bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Safety analysis of endoscopist‐directed propofol sedation: A prospective, national multicenter study of 24 441 patients in German outpatient practices
Authors: Sieg Andreas ,   bng‐Study‐Group, Beck Sebastian , Scholl Sabine G , Heil Franz J , Gotthardt Daniel N. , Stremmel Wolfgang , Rex Douglas K , Friedrich Kilian
Published: November 2013

Background and Aim

Since 2008, there exists a German S3‐guideline allowing non‐anesthesiological administration of propofol for gastrointestinal endoscopy. In this prospective, national, multicenter study, we evaluated the safety of endoscopist‐administered propofol sedation (EDP) in German outpatient practices of Gastroenterology.

Methods

In this multicenter survey of 53 ambulatory practices of Gastroenterology, we prospectively evaluated 24 441 patients that had received EDP. We recorded adverse events during the endoscopic procedure and additionally retrieved questionnaires investigating subjective parameters 24 h after the endoscopic procedure.

Results

In 24 441 patients 13 793 colonoscopies, 6467 esophagogastroduodenoscopies, and 4181 double examinations were performed. In this study, 52.1% of the patients received propofol mono‐sedation, and 47.9% received a combination of midazolam and propofol. Major adverse events occurred in four patients (0.016%) enrolled to this study (three mask ventilations and one laryngospasm). Minor adverse events were observed in 112 patients (0.46%) with hypoxemia being the most common minor event. All patients with adverse events recovered without persistent impairment. Minor adverse events occurred more frequently in patients sedated with propofol mono compared to propofol and midazolam (P < 0.0001) and correlated with increasing propofol dosages (P < 0.001; Pearson correlation coefficient r = 0.044). Twenty‐four hours after the endoscopy, patients sedated with propofol plus midazolam stated a significantly reduced sensation of pain (P < 0.01) and improved symptoms of dizziness, nausea and vomiting (P < 0.001) compared to patients having received propofol mono‐sedation.

Conclusion

Four years after the implementation of a German S3‐Guideline for endoscopic sedation, we demonstrated that EDP is a safe procedure.
Phototherapy with artificial light suppresses dextran sulfate sodium‐induced colitis in a mouse model
Authors: Hiratsuka Takahiro , Inomata Masafumi , Goto Shigeru , Oyama Yoshimasa , Nakano Toshiaki , Chen Chao‐Long , Shiraishi Norio , Noguchi Takayuki , Kitano Seigo
Published: November 2013

Background and Aim

Medical treatment for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) requires chronic administration and causes side effects. Recently, anti‐inflammatory effects of phototherapy were reported in animal models. The present study evaluated whether phototherapy improves dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)‐induced colitis in a mouse model of IBD.

Methods

Mice were divided into four equal groups: Control, DSS, DSS + light low (LL), and DSS + light high (LH) groups. Normal fluorescent light intensity in the Control and DSS groups was 200 lux. Artificial light intensities were as follows: DSS + LL group, 1000 lux; DSS + LH group, 2500 lux. After administering phototherapy for 7 days, we evaluated disease activity index (DAI), histological score, colon length/weight, serum 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D(3) level, and serum and colonic cytokines in the mice.

Results

DAI and histological scores were significantly lower in the DSS + LL group than in the DSS group (both, P < 0.05). Colon length and weight were significantly higher in the DSS + LL group than in the DSS group (both, P < 0.05). Serum interleukin (IL)‐6, TNF‐α, and IL‐17 in the DSS + LL group were significantly lower, and serum and colonic IL‐10 were significantly higher in the DSS + LL group than in the DSS group (all, P < 0.05). Serum 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D(3) levels in the DSS + LH group were significantly increased compared with those in the DSS + LL and DSS groups.

Conclusion

Artificial light phototherapy suppressed DSS‐induced colitis in mice by suppression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines and promotion of anti‐inflammatory cytokines.
A systematic review of the factors associated with interest in predictive genetic testing for obesity, type II diabetes and heart disease
Authors: Collins J. , Ryan L. , Truby H.
Published: November 2013

Background

In the future, it may be possible for individuals to take a genetic test to determine their genetic predisposition towards developing lifestyle‐related chronic diseases. A systematic review of the literature was undertaken to identify the factors associated with an interest in having predictive genetic testing for obesity, type II diabetes and heart disease amongst unaffected adults.

Methods

Ovid Medline, PsycINFO and EMBASE online databases were searched using predefined search terms. Publications meeting the inclusion criteria (English language, free‐living adult population not selected as a result of their disease diagnosis, reporting interest as an outcome, not related to a single gene inherited disease) were assessed for quality and content. Narrative synthesis of the results was undertaken.

Results

From the 2329 publications retrieved, eight studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. Overall, the evidence base was small but of positive quality. Interest was associated with personal attitudes towards disease risk and the provision of information about genetic testing, shaped by perceived risk of disease and expected outcomes of testing. The role of demographic factors was investigated with largely inconclusive findings.

Conclusions

Interest in predictive genetic testing for obesity, type II diabetes or heart disease was greatest amongst those who perceived the risk of disease to be high and/or the outcomes of testing to be beneficial.
Growth of Korean preterm infants in a family‐centered tradition during early infancy: The influence of health risks, maternal employment, and the sex of infants
Authors: Ahn Youngmee , Sohn Min , Lee Sangmi
Published: November 2013

Aim

The physical growth of mild preterm infants (<32 weeks of gestation at birth) needs to be explored in terms of bio‐sociocultural factors considering the sociocultural aspects of child‐care practice.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted with 238 Korean mild preterm infants from birth up to 6 months of corrected age regarding four of the biological and sociocultural factors such as health risks (at birth and discharge), maternal employment status, and the infant sex.

Results

There were four noteworthy findings on growth variation in Korean mild preterm infants during early infancy: (i) the secular trend of intrauterine growth; (ii) the cumulative adverse effects of four risk factors; (iii) the possible burden of maternal employment if insufficient support; and (iv) the possibility of the cultural favoritism to male infants regardless of the modern industrialized society.

Conclusion

The study suggests that, in a modern society, while mild preterm infants could sustain typical fetal growth, the early postnatal growth may vary based on health risks and sociocultural circumstances related to child‐bearing and ‐rearing practices surrounding them.
Post‐injection sciatic neuropathy in a cynomolgus macaque (Macaca fascicularis)
Authors: Carrier C.A. , Donnelly K.B.
Published: November 2013

Background

Intramuscular injection is a common route parenteral used in primates.

Methods

A cynomolgus macaque was evaluated for acute lameness and atrophy of the left leg with no evidence of trauma.

Results

History revealed ketamine injection 12 days prior.

Conclusions

Histologic examination supported traumatic injection neuropathy due to intramuscular injection.
Effect of root morphology on biomechanical behaviour of premolars associated with abfraction lesions and different loading types
Authors: Soares P. V. , Souza L. V. , Veríssimo C. , Zeola L. F. , Pereira A. G. , Santos‐Filho P. C. F. , Fernandes‐Neto A. J.
Published: November 2013

The aim of this study was to investigate the biomechanical behaviour of maxillary premolar teeth regarding root morphology and abfraction depth, submitted to axial and oblique occlusal load. The investigation was conducted using 3D finite element analysis and strain gauge test. Sound maxillary premolar single and double root were selected for 3D model generation. The teeth were scanned for external morphology data acquisition. The 3D geometry was stored in *.STL and exported to Bio‐CAD software (Rhinoceros‐3D) to model generation. Mesh generation, mechanical properties and boundary conditions were performed in finite element software (Femap, Noran Engineering, USA). Twelve models were generated: sound tooth, 1·25 and 2·5 mm abfraction teeth. 100N compressive static load was applied: axially and 45° angle to the long axis on the palatine surface of the buccal cusp. Two strain gauges were bonded on the teeth mounted in a mechanical testing machine. Von Mises criterion showed that the double‐root teeth associated with 2·5 mm abfraction and oblique loading presented higher stress values. Axial loading associated with single‐root teeth propitiated the lowest stress rates. Double root sound 1·25 and 2·5 mm abfraction teeth associated with oblique loading showed the highest strain values (μS): 692·6, 1043·31 and 1236·14, respectively. Single root sound 1·25 and 2·5 mm abfraction teeth associated with oblique loading showed 467·10, 401·51 and 420·98 strain values, respectively. Axial loading showed lower strain rates, ranging from 136·12 to 366·91. The association of deep lesions, oblique loading and double‐root tooth promoted higher stress and strain concentration.
Biocontrol of Late Blight Disease (Phytophthora capsici) of Pepper and the Plant Growth Promotion byPaenibacillus ehimensisKWN38
Authors: Naing Kyaw W. , Anees Muhammad , Nguyen Xuan H. , Lee Yong S. , Jeon Seung W. , Kim Sang J. , Kim Myung H. , Kim Kil Y.
Published: November 2013

For field application of a bacterial strain used to controlPhythophthora capsici, we will need a biologically and economically efficient carrier medium. The known antagonistPaenibacillus ehimensisKWN38 was grown in a grass medium where it showed high antifungal and lytic enzyme activities. To demonstrate the potential ofP. ehimensisKWN38 for biocontrol of late blight disease in pepper, pot trials were conducted by treating the 1‐month‐old plants with water (W), a selected grass medium (G3),GplusP. ehimensisKWN38 inoculation (G3P) or synthetic fungicide (F). The shoot dry weight inG3Pwas higher than that inWandFtreatments at 15 days after zoospore infection (DZI). The root dry weight inG3Pwas also higher than that inW. The root mortality ofG3 andWincreased over 58 and 80% at 15 DZI, and some plants in those treatments wilted due to the failure of root physiology. The plants inG3PandFsurvived well because of their better root health conditions. Soil cellulase activity ofG3Pwas consistently higher than that ofWandFat earlier observation times (0, 2 and 6 DZI). The rootβ‐1,3‐glucanase activity ofG3Ppromptly increased to maximum shortly after zoospore infection and reached the maximum value of 51.12 unit g−1of fresh weight at 2 DZI. All these results indicate that inoculation ofP. ehimensisKWN38 to the root zone of potted pepper plants increases plant growth, root and soil enzyme activities and alleviates the root death caused by infection withP. capsicizoospores.
Non‐invasive hepatic biomarkers (ELF and CK18) in people with type 2 diabetes: the Edinburgh type 2 diabetes study
Authors: Morling Joanne R. , Fallowfield Jonathan A. , Williamson Rachel M. , Nee Lisa D. , Jackson Andrew P. , Glancy Stephen , Reynolds Rebecca M. , Hayes Peter C. , Guha Indra N. , Strachan Mark W. J. , Price Jackie F.
Published: November 2013

Background & Aims

Type 2 diabetes is an established risk factor for the presence and progression of fatty liver. Little is known about the distributions and correlates of hepatic non‐invasive biomarkers in community‐based populations with diabetes, unselected for liver disease. We aimed to identify the distribution of, and metabolic risk factors associated with serum cytokeratin‐18 (CK18) and the Enhanced Liver Fibrosis score (ELF), in a large, representative cohort of people with type 2 diabetes (the Edinburgh Type 2 Diabetes Study, ET2DS).

Methods

Nine hundred and thirty‐nine ET2DS participants, aged 60–74 years underwent physical examination including ultrasound for assessment of liver fat. Representative subgroups were assessed for markers of chronic liver disease (CK18 and ELF).

Results

CK18 values ranged from 29–993 U/L (median 102, IQR 76–137 U/L) and ELF scores ranged from 6.9–11.6 (mean 8.9, SD 0.8). Statistically significant associations were found between both biomarkers and a number of metabolic risk factors. Neither CK18 nor ELF was consistently or strongly associated with established hepatic risk factors (alcohol excess, hepatotoxic medication use and positive immunology titres).

Conclusions

We identified the distribution of CK18 and ELF in a large cohort of older people with type 2 diabetes and showed that these markers are associated with an adverse metabolic risk factor profile, although much of the variation in biomarkers remained unexplained. Prospective studies are required to determine the extent to which CK18 and/or ELF predict the development of symptomatic liver disease and to identify additional risk factors which may influence the development of advanced liver disease in people with type 2 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes mellitus as a risk factor for intestinal resection in patients with superior mesenteric vein thrombosis
Authors: Elkrief Laure , Corcos Olivier , Bruno Onorina , Larroque Beatrice , Rautou Pierre‐Emmanuel , Zekrini Kamal , Bretagnol Frédéric , Joly Francisca , Francoz Claire , Bondjemah Vanessa , Cazals‐Hatem Dominique , Boudaoud Larbi , De Raucourt Emmanuelle , Panis Yves , Goria Odile , Hillaire Sophie , Valla Dominique , Plessier Aurélie
Published: November 2013

Background & Aims

The most serious complication of acute mesenteric vein thrombosis (MVT) is acute intestinal ischaemia requiring intestinal resection or causing death. Risk factors for this complication are unknown. To identify risk factors for severe intestinal ischaemia leading to intestinal resection in patients with acute MVT.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed consecutive patients seen between 2002 and 2012 with acute MVT in 2 specialized units. Patients with cirrhosis were excluded. We compared patients who required intestinal resection to patients who did not.

Results

Among 57 patients, a local risk factor was identified in 14 (24%) patients, oral contraceptive use in 16 (29%), and at least one or more other systemic prothrombotic condition in 25 (44%). Five (9%) patients had diabetes mellitus (DM), 33 (58%) had overweight or obesity, 9 (18%) had hypertriglyceridemia and 10 (19%) had arterial hypertension. Eleven patients (19%) underwent intestinal resection. DM was significantly associated with intestinal resection (P = 0.02) while local factors or prothrombotic conditions were not. Computed tomography (CT) scans performed at diagnosis found that occlusion of second order radicles of the superior mesenteric vein was more frequently observed in patients who underwent intestinal resection (P = 0.009).

Conclusions

In acute MVT, patients with underlying DM have an increased risk of requiring intestinal resection. Neither local factors nor systemic prothrombotic conditions are associated with intestinal resection. When CT scan shows the preservation of second order radicles of the superior mesenteric vein, the risk of severe resection is low.
Hepatitis C virus NS5A protein enhances gluconeogenesis through upregulation of Akt‐/JNK‐PEPCK signalling pathways
Authors: Kuo Yi‐Chen , Chen I‐Yin , Chang Shin C. , Wu Shun‐Chi , Hung Tzu‐Min , Lee Po‐Huang , Shimotohno Kunitada , Chang Ming‐Fu
Published: November 2013

Background & Aims

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is highly associated with the type 2 diabetes mellitus, but the detailed mechanisms by which the viral proteins are involved in the clinical outcome remain unclear.

Methods

A cDNA microarray analysis was performed following introducing an NS5A‐encoding plasmid or a control vector into a mouse system by hydrodynamics‐based transfection. Differentially expressed genes that are associated with gluconeogenesis were selected and their expression levels in HCV patients, in NS5A‐expressing systems, and in the viral subgenomic replicon system were further examined by real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis.

Results

Differential gene expression including an upregulation of the gluconeogenic rate‐limiting enzyme phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) compared with controls was detected in mouse hepatocytes expressing HCV NS5A and in HCV patients with diabetes. In addition, an NS5A‐dependent increase in glucose production was demonstrated in human primary hepatocytes. The upregulation of PEPCK and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ coactivator‐1α (PGC‐1α) were also detected in NS5A‐expressing cells and in the viral genotype 1b subgenomic replicon system. Further studies demonstrated that the NS5A‐mediated upregulation of PEPCK and PGC‐1α genes were resulted from the activation of PI3K‐Akt and JNK signalling pathways. In addition, the expression levels of the forkhead transcription factor FoxO1 and the liver‐enriched transcription factor HNF‐4α were increased in HCV NS5A‐expressing cells.

Conclusions

By upregulating the expression of PEPCK gene via its transactivators FoxO1 and HNF‐4α, and the coactivator PGC‐1α, the NS5A promotes the production of hepatic glucose which may contribute to the development of HCV‐associated type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Spinal nerve root hypertrophy in distal acquired demyelinating symmetric neuropathy
Authors: Fujimaki Yumi , Shimizu Toshio , Bokuda Kota , Yagishita Akira , Nakano Imaharu
Published: November 2013

We report a 60‐year‐old man with distal acquired demyelinating symmetric neuropathy, who manifested marked spinal root hypertrophy on magnetic resonance imaging. His sensorimotor symptoms were confined to the distal limb regions. The electrophysiological features fulfilled the diagnostic criteria of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy. Blood examination showed immunoglobulin G‐λ gammopathy. Magnetic resonance imaging showed marked hypertrophy of the multiple spinal roots with gadolinium enhancement, accompanied by a tumor‐like lesion with cord compression. Although how the neurological symptoms were confined to the distal regions despite the nerve root hypertrophy remains to be resolved, spinal root lesions should also be evaluated in distal acquired demyelinating symmetric neuropathy as well as classical chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy.
Enhancing person‐centred communication in NICU: a comparative thematic analysis
Authors: Weis Janne , Zoffmann Vibeke , Egerod Ingrid
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACT

Aims and objectives

Aims of this article were (a) to explore how parents of premature infants experience guided family‐centred care (GFCC), and (b) to compare how parents receiving GFCC versus standard care (SC) describe nurse‐parent communication in the neonatal intensive care unit.

Background

Family‐centred care (FCC) is acknowledged as fundamental to supporting parents of premature infants, and communication is central to this practice. Accordingly, nurses need good communication skills. GFCC is an intervention developed to improve nurse‐parent communication in the neonatal intensive care unit. This intervention helps nurses to realize person‐centred communication as an approach to optimize contemporary practice.

Design

Our qualitative study had a descriptive and comparative design using semi‐structured interviews to explore the parent's experience of GFCC.

Methods

We conducted 10 dyad interviews with parents (n = 20) and two individual interviews with mothers of premature infants (n = 2). Parents in the intervention group versus SC group were 13 versus 9. Thematic analysis was applied.

Findings

GFCC was generally experienced as supportive. Three interrelated themes were identified that illustrated how the intervention helped parents cope as persons, parents and couples: (a) discovering and expressing emotions, (b) reaching a deeper level of communication, and (c) obtaining mutual understanding. In contrast, SC communication was more superficial and less structured. Factors such as inaccessibility of nurses, inability to ask for assistance and parent popularity impaired successful communication.

Conclusion and implications for practice

Our study suggested that compared to SC, GFCC provided structured delivery of supportive communication between nurses and parents of premature infants. The intervention promoted the discovery of the parents' individual preferences and concerns, which enabled more focused communication, and set the stage for better nurse‐parent and parent‐parent understanding. We recommend GFCC as a method to improve communication in the neonatal intensive care unit.
Critical care nurses' experiences of helicopter transfers
Authors: Senften Jonah , Engström Åsa
Published: November 2013

Background

Intensive care is conducted in intensive care units (ICUs), and also during the transportation of critically ill people.

Aim

The aim of the study was to describe critical care nurses' (CCNs) experiences of nursing critically ill patients during helicopter transport.

Participants

Seven CCNs, five women and two men participated in this study.

Design

Seven participants from two centres in Sweden were recruited. The design uses an inductive, qualitative approach with data collected by means of qualitative interviews with seven CCNs.

Methods

The interviews were transcribed verbatim and subjected to qualitative thematic content analysis.

Results

The analysis resulted in one theme which is safe nursing care, but sometimes feeling afraid and six categories as follows: experiencing the care environment as an ICU with limited space; a loud environment complicates communication; planning and checking to minimize risks; experience and good co‐operation; facing the dilemma of allowing relatives to accompany the patient or not; feeling the patient's and their own fear.

Conclusion

CCNs plan for the transportation and control of patients to improve patient safety, but can sometimes feel afraid. Good co‐operation is necessary.

Relevance to clinical practice

The possibilities for CCNs to provide effective nursing care in helicopters are good, although in some cases limited by the environmental conditions.
Challenges in predicting which oral mucosal potentially malignant disease will progress to neoplasia
Authors: Scully C
Published: November 2013

Probably the greatest challenge to those managing patients with oral diseases is the dilemma of attempting to predict which oral erythroplakias, leukoplakias, lichenoid and other potentially malignant mucosal disease (PMD) such as oral submucous fibrosis will progress to neoplasia – notably oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The paper reviews progress over the past decade and the application to the clinical situation.
Cerebral blood flow in the neonate
Authors: Vutskits Laszlo
Published: November 2013

Ensuring adequate oxygenation of the developing brain is the cornerstone of neonatal critical care. Despite decades of clinical research dedicated to this issue of paramount importance, our knowledge and understanding regarding the physiology and pathophysiology of neonatal cerebral blood flow are still rudimentary. This review primarily focuses on currently available human clinical and experimental data on cerebral blood flow and autoregulation in the preterm and term infant. Limitations of systemic blood pressure values as surrogates for monitoring adequate cerebral oxygen delivery are discussed. Particular emphasis is placed on the high interindividual variability in cerebral blood flow values, vasoreactivity, and autoregulatory thresholds making the applications of normative values highly questionable. Technical and ethical difficulties to conduct such trials leave us with a near complete lack of knowledge on how pharmacological and surgical interventions impact on cerebral autoregulation. The ensemble of these works argues for the necessity of highly individualized care by taking advantage of continuous bedside monitoring of cerebral circulation. They also point to the urgent need for further studies addressing the exciting but difficult issue of cerebral blood flow autoregulation in the neonate.
Mercator: a fast and simple web server for genome scale functional annotation of plant sequence data
Authors: LOHSE MARC , NAGEL AXEL , HERTER THOMAS , MAY PATRICK , SCHRODA MICHAEL , ZRENNER RITA , TOHGE TAKAYUKI , FERNIE ALISDAIR R. , STITT MARK , USADEL BJÖRN
Published: November 2013

Next‐generation technologies generate an overwhelming amount of gene sequence data. Efficient annotation tools are required to make these data amenable to functional genomics analyses. The Mercator pipeline automatically assigns functional terms to protein or nucleotide sequences. It uses the MapMan ‘BIN’ ontology, which is tailored for functional annotation of plant ‘omics’ data. The classification procedure performs parallel sequence searches against reference databases, compiles the results and computes the most likely MapMan BINs for each query. In the current version, the pipeline relies on manually curated reference classifications originating from the three reference organisms (Arabidopsis, Chlamydomonas, rice), various other plant species that have a reviewed SwissProt annotation, and more than 2000 protein domain and family profiles at InterPro, CDD and KOG. Functional annotations predicted by Mercator achieve accuracies above 90% when benchmarked against manual annotation. In addition to mapping files for direct use in the visualization software MapMan, Mercator provides graphical overview charts, detailed annotation information in a convenient web browser interface and a MapMan‐to‐GO translation table to export results as GO terms. Mercator is available free of charge via http://mapman.gabipd.org/web/guest/app/Mercator.
Glucose inhibits root meristem growth via ABA INSENSITIVE 5, which represses PIN1 accumulation and auxin activity in Arabidopsis
Authors: YUAN TING‐TING , XU HENG‐HAO , ZHANG KUN‐XIAO , GUO TING‐TING , LU YING‐TANG
Published: November 2013

Glucose functions as a hormone‐like signalling molecule that modulates plant growth and development in Arabidopsis thaliana. However, the role of glucose in root elongation remains elusive. Our study demonstrates that high concentrations of glucose reduce the size of the root meristem zone by repressing PIN1 accumulation and thereby reducing auxin levels. In addition, we verified the involvement of ABA INSENSITIVE 5 (ABI5) in this process by showing that abi5‐1 is less sensitive to glucose than the wild type, whereas glucose induces ABI5 expression and the inducible overexpression of ABI5 reduces the size of the root meristem zone. Furthermore, the inducible overexpression of ABI5 in PIN1::PIN1‐GFP plants reduces the level of PIN1‐GFP, but glucose reduces the level of PIN1‐GFP to a lesser extent in abi5‐1 PIN1::PIN1‐GFP plants than in the PIN1::PIN1‐GFP control, suggesting that ABI5 is involved in glucose‐regulated PIN1 accumulation. Taken together, our data suggest that ABI5 functions in the glucose‐mediated inhibition of the root meristem zone by repressing PIN1 accumulation, thus leading to reduced auxin levels in roots.
Sporolithon tenue sp. nov. (Sporolithales, Corallinophycidae, Rhodophyta): A new rhodolith‐forming species from the tropical southwestern Atlantic
Authors: Bahia Ricardo G. , Amado‐Filho Gilberto M. , Maneveldt Gavin W. , Adey Walter H. , Johnson Gabriel , Marins Bianca V. , Longo Leila L.
Published: November 2013

A new species conforming to the generic description of Sporolithon was found forming small (1–3 cm in diameter) rhodoliths at 18–75 m depth on the eastern coast of Brazil. Sporolithon tenue Bahia, Amado‐Filho, Maneveldt et W.H. Adey, sp. nov. differs from other species of Sporolithon in having a thin, primary vegetative thallus of only 45–250 μm in thickness composed of up to 20 cell layers. Sporolithon tenue can build thicker crusts by overgrowths of thalli with new hypothallia. The absence of a layer of elongate cells at the base of the tetrasporangial chambers and the shedding of senescent tetrasporangial sori are also characters that separate the new species from all other currently recognized species within the genus. Observations from recently collected material and from herbarium specimens show that specimens previously designated as Sporolithon africanum (Foslie) J. Afonso‐Carillo in Brazil correspond to Sporolithon tenue. Molecular phylogenetic analyses of psbA sequence alignments show that the new species is phylogenetically distinct within the genus Sporolithon.
Managing Politics? Ethics Regulation and Conflicting Conceptions of “Good Conduct”
Authors: Cowell Richard , Downe James , Morgan Karen
Published: November 2013

Concern for fostering trust in public institutions has prompted many governments to invest in systems of ethics regulation, embracing various dimensions of good governance. This article assesses the impact of ethics regulation on the conduct of English local politicians using Foucauldian perspectives on government, power, and resistance. The research finds that ethics regulation encountered problems when politicians resisted the models of political identity and behavior that it was perceived to promote. Particular concentrations of misconduct complaints were identified in which politicians believed that changes to political management structures, designed to make local governance more effective, caused a loss of voice for elected representatives. Ethics regulation itself sometimes served as a device for controlling others and effecting resistance. The article concludes with reflections on how far we should expect political conduct to be managed by such regulatory practices.
The spatial and temporal distribution of grain‐size breaks in turbidites
Authors: Stevenson Christopher J. , Talling Peter J. , Masson Douglas G. , Sumner Esther J. , Frenz Michael , Wynn Russell B.
Published: November 2013

Grain‐size breaks are surfaces where abrupt changes in grain size occur vertically within deposits. Grain‐size breaks are common features in turbidites around the world, including ancient and modern systems. Despite their widespread occurrence, grain‐size breaks have been regarded as exceptional, and not included within idealized models of turbidity current deposition. This study uses ca 100 shallow sediment cores, from the Moroccan Turbidite System, to map out five turbidite beds for distances in excess of 2000 km. The vertical and spatial distributions of grain‐size breaks within these beds are examined. Five different types of grain‐size break are found: Type I – in proximal areas between coarse sand and finer grained structureless sand; Type II – in proximal areas between inversely graded sand overlain by finer sand; Type III – in proximal areas between sand overlain by ripple cross‐laminated finer sand; Type IV – throughout the system between clean sand and mud; and Type V – in distal areas between mud‐rich (debrite) sand and mud. This article interprets Types I and V as being generated by sharp vertical concentration boundaries, controlled by sediment and clay concentrations within the flows, whilst Types II and III are interpreted as products of spatial/temporal fluctuations in flow capacity. Type IV are interpreted as the product of fluid mud layers, which hinder the settling of non‐cohesive grains and bypasses them down slope. Decelerating suspensions with sufficient clay will always form cohesive layers near to bed, promoting the generation of Type IV grain‐size breaks. This may explain why Type IV grain‐size breaks are widespread in all five turbidites examined and are commonplace within turbidite sequences studied elsewhere. Therefore, Type IV grain‐size breaks should be understood as the norm, not the exception, and regarded as a typical feature within turbidite beds.
Construction and evaluation of a self rating scale for stress‐induced Exhaustion Disorder, the Karolinska Exhaustion Disorder Scale
Authors: Besèr Aniella , Sorjonen Kimmo , Wahlberg Kristina , Peterson Ulla , Nygren Åke , Åsberg Marie
Published: November 2013

Prolonged stress (≥ six months) may cause a condition which has been named exhaustion disorder (ED) with ICD‐10 code F43.8. ED is characterised by exhaustion, cognitive problems, poor sleep and reduced tolerance to further stress. ED can cause long term disability and depressive symptoms may develop. The aim was to construct and evaluate a self‐rating scale, the Karolinska Exhaustion Disorder Scale (KEDS), for the assessment of ED symptoms. A second aim was to examine the relationship between self‐rated symptoms of ED, depression, and anxiety using KEDS and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD). Items were selected based on their correspondence to criteria for ED as formulated by the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare (NBHW), with seven response alternatives in a Likert‐format. Self‐ratings performed by 317 clinically assessed participants were used to analyse the scale's psychometric properties. KEDS consists of nine items with a scale range of 0–54. Receiver operating characteristics analysis demonstrated that a cut‐off score of 19 was accompanied by high sensitivity and specificity (each above 95%) in the discrimination between healthy subjects and patients with ED. Reliability was satisfactory and confirmatory factor analysis revealed that ED, depression and anxiety are best regarded as different phenomena. KEDS may be a useful tool in the assessment of symptoms of Exhaustion Disorder in clinical as well as research settings. There is evidence that the symptom clusters of ED, anxiety and depression, respectively, reflect three different underlying dimensions.
Numbers defy the law of large numbers
Authors: Falk Ruma , Lann Avital Lavie
Published: November 2013

As the number of independent tosses of a fair coin grows, the rates of heads and tails tend to equality. This is misinterpreted by many students as being true also for the absolute numbers of the two outcomes, which, conversely, depart unboundedly from each other in the process. Eradicating that misconception, as by coin‐tossing experiments, should be incorporated early on into learning the law of large numbers.
Prevalence and clustering of soil‐transmitted helminth infections in a tribal area in southern India
Authors: Kaliappan Saravanakumar Puthupalayam , George Santosh , Francis Mark Rohit , Kattula Deepthi , Sarkar Rajiv , Minz Shantidani , Mohan Venkata Raghava , George Kuryan , Roy Sheela , Ajjampur Sitara Swarna Rao , Muliyil Jayaprakash , Kang Gagandeep
Published: November 2013

Objectives

To estimate the prevalence, spatial patterns and clustering in the distribution of soil‐transmitted helminth (STH) infections, and factors associated with hookworm infections in a tribal population in Tamil Nadu, India.

Methods

Cross‐sectional study with one‐stage cluster sampling of 22 clusters. Demographic and risk factor data and stool samples for microscopic ova/cysts examination were collected from 1237 participants. Geographical information systems mapping assessed spatial patterns of infection.

Results

The overall prevalence of STH was 39% (95% CI 36%–42%), with hookworm 38% (95% CI 35–41%) and Ascaris lumbricoides 1.5% (95% CI 0.8–2.2%). No Trichuris trichiura infection was detected. People involved in farming had higher odds of hookworm infection (1.68, 95% CI 1.31–2.17, P < 0.001). In the multiple logistic regression, adults (2.31, 95% CI 1.80–2.96, P < 0.001), people with pet cats (1.55, 95% CI 1.10–2.18, P = 0.011) and people who did not wash their hands with soap after defecation (1.84, 95% CI 1.27–2.67, P = 0.001) had higher odds of hookworm infection, but gender and poor usage of foot wear did not significantly increase risk. Cluster analysis, based on design effect calculation, did not show any clustering of cases among the study population; however, spatial scan statistic detected a significant cluster for hookworm infections in one village.

Conclusion

Multiple approaches including health education, improving the existing sanitary practices and regular preventive chemotherapy are needed to control the burden of STH in similar endemic areas.
The Pseudomonas syringae effector HopF2 suppresses Arabidopsis immunity by targeting BAK1
Authors: Zhou Jinggeng , Wu Shujing , Chen Xin , Liu Chenglong , Sheen Jen , Shan Libo , He Ping
Published: November 2013

Pseudomonas syringae delivers a plethora of effector proteins into host cells to sabotage immune responses and modulate physiology to favor infection. The P. syringae pv. tomato DC3000 effector HopF2 suppresses Arabidopsis innate immunity triggered by multiple microbe‐associated molecular patterns (MAMP) at the plasma membrane. We show here that HopF2 possesses distinct mechanisms for suppression of two branches of MAMP‐activated MAP kinase (MAPK) cascades. In addition to blocking MKK5 (MAPK kinase 5) activation in the MEKK1 (MAPK kinase kinase 1)/MEKKs–MKK4/5–MPK3/6 cascade, HopF2 targets additional component(s) upstream of MEKK1 in the MEKK1–MKK1/2–MPK4 cascade and the plasma membrane‐localized receptor‐like cytoplasmic kinase BIK1 and its homologs. We further show that HopF2 directly targets BAK1, a plasma membrane‐localized receptor‐like kinase that is involved in multiple MAMP signaling. The interaction between BAK1 and HopF2 and between two other P. syringae effectors, AvrPto and AvrPtoB, was confirmed in vivo and in vitro. Consistent with BAK1 as a physiological target of AvrPto, AvrPtoB and HopF2, the strong growth defects or lethality associated with ectopic expression of these effectors in wild‐type Arabidopsis transgenic plants were largely alleviated in bak1 mutant plants. Thus, our results provide genetic evidence to show that BAK1 is a physiological target of AvrPto, AvrPtoB and HopF2. Identification of BAK1 as an additional target of HopF2 virulence not only explains HopF2 suppression of multiple MAMP signaling at the plasma membrane, but also supports the notion that pathogen virulence effectors act through multiple targets in host cells.
Computational Studies on Metal Foam and Heat Pipe Enhanced Latent Thermal Energy Storage
Authors: Nithyanandam K. , Pitchumani R.
Published: November 2013

Thermal energy storage is a distinguishing component of a concentrating solar power (CSP) system, which enables uninterrupted operation of plant during periods of cloudy or intermittent solar availability. Latent thermal energy storage (LTES) which utilizes phase change material (PCM) as a heat storage medium is attractive due to its high energy storage density and low capital cost. However, the low thermal conductivity of the PCM restricts its solidification rate, leading to inefficient heat transfer between the PCM and the heat transfer fluid which carries thermal energy to the power block. To address this limitation, LTES embedded with heat pipes and PCM's stored within the framework of porous metal foam that have one to two orders of magnitude higher thermal conductivity than the PCM are considered in the present study. A transient, computational analysis of the metal foam enhanced LTES system with embedded heat pipes is performed to investigate the enhancement in the thermal performance of the system for different arrangements of heat pipes and design parameters of metal foam, during both charging and discharging operation.
Cyclic Pressure and Angiotensin II Influence the Biomechanical Properties of Aortic Valves
Authors: Myles Valtresa , Liao Jun , Warnock James N.
Published: November 2013

Hypertension is a known risk factor for aortic stenosis. The elevated blood pressure increases the transvalvular load and can elicit inflammation and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling. Elevated cyclic pressure and the vasoactive agent angiotensin II (Ang II) both promote collagen synthesis, an early hallmark of aortic sclerosis. In the current study, it was hypothesized that elevated cyclic pressure and/or angiotensin II decreases extensibility of aortic valve leaflets due to an increase in collagen content and/or interstitial cell stiffness. Porcine aortic valve leaflets were exposed to pressure conditions of increasing magnitude (static atmospheric pressure, 80, and 120 mmHg) with and without 10−6 M Ang II. Biaxial mechanical testing was performed to determine extensibility in the circumferential and radial directions and collagen content was determined using a quantitative dye-binding method at 24 and 48 h. Isolated aortic valve interstitial cells exposed to the same experimental conditions were subjected to atomic force microscopy to assess cellular stiffness at 24 h. Leaflet tissue incubated with Ang II decreased tissue extensibility in the radial direction, but not in the circumferential direction. Elevated cyclic pressure decreased extensibility in both the radial and circumferential directions. Ang II and elevated cyclic pressure both increased the collagen content in leaflet tissue. Interstitial cells incubated with Ang II were stiffer than those incubated without Ang II while elevated cyclic pressure caused a decrease in cell stiffness. The results of the current study demonstrated that both pressure and Ang II play a role in altering the biomechanical properties of aortic valve leaflets. Ang II and elevated cyclic pressure decreased the extensibility of aortic valve leaflet tissue. Ang II induced direction specific changes in extensibility, demonstrating different response mechanisms. These findings help to provide a better understanding of the responses of aortic valves to mechanical and biochemical changes that occur under hypertensive conditions.
A method to synchronize signals from multiple patient monitoring devices through a single input channel for inclusion in list‐mode acquisitions
Authors: O’Connor J. Michael , Pretorius P. Hendrik , Johnson Karen , King Michael A.
Published: November 2013

Purpose:

This technical note documents a method that the authors developed for combining a signal to synchronize a patient‐monitoring device with a second physiological signal for inclusion into list‐mode acquisition. Our specific application requires synchronizing an external patient motion‐tracking system with a medical imaging system by multiplexing the tracking input with the ECG input. The authors believe that their methodology can be adapted for use in a variety of medical imaging modalities including single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and positron emission tomography (PET).

Methods:

The authors insert a unique pulse sequence into a single physiological input channel. This sequence is then recorded in the list‐mode acquisition along with the R‐wave pulse used for ECG gating. The specific form of our pulse sequence allows for recognition of the time point being synchronized even when portions of the pulse sequence are lost due to collisions with R‐wave pulses. This was achieved by altering our software used in binning the list‐mode data to recognize even a portion of our pulse sequence. Limitations on heart rates at which our pulse sequence could be reliably detected were investigated by simulating the mixing of the two signals as a function of heart rate and time point during the cardiac cycle at which our pulse sequence is mixed with the cardiac signal.

Results:

The authors have successfully achieved accurate temporal synchronization of our motion‐tracking system with acquisition of SPECT projections used in 17 recent clinical research cases. In our simulation analysis the authors determined that synchronization to enable compensation for body and respiratory motion could be achieved for heart rates up to 125 beats‐per‐minute (bpm).

Conclusions:

Synchronization of list‐mode acquisition with external patient monitoring devices such as those employed in motion‐tracking can reliably be achieved using a simple method that can be implemented using minimal external hardware and software modification through a single input channel, while still recording cardiac gating signals.
Automated evaluation of setup errors in carbon ion therapy using PET: Feasibility study
Authors: Kuess Peter , Helmbrecht Stephan , Fiedler Fine , Birkfellner Wolfgang , Enghardt Wolfgang , Hopfgartner Johannes , Georg Dietmar
Published: November 2013

Purpose:

To investigate the possibility of detecting patient mispositioning in carbon‐ion therapy with particle therapy positron emission tomography (PET) in an automated image registration based manner.

Methods:

Tumors in the head and neck (H&N), pelvic, lung, and brain region were investigated. Biologically optimized carbon ion treatment plans were created with TRiP98. From these treatment plans, the reference β+‐activity distributions were calculated using a Monte Carlo simulation. Setup errors were simulated by shifting or rotating the computed tomography (CT). The expected β+ activity was calculated for each plan with shifts. Finally, the reference particle therapy PET images were compared to the “shifted” β+‐activity distribution simulations using the Pearsonˈs correlation coefficient (PCC). To account for different PET monitoring options the inbeam PET was compared to three different inroom scenarios. Additionally, the dosimetric effects of the CT misalignments were investigated.

Results:

The automated PCC detection of patient mispositioning was possible in the investigated indications for cranio‐caudal shifts of 4 mm and more, except for prostate tumors. In the rather homogeneous pelvic region, the generated β+‐activity distribution of the reference and compared PET image were too much alike. Thus, setup errors in this region could not be detected. Regarding lung lesions the detection strongly depended on the exact tumor location: in the center of the lung tumor misalignments could be detected down to 2 mm shifts while resolving shifts of tumors close to the thoracic wall was more challenging. Rotational shifts in the H&N and lung region of +6° and more could be detected using inroom PET and partly using inbeam PET. Comparing inroom PET to inbeam PET no obvious trend was found. However, among the inroom scenarios a longer measurement time was found to be advantageous.

Conclusions:

This study scopes the use of various particle therapy PET verification techniques in four indications. The automated detection of patientsˈ setup errors was investigated in a broad accumulation of data sets. The evaluation of introduced setup errors is performed automatically, which is of utmost importance to introduce highly required particle therapy monitoring devices into the clinical routine.