bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the Unimodality of the Profit Function of the Pricing Newsvendor
Authors: Lu Ye , Simchi‐Levi David
Published: February 2013

In this note, we study the price‐setting newsvendor problem. We use three conditions, the log‐convexity of the coefficient of variation, the log‐concavity of the deterministic profit function, and the log‐convexity of the random noise's expectation conditional on having leftover inventory to establish the log‐concavity of the retailer's expected profit function. This new result is complementary to existing results and removes some assumptions in the pricing and inventory coordination literature. It also addresses the conjecture made by Petruzzi and Dada (1999), and can be applied in the pricing game.
A concept analysis of oral hygiene care in dependent older adults
Authors: Coker Esther , Ploeg Jenny , Kaasalainen Sharon , Fisher Anita
Published: February 2013

Aim

To report a concept analysis of oral hygiene care.

Background

Oral hygiene care, as it is provided to older patients in hospital and long‐term care settings by nurses and their delegates, has the potential to contribute to the oral health of patients while preventing aspiration pneumonia as well as periodontitis, which itself has been associated with several systemic diseases. However, the state of oral cleanliness in such patients tends to be poor and despite the existence of guidelines, nursing care practices may be inadequate and not reflective of recent advances in knowledge.

Design

Concept analysis.

Data sources

A search of electronic databases (2002–2012), use of internet search engines, and hand searching yielded an international data set of 66 research studies, reviews, and practice guidelines.

Review methods

The concept analysis method of Walker and Avant was used to explore the concept of oral hygiene care in the context of frail older patients.

Results

Oral hygiene care involves approaches informed by knowing the patient, inspecting the oral cavity, removing plaque, cleansing the oral tissues, decontaminating the oral cavity, using fluoride products and maintaining oral tissue moisture. Those attributes, along with their antecedents and consequences, form a conceptual framework from which a middle‐range theory of nurse‐administered oral hygiene care is derived that could be tested, evaluated, modified, and translated into practice.

Conclusions

Clarity around the concept of oral hygiene care as a nursing intervention could enable nurses to impact oral health outcomes and possibly prevent systemic diseases in older patients.
The relationship between limb reduction, body elongation and geographical range in lizards (Lerista,Scincidae)
Authors: Lee Michael S. Y. , Skinner Adam , Camacho Agustín
Published: February 2013

Aim

The relationship between changes in body form (limb reduction and body elongation) and geographical range size was investigated across 68 species ofLerista, a species‐rich clade of Australian scincid lizards that exhibits extensive interspecific variability in both body form and range size.

Location

Leristaoccurs across the entire Australian mainland, with diversity concentrated in arid and semi‐arid regions.

Methods

Geographical range size was estimated directly fromc. 14,000 museum specimens using bioclimatic modelling inMaxEnt. Body form was quantified using principal components analysis of morphometric variables. Comparative analyses testing for a correlation between these two variables used a full Bayesian approach that accounts for uncertainties in trait optimization as well as in tree topology and branch lengths.

Results

A serpentine body form (elongated with reduced limbs) was significantly associated with smaller geographical range size, in both phylogenetically corrected and uncorrected analyses – but only if species from single localities (whose ranges could not be modelled using the above methods) were excluded.

Main conclusions

These results suggest a general predictive relationship between body form and geographical range size in lizards: elongate, limb‐reduced lizards tend to exhibit more restricted geographical ranges that may reflect reduced dispersal ability and may also predispose them to greater vulnerability of extinction.
Hormones Other Than Aldosterone May Contribute to Hypertension in 3 Different Subtypes of Primary Aldosteronism
Authors: Ye Fei , Tang Zheng‐Yi , Wu Jing‐Cheng , Yang Yang , Tian Xiu‐Li , Huang Jia‐Jia , Zhang Shan‐Shan , Ning Guang
Published: February 2013

Blood pressure (BP) level is similar in patients with 3 subtypes of primary aldosteronism (PA), even though aldosterone levels may vary. Glucocorticoids and adrenomedullary hormones may be influenced and may contribute to hypertension in PA. The authors' objective was to investigate the influence of PA on adrenal gland secretion and the roles of these hormones in hypertension. Patients diagnosed with PA (229 cases) were enrolled and classified into 3 subgroups: aldosterone‐producing adenoma (APA), unilateral nodular adrenal hyperplasia (UNAH), and idiopathic hyperaldosteronism (IHA). Patients with essential hypertension served as the control group (100 cases). Concentration of the above hormones was measured and compared between groups. Level of plasma adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) in patients with APA was significantly lower than that in patients with IHA (P<.001) and UNAH (P<0.5). The 24‐hour urinary free cortisol and adrenomedullary hormone levels were highest in patients with IHA, lower in patients with APA, and lowest in patients with UNAH. Systolic BP level was positively correlated with 8 am plasma cortisol level (r=0.142, P=.039) and plasma ACTH level (r=0.383, P=.016). Cortisol and adrenomedullary hormones were different between PA subtypes and they might involve regulation of BP in those patients.
Intergenerational effects of inbreeding in Nicrophorus vespilloides: offspring suffer fitness costs when either they or their parents are inbred
Authors: Mattey S. N. , Strutt L. , Smiseth P. T.
Published: February 2013

Inbreeding depression is the reduction in fitness caused by mating between related individuals. Inbreeding is expected to cause a reduction in offspring fitness when the offspring themselves are inbred, but outbred individuals may also suffer a reduction in fitness when they depend on care from inbred parents. At present, little is known about the significance of such intergenerational effects of inbreeding. Here, we report two experiments on the burying beetle Nicrophorus vespilloides, an insect with elaborate parental care, in which we investigated inbreeding depression in offspring when either the offspring themselves or their parents were inbred. We found substantial inbreeding depression when offspring were inbred, including reductions in hatching success of inbred eggs and survival of inbred offspring. We also found substantial inbreeding depression when parents were inbred, including reductions in hatching success of eggs produced by inbred parents and survival of outbred offspring that received care from inbred parents. Our results suggest that intergenerational effects of inbreeding can have substantial fitness costs to offspring, and that future studies need to incorporate such costs to obtain accurate estimates of inbreeding depression.
Rivers, refuges and population divergence of fire‐eye antbirds (Pyriglena) in the Amazon Basin
Authors: Maldonado‐Coelho M. , Blake J. G. , Silveira L. F. , Batalha‐Filho H. , Ricklefs R. E.
Published: February 2013

The identification of ecological and evolutionary mechanisms that might account for the elevated biotic diversity in tropical forests is a central theme in evolutionary biology. This issue is especially relevant in the Neotropical region, where biological diversity is the highest in the world, but where few studies have been conducted to test factors causing population differentiation and speciation. We usedmtDNAsequence data to examine the genetic structure within white‐backed fire‐eye (Pyriglena leuconota) populations along the Tocantins River valley in the south‐eastern Amazon Basin, and we confront the predictions of the river and the Pleistocene refuge hypotheses with patterns of genetic variation observed in these populations. We also investigated whether these patterns reflect the recently detected shift in the course of the Tocantins River. We sampled a total of 32 individuals east of, and 52 individuals west of, the Tocantins River. Coalescent simulations and phylogeographical and population genetics analytical approaches revealed thatmtDNAvariation observed for fire‐eye populations provides little support for the hypothesis that populations were isolated in glacial forest refuges. Instead, our data strongly support a key prediction of the river hypothesis. Our study shows that the Tocantins River has probably been the historical barrier promoting population divergence in fire‐eye antbirds. Our results have important implications for a better understanding of the importance of large Amazonian rivers in vertebrate diversification in the Neotropics.
Improving Juvenile Dependency Case Timeliness Through Use of the One Family, One Judge Model
Authors: Summers Alicia , Shdaimah Corey
Published: February 2013

Motivated by the timelines set forth by the Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997, courts are working toward moving cases safely and expeditiously through the juvenile dependency court system. One strategy to improve timeliness is the implementation of a one family, one judge (OFOJ) model. This study examines the effects of OFOJ implementation on timeliness of case processing. Implementation of the OFOJ model showed a trend toward improved timeliness. Post‐OFOJ cases were quicker to reach case closure than pre‐OFOJ cases. Every additional judge on the case increased time to permanency (i.e., case closure) by 31 days, which means children are spending one additional month in care per judge. Resolving cases quicker could improve the courts' ability to meet statutory timelines, and could lead to better outcomes for children and families.
A gliovascular idea for the white matter repair?
Authors: Zlokovic Berislav V.
Published: February 2013

Read the full article ‘High‐mobility group box 1 from reactive astrocytes enhances the accumulation of endothelial progenitor cells in damaged white
matter’ on doi: 10.1111/jnc.12120.
Dry skin in the winter is related to the ceramide profile in the stratum corneum and can be improved by treatment with a Eucalyptus extract
Authors: Ishikawa Junko , Yoshida Hiroshi , Ito Shotaro , Naoe Ayano , Fujimura Tsutomu , Kitahara Takashi , Takema Yoshinori , Zerweck Charles , Grove Gary Lee
Published: February 2013

Background

Dry skin in the winter has been reported to involve scaling, defects in water holding and barrier functions, and decreased ceramide (CER) levels in the stratum corneum (SC). We previously reported that a Eucalyptus extract promotes CER synthesis in cultured keratinocytes and accelerates the recovery of hydration in a barrier‐disrupted model of human skin.

Aims

One of the objectives was to examine the CER profile and its contribution to the relief of dry skin. The other objective was to assess the efficacy of a Eucalyptus extract to treat dry skin.

Patients/Methods

Twenty subjects with dry skin on their legs were assessed and their CER profiles were analyzed using tape‐stripping. A moisturizer with a Eucalyptus extract was assessed for its effects on dry skin using a leg regression methodology comprising 28 days of treatment and 14 days of regression.

Results

Indicators of dry skin conditions (conductance, dryness, roughness, and scaliness) strongly correlated with the level of CER, CER [NP], and CER[NH]. Treatment with the Eucalyptus extract significantly improved conductance (3 days after regression) and transepidermal water loss (14 days after regression) compared with the placebo. After 28 days of treatment with the Eucalyptus extract, the level of CER in the SC did not increase, but CER [NP] did increase.

Conclusions

These results suggest that not only the level of CER, but also specific CER species strongly contribute to dry skin relief and products that increase those are useful to improve dry skin conditions.
Tranexamic acid: an important adjuvant in the treatment of melasma
Authors: Tse Tsz Wah , Hui Edith
Published: February 2013

This article reviews an old drug tranexamic acid to its new use in the treatment of melasma. Its mechanism of preventing the activation of melanocyte from UV light, hormone and injured kerationcyte through the inhibition of the plasminogen activator system will be explored. The detail usage for such indication and its safety profile will also be thoroughly evaluated.
Categories, Identities, and Cultural Classification: Moving Beyond a Model of Categorical Constraint
Authors: Glynn Mary Ann , Navis Chad
Published: February 2013

Categorization processes have gained currency in organizational theory. Categories are endemic to organizations and markets, serving as touchstones for organizational identity claims and for audience attention, legitimation, and valuation.Durand and Paolella argue for an expansion of current perspectives on categories, particularly that of prototype theory. Although we agree in spirit, we advocate an expansion of their perspective, which seems to focus primarily on the cognitive aspects of categorization and the force of their constraint, particularly at the individual level of analysis. We suggest three revisions toDurand and Paolella's arguments in order to extend the conversation. First, we advocate that categorization processes might usefully be understood by socio‐cultural perspectives that explicitly consider the role of audiences and the embeddedness of categories in wider classification systems. Second, we connect categorization processes to identity formation and maintenance at the levels of both the organization and the market. Third, we move beyond the constraining power of categories to consider their generative capabilities in processes of emergence and change. Overall, we discuss these in the context of organizational identities and cultural classification systems.
Effect of home mechanical in‐exsufflation on hospitalisation and life‐style in neuromuscular disease: A pilot study
Authors: Moran Fiona CE , Spittle Alicia , Delany Clare , Robertson Colin F , Massie John
Published: February 2013

Aim

Mechanical in‐exsufflation (MI‐E) augments the weakened cough of patients with neuromuscular disease (NMD), clearing secretions and overcoming atelectasis. Little has been published on the impact of MI‐E alone on rates of hospitalisation and quality of life (QOL). The aim of this study was to assess the impact of home MI‐E on hospital admissions and life‐style in children with NMD.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was performed on children using MI‐E, including data on the number of admissions to hospital, length of stay and hours of ventilation. A parental survey was used to gather information on the impact of MI‐E on life‐style for the child and family.

Results

Ten children with NMD (seven spinal muscular atrophy, two Duchenne muscular dystrophy and one centronuclear myopathy) using MI‐E at home were identified. MI‐E use commenced at mean age of 8.5 years (range 1.1–16.9) with 1.4 years of use (range 0.3–3.8). MI‐E pressures ranged from +/−30 to 40 cmH2O with no complications reported. There was a significant reduction in hospital days at 6 (P = 0.036) and 12 (P = 0.028) months following commencement of home MI‐E compared with the same period preceding MI‐E use. The survey highlighted positive benefits of MI‐E use, in particular the ability to treat many pulmonary exacerbations at home.

Conclusions

Home MI‐E use by children with NMD can reduce hospitalisation and benefit families by maintaining their child at home.
Accuracy of cough reporting by carers of Indigenous children
Authors: Morey Matthew J , Cheng Allen C , McCallum Gabrielle B , Chang Anne B
Published: February 2013

Aims

The study aims to determine the reliability of a 24‐h history of reported cough presence and quality (wet/dry) compared with objectively recorded cough, and evaluate factors that may influence cough reporting.

Methods

A digital recorder (ICD‐PX720, Sony, Tokyo, Japan) was attached to 47 Indigenous children for 24 h during admission at Royal Darwin Hospital. After recording, carers reported their child's cough details. Cough counts were objectively measured and details of cough reports by carer (cough present/absent, quality wet/dry, cough severity determined by visual analogue scale and verbal category descriptive score) were the main outcomes measured. Other factors examined were: carer's sex, age, education, smoking, carer's cough, parent versus non‐parent, respiratory illness in child and mean parent–proxy cough‐specific quality of life questionnaire. Data were entered into STATA (V.10, STATA Corp., College Station, TX, USA). Cohen's kappa (κ) coefficients and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient (rs) were used for data analysis.

Results

Reporting of cough by Indigenous carers (compared with cough monitoring) was slight when a low cough threshold (0.25 coughs/h) was used (κ = 0.17, 95% CI –0.15, 0.49) and moderate when a higher cough threshold was used (κ = 0.57, 95% CI 0.28, 0.88). Carers’ evaluation of wet cough disagreed with clinician's evaluation (κ = −0.24, 95% CI –0.58, 0.09). Subjective reporting of cough severity moderately correlated with objective cough rates (rs = 0.41 to 0.44, 95% CI 0.11, 0.67). None of the factors examined was associated with reliability of cough reporting.

Conclusions

The unreliability of reporting of cough highlights the need for community education on the importance of cough to improve health‐seeking behaviour for early detection and treatment of respiratory disease.
C‐reactive protein versus erythrocyte sedimentation rate, white blood cell count and alkaline phosphatase in diagnosing bacteraemia in bone and joint infections
Authors: Pääkkönen Markus , Kallio Markku JT , Kallio Pentti E , Peltola Heikki
Published: February 2013

Aim

Bacteraemia is common in childhood acute bone and joint infections and demands urgent treatment. Blood C‐reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate and white blood cell count (WBC) are well known and established markers in these infections. Instead, no information is available on serum alkaline phosphatase whose concentration is known to increase in septic conditions.

Methods

In our large prospective treatment trial comprising of 265 children with acute culture‐positive bone or joint infection, all these laboratory indices were monitored on admission to hospital. The predictive value to detect bacteraemia was assessed for each of these four indices.

Results

In all, 59% of the patients showed bacteraemia. CRP was significantly (P < 0.05) higher among bacteraemic patients, whereas erythrocyte sedimentation rate, white blood cell count and alkaline phosphatase were not. The area under receiver operator characteristic curve for CRP was 0.588 (CI95% 0.524–0.649) and the significance level P (Area = 0.5) was <0.05.

Conclusion

None of the markers could reliably diagnose bacteraemia. CRP alone was significantly higher among bacteraemic patients.
Parental stress in a paediatric intensive care unit in Punjab, India
Authors: Pooni Puneet Aulakh , Singh Daljit , Bains Harmesh S , Misra Bholeshwar Prasad , Soni Ravinder Kumar
Published: February 2013

Aim

Paediatric intensive care is a fast‐growing specialty in India. There are studies on parental stress in paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) in developed countries, but limited data from developing countries, where many factors may be different, are available. This paper describes various stressors in Indian parents.

Method

One hundred parents were interviewed using the Parental Stress Scale (PSS: PICU), which rates 22 factors on a scale from 1 (not stressful) to 5 (extremely stressful).

Results

The average parental stress score was 3.0. The main causes of extremely stressful situations were: the parents' child having breathing difficulty; their child suffering pain; their child being unresponsive; crises in other children in the PICU. Factors least associated with stress included: not being alone with baby; and the presence of monitors and equipment. Nearly all parents (99) felt that prayer was of help. The majority (67) felt stressed during procedures, and 59 parents felt stressed by the sights and sounds of the PICU. Factors significantly related to increased stress included: the severity of illness as measured by higher paediatric risk of mortality scoring (P = 0.0136); for mothers rather than fathers (P = 0.0054): for parents <30 years (P = 0.0114); and parents of a male child (P = 0.0482).

Conclusions

It is concluded that there is significant stress among parents of children admitted to an Indian PICU, and stress factors are different from studies done in developed countries. Mothers and young parents were more stressed. Type of family, income, education, number and age of children did not affect level of stress.
Usage and impact of an online education tool for preventing sudden unexpected death in infancy
Authors: Cowan Stephanie , Pease Anna , Bennett Sharon
Published: February 2013

Aim

This paper describes the usage, impact and reach of an online education tool for preventing sudden infant death.

Methods

A 24‐slide presentation was formatted for online access. Content was designed for mainstream audiences to align current knowledge, attitudes and actions for a blitz approach to preventing sudden infant death in New Zealand (NZ). The tool was promoted through a network of ‘safe sleep’ champions across the country and collected basic information on usage, reach and impact.

Results

From 3286 completed online sessions between 18 November 2009 and 31 December 2011, there were 2683 (81.7%) with complete data. Average usage was 24.4 completed sessions/week, over a 2‐year period, at a cost of NZD1.11 per completed session. Usage reached across regions, ethnic groups and roles. On completion of the course, most rated highly (7–9/9) (68.8%) their ‘increased confidence’ to discuss infant sleep safety with others. A high increased confidence rating was significantly influenced by spending more time per slide (P < 0.05) and being Maori, Pacific, Asian or ‘other’ compared with NZ European (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

This simple online education tool achieved its aims of high usage, broad participation and cost‐effective impact on increasing confidence to discuss infant sleep safety with others. e‐Learning modes should be considered where there is a need to align large numbers of people in a short time with understandings and actions for addressing a specific health issue.
Autophagy and cancer: taking the ‘toxic’ out of cytotoxics
Authors: Giuliani Charlett M , Dass Crispin R
Published: February 2013

Objectives

Autophagy is the catabolic process that facilitates the degradation of proteins and organelles into recyclable nutrients for use by the cell. This article will review current literature to support the hypothesis that autophagy is pivotal in cancer progression and survival and provides some rationale behind the notion that autophagy can be a target for future cancer therapy.

Key findings

For the most part, autophagy is pro-cancerous in that it enables the affected cell to meet its nutritional requirements in hypoxic and cytotoxic environments (mainly due to chemotherapy), thus facilitating continued growth and proliferation of tumour cells. As such, it is reasonable to perceive autophagy as a mechanistic target for cancer therapy. However, the challenge to date has been the complexity of the mechanisms involved and the identification of key regulators of autophagy. This has been further complicated by the inherent variation between different cancer cell lines.

Better understanding of the role and mechanisms of autophagy in cancer, with a prelude to ways of exploiting this knowledge, may lead to better chemotherapeutic management of patients suffering from this currently incurable disease.
Recovery of intact IgG in the gastrointestinal tract of the growing rat following ingestion of an ovine serum immunoglobulin
Authors: Balan P. , Han K.S. , Dukkipati V.S.R. , Moughan P.J.
Published: February 2013

The aim of this study was to determine whether orally ingested ovine serum IgG partly resists digestion in the growing rat. Fifteen Sprague‐Dawley male rats were allocated to one of three diets for a 3‐week study: a control diet (CON) and two test diets containing either freeze‐dried ovine serum immunoglobulin (FDOI) or inactivated ovine serum immunoglobulin (IOI). Samples of stomach chyme and intestinal digesta from the ad libitum‐fed rats were subjected to ELISA and Western blot analysis. Amounts of intact ovine IgG for the FDOI diet were found to be 13.9, 20.0, 34.1, 13.0 and 36.9 μg in the total wet digesta from the stomach chyme, duodenal, jejunal, ileal and colonic digesta respectively. Qualitative detection by Western blot revealed the presence of intact ovine serum IgG with a ~150 kDa MW. This was detected in all of the gut segments (stomach chyme, duodenal, jejunal, ileal and colonic digesta) for growing rats fed the FDOI diet. No ovine IgG was detected in the chyme or digesta from rats fed the CON or the IOI diets. Ovine serum IgG partly resisted digestion in the growing rat fed the FDOI diet and was found throughout the digestive tract. These results provide a basis to explain the reported biological effects of orally administered immunoglobulin.
Relationships between different tooth shapes and patient's periodontal phenotype
Authors: Stellini E. , Comuzzi L. , Mazzocco F. , Parente N. , Gobbato L.
Published: February 2013

Background and Objective

The purpose of the present study was to establish whether any correlation exists between tooth shapes and patient‐related factors such as gingival and periodontal characteristics.

Material and Methods

Clinical measurements, including the width and the height of maxillary central incisor crowns, the apico incisal height of the keratinized mucosa (KM), the buccal gingival thickness (GT), the depth of the sulcus (SD), the bone‐sounding depth (BS) and the height of the interproximal maxillary central papilla (Ph), were investigated in 50 healthy individuals. These individuals were then divided into three groups based on the shape of their maxillary central incisor crowns: triangular; square; or square‐tapered. The three groups were analyzed to determine any significant differences among the groups in the values obtained for clinical measurements.

Results

There were no significant differences among the three groups in terms of the SD (p = 0.11) or the BS (p = 0.54), whilst statistically significant differences were observed for the KM (p < 0.001), the GT (p = 0.012) and the Ph (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The results of this study indicate that different tooth shapes are associated with significantly different values for the extent of the KM, its bucco‐lingual thickness and the height of the interproximal maxillary central papilla.
Effects of Supraphysiological Testosterone Treatment and Orchiectomy on Ischemia/Reperfusion-Induced Bladder Dysfunction in Male Rabbits
Authors: Chuang Shu-Mien , Liu Keh-Min , Lee Yung-Chin , Lin Rong-Jyh , Chang Chao-Yuan , Wu Wen-Jen , Chang Wei-Chiao , Levin Robert M. , Juan Yung-Shun
Published: February 2013

Introduction

The roles of testosterone and orchiectomy on male bladder subjected to ischemic/reperfusion (I/R) injuries received little attention. To fill this gap, the present study intended to examine testosterone and orchiectomy effects on male rabbits subjected to I/R damages.

Aim

To elucidate the effects of testosterone and orchiectomy on contractile response, bladder morphology, interstitial fibrosis, and oxidative stress in male rabbit bladder subjected to I/R surgery.

Methods

Male New Zealand rabbits were distributed into five groups as follows: Group 1 received sham surgical procedure. In group 2, I/R surgery was performed. In group 3, testosterone (100 μg/kg/day) was intramuscularly injected prior to I/R surgery. In group 4, orchiectomy was performed prior to I/R surgery. In group 5, orchiectomy was performed with subsequent testosterone administration, followed by I/R surgery. All the rabbits were euthanized 7 days after I/R. Comparative studies were analyzed to elucidate the effects of testosterone and orchiectomy on bladder dysfunction subjected to I/R injuries.

Main Outcome Measures

Bladder contractile function was evaluated. Masson's trichrome staining and immunohistochemical studies were performed to evaluate bladder morphology and intramural nerve terminals. Western blotting was examined to investigate the expressions of fibrosis and oxidative stress markers.

Results

I/R surgery significantly decreased bladder contractility in response to various stimulations with and without testosterone treatment. I/R damages decreased bladder nerve density with and without testosterone. The expressions of fibrosis and oxidative stress-related proteins were increased by I/R injuries with or without testosterone treatment. Testosterone depletion significantly decreased the expressions of transforming growth factor-β and fibronectin expressions after I/R injury. Supraphysiological testosterone treatment after orchiectomy greatly increased the expressions of these fibrosis proteins; however, orchiectomy alone ameliorated I/R injuries.

Conclusions

Testosterone treatment or orchiectomy affected I/R-induced bladder damages in male rabbits. Orchiectomy decreased the level of fibrosis and oxidative stress markers and increased neurofilament densities. Supraphysiological exogenous testosterone administration after orchiectomy further exacerbated such detrimental effects of I/R.
Risk Factors of Erectile Dysfunction in Patients Receiving Methadone Maintenance Therapy
Authors: Nik Jaafar Nik Ruzyanei , Mislan Noormazita , Abdul Aziz Salina , Baharudin Azlin , Ibrahim Normala , Midin Marhani , Das Srijit , Sidi Hatta
Published: February 2013

Introduction

While methadone effectively treats opiate dependence, the side effect of erectile dysfunction (ED) may interfere with treatment adherence and benefits.

Aim

To determine the rate of ED and the associated factors which predict ED in male patients on methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) in a Malaysian population.

Main Outcome Measures

The main outcome measures were the International Index of Erectile Function-15 (IIEF-15) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI).

Methods

A total of 108 participants diagnosed with heroin dependence were assessed. We used the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis-I Disorders (SCID-I) on subjects who received MMT, and they were assessed using the IIEF-15, the BDI, and measures of other clinical and sociodemographic variables.

Results

The rate of ED among men on MMT was 68.5% (mild ED, 36.1%; mild to moderate ED, 22.2%; severe ED, 3.7%). The mean age of the participants was 43.45 years. Older age (P = 0.002), concurrent illicit heroin use (P = 0.024), and having an older partner (P = 0.039) were significantly associated with ED. Following multivariate analysis, it was found that older age was the only significant predictor of ED, with an adjusted odds ratio of 1.07 (95% CI = 1.02–1.16). Methadone dose and duration of methadone treatment were not significantly associated with ED.

Conclusion

ED was highly prevalent among male patients on MMT. This suggests that there is a need for routine assessment of sexual function in patients on methadone. Among the risk factors, age was the only factor that was significantly associated with ED. The current use of MMT in Malaysia in terms of dosage and duration did not pose a significant risk for ED.
Surgical Management of Penile Fracture and Long-Term Outcome on Erectile Function and Voiding
Authors: Hatzichristodoulou Georgios , Dorstewitz Annika , Gschwend Jürgen E. , Herkommer Kathleen , Zantl Niko
Published: February 2013

Introduction

Penile fracture is an emergency in urology. Surgical management is recommended, but objective data of postoperative long-term effects, especially regarding voiding and erectile function, vary.

Aim

To assess long-term results of patients undergoing surgical therapy for penile fracture.

Methods

Patients presenting with suspicion of penile fracture were included in this study. Diagnosis of penile fracture was made by clinical assessment and surgery performed thereafter. The defect of the tunica albuginea was closed by absorbable suture. In case of concomitant urethral lesion, the defect was repaired simultaneously. Voiding and erectile function were evaluated at long-term follow-up by mail. Patients' status before penile fracture was assessed retroactively.

Main Outcome Measures

Erectile function was assessed by the International Index of Erectile Function questionnaire and voiding function by the International Prostate Symptom Score questionnaire.

Results

N = 34 patients were included. Penile fracture was suspected in 28/34 (82.4%) patients. Twenty-six of the 28 (92.9%) patients underwent surgery. Only less than half of confirmed fracture patients presented with the classical triad of an audible crack, detumescense, and hematoma. Fourteen of the 26 (53.8%) patients after surgery were available for follow-up. Mean follow-up was 45.6 months (range: 3.6–128.4). In 13/14 (92.9%) patients, penile fracture was confirmed by surgery. At follow-up, 7/13 (53.8%) patients had impaired erectile function, with 3/13 (23.1%) patients needing medical treatment. Four of the 13 (30.8%) patients showed deterioration of voiding including occurrence of urethral fistula.

Conclusions

Penile fracture is an emergency for which surgery should be offered. Clinical suspicion of fracture should be high even with hematoma alone. Concomitant urethral injury is common, particularly with bilateral corporal rupture and/or initial hematuria. Preoperative counseling should include discussion of long-term erectile and voiding dysfunction, penile deformity, and urethral fistula both with and without surgery. Close patient follow-up is required.
Bang‐Bang Model for Regulation of Local Blood Flow
Authors: Golub Aleksander S. , Pittman Roland N.
Published: February 2013

The classical model of metabolic regulation of blood flow in muscle tissue implies the maintenance of basal tone in arterioles of resting muscle and their dilation in response to exercise and/or tissue hypoxia via the evoked production of vasodilator metabolites by myocytes. A century‐long effort to identify specific metabolites responsible for explaining active and reactive hyperemia has not been successful. Furthermore, the metabolic theory is not compatible with new knowledge on the role of physiological radicals (e.g., nitric oxide, NO, and superoxide anion, O2−) in the regulation of microvascular tone. We propose a model of regulation in which muscle contraction and active hyperemia are considered the physiologically normal state. We employ the “bang‐bang” or “on/off” regulatory model which makes use of a threshold and hysteresis; a float valve to control the water level in a tank is a common example of this type of regulation. Active bang‐bang regulation comes into effect when the supply of oxygen and glucose exceeds the demand, leading to activation of membrane NADPH oxidase, release of O2− into the interstitial space and subsequent neutralization of the interstitial NO. Switching arterioles on/off when local blood flow crosses the threshold is realized by a local cell circuit with the properties of a bang‐bang controller, determined by its threshold, hysteresis, and dead‐band. This model provides a clear and unambiguous interpretation of the mechanism to balance tissue demand with a sufficient supply of nutrients and oxygen.
Diabetic Ketoacidosis Elicits Systemic Inflammation Associated with Cerebrovascular Endothelial Cell Dysfunction
Authors: Close Taylor E. , Cepinskas Gediminas , Omatsu Tatsushi , Rose Keeley L. , Summers Kelly , Patterson Eric K. , Fraser Douglas D.
Published: February 2013

Objective

To determine if the DKA‐induced inflammation in juvenile mice provokes activation and dysfunction of CVECs.

Methods

DKA in juvenile mice was induced with administration of STZ and ALX. Blood from DKA mice was assessed for cytokines and soluble cell adhesion proteins, and either DKA plasma or exogenous compounds were applied to immortalized bEND3.

Results

DKA increased circulating levels of IL‐6, IL‐8(KC), MCP‐1, IL‐10, sE‐selectin, sICAM‐1, and sVCAM‐1. Stimulation of bEND3 with DKA plasma caused cellular activation (increased ROS and activation of NF‐κΒ), upregulation of a proadhesive phenotype (E‐selectin, ICAM‐1, and VCAM‐1), and increased leukocyte‐bEND3 interaction (leukocyte rolling/adhesion). TEER, a measure of bEND3 monolayer integrity, was decreased by DKA plasma. Activation and dysfunction of bEND3 with DKA plasma were suppressed by plasma heat treatment (56°C, 1 hour) and replicated with the application of DKA recombinant cytomix (IL‐6, IL‐8[KC], MCP‐1, and IL‐10), implicating circulating inflammatory protein(s) as mediators. Treatment of bEND3 with β‐OH‐butyrate, the main ketone elevated in DKA, failed to mimic the DKA plasma–induced activation and dysfunction of bEND3.

Conclusions

DKA elicits systemic inflammation associated with CVEC activation and dysfunction, possibly contributing to DKA‐associated intracranial microvascular complications.
A nonribosomal peptide synthetase mediates siderophore production and virulence in the citrus fungal pathogen Alternaria alternata
Authors: Chen Li‐Hung , Lin Ching‐Hsuan , Chung Kuang‐Ren
Published: February 2013

Alternaria species produce and excrete dimethyl coprogen siderophores to acquire iron. The Alternaria alternata gene AaNPS6, encoding a polypeptide analogous to fungal nonribosomal peptide synthetases, was found to be required for the production of siderophores and virulence on citrus. Siderophores purified from culture filtrates of the wild‐type strain did not induce any phytotoxicity on the leaves of citrus. Fungal strains lacking AaNPS6 produced little or no detectable extracellular siderophores and displayed an increased sensitivity to H2O2, superoxide‐generating compounds (KO2 and menadione) and iron depletion. Δnps6 mutants were also defective for the production of melanin and conidia. The introduction of a wild‐type AaNPS6 under the control of its endogenous promoter to a Δnps6 null mutant at least partially restored siderophore production and virulence to citrus, demonstrating a functional link between iron uptake and fungal pathogenesis. Elevated sensitivity to H2O2, seen for the Δnps6 null strain could be relieved by exogenous application of ferric iron. The expression of the AaNPS6 gene was highly up‐regulated under low‐iron conditions and apparently controlled by the redox‐responsive yeast transcriptional regulator YAP1. Hence, the maintenance of iron homeostasis via siderophore‐mediated iron uptake also plays an important role in resistance to toxic reactive oxygen species (ROS). Our results demonstrate further the critical role of ROS detoxification for the pathogenicity of A. alternata in citrus.
Experimentally observed soft‐tissue preservation near a marine brine seep
Authors: Deline Bradley , Parsons‐Hubbard Karla M.
Published: February 2013

A sea urchin placed on the sea floor near an active brine seep was recovered after 13 years with detailed soft‐tissue preservation. Growth of an amorphous calcium carbonate solid with small amounts of the mineral bassanite occurred on the spines and test. The solid also exhibits striations at both the macro‐ and microscopic scales that preserve the muscle texture of the sea urchin. Such soft‐tissue replacement and mineralization could lead to exquisite fossilization. Soft‐tissue mineralization has been previously replicated in controlled laboratory conditions; however, this is the first report of the lithologic replication of soft tissues in an open marine experiment. Examples of extraordinary fossil preservation, or Lagersätten, give a distinct snapshot of the past and have led to a greater understanding of the history of life. Soft‐tissue lithification occurs in special circumstances in which local chemical conditions (often mediated by decay or bacterial factors) promote early diagenetic mineralization, the first steps of which are observed in this instance. The preservation of articulated skeletons, especially within echinoderms, is normally attributed to rapid burial, but that may not be necessary given that this urchin was at or very near the sediment–water interface for 13 years.
Genetic analysis and fine mapping of tms9, a novel thermosensitive genic male‐sterile gene in rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Sheng Zhonghua , Wei Xiangjin , Shao Gaoneng , Chen Mingliang , Song Jian , Tang Shaoqing , Luo Ju , Hu Yichao , Hu Peisong , Chen Liyun
Published: February 2013

Two‐line hybrid rice as a novel hybrid breeding method has huge potential for yield increasing and utilization of intersubspecific heterosis, and it is of major significance for the food security of rice‐consuming populations. Zhu1S is a thermosensitive genic male‐sterile line of rice with low critical temperature and excellent combining ability, which has been widely exploited as a female parent in Chinese two‐line hybrid rice breeding. Here, genetic mapping in F2 populations was used to show that its male sterility is inherited as a single recessive gene and that responsible gene (termed tms9) lies on the short arm of chromosome 2. A high‐resolution linkage analysis which was based on the Zhu1S/R173 F2 population found that the thermosensitive genic male‐sterile gene tms9 of Zhu1S was fine mapped between insertion–deletion (Indel) markers Indel 37 and Indel 57, and the genetic distance from the tms9 to the two markers was 0.12 and 0.31 cM, respectively. The physical distance between the two markers was about 107.2 kb. Sequence annotation databases showed that the two Indel markers (Indel 37 and Indel 57) were located on two BAC clones (B1307A11 and P0027A02). There are sixteen open reading frames (ORF) present in this region. The results of this study are of great significance for further cloning tms9 and molecular marker–assisted selection.
Persistent mental health disturbances during the 10 years after a disaster: Four‐wave longitudinal comparative study
Authors: van der Velden Peter G. , Wong Albert , Boshuizen Hendriek C. , Grievink Linda
Published: February 2013

Aim

Although some studies have examined the long‐term effects of disasters, very little is known about severe persistent symptoms following disasters. The aim of the present study was to examine persistent mental health problems and to what extent disaster exposure predicts long‐term persistent disturbances.

Methods

Following a major disaster, a four‐wave study was conducted (surveys 2–3 weeks, 18 months, 4 years and 10 years after the event) that examined severe post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptomatology (Impact of Event Scale), anxiety and depression symptoms and sleeping problems (Symptom Check List‐90‐R), and use of physician‐prescribed tranquilizers. Participants were affected adult Dutch native residents (n = 1083). At wave 2 and 3, a control group participated (n = 694). At wave 1, severity of disaster exposure was examined. Multiple imputation was used to target the problem of missing data across surveys due to non‐response such as in the fourth wave (61%).

Results

In total, 6.7% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.1–8.2) developed persistent PTSD symptoms during the 10 years after the event. For anxiety, depression, sleeping problems these prevalences were 3.8% (95%CI: 2.7–5.0), 6.2% (95%CI: 4.7–7.6) and 4.8% (95%CI: 3.5–6.1) respectively. In total 1.3% (95%CI: 0.6–2.0) used tranquilizers at all waves. Approximately one out of 10 with severe symptoms 2–3 weeks after the event, developed persistent symptoms. Even in the long term, affected residents compared to controls had more often chronic anxiety symptoms and sleeping problems. High disaster exposure independently predicted persistent PTSD symptoms (adjusted odds ratio [adj. OR], 4.20; 95%CI: 2.02–8.74, P < 0.001), anxiety (adj. OR, 3.43; 95%CI: 1.28–9.20, P < 0.01), depression symptoms (adj. OR, 2.95; 95%CI: 1.26–6.93, P < 0.01), and sleeping problems (adj. OR, 3.74; 95%CI: 1.56–8.95, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Post‐disaster mental health care should (also) target persistent mental health disturbances in the long term, especially PTSD, anxiety, depression symptoms, and sleeping problems. High disaster exposure may be an early marker for risk of persistent symptoms.
Coexistence of Congenital Giant Melanocytic Nevus of the Scalp with Cranial Defect, Poliosis, and Hair Loss
Authors: Lee Woo J. , Lee Sang M. , Won Chong H. , Chang Sung E. , Lee Mi W. , Choi Jee H. , Moon Kee C.
Published: February 2013

Congenital melanocytic nevi (CMN) are pigmented lesions presenting on the skin in approximately 1% of all newborns at or shortly after birth. CMN have been described as being associated with several anomalies, including cranial bone hypertrophy, scoliosis, and spina bifida. This is the first report to describe a giant congenital melanocytic nevus on the scalp associated with cranial involvement, poliosis, and alopecia.
Recanalization of post‐transplant late‐onset long segmental portal vein thrombosis with bidirectional transhepatic and transmesenteric approach
Authors: Nosaka Shunsuka , Isobe Yoshinori , Kasahara Mureo , Miyazaki Osamu , Sakamoto Seisuke , Uchida Hajime , Shigeta Takanobu , Masaki Hidekazu
Published: February 2013

PV complications are the most frequent vascular complications in pediatric LT. We have experienced a case with chronic postoperative PVT that necessitates combined transhepatic and transmesenteric approach and have confirmed mid‐term patency. An eight‐yr‐old boy had successful LDLT with a left lateral segment graft at the age of two months for HBV‐related acute liver failure. Seven years after transplantation, the patient suddenly showed a melena with hypovolemic shock. Doppler ultrasound and CT revealed intrahepatic bile duct dilatation and main PVT with collateral formation at hepatic hilus and mesenterium of the Roux‐en‐Y jejunal loop. Urgent splenic artery embolization was performed to control the bleeding and was temporarily effective. Therefore, recanalization of PVO was attempted. Because of long segmental PVO and steep angle between the intrahepatic PV and the portal trunk, bidirectional transhepatic and transmesenteric approach was selected and resulted in deploying three metallic stents necessitating additional infusion thrombolytic therapy. The patient is now followed as an outpatient with patent stents for two yr since the procedure. For the rescue of these patients, recanalization of obstructed PV trunk with bidirectional approach would be feasible with better graft survival and less invasiveness than conventional surgical interventions.
Vision in the mantispid: a sit‐and‐wait and stalking predatory insect
Authors: KRAL KARL
Published: February 2013

Mantispids (Neuroptera: Mantispidae) are remarkable insects as a result of their close resemblance to the praying mantis (order Mantodea). Although not closely related phylogenetically, as a result of similar selective pressures, both mantispids and mantids have evolved powerful raptorial forelegs for capturing insects. Another striking feature is the hypermetamorphosis in mantispid development, as well as the parasitizing behaviour of the first‐instar larvae. The present review focuses on the role of mantispid vision. First, the morphology and functional significance of the larval eyes (stemmata) are examined. In principle, the stemmata are suitable for spatial vision because of their arrangement and structure. This is then followed by a discussion of how adult mantispids are able to capture fast‐moving insects successfully, although, in contrast to the praying mantis, mantispids rely on superposition eyes rather than on apposition eyes with a frontal region of high acuity. For both larvae and adults, comparisons are made with other insect groups. The present review also addresses the role of mantispid vision as an important cue for triggering mating behaviour; accordingly, sex‐specific differences are considered. Finally, vision in the context of orientation flight is discussed.