published: June 2013

Objective

There is paucity of research documenting the management of splenic injury in rural Australia. No data exists for Rural, Remote and Metropolitan Area 4 locations.

Design

A retrospective review of prospectively collected data. Records were additionally sought from transfer hospitals. A qualitative assessment of splenic trauma management in the Wimmera Region was also performed.

Setting

Wimmera Health Care Group: Horsham Campus, a Level 3 trauma hospital between January 2000 and July 2011.

Participants

Patients coded with injury of spleen or excision procedure on spleen.

Interventions

Nil

Main outcome measures

surgical vs. non‐surgical management

Results

Nineteen patients were included (mean age 27.8, range 8–54). Only 26% were from Horsham. Most injuries were due to sporting trauma/falls (53%) and motor vehicle accidents (37%). One patient died in theatre from massive trauma. Eleven patients were managed non‐operatively. Seven patients had splenec‐ tomy performed. Four of these had delay in computed tomography scanning, delay to theatre and suffered major postoperative complication. The age (mean 39.9 versus 20.8) and Injury Severity Score (mean 21.9 versus 13.8) of patients requiring splenectomy was higher than those managed non‐operatively. Six of the splenic injury admissions (32%) were transferred from surrounding general practitioner‐run Rural, Remote and Metropolitan Area 5 hospitals. All of these patients had Victorian State Trauma Service‐defined major trauma with an Injury Severity Score >15. There was an approximate 4‐hour delay in transfer of these patients, with transfer occurring when clinical deterioration occurred.

Conclusions

Although splenic injury is uncommon in the Wimmera region, improved trauma triaging is required, with early transfer of unstable patients and high‐energy trauma mechanisms. A lower threshold for computed tomography scanning is recommended.
The human polyomaviruses KI and WU: virological background and clinical implications
Authors: Babakir‐Mina Muhammed , Ciccozzi Massimo , Perno Carlo Federico , Ciotti Marco
Published: June 2013

In 2007, two novel polyomaviruses KI and WU were uncovered in the respiratory secretions of children with acute respiratory symptoms. Seroepidemiological studies showed that infection by these viruses is widespread in the human population. Following these findings, different biological specimens and body compartments have been screened by real‐time PCR in the attempt to establish a pathogenetic role for KI polyomavirus (KIPyV) and WU polyomavirus (WUPyV) in human diseases. Although both viruses have been found mainly in respiratory tract samples of immunocompromised patients, a clear causative link with the respiratory disease has not been established. Indeed, the lack of specific clinical or radiological findings, the frequent co‐detection with other respiratory pathogens, the detection in subjects without signs or symptoms of respiratory disease, and the variability of the viral loads measured did not allow drawing a definitive conclusion. Prospective studies carried out on a large sample size including both immunocompromised and immunocompetent patients with and without respiratory symptoms are needed. Standardized quantitative real‐time PCR methods, definition of a clear clinical cutoff value, timing in the collection of respiratory samples, are also crucial to understand the pathogenic role, if any, of KIPyV and WUPyV in human pathology.
The human polyomavirus BK (BKPyV): virological background and clinical implications
Authors: Rinaldo Christine Hanssen , Tylden Garth D. , Sharma Biswa Nath
Published: June 2013

Polyomavirus BK (BKPyV) infects most people subclinically during childhood and establishes a lifelong infection in the renourinary tract. In most immunocompetent individuals, the infection is completely asymptomatic, despite frequent episodes of viral reactivation with shedding into the urine. In immunocompromised patients, reactivation followed by high‐level viral replication can lead to severe disease: 1–10% of kidney transplant patients develop polyomavirus‐associated nephropathy (PyVAN) and 5–15% of allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients develop polyomavirus‐associated haemorrhagic cystitis (PyVHC). Other conditions such as ureteric stenosis, encephalitis, meningoencephalitis, pneumonia and vasculopathy have also been associated with BKPyV infection in immunocompromised individuals. Although BKPyV has been associated with cancer development, especially in the bladder, definitive evidence of a role in human malignancy is lacking. Diagnosis of PyVAN and PyVHC is mainly achieved by quantitative PCR of urine and plasma, but also by cytology, immunohistology and electron microscopy. Despite more than 40 years of research on BKPyV, there is still no effective antiviral therapy. The current treatment strategy for PyVAN is to allow reconstitution of immune function by reducing or changing the immunosuppressive medication. For PyVHC, treatment is purely supportive. Here, we present a summary of the accrued knowledge regarding BKPyV.
Reconstructing past atmospheric pollution levels using gravestone erosion rates
Authors: Inkpen Rob
Published: June 2013

Converting the erosion rates derived from gravestones into erosion rates for specific time periods is possible by averaging loss data for gravestones for that time period. This information can be used with Lipfert's damage function to postdict levels of atmospheric pollution for specific locations for specific time periods. A correction factor for stone type, derived from the literature, needs to be applied to the damage function. The derived sulphur dioxide (SO2) levels are likely to represent atmospheric pollution conditions 20 years after the time period to which the erosion rates refer, because there is a lag in the response of the gravestone erosion to environmental conditions. With these correction factors applied, distinct temporal trends can be identified in bothOxford and Swansea, specifically a rapid increase in atmosphericSO2in the early 20th century, a distinct dip in levels during the 1940s and a dramatic rise in the 1950s. In addition, there is a clear urban/rural difference in derivedSO2levels, with levels in urbanOxford being significantly higher than those in ruralOxford throughout the period of data availability. The significance of industrial activity is clearly illustrated by the very high levels of derivedSO2in Swansea throughout the early to mid 20th century.
Ideas Versus Actions in Relation to Polls of U.S. Muslims
Authors: McCauley Clark
Published: June 2013

I consider some of the interesting issues and ideas raised in three comments on “Testing theories of radicalization in polls of U.S. Muslims” (McCauley). Throughout, I try to highlight the difference between radicalization of mass opinion and radicalization to terrorist action.
Women's Work, Men's Work: Gender and Tourism among the Miao in Rural China
Authors: Feng Xianghong
Published: June 2013

In this article, I examine the changes in gender division of labor resulting from a shift from agriculture to wage labor, followed by the growth of tourism, among the ethnic Miao in Fenghuang County of rural China. I argue that the increased flexibility of women's roles might be interpreted as a result of the reality that Miao women, who occupy the low end of every form of power in the local and national social structure, are being pushed around by other more powerful internal and external agents. This increased flexibility did not necessarily empower them but might instead maintain their subordination to men under changing socioeconomic circumstances. The traditional gender ideology of men's superiority was therefore not challenged but reinforced with the penetration of the market economy to rural Fenghuang. Through this ethnographic case, I emphasize two general points regarding gender analysis in tourism: first, in order to fully understand gender dynamics in tourism, it is important to contextualize such analysis with the particular historical and sociocultural factors in a given locality and against the backdrop of the global economic trend; second, for a fair evaluation of women's role and status change, such exploration needs to be situated in the interactive relations between women and men, rather than only focusing specifically on women.
Fragmented Work in Post‐Bubble Japan: Negotiating Identity, Gender, Age, and Class in Triangular Employment Relationships
Authors: Fu Huiyan
Published: June 2013

The ascendance of neoliberalism, often subsumed under the rubric of globalization, has a profound impact on the nature of work. Based on yearlong ethnographic fieldwork, this article examines the rise of temporary agency work in post‐bubble Japan where an increasing number of workers are assembled and dispatched by staffing agencies to receiving firms on limited‐term contracts. Such a distinct triangular employment structure provides an exemplary field in which to explore recurring issues of labor flexibility and inequality that characterize contemporary globalization. By delving into minute details of how “dispatched workers” engaging in temporarily and spatially fragmented work make sense of themselves, the article aims to accentuate the role of power in the social construction of reality as well as the complexity of everyday practice.
Producing “Silent Brewmasters”: Deaf Workers and Added Value in India's Coffee Cafés
Authors: Friedner Michele
Published: June 2013

This article ethnographically explores how and why deaf workers are hired in new Indian coffee shop chains. Arguing that such workers produce added value for the corporations that hire them, hearing coworkers, and customers who frequent these outlets, this article also explores the ambivalence that deaf workers feel about such employment “opportunities.” As a result of the decline in public‐sector employment, the private sector has become a new site of disability employment, and nongovernmental organizations and vocational training centers have been created to train and place disabled workers in the private sector. In the process of such training and placement, these institutions create “workers with disabilities” as a category. Through participant observation, interviews, and literature review, this article explores how this category is produced and what its effects and affects are.
Comparison of desmoglein 1 and 3 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and direct immunofluorescence for evaluation of immunological remission in pemphigus vulgaris
Authors: Daneshpazhooh M. , Kamyab K. , Kalantari M.-S. , Balighi K. , Naraghi Z. S. , Shamohammadi S. , Mortazavizadeh S. M.-A. , Ramezani A. , Chams-Davatchi C.
Published: June 2013

Background

Drug withdrawal is the ultimate goal in the management of patients with pemphigus. Direct immunofluorescence (DIF) has long been considered the gold-standard test to predict immunological remission in pemphigus vulgaris (PV); however, there have been no comparisons between DIF and antidesmoglein (anti-Dsg) ELISA.

Aim

To compare anti-Dsg ELISA with DIF in patients with PV for evaluation of immunological remission.

Methods

The study enrolled 46 patients with PV who had absence of any lesion, and had a daily prednisolone dosage of ≤ 10 mg without adjuvant drug treatment in the preceding 6 months. Biopsy specimens were taken from patients and processed for DIF. Intercellular deposition of IgG and/or C3 was considered positive. Serum samples were also collected for anti-Dsg1 and anti-Dsg3 ELISA, and an ELISA index value of > 20.0 was considered positive.

Results

DIF and anti-Dsg ELISA were positive for 11 (23.9%) and 18 patients (39.1%), respectively. Anti-Dsg ELISA had a sensitivity of 100%, a specificity of 80%, a positive predictive value of 61.1% and a negative predictive value of 100%.

Conclusions

The high sensitivity of anti-Dsg ELISA proves that this simple serological test is a good substitute for DIF for evaluation of immunological remission in PV. As none of the DIF-positive patients was anti-Dsg-negative, it is possible that during the course of immunological remission, results for DIF may become negative before the results for Dsg ELISA do so.
Impact of proangiogenic factors on organization and biodegradation of a collagen matrix. An immunohistochemical study in rats
Authors: Schwarz Frank , John Gordon , Kaiser Thomas , Mihatovic Ilja , Golubovic Vladimir , Becker Jürgen
Published: June 2013

Aim

The aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of proangiogenic factors [erythropoetin (EPO), human growth hormone (HGH), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), and platelet derived growth factor (PDGF‐BB)] on the organization and biodegradation of a porcine‐derived collagen matrix (CM) in rats.

Material and methods

Collagen matrix specimens were soak‐loaded either with EPO, HGH, FGF or PDGF‐BB, each delivered in three concentrations (high, medium, low), and randomly allocated in unconnected subcutaneous pouches separated surgically on the back of 112 Wistar rats, which were divided into four groups (4, 7, 14 and 60 days of healing). Tissue biopsies were prepared for histological (e.g. CM thickness – TH, tissue contact – TC) and immunohistochemical (collagen type III – C3) analysis.

Results

Collagen matrix specimens of the control group were associated with an ingrowth of C3 fibres and subsequently an increase in TH at 7 (11%), 14 (20%) and 60 (21%). Factor application in different concentrations was commonly associated with a faster organization, but also significant biodegradation of CM at 7 (PDGF‐M, FGF‐M, HGH‐H) and 14 days (EPO‐H, HGH‐L). All groups investigated revealed a comparable increase in mean TC values over time.

Conclusion

Within the limits of the present study, it was concluded that all proangiogenic factors investigated were associated with a pronounced organization of CM by C3 fibres and a biodegradation of the matrix body. EPO may serve as an alternative to PDGF‐BB.
Nanostructures and hydrophilicity influence osseointegration: a biomechanical study in the rabbit tibia
Authors: Wennerberg Ann , Jimbo Ryo , Stübinger Stefan , Obrecht Marcel , Dard Michel , Berner Simon
Published: June 2013

Objective

Implant surface properties have long been identified as an important factor to promote osseointegration. The importance of nanostructures and hydrophilicity has recently been discussed. The aim of this study was to investigate how nanostructures and wettability influence osseointegration and to identify whether the wettability, the nanostructure or both in combination play the key role in improved osseointegration.

Materials and Methods

Twenty‐six adult rabbits each received two Ti grade 4 discs in each tibia. Four different types of surface modifications with different wettability and nanostructures were prepared: hydrophobic without nanostructures (SLA), with nanostructures (SLAnano); hydrophilic with two different nanostructure densities (low density: pmodSLA, high density: SLActive). All four groups were intended to have similar chemistry and microroughness. The surfaces were evaluated with contact angle measurements, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy and interferometry. After 4 and 8 weeks healing time, pull‐out tests were performed.

Results

SLA and SLAnano were hydrophobic, whereas SLActive and pmodSLA were super‐hydrophilic. No nanostructures were present on the SLA surface, but the three other surface modifications clearly showed the presence of nanostructures, although more sparsely distributed on pmodSLA. The hydrophobic samples showed higher carbon contamination levels compared with the hydrophilic samples. After 4 weeks healing time, SLActive implants showed the highest pull‐out values, with significantly higher pull‐out force than SLA and SLAnano. After 8 weeks, the SLActive implants had the highest pull‐out force, significantly higher than SLAnano and SLA.

Conclusions

The strongest bone response was achieved with a combination of wettability and the presence of nanostructures (SLActive).
A correlation between the weight of visceral adipose tissue and selected anthropometric indices: an autopsy study
Authors: Edston E.
Published: June 2013

What is already known on the subject

Several anthropometric indices are used as an estimation of the true amount of body fat, e.g. the body mass index (BMI). These indices correlate well with each other and with non‐invasive measurements of total body fat and visceral adipose tissue. The indices generally show a strong correlation with cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus.

What this study adds

Direct measurement of visceral adipose tissue by weight (VAW) from autopsy cases positively correlates with the anthropometric indices.

VAW also positively correlates with fatty tissue thickness at separate locations, i.e. renal capsular and epicardial fatty tissue.

VAW is positively correlated with the severity of cardiosclerosis and diabetes mellitus, but there is no significant difference in VAW between deaths from cardiovascular complications and other natural deaths.

Different anthropometric indices and non‐invasive methods have been used to estimate the total burden of body fat. Increased visceral adipose tissue is believed to involve elevated risk for cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease and hypertension. At present, the optimal method to estimate the visceral and total amount of fat remains undecided. In the present study of 201 autopsy cases, direct measurement of visceral adipose tissue by weight (VAW) has been compared to common anthropometric indices, namely body mass index (BMI), waist‐to‐hip ratio (W/Hip ratio), waist‐to‐height ratio (W/Height ratio), body adiposity index (BAI), waist circumference and abdominal wall thickness. The prevalence and severity of cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus and cause of death were also correlated with the anthropometric data. The outcome was that all anthropometric measurements showed a significant positive correlation with the weight of visceral adipose tissue, and the r‐value of the comparison to waist circumference was the highest (r = 0.82). Thickness of fatty tissue enveloping the kidneys and heart, as well as heart weight, was also strongly correlated with VAW. VAW was significantly higher in men compared with women, and in diabetes mellitus compared with non‐diabetic patients. VAW was also positively correlated with the severity of coronary artery sclerosis. On the contrary, there was no significant difference between high and low VAW comparing between deaths from cardiovascular complications and natural deaths from other causes. The conclusion is that the anthropometric measurements give a good approximation of the real amount of visceral fat, and that waist circumference and W/Height ratio show the best correlations.
Monitoring contact sensitization to p‐phenylenediamine (PPD) by patch testing with PPD 0.3% in petrolatum
Authors: Geier Johannes , Ballmer‐Weber Barbara K. , Dickel Heinrich , Frosch Peter J. , Bircher Andreas , Weisshaar Elke , Hillen Uwe
Published: June 2013

Background

Being a contact allergen of general relevance, p‐phenylenediamine (PPD) is patch tested in the baseline series. However, PPD 1% in petrolatum may actively sensitize. Patch testing with PPD at 0.35% pet. proved to be safe, as far as active sensitization is concerned.

Objectives

To determine whether PPD 0.3% pet. reliably detects PPD sensitization.

Methods

Patch testing with PPD 0.3% pet. and 1% pet. synchronously was performed in consecutive patients in a multicentre study within the Information Network of Departments of Dermatology.

Results

Altogether, 2042 patients were patch tested. PPD 1% pet. yielded 6.0% positive reactions (n = 123), and PPD 0.3% pet. yielded 4.7% (n = 95). The synchronous reproducibility of PPD reactions was similar as known from parallel patch tests with identical PPD concentrations. The diagnostic properties of PPD 0.3% pet. expressed as reaction index and positivity ratio were good. Of the 123 patients reacting to PPD 1% pet., 32 (26%) had no positive reaction to PPD 0.3% pet. In 22 of these 32 patients (69%), no clinical relevance could be found.

Conclusions

As patch testing with PPD 0.3% pet. is reliable according to our results, we recommend replacing PPD 1% pet. in the baseline series with PPD 0.3% pet.
Evidence of enhanced systemic inflammation in stable kidney transplant recipients with low Framingham risk scores
Authors: Mansell Holly , Rosaasen Nicola , Dean Jonathan , Shoker Ahmed
Published: June 2013

Background

While the Framingham risk score (FRS) predicts cardiovascular risk in the general population, it underestimates cardiovascular events in renal transplant recipients (RTR). Inflammation is common in RTR, and it is also a hallmark of vascular injury contributing to cardiovascular events.

Objective

To explore the relationship between inflammatory chemokines (CCL family) and FRS in a stable RTR.

Methods

The modified FRS (2009) was used to calculate the 10‐yr probability of CVE in 150 RTR. A cross‐sectional study measured plasma levels of 14 CCLs by Luminex technique in 53% (79/150) of the cohort and 28 controls.

Results

43.3% of RTR was classified as low, 16% moderate, and 40.7% high FRS. FRS correlated with eGFR and all CCLs with R of <0.2(p = n.s). Compared with controls, CCL 1,4,8,15, and 27 were equally increased in both the high and low FRS groups (p < 0.04 and 0.03, respectively). The percentage of patients with low FRS and CCL 8,15, and 27 values above the 95% cutoff control levels was 46.1%, 76.9%, and 53.8%, respectively.

Conclusions

Over one half of stable RTR, including those with low FRS, have increased inflammatory chemokine levels. Inflammation is not accounted for in the FRS, and this may explain the poor performance of FRS in transplant patients.