bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The efficacy and safety of sodium hyaluronate injection (Adant®) in treating degenerative osteoarthritis: a multi‐center, randomized, double‐blind, positive‐drug parallel‐controlled and non‐inferiority clinical study
Authors: Xin Yang , Jianhao Lin , Tiansheng Sun , Yongqiang Hao , Weimin Fan , Ming Chen , Tiezheng Sun , Jianhua Yao , Liang Xuan , Xiaoyuan Gu , Yongping Cao
Published: November 2015

Objective

To compare the efficacy and safety of two different sodium hyaluronate drugs in treating degenerative osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee.

Method

This randomized, multi‐center, double‐blind, positive‐drug, parallel‐controlled study included 229 patients aged ≥ 45 years who were clinically diagnosed with degenerative OA of the knee. The patients were randomly assigned to receive for 5 consecutive weeks a once‐weekly intra‐articular injection of the investigational drug Adant®, which is manufactured by fermentation, or the control drug Artz®, which is manufactured by extraction of cockscomb. The follow‐up examinations were conducted 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 weeks after the first injection. The primary efficacy parameter was the decrease in the visual analog scale (VAS) scores of pain on movement caused by load‐bearing, and the secondary efficacy parameter was the decrease in the Lequesne index.

Results

The intra‐articular injections of Adant® and Artz® produced a significant reduction in the VAS scores for pain on movement (50.4 and 50.3 mm, respectively) and in the Lequesne index. There were no significant differences in efficacy and safety between the two drugs and non‐inferiority in VAS score decreases was confirmed.

Conclusion

The results of this study show that both Adant® and Artz® are effective for the treatment of OA and that there were no statistical differences between them in the VAS scores of pain on movement, Lequesne index or safety during the observation period with short‐time follow up.
Research design considerations to ensure detection of all species in an avian community
Authors: Sliwinski Maggi , Powell Larkin , Koper Nicola , Giovanni Matthew , Schacht Walter
Published: November 2015

Recent advances in the estimation of species richness from count data have allowed avian ecologists to incorporate incomplete detectability of species when comparing richness across space or time. Raw counts from single or repeated visits to sample point(s) are nonetheless still used for assessing community composition, and the failure to account for detectability when making these evaluations may lead to incorrect inferences about the community.

We estimated detection probabilities (P) for a suite of bird species and used these detection probabilities to determine the minimum number of visits at a single point and the minimum number of points in a grid required to confidently (≥90%) detect the full community of birds for rare, moderately rare, and common species. We used occupancy modelling to estimate the detection probabilities for species from two study sites in Nebraska and Saskatchewan.

Some common or highly detectable species were confidently detected in a single visit to a point, whereas others with low detection probabilities (P < 0·20) required more than ten visits to be confidently detected at a point. The grid size required to detect a species in an area varied from a single point for a common highly detectable species to over 30 points for a rare species with low detectability.

Detection probabilities of the least detectable species in a study area can be used to determine the number of visits to a single point or the number of points in a grid to be confident that the full community is detected. Biologists can conclude that a species is most likely absent from the community if it remains undetected using the appropriate sampling effort.
Microbiota Protects Mice Against Acute Alcohol‐Induced Liver Injury
Authors: Chen Peng , Miyamoto Yukiko , Mazagova Magdalena , Lee Kuei‐Chuan , Eckmann Lars , Schnabl Bernd
Published: November 2015

Background

Our aim is to investigate the physiological relevance of the intestinal microbiota in alcohol‐induced liver injury. Chronic alcohol abuse is associated with intestinal bacterial overgrowth, increased intestinal permeability, and translocation of microbial products from the intestine to the portal circulation and liver. Translocated microbial products contribute to experimental alcoholic liver disease.

Methods

We subjected germ‐free and conventional C57BL/6 mice to a model of acute alcohol exposure that mimics binge drinking.

Results

Germ‐free mice showed significantly greater liver injury and inflammation after oral gavage of ethanol (EtOH) compared with conventional mice. In parallel, germ‐free mice exhibited increased hepatic steatosis and up‐regulated expression of genes involved in fatty acid and triglyceride synthesis compared with conventional mice after acute EtOH administration. The absence of microbiota was also associated with increased hepatic expression of EtOH‐metabolizing enzymes, which led to faster EtOH elimination from the blood and lower plasma EtOH concentrations. Intestinal levels of EtOH‐metabolizing genes showed regional expression differences and were overall higher in germ‐free mice relative to conventional mice.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that absence of the intestinal microbiota increases hepatic EtOH metabolism and the susceptibility to binge‐like alcohol drinking.
Acute and Chronic Ethanol Administration Differentially Modulate Hepatic Autophagy and Transcription Factor EB
Authors: Thomes Paul G. , Trambly Casey S. , Fox Howard S. , Tuma Dean J. , Donohue Terrence M.
Published: November 2015

Background

Chronic ethanol (EtOH) consumption decelerates the catabolism of long‐lived proteins, indicating that it slows hepatic macroautophagy (hereafter called autophagy) a crucial lysosomal catabolic pathway in most eukaryotic cells. Autophagy and lysosome biogenesis are linked. Both are regulated by the transcription factor EB (TFEB). Here, we tested whether TFEB can be used as a singular indicator of autophagic activity, by quantifying its nuclear content in livers of mice subjected to acute and chronic EtOH administration. We correlated nuclear TFEB to specific indices of autophagy.

Methods

In acute experiments, we gavaged GFP‐LC3tg mice with a single dose of EtOH or with phosphate buffered saline (PBS). We fed mice chronically by feeding them control or EtOH liquid diets.

Results

Compared with PBS‐gavaged controls, livers of EtOH‐gavaged mice exhibited greater autophagosome (AV) numbers, a higher incidence of AV‐lysosome co‐localization, and elevated levels of free GFP, all indicating enhanced autophagy, which correlated with a higher nuclear content of TFEB. Compared with pair‐fed controls, livers of EtOH‐fed mice exhibited higher AV numbers, but had lower lysosome numbers, lower AV‐lysosome co‐localization, higher P62/SQSTM1 levels, and lower free GFP levels. The latter findings correlated with lower nuclear TFEB levels in EtOH‐fed mice. Thus, enhanced autophagy after acute EtOH gavage correlated with a higher nuclear TFEB content. Conversely, chronic EtOH feeding inhibited hepatic autophagy, associated with a lower nuclear TFEB content.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that the effect of acute EtOH gavage on hepatic autophagy differs significantly from that after chronic EtOH feeding. Each regimen distinctly affects TFEB localization, which in turn, regulates hepatic autophagy and lysosome biogenesis.
A regulatory gene network related to the porcine umami taste receptor (TAS1R1/TAS1R3)
Authors: Kim J. M. , Ren D. , Reverter A. , Roura E.
Published: November 2015

Taste perception plays an important role in the mediation of food choices in mammals. The first porcine taste receptor genes identified, sequenced and characterized,TAS1R1andTAS1R3,were related to the dimeric receptor for umami taste. However, little is known about their regulatory network. The objective of this study was to unfold the genetic network involved in porcine umami taste perception. We performed a meta‐analysis of 20 gene expression studies spanning 480 porcine microarray chips and screened 328 taste‐related genes by selective mining steps among the available 12 320 genes. A porcine umami taste‐specific regulatory network was constructed based on the normalized coexpression data of the 328 genes across 27 tissues. From the network, we revealed the ‘taste module’ and identified a coexpression cluster for the umami taste according to the first connector with theTAS1R1/TAS1R3genes. Our findings identify several taste‐related regulatory genes and extend previous genetic background of porcine umami taste.
Decline in hunter offtake of blue duikers in Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea
Authors: Grande‐Vega María , Farfán Miguel Ángel , Ondo Ambrosio , Fa Julia E.
Published: November 2015

The blue duiker (Philantomba monticola) is an abundant and widely distributed ungulate in continental sub‐Saharan Africa. High hunting pressure throughout its range may be particularly threatening to the persistence of island populations of the species. In this study, we assessed offtake of blue duikers in Pico Basilé, Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea. We recorded the number of animals shot or snared by 46 commercial hunters over a 33‐month period, and the location (elevation) of each animal hunted. From this, we estimated catch per hunter (CH), catch per hunting day (CD) and catch per unit effort (CPUE). The number of duikers shot or snared across the study period, significantly declined within the mid‐altitude range (901–1500 m). There were no significant drops in CH or CPUE at low or high altitudes for snared animals. The ratio of immature‐to‐adult animals hunted increased significantly over time within the mid‐altitude range. We suggest that these trends in offtake, especially in the more heavily hunted mid‐altitudes of the study area, indicate a decline in the population within this range. If this situation is widespread throughout the island, it is likely that unregulated bushmeat hunting will have devastating consequences to the biodiversity of Bioko Island, particularly for heavily hunted species that are naturally less abundant.
Successful Implantation from the Embryonic Aspect
Authors: Szekeres‐Bartho Julia
Published: November 2015

Problem

Implantation failure is common in women with advanced maternal age, partly because of the increased number of aneuploid embryos. These women constitute the majority of patients for IVF treatment. As multiple pregnancies is a major hazard of preterm delivery, the aim is to select a competent embryo for single transfer. This study reviews currently used methods for selecting the competent embryo.

Method of the study

Literature search.

Results

The clinical value of currently used tests, for example pre‐implantation genetic screening for aneuploidy, embryo morphology, morphokinetic measurements, extended culture to the blastocyst stage, as well as analysis of the follicular fluid and amino acid and glucose metabolism as well as oxygen consumption in embryo culture media, are discussed.

Conclusion

Several approaches look promising, but the clinical value of these is yet to be confirmed in randomized clinical trials. Furthermore, some of the methods are too complicated for routine clinical application.
Spitz naevi and melanomas with similar dermoscopic patterns: can confocal microscopy differentiate?
Authors: Guida S. , Pellacani G. , Cesinaro A.M. , Moscarella E. , Argenziano G. , Farnetani F. , Bonamonte D. , Longo C.
Published: November 2015

Background

Differentiating Spitz naevi from melanomas can be difficult both clinically and dermoscopically. Previous studies have reported the potential role of in vivo reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) in increasing diagnostic accuracy.

Objectives

To define RCM criteria that can differentiate ‘false twins’, namely Spitz naevi and melanomas sharing similar dermoscopic appearance.

Methods

Lesions histopathologically diagnosed as Spitz naevi or melanomas were retrospectively retrieved. They were selected to cover all dermoscopic types and were put into couples sharing similar aspects. Lesions were classified into three main dermoscopic categories: globular and starburst pattern, spitzoid with dotted vessels, and multicomponent or aspecific pattern.

Results

RCM findings revealed that striking cell pleomorphism within the epidermis, widespread atypical cells at the dermoepidermal junction and marked pleomorphism within nests were significantly associated with the diagnosis of melanoma, while spindled cells and peripheral clefting were found exclusively with and pathognomonic of Spitz naevi. Furthermore, the analysis of a dermoscopic subgroup highlights the importance of striking pleomorphism and spindled cells as clues to differentiate ‘false twins’ with globular or starburst patterns.

Conclusions

The current study highlights the role of RCM in discriminating ‘false twins’ of Spitz naevi and melanomas for lesions showing starburst and globular patterns on dermoscopy, whereas RCM is not useful in the other dermoscopic subgroups.
The reality of cancer treatment in a developing country: the effects of delayed TKI treatment on survival, cytogenetic and molecular responses in chronic myeloid leukaemia patients
Authors: Kurtovic‐Kozaric Amina , Hasic Azra , Radich Jerald P. , Bijedic Vildan , Nefic Hilada , Eminovic Izet , Kurtovic Sabira , Colakovic Ferida , Kozaric Mirza , Vranic Semir , Bovan Nada S.
Published: November 2015

Cancer patients in developing and low‐income countries have limited access to target therapies. For example, tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy for chronic myeloid leukaemia patients (CML) is often delayed. In Bosnia, 16% of patients received immediate TKI treatment (<3 months of diagnosis), while 66% of patients received therapy after a median 14‐month wait period. To assess the effect of delayed treatment on outcome, three patient groups were studied according to the time they received TKI treatment (0–5 months, 6–12 months and >13 months delay). The primary endpoints were complete cytogenetic (CCyR) and major molecular response (MMR) at 12 months. At 12 months of therapy, CCyR and MMR rates on imatinib decreased significantly: CCyR was achieved in 67% of patients in the immediate imatinib treatment group, 18% of patients in 6–12 months group and 15% of patients in >13 months wait group. MMR rates at 12 months occurred in 10% of patients with immediate treatment, 6% of those in 6–12 months group and 0% of patients in >13 months wait group. However, CCyR and MMR rates in patients on nilotinib were not associated with duration of treatment delay. Our data suggests that the deleterious effect of a prolonged TKI therapy delay may be ameliorated by the more active TKI nilotinib.
Urethral recurrence after cystectomy: current preventative measures, diagnosis and management
Authors: Chan Yvonne , Fisher Patrick , Tilki Derya , Evans Christopher P.
Published: November 2015

To summarise the current literature on the diagnosis and management of urethral recurrence (UR) after radical cystectomy (RC), as UR after RC is rare but associated with high mortality. With the recently increased use of orthotopic bladder substitution and the questionable benefit of prophylactic urethrectomy, identification of patients at high risk of UR, management of the remnant urethra, and treatment of UR become critical questions. A review of the PubMed database from 1980 to 2014 was performed to identify studies evaluating recurrent urothelial cancer of the urethra after RC. The search terms used included ‘urethral recurrence’, ‘cystectomy’ or ‘cystoprostatectomy’. Selected studies provided information on the type of urinary diversion performed, the incidence of UR, and the time to UR. Incidence of UR after RC ranges from 1% to 8% with most recurrences occurring within the first 2 years after surgery. Increased risk of UR is associated with involvement of the prostate, tumour multifocality, bladder neck involvement, and cutaneous diversion. The median overall survival after UR ranges from 6 to 54 months and the 5‐year disease‐specific survival after UR is reported to be between zero and 83%. UR remains a relatively rare event. Current literature suggests that urethral wash cytology may be useful in patients with intermediate‐ to high‐risk of recurrence to enable early detection of non‐invasive disease, which may be amenable to conservative therapy before urethrectomy.
Validation of administrative data case definitions for gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Bowker S. L. , Savu A. , Lam N. K. , Johnson J. A. , Kaul P.
Published: November 2015

Aim

To examine, using administrative data, the validity of two algorithms for identifying gestational diabetes mellitus: 1) the current National Diabetes Surveillance System algorithm for excluding gestational diabetes cases and 2) gestational diabetes‐specific ICD codes in the delivery‐related hospitalization.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of all women, aged 18–54 years, residing in Alberta, Canada, with singleton deliveries between 1 April 1999 and 31 March 2010. We linked Alberta Perinatal Health Program data on all deliveries to administrative claims data from Alberta Health using the mother's personal health number. For both gestational diabetes algorithms, we calculated the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and agreement, using gestational diabetes identified in the Alberta Perinatal Health Program as the ‘gold standard’.

Results

Our study sample consisted of 411 390 deliveries for 273 152 women. The mean (sd) age was 29.1 (5.6) years and 82.3% of the women were white. Crude rates of gestational diabetes were 3.9% (16 215 cases), 1.3% (5189 cases) and 4.0% (16 440 cases) according to the Alberta Perinatal Health Program, National Diabetes Surveillance System and ICD code‐based algorithms, respectively. Compared with the Alberta Perinatal Health Program database, the National Diabetes Surveillance System algorithm had a sensitivity of 25% and specificity of 100%, whereas the gestational diabetes‐specific ICD code‐based algorithm had a sensitivity of 86% and specificity of 99%.

Conclusions

The National Diabetes Surveillance System algorithm underestimates the number of gestational diabetes cases. A more valid mechanism to identify gestational diabetes prevalence using health administrative data is the use of gestational diabetes‐specific ICD‐9/10 codes in the delivery hospitalization.
Infection of ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma ulmi’ reduces the protein content and alters the activity of detoxifying enzymes in Amplicephalus curtulus
Authors: Arismendi Nolberto L. , Reyes Maritza , Miller Sally A. , Wijeratne Asela J. , Carrillo Roberto
Published: November 2015

It has been reported that insecticide‐detoxifying enzymes such as glutathione S‐transferases (GST) and esterases are affected by microbial infections in hemipteran insect vectors. The total protein content, and GST and α‐ and β‐esterase activities were quantified in ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma ulmi’‐infected and uninfected adults of Amplicephalus curtulus Linnavuori & DeLong (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) at 25, 35, and 45 days after the acquisition access period (AAP) in the head‐thorax and abdomen sections. The total protein content was lower in phytoplasma‐infected leafhoppers 25, 35, and 45 days after the AAP. Thirty‐five days after the AAP, the GST and β‐esterase activities had increased (26 and 69%, respectively) compared to the control. However, 45 days after the AAP, the phytoplasma‐infected leafhoppers displayed lower GST (87%) and β‐esterase (253%) activities than the uninfected individuals. On the other hand, the α‐esterase activity proved to be unaffected by the phytoplasma infection. Forty‐five days after the AAP, females had a higher phytoplasma titer (46%) in their head‐thorax than in their abdomen sections, whereas males showed a higher titer in their abdomens (75%). In addition, the GST and β‐esterase activities in the abdomen were affected negatively by 96–98% as a result of the increasing ‘Ca. Phytoplasma ulmi’ titer. These results indicate that an infection of ‘Ca. Phytoplasma ulmi’ alters the metabolic activities of A. curtulus.
Common Wall Lizard Females (Podarcis muralis) do not Actively Choose Males Based on their Colour Morph
Authors: Sacchi Roberto , Ghitti Michele , Scali Stefano , Mangiacotti Marco , Zuffi Marco A.L. , Sannolo Marco , Coladonato Alan J. , Pasquesi Giulia , Bovo Matteo , Pellitteri‐Rosa Daniele
Published: November 2015

Identifying the processes that lead to the evolution and maintenance of links between colour morphs and behavioural strategies has implications for the evolution of reproductive isolation and sympatric speciation. Sexual selection may play a significant role in the evolution of colour pattern complexity in reptiles, particularly when there are fitness consequences associated with mating with males of different colour morphs. In this article, we explored if common wall lizard females (Podarcis muralis) actively select males according to their morph in a colour‐assortative pattern using a multiple‐choice experiment with both visual and chemical cues. We failed to identify female active mate choice, as females did not choose males based on male colouration or femoral pore secretions. Indeed, females equally entered the three preference compartments and spent nearly the same amount of time within them, irrespective of both colour and odour of males. Consequently, our results do not support the hypothesis that colour polymorphism in this species may be driven by colour‐assortative mating promoted by females. However, we cannot exclude the possibility that females may choose males according to their colour following a flexible choice strategy, nor the possibility that females actively discriminate among males according to qualities that are not directly related to morph‐specific strategies.
Wait Until Dark? Daily Activity Patterns and Nest Predation by Snakes
Authors: DeGregorio Brett A. , Sperry Jinelle H. , Ward Michael P. , Weatherhead Patrick J.
Published: November 2015

Predation involves costs and benefits, so predators should employ tactics that reduce their risk of injury or death and that increase their success at capturing prey. One potential way that predators could decrease risk and increase benefits is by attacking prey at night when risks may be reduced and prey more vulnerable. Because some snakes are facultatively nocturnal and prey on bird nests during the day and night, they are ideal for assessing the costs and benefits of diurnal vs. nocturnal predation. We used automated radiotelemetry and cameras to investigate predation on nesting birds by two species of snakes, one diurnal and the other facultatively nocturnal. We predicted that snakes preying on nests at night should experience less parental nest defence and capture more adults and nestlings. Rat snakes (Pantherophis obsoletus) were relatively inactive at night (23–36% activity) but nearly always preyed on nests after dark (80% of nest predations). Conversely, racers (Coluber constrictor) were exclusively diurnal and preyed on nests during the times of day they were most active. These results are consistent with rat snakes strategically using their capacity for facultative nocturnal activity to prey on nests at night. The likely benefit is reduced nest defence because birds defended their nests less vigourously at night. Consistent with nocturnal predation being safer, rat snake predation events lasted three times longer at night than during the day (26 vs. 8 min). Nocturnal nest predation did not make nests more profitable by increasing the likelihood of capturing adults or removing premature fledging of nestlings. The disconnect between rat snake activity and timing of nest predation seems most consistent with rat snakes locating prey during the day using visual cues but waiting until dark to prey on nests when predation is safer, although designing a direct test of this hypothesis will be challenging.
Legal ‘Elasticity’ and ‘Sidestepping’ in European Crisis Management of Financial Markets
Authors: Dorn Nicholas
Published: November 2015

This paper explores the roles played by law in crisis management of financial markets and some possible consequences. Three questions are raised ‐‐about the ‘elastic’ use of law, about ‘sidestepping’ existing legal order by invention of new structures and about redistributive consequences. These questions are appraised empirically in relation to three areas of financial market law: public support given to banking from 2008 onwards; English case law concerning derivatives contracts when confronted with Lehman‐style insolvencies; and the European Stability Mechanism, which during summer 2015 was being primed in relation to Greece. On the first two case studies, law, having been mightily stretched, did not break. Likewise, legal sidestepping, as epitomised by the European Stability Mechanism, may result in a less coherent legal structure; however such incoherence may be not be fatal to the ensemble. On all three fronts, redistributive questions remain controversial, but controversy in itself does not undermine legal structures. A particular form of theory, the Legal Theory of Finance, is discussed in light of the case studies. Such theory may have an unfulfilled longing to discern law‐like regularities (ironically chasing economics).
Proxemics in Couple Interactions: Rekindling an Old Optic
Authors: Sluzki Carlos E.
Published: November 2015

Utilizing as a lens the interpersonal implications of physical interpersonal distances in social contexts (a set of variables present during the professional discourse during the 1960s and 1970s, to then fade away), this article explores interactive process displayed by the protagonic couple in Bela Bartok's opera “Bluebeard Castle,” an exercise aimed at underlining the value of maintaining proxemics as an explicit level of observation for clinical practice and interpersonal research.
Critical reflections about current ‘CAM’ research and advocacy
Authors: Ernst Edzard
Published: November 2015

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is an area that has become tolerated or even accepted by most conventional healthcare professionals and favoured by many consumers. Yet, critical thinkers might find it hard not to note the many problems and contradictions in this field. This article is an attempt to explore some of the problems that exist in current CAM advocacy and research. For the most part, these reflections are based on the author's 20 years of experience as a CAM researcher rather than on citable evidence.
Container Transshipment and Logistics in the Context of Urban Economic Development
Authors: Slack Brian , Gouvernal Elisabeth
Published: November 2015

It is widely recognised that there are strong relationships between containerisation and supply chains that are giving rise to significant clusters of logistics firms around the large gateway ports, which helps reinforce the status of many as global cities. Recent research, policy documents and regional development strategies suggest that transshipment hubs should be able to develop logistics businesses as well. In this paper, it is argued that the differences between gateway ports and transshipment hubs are very great, and that while the shipping lines have been eager to establish transshipment in many locations, logistics firms are reluctant to follow. A number of reasons for this to be the case are examined, including the long‐term uncertainty of shipping services to transshipment hubs, the costs of stripping containers in hub ports with no scale advantages, the distance from major markets, and the limited volume of actual goods available in most hubs. Empirical evidence is presented to demonstrate the weakness of hubs as logistics centres, the major exception being Singapore. The evidence presented suggests that the economic development potential for cities developing as transshipment hubs is much more limited than suggested in the literature.
The importance of time frames in Swedish Home and Consumer Studies
Authors: Lindblom Cecilia , Erixon Arreman Inger , Bohm Ingela , Hörnell Agneta
Published: November 2015

The aim of this study was to explore how time frames affect pupils and teachers in cooking activities during lessons of different durations for Home and Consumer Studies, with a specific focus on the pupils’ experiences. To investigate this, classroom observations were carried out in 2011 and 2012, with the help of audio and video recordings in three different schools in Sweden and included altogether 22 pupils (18 girls, 4 boys) in grade 9 (15–16 years). Each class was observed during two separate lessons, lasting between 1 h 50 min (110 minutes) and 2 h 20 min (140 min). The six lessons resulted in 12 h of video recorded time and 80 h of sound recordings. The study showed that the importance of finishing on time seemed to be ingrained in most pupils in all classes and the end result was perceived as more important than the process of cooking. The study also showed that knowledge of cooking skills and time management seemed important for success in grade‐related tasks. Pupils demonstrated different ways of handling the time frames, e.g. using various methods to speed up the cooking process. This study raises important questions about the relationship between national and local time frames and the curriculum aims in Home and Consumer Studies.
Endogenous ligands of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor regulate lung dendritic cell function
Authors: Thatcher Thomas H. , Williams Marc A. , Pollock Stephen J. , McCarthy Claire E. , Lacy Shannon H. , Phipps Richard P. , Sime Patricia J.
Published: November 2015

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a transcription factor that has been extensively studied as a regulator of toxicant metabolism. However, recent evidence indicates that the AhR also plays an important role in immunity. We hypothesized that the AhR is a novel, immune regulator of T helper type 2 (Th2) ‐mediated allergic airway disease. Here, we report that AhR‐deficient mice develop increased allergic responses to the model allergen ovalbumin (OVA), which are driven in part by increased dendritic cell (DC) functional activation. AhR knockout (AhR−/−) mice sensitized and challenged with OVA develop an increased inflammatory response in the lung compared with wild‐type controls, with greater numbers of inflammatory eosinophils and neutrophils, greater T‐cell proliferation, greater production of Th2 cytokines, and higher levels of OVA‐specific IgE and IgG1. Lung DCs from AhR−/− mice stimulated antigen‐specific proliferation and Th2 cytokine production by naive T cells in vitro. Additionally, AhR−/− DCs produced higher levels of tumour necrosis factor‐α and interleukin‐6, which promote Th2 differentiation, and expressed higher cell surface levels of stimulatory MHC Class II and CD86 molecules. Overall, loss of the AhR was associated with enhanced T‐cell activation by pulmonary DCs and heightened pro‐inflammatory allergic responses. This suggests that endogenous AhR ligands are involved in the normal regulation of Th2‐mediated immunity in the lung via a DC‐dependent mechanism. Therefore, the AhR may represent an important target for therapeutic intervention in allergic airways inflammation.
Diagnostic accuracy for apical and chronic periodontitis biomarkers in gingival crevicular fluid: an exploratory study
Authors: Baeza Mauricio , Garrido Mauricio , Hernández‐Ríos Patricia , Dezerega Andrea , García‐Sesnich Jocelyn , Strauss Franz , Aitken Juan Pablo , Lesaffre Emmanuel , Vanbelle Sophie , Gamonal Jorge , Brignardello‐Petersen Romina , Tervahartiala Taina , Sorsa Timo , Hernández Marcela
Published: November 2015

Aim

The aim of this study was to assess the levels and diagnostic accuracy of a set of potential biomarkers of periodontal tissue metabolism in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) from patients with chronic periodontitis (CP) and asymptomatic apical periodontitis ( AAP).

Materials and Methods

Thirty one GCF samples from 11 CP patients, 44 GCF samples from 38 AAP patients and 31 GCF samples from 13 healthy volunteers were obtained (N = 106). Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) ‐2 and ‐9 were determined by zymography; levels of MMP‐8 by ELISA and IFMA and MPO by ELISA. IL‐1, IL‐6, TNFα, DKK‐1, Osteonectin, Periostin, TRAP‐5 and OPG were determined by a multiplex quantitative panel. Statistical analysis was performed using linear mixed‐effects models.

Results

The MMP‐9 and MMP‐8 were higher in CP, followed by AAP, versus healthy individuals (p < 0.05). ProMMP‐2, MPO, IL‐1, IL‐6, PTN, TRAP‐5 and OPG were significantly higher in CP when compared with AAP and healthy patients (p < 0.05). The highest diagnostic accuracies were observed for ProMMP‐2, ProMMP‐9, MMP‐8 and TRAP‐5 (AUC > 0.97) in CP, and for the active form of MMP‐9 and MMP‐8 (AUC > 0.90) in AAP.

Conclusion

Gingival crevicular fluid composition is modified by CP and AAP. MMP‐9 and MMP‐8 show diagnostic potential for CP and AAP, whereas MMP‐2 and TRAP‐5 are useful only for CP.
Determining optimal threshold for statins prescribing: individualization of statins treatment for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease
Authors: Djulbegovic Benjamin , Tsalatsanis Athanasios , Hozo Iztok
Published: November 2015

Rationale, aims and objectives

The American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) statin guidelines recommend that people with risk of cardio‐vascular disease (CVD) ≥7.5% over 10 years should be treated with statins. This recommendation ignores individual patient CVD risks and preferences. We compared the ACC/AHA guidelines to the following management strategies a) individualized statins treatment based on Framingham Risk Score (FRS), b) treat none, c) treat all.

Methods

We employed regret‐based decision curve analysis to evaluate the optimal treatment strategy. We used data on 5013 participants from the second generation of the Framingham Heart Study. We assessed regret of each treatment strategy [treat according to FRS vs. treat none vs. treat all] as a function of emotionally felt loss of treatment benefits and incurred treatment harms. We calculated the difference between regret associated with one strategy compared with the other and expressed it as Net Expected Regret Difference (NERD). Two strategies are identical if NERD = 0.

Results

Treatment according to ACC/AHA guidelines represents the optimal strategy only if the patient values avoiding heart disease 12 times more than harms related to statins. For values of benefit/harms (B/H) <12, treatment according to FRS represents the optimal strategy. For B/H <3, ‘treat none’ represents equally acceptable strategy. Adopting a threshold of 10% recommended by other professional organizations would decrease over‐treatment by more than 60% without significantly affecting under‐treatment.

Conclusion

Under most realistic scenarios, individualizing statins treatment, or not recommending statins at all, represents the optimal strategy for primary prevention of heart disease.
Nedd4L expression is decreased in ovarian epithelial cancer tissues compared to ovarian non‐cancer tissue
Authors: Yang Qiuyun , Zhao Jinghe , Cui Manhua , Gi Shuting , Wang Wei , Han Xiaole
Published: November 2015

Aim

Recent studies have demonstrated that the neural precursor cell expressed, developmentally downregulated 4‐like (Nedd4L) gene plays a role in the progression of various cancers. However, reports describing Nedd4L expression in ovarian cancer tissues are limited.

Material and Methods

A cohort (n = 117) of archival formalin‐fixed, paraffin embedded resected normal ovarian epithelial tissues (n = 10), benign ovarian epithelial tumor tissues (n = 10), serous borderline ovarian epithelial tumor tissues (n = 14), mucous borderline ovarian epithelial tumor tissues (n = 11), and invasive ovarian epithelial cancer tissues (n = 72) were assessed for Nedd4L protein expression using immunohistochemistry.

Results

Nedd4L protein expression was significantly decreased in invasive ovarian epithelial cancer tissues compared to non‐cancer tissues (P < 0.05). Decreased Nedd4L protein expression correlated with clinical stage, pathological grade, lymph node metastasis and survival (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Nedd4L protein expression may be an independent prognostic marker of ovarian cancer development.
Patterns of recurrence and survival after abdominal versus laparoscopic/robotic radical hysterectomy in patients with early cervical cancer
Authors: Kong Tae‐Wook , Chang Suk‐Joon , Piao Xianling , Paek Jiheum , Lee Yonghee , Lee Eun Ju , Chun Mison , Ryu Hee‐Sug
Published: November 2015

Aim

This study investigates the pattern of disease recurrence and identifies the clinicopathologic prognostic factors for patients with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage IB and IIA cervical carcinoma treated with laparoscopic/robotic radical hysterectomy (LRH/RRH).

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of 128 patients with FIGO stage IB and IIA cervical cancer. Preoperative examination did not uncover definitive evidence of parametrial invasion or lymph node metastasis in any of the patients; therefore, all patients underwent LRH/RRH with retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy between April 2006 and December 2013. Sites of disease recurrence and all possible clinicopathologic factors related to the risk of disease recurrence were determined.

Results

Multivariate analysis demonstrated that laparoscopic intracorporeal colpotomy (P < 0.041, odds ratio 7.038, 95% confidence interval 1.059–15.183) represented a strong prognostic factor related to disease recurrence. We categorized the minimally invasive surgery group into LRH through vaginal colpotomy (LRH‐VC; 79 patients) and LRH/RRH through intracorporeal colpotomy (LRH/RRH‐IC; 49 patients) according to the colpotomic approaches. Disease recurrence was higher in the LRH/RRH‐IC group than in the LRH‐VC group (16.3% vs 5.1%, P = 0.057), with five patients in the LRH/RRH‐IC group experiencing intraperitoneal spreads.

Conclusions

Total laparoscopic/robotic intracorporeal colpotomy under CO2 pneumoperitoneum may carry a risk of positive vaginal cuff margin, as well as intraperitoneal tumor spreads in patients with early‐stage cervical cancer treated with LRH/RRH.
Critical Realism and the Althusserian Legacy
Authors: O’ Boyle Brian , McDonough Terrence
Published: November 2015

This paper undertakes an historical re‐evaluation of Louis Althusser's philosophical legacy for modern Marxism. While Althusser self‐consciously sought to defend the scientific character of Marxism, many of his closest followers eventually exited the Marxian paradigm for a post‐structural post‐Marxism. We argue that this development was predominately rooted in a series of philosophical errors that proved fatal in a period of retreat for European socialism. There has always been, however, a second post‐Althusserian legacy associated with the critical realist conception of Marxism initiated by Roy Bhaskar. Bhaskar found part of his inspiration in Althusser's successful posing of the question of Marx's science and this paper sets out to excavate the proper links between Althusser and Bhaskar in order to deepen the relationship between critical realism and scientific Marxism.
Clinical and histological findings of autosomal dominant renal‐limited disease with LMX1B mutation
Authors: Konomoto Takao , Imamura Hideaki , Orita Mayuko , Tanaka Etsuko , Moritake Hiroshi , Sato Yuji , Fujimoto Shouichi , Harita Yutaka , Hisano Satoshi , Yoshiura Koh‐ichiro , Nunoi Hiroyuki
Published: November 2015

Aim

Mutations of LMX1B cause nail‐patella syndrome, a rare autosomal dominant disorder. Recently, LMX1B R246Q heterozygous mutations were recognised in nephropathy without extrarenal manifestation. The aim of this study was to clarify characteristics of nephropathy caused by R246Q mutation.

Methods

Whole exome sequencing was performed on a large family with nonsyndromic autosomal dominant nephropathy without extrarenal manifestation. Clinical and histological findings of patients with LMX1B mutation were investigated.

Results

LMX1B R246Q heterozygous mutation was identified in five patients over three generations. Proteinuria or haematoproteinuria was recognized by urinary screening from all patients in childhood. Proteinuria gradually increased to nephrotic levels and renal function decreased in adolescence. Two patients progressed to end‐stage renal disease in adulthood. Renal histology demonstrated minimal change in childhood and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis in adulthood. Using electron microscopy, focal collagen deposition could be detected in glomeruli even when a “moth‐eaten appearance” was not apparent in the glomerular basement membrane. In addition, podocin expression in glomerular podocytes was significantly decreased, even in the early stages of disease progression.

Conclusion

Comprehensive genetic analyses and collagen or tannic acid staining may be useful for diagnosis of LMX1B‐associated nephropathy. While renal prognosis of R246Q may be worse than that of typical NPS nephropathy, signs of podocytopathy can be detected during the infantile period; thus, childhood urinary screening may facilitate early detection.
The joint power of sex and stress to modulate brain–gut–microbiota axis and intestinal barrier homeostasis: implications for irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Pigrau M. , Rodiño‐Janeiro B. K. , Casado‐Bedmar M. , Lobo B. , Vicario M. , Santos J. , Alonso‐Cotoner C.
Published: November 2015

Background

Intestinal homeostasis is a dynamic process that takes place at the interface between the lumen and the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract, where a constant scrutiny for antigens and toxins derived from food and microorganisms is carried out by the vast gut‐associated immune system. Intestinal homeostasis is preserved by the ability of the mucus layer and the mucosal barrier to keep the passage of small‐sized and antigenic molecules across the epithelium highly selective. When combined and preserved, immune surveillance and barrier's selective permeability, the host capacity of preventing the development of intestinal inflammation is optimized, and viceversa. In addition, the brain–gut–microbiome axis, a multidirectional communication system that integrates distant and local regulatory networks through neural, immunological, metabolic, and hormonal signaling pathways, also regulates intestinal function. Dysfunction of the brain–gut–microbiome axis may induce the loss of gut mucosal homeostasis, leading to uncontrolled permeation of toxins and immunogenic particles, increasing the risk of appearance of intestinal inflammation, mucosal damage, and gut disorders. Irritable bowel syndrome is prevalent stress‐sensitive gastrointestinal disorder that shows a female predominance. Interestingly, the role of stress, sex and gonadal hormones in the regulation of intestinal mucosal and the brain–gut–microbiome axis functioning is being increasingly recognized.

Purpose

We aim to critically review the evidence linking sex, and stress to intestinal barrier and brain–gut–microbiome axis dysfunction and the implications for irritable bowel syndrome.
The contrasting nature of woody plant species in different neotropical forest biomes reflects differences in ecological stability
Authors: Pennington R. Toby , Lavin Matt
Published: November 2015

A fundamental premise of this review is that distinctive phylogenetic and biogeographic patterns in clades endemic to different major biomes illuminate the evolutionary process. In seasonally dry tropical forests (SDTFs), phylogenies are geographically structured and multiple individuals representing single species coalesce. This pattern of monophyletic species, coupled with their old species stem ages, is indicative of maintenance of small effective population sizes over evolutionary timescales, which suggests thatSDTFis difficult to immigrate into because of persistent resident lineages adapted to a stable, seasonally dry ecology. By contrast, lack of coalescence in conspecific accessions of abundant and often widespread species is more frequent in rain forests and is likely to reflect large effective population sizes maintained over huge areas by effective seed and pollen flow. Species nonmonophyly, young species stem ages and lack of geographical structure in rain forest phylogenies may reflect more widespread disturbance by drought and landscape evolution causing resident mortality that opens up greater opportunities for immigration and speciation. We recommend full species sampling and inclusion of multiple accessions representing individual species in phylogenies to highlight nonmonophyletic species, which we predict will be frequent in rain forest and savanna, and which represent excellent case studies of incipient speciation.

ContentsSummary25I.Introduction25II.Neotropical biomes26III.Coalescence27IV.Species from seasonally dry tropical forests (SDTFs)27V.Species from rain forest, with particular focus on Amazonia28VI.Ages of species32VII.Species from neotropical savannas33VIII.Conclusions and ways forward34Acknowledgements35References35
Combined Alport syndrome and Klinefelter syndrome
Authors: Nishida Masashi , Hashimoto Fusako , Kaito Hiroshi , Nozu Kandai , Iijima Kazumoto , Asada Dai , Hamaoka Kenji
Published: November 2015

To date, there have been a very limited number of case reports on combined Alport syndrome (AS) and Klinefelter syndrome (KS). We herein describe the case of a 9‐month‐old boy diagnosed with concomitant AS and KS. KS was detected on chromosomal analysis of the amniotic fluid, and hematuria/proteinuria was identified in urinary screening at 6 months of age. Renal biopsy indicated AS, with complete deficit of the α5 chain of type IV collagen in the glomerular basement membranes. On genetic analysis for AS, de novo homozygote mutation (c.3605‐2a > c) was seen in the gene encoding α5 chain of type IV collagen (COL4A5) on the X chromosomes of maternal origin. This is the first case report of combined AS and KS diagnosed during infancy, and it indicates the need to consider the concurrent existence of these two disorders in infants with urine abnormalities, even in the absence of a family history.
HIV testing uptake and retention in care of HIV‐infected pregnant and breastfeeding women initiated on ‘Option B+’ in rural Zimbabwe
Authors: Dzangare Janet , Takarinda Kudakwashe C. , Harries Anthony D. , Tayler‐Smith Katie , Mhangara Mutsa , Apollo Tsitsi Mutasa , Mushavi Angela , Chimwaza Anesu , Sithole Ngwarai , Magure Tapiwa , Mpofu Amon , Dube Freeman , Mugurungi Owen
Published: November 2015

Objectives

Zimbabwe has started to scale up Option B+ for the prevention of mother‐to‐child transmission of HIV, but there is little published information about uptake or retention in care. This study determined the number and proportion of pregnant and lactating women in rural districts diagnosed with HIV infection and started on Option B+ along with six‐month antiretroviral treatment (ART) outcomes.

Methods

This was a retrospective record review of women presenting to antenatal care or maternal and child health services at 34 health facilities in Chikomba and Gutu rural districts, Zimbabwe, between January and March 2014.

Results

A total of 2728 women presented to care of whom 2598 were eligible for HIV testing: 76% presented to antenatal care, 20% during labour and delivery and 4% while breastfeeding. Of 2097 (81%) HIV‐tested women, 7% were HIV positive. Lower HIV testing uptake was found with increasing parity, late presentation to antenatal care, health centre attendance and in women tested during labour. Ninety‐one per cent of the HIV‐positive women were started on Option B+. Six‐month ART retention in care, including transfers, was 83%. Loss to follow‐up was the main cause of attrition. Increasing age and gravida status ≥2 were associated with higher six‐month attrition.

Conclusion

The uptake of HIV testing and Option B+ is high in women attending antenatal and post‐natal clinics in rural Zimbabwe, suggesting that the strategy is feasible for national scale‐up in the country.