bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Work productivity among treatment‐naïve patients with genotype 1 chronic hepatitis C infection receiving telaprevir combination treatment
Authors: Aggarwal J. , Vera‐Llonch M. , Donepudi M. , Suthoff E. , Younossi Z. , Goss T. F.
Published: February 2014

Work productivity is impacted in hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐infected patients and has been linked to treatment. In two Phase 3 trials, ADVANCE and ILLUMINATE, treatment‐naïve genotype 1 chronic HCV‐infected patients received 12‐week telaprevir (T) with 24 (T12PR24)‐ or 48 (T12PR48)‐week peginterferon alfa‐2a/ribavirin. The objective of this analysis was to examine the impact of chronic HCV infection and its treatment with combination therapy on work productivity. The 5‐item, self‐reported work productivity questionnaire (WPQ) was administered in Phase 3 trials to assess unemployment status, days unable to work due to HCV/treatment, reduced hours worked and impact on productivity in prior 4 weeks. Descriptive statistics and multivariate regression analyses were employed in analyses of pooled trial data. About 1147 patients were included; 22% (n = 255) were unemployed at baseline, with 8% being unemployed due to health reasons. At week 12, there were no differences by treatment regimen in the number of days unable to work. At week 48, improvements were observed earlier among patients receiving the shorter duration of T combination treatment. Mean (95% CI) change from baseline in days unable to work was −0.48 (−0.85, −0.11) days for T12PR24, 1.43 (0.63, 2.24) days for T12PR48 and 1.24 (0.18, 2.30) days for PR48 with placebo. Predictors of days unable to work were identified and include demographic characteristics, pretreatment and on‐treatment levels of fatigue, as well regional variation. In post hoc analyses of the ADVANCE and ILLUMINATE trials, work productivity decreased during the initial 12 weeks regardless of treatment group.
Impact of nucleos(t)ide analogues on the estimated glomerular filtration rate in patients with chronic hepatitis B: a prospective cohort study in China
Authors: Qi X. , Wang J.‐Y , Mao R.‐C , Zhang J.‐M
Published: February 2014

Chronic hepatitis B therapy with nucleos(t)ide analogues, particularly tenofovir or adefovir, may affect renal function. To date, there has not been a head‐to‐head controlled study to assess estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) fluctuations in nucleos(t)ide‐treated CHB patients. We aimed to evaluate the long‐term effects of nucleos(t)ide on eGFR in Chinese patients with chronic hepatitis B. This prospective cohort study included 275 patients. Patient subgroups included those treated with lamivudine (n = 50), adefovir (n = 60), telbivudine (n = 68) and entecavir (n = 61); untreated patients (n = 36) served as control. After an average follow‐up duration of 23 months, eGFR calculated by Cockcroft–Gault and Modification of Diet in Renal Disease formulas increased by 18.35 mL/min and 19.34 mL/min (P < 0.0001) in the telbivudine group, respectively, and decreased by 10.95 mL/min and 12.17 mL/min (P = 0.0001) in the adefovir group, respectively. Even if renal function was normal or mildly impaired at baseline, eGFR increased significantly more in the telbivudine group than in the other groups (P < 0.001). More patients in the adefovir group (23%) had a ≥20% decrease in eGFR than the other groups (P < 0.0001). More patients in the telbivudine group (31%) had a ≥20% increase in eGFR than the other groups (P < 0.0001). In conclusion, prolonged telbivudine therapy resulted in improved eGFR, while adefovir therapy was associated with decreased eGFR. Lamivudine and entecavir therapy did not significantly influence eGFR.
Atlantic rain forest recovery: successional drivers of floristic and structural patterns of secondary forest in Southern Brazil
Authors: Zanini K. J. , Bergamin R. S. , Machado R. E. , Pillar V. D. , Müller S. C.
Published: February 2014

Questions

The growing importance of secondary forests has stimulated research on the patterns of structure, biomass, species diversity and species composition of successional tropical forests. Despite current knowledge, the future of tropical forests and their ability to recover from human impacts are still a challenge for researchers. The Atlantic Forest is one of the most endangered ecosystems on Earth, yet has been reduced in size and distribution due to human disturbance such that most of the remaining fragments are secondary forest at different successional stages. How do these forests recover structure and species composition during succession? What are the main drivers of community assembly during succession?

Location

Subtropical Atlantic rain forest, South Brazil (29°42′S, 50°11′W).

Method

Using four replicate chronosequences, we described floristic and structural successional patterns of subtropical Atlantic Forest in Brazil, and investigated causal relationships with environmental, spatial and temporal variables in structuring tree species composition. The chronosequences were described by four successional stages, according to floristic (species composition and richness) and structural (density, basal cover and height of trees) characteristics, tested using ANOVA with randomization tests. Time since abandonment and environmental conditions of topsoil, relief and spatial components were considered as possible successional drivers. Hypotheses about causal relationships in the successional process were tested using path analysis, considering the influence of those variables on the successional forest communities.

Results

We found that forest stands of 26–45 yr old displayed structural characteristics similar to those of old‐growth stands, but that species composition of successional forest was somewhat different from reference areas (old‐growth forests). In our study, time since abandonment overcame the influence of environmental and spatial variables on forest assembly patterns in the chronosequences.

Conclusions

Our study is the first one describing floristic and structural successional patterns of the Atlantic rain forest in a subtropical context and proposing causal relationships between recovery age, environment and community composition of secondary successional forests. We conclude that the dynamic of forest succession is autogenic and not entirely predictable from local environmental conditions of soil, space and relief.
Job Quality and Employment of Older People in Europe
Authors: Schnalzenberger Mario , Schneeweis Nicole , Winter‐Ebmer Rudolf , Zweimüller Martina
Published: February 2014

We study the relationship between job quality and retirement using data from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe, a longitudinal survey covering individuals aged 50+ in several European countries. Although most previous studies looked at the impact of bad working conditions on retirement intentions, we can use the panel dimension to study actual retirement as well as other pathways out of a job. As indicators for job quality we use three different approaches: overall job satisfaction, over‐ and undereducation for a particular job as well as effort–reward imbalance, which measures the imbalance between a worker's effort and the rewards he or she receives in turn. The analysis gives some evidence that poor job quality decreases retirement age, in particular for women.
Characterisation of temporal microglia and astrocyte immune responses in bile duct‐ligated rat models of cirrhosis
Authors: Wright Gavin A. K. , Sharifi Yalda , Newman Tracy A. , Davies Nathan , Vairappan Balasubramaniyam , Perry Hugh V. , Jalan Rajiv
Published: February 2014

Background & Aims

Microglia and astrocyte related pro‐inflammatory responses are thought to underpin cerebral sequelae of acute liver failure. Conversely, despite background pro‐inflammatory responses in cirrhosis, overt brain swelling and coma associated with acute‐on‐chronic liver failure, is infrequent unless precipitated (e.g. sepsis). Moreover in other chronic neurodegenerative disorders and sepsis, the brain is protected from recurrent microbial insults by compensatory microglial‐associated immune responses. To characterise longitudinal cerebral immune responses in a bile duct‐ligated (BDL) rat model of cirrhosis.

Method

Rats underwent BDL or sham operation before sacrifice at either 1‐day, 1, 2 and 4 weeks post‐surgery. We analysed consciousness, brain water, biochemistry and immunohistochemistry to assess activation of microglia (ED‐1, OX6 and Iba‐1), astrocytes (Glial fibrillary acidic protein ‐ GFAP), cellular stress (Heat shock protein ‐ Hsp 25) and pro‐inflammatory mediator expression (inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), interleukin‐1beta (IL‐1β) and tumour growth factor‐beta (TGF‐β)).

Results

BDL significantly increased ammonia and bilirubin (P < 0.01 respectively). The classical microglial markers OX6, ED1 and Iba‐1 and pro‐inflammatory IL‐1β and iNOS were not significantly increased. However, the alternative microglial marker and regulatory cytokine TGF‐β was elevated from day 1 to 4 weeks post‐BDL. GFAP expression was significantly increased in corpus callosum in all groups. In BDL rats, Hsp 25 was also increased in the corpus callosum, peaking at 2 weeks.

Conclusion

BDL triggers early alternative, but not classical, microglial activation. There was a correlation between astrocyte activation and cellular stress. These findings indicate early cerebral immune responses, which may be associated with immune tolerance to further challenge.
Reversible non‐ischaemic cardiomyopathy and left ventricular dysfunction after liver transplantation: a single‐centre experience
Authors: Yataco Maria L. , Difato Thomas , Bargehr Johannes , Rosser Barry G. , Patel Tushar , Trejo‐Gutierrez Jorge F. , Pungpapong Surakit , Taner C. Burcin , Aranda‐Michel Jaime
Published: February 2014

Background & Aims

Non‐ischaemic cardiomyopathy (NIC) is an early complication of liver transplantation (LT). Our aims were to define the prevalence, associated clinical factors, and prognosis of this condition.

Methods

A retrospective study was performed on patients undergoing LT at our institution from January 2005 to December 2012. Patients who developed NIC were identified. Data collected included demographic and clinical data.

Results

A total 1460 transplants were performed in this period and seventeen patients developed NIC. Pretransplant median QTc interval was 459 (range, 405–530), and median E/A ratio was 1 (range, 0.71–1.67). Fourteen patients (82%) were severely malnourished and required nutritional support. Thirteen patients (76%) had renal insufficiency. Median time to onset was 2 days post‐transplant (range, 0–20). Echocardiograms showed global left ventricular hypokinesis and a decrease in ejection fraction (EF) from a median of 65% (range, 50–81) pretransplant to a median of 21% (range, 15–32). Median raw model for end‐stage liver disease (MELD) score was 29 in patients with NIC vs. 18 in patients without cardiomyopathy (P = 0.01). There was no significant difference between recipients with NIC vs. recipients without cardiomyopathy regarding donor age, donor risk index, and cold and warm ischaemia time. Recovery of cardiac function occurred in 16 patients, with a median EF of 44% (range, 25–65%) at the time of discharge. The last echocardiogram available showed a median EF of 59% (range, 49–73%). One‐year survival of NIC patients was 94.1%.

Conclusion

Non‐ischaemic cardiomyopathy is a rare complication after LT. Patients with NIC are critically ill, with high MELD score, and severe malnutrition.
Prognostic factors of hepatic decompensation and hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with transfusion‐acquired HCV infection
Authors: Zavaglia Claudio , Silini Enrico , Mangia Alessandra , Airoldi Aldo , Piazzolla Valeria , Vangeli Marcello , Stigliano Rosa , Foschi Antonella , Mazzarelli Chiara , Tinelli Carmine
Published: February 2014

Aims

Aim of this study was to assess if host (immunogenetic traits, age, sex), exogenous (alcohol) or viral factors (viral type, past HBV infection) might affect the progression of chronic hepatitis C to liver decompensation or the development of HCC in a cohort of patients exposed to a single blood transfusion prior to the introduction of anti‐HCV screening.

Methods

Two hundred and forty‐eight patients with a history of a single exposure to blood or blood products prior to 1990 were retrospectively considered. Patients were devoid of other risk factors of liver disease or immunosuppression and naïve to antiviral therapies. Eight baseline variables were assessed: age at transfusion, sex, HBV core antibody, immunogenetic profile (DRB1*11, DRB1*1104, DRB1*07), HCV genotype and alcohol consumption.

Results

The follow‐up was 22 (SD: 11) years. Sixty‐eight patients (27%) progressed to hepatic decompensation over a median period of 22.5 years (IQR: 14–30) and 41 patients (16%) developed HCC over a median period of 31 years (IQR: 24–38). The cumulative incidence of liver failure was 0.4% (95% CI: 0.1–3.1), 4.9% (95% CI: 2.6–9.3) and 16.2% (95% CI: 10.4–24.7) at 10, 20 and 30 years after blood transfusion respectively. By univariate analysis, only age at transfusion was correlated with the risk of decompensation. Stratifying the age of transfusion by tertiles, the incidence of hepatic decompensation was 0.7% per year in patients transfused at ≤24 years of age as compared to 1.2% and 1.9% per year in those transfused at 25–35 and >36 years of age respectively (HR: 5.5, 95% CI: 2.78–10.7, P < 0.001). The risk of HCC development was correlated by univariate analysis with age at transfusion (as continuous variable, HR: 1.12, 95% CI: 1.08–1.16 per year of age, P < 0.001, >36 compared to ≤24 years, HR: 10.3, 95% CI: 3.9–26.9, P < 0.001) and male sex (HR: 4.2, 95% CI: 1.7–10, P = 0.001). Multivariate analysis confirmed age at transfusion and male sex as independent predictors of HCC development [HR: 1.12 per year (95% CI: 1.08–1.16), P < 0.001 and HR: 5.4 (95% CI: 2.2–13.2), P < 0.001 respectively].

Conclusions

In patients with transfusion‐acquired HCV infection, age at transfusion affects the risk for hepatic decompensation. Age at transfusion and male sex are independent risk factors for HCC development.
CHD5 a tumour suppressor is epigenetically silenced in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Zhao Rui , Wang Nisha , Huang Haili , Ma Wenli , Yan Qitao
Published: February 2014

Background

Chromodomain helicase DNA binding protein 5 (CHD5) has recently been identified as a potent tumour suppressor by acting as a master regulator of a tumour‐suppressive network. Its inactivation resulted from aberrant methylation in the promoter occurs in several types of human malignancy and is associated with malignant tumour behaviour. In human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), CHD5 gene expression, methylation status and tumour‐suppressive function have not been elucidated.

Aims

In this study, we focused on the epigenetic modification and tumour‐suppressive mechanism of CHD5 gene in HCC.

Methods

CHD5 expression in nine HCC cell lines and 30 pairs of HCC specimens and adjacent non‐cancerous tissues were analysed by quantitative reverse transcription PCR and Western blotting. Methylation‐specific sequencing and methylation‐specific PCR were performed to examine DNA methylation status of the CHD5 promoter in HCC cell lines and samples. The effect of CHD5 restoration on proliferation, colony formation, senescence, apoptosis and tumourigenicity were examined.

Results

CHD5 expression was sinificantly down‐regulated in HCC cell lines and tissues examined, and the −841 to −470 region of CHD5 promoter was hypermethylated in these samples. Treatment with DNA methyltransferase inhibitor 5‐aza‐2‐deoxycytidine resulted in a striking regional demethylation of the −841 to −470 region of CHD5 promoter and an increase in CHD5 expression. The restoration of CHD5 expression inhibited tumour cell proliferation, colony formation and tumourigenicity and caused cellular senescence.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate that CHD5 is a potential tumour suppressor gene epigenetically silenced in HCC.
Alpha‐1‐antitrypsin deficiency: from genoma to liver disease. PiZ mouse as model for the development of liver pathology in human
Authors: Giovannoni Isabella , Callea Francesco , Stefanelli Marta , Mariani Riccardo , Santorelli Filippo M. , Francalanci Paola
Published: February 2014

Background & Aims

Homozygous individuals with alpha‐1‐antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) type PiZ have an increased risk of chronic liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). It is noteworthy that HCCs are composed by hepatocytes without accumulation of AAT, but the reason for this remains unclear. The aim of this study was to determine liver pathology in PiZ mice, focusing the attention on the distribution of AAT globules in normal liver, regenerative foci and neoplastic nodules.

Methods

Liver of 79 PiZ mice and 18 wild type (Wt) was histologically analysed for steatosis, clear cell foci, hyperplasia and neoplasia. The expression of human‐AAT transgene and murine AAT, in non‐neoplastic liver and in hyperplastic/neoplastic nodules was tested by qPCR and qRT‐PCR. RT‐PCR was used to study expression of hepatic markers: albumin, α‐foetoprotein, transthyretin, AAT, glucose‐6‐phospate, tyrosine aminotransferase.

Results

Liver pathology was seen more frequently in PiZ (47/79) than in Wt (5/18) and its development was age related. In older PiZ mice (18–24 m), livers showed malignant tumours (HCC and angiosarcoma) (17/50), hyperplastic nodules (28/50), non‐specific changes (33/50), whereas only 9/50 were normal. Both human‐AATZ DNA and mRNA showed no differences between tumours/nodules and normal liver, while murine‐AAT mRNA was reduced in tumours/nodules.

Conclusion

Accumulation of AAT is associated with an increased risk of liver nodules. The presence of globule‐devoid hepatocytes and the reduced expression of murine‐AAT mRNA in hyperplastic and neoplastic nodules suggest that these hepatic lesions in AATD could originate from proliferating dedifferentiated cells, lacking AAT storage and becoming capable of AFP re‐expression.
Impact of lipid‐based nutrient supplements and corn–soy blend on energy and nutrient intake among moderately underweight 8–18‐month‐old children participating in a clinical trial
Authors: Thakwalakwa Chrissie M. , Ashorn Per , Phuka John C. , Cheung Yin Bun , Briend André , Maleta Kenneth M.
Published: February 2014

Nutrition interventions have an effect on growth, energy and nutrient intake, and development, but there are mixed reports on the effect of supplementation of energy‐dense foods on dietary intake. This substudy aimed at assessing the effect of supplementation with corn–soy blend (CSB) or lipid‐based nutrient supplement (LNS) on energy and nutrient intake in moderately underweight children participating in a clinical trial. A total of 188 children aged 8–18 months participated and received daily either 284 kcal from CSB or 220 kcal from LNS and no supplements (control). An interactive 24‐h recall method was used to estimate energy and nutrient intakes in the groups. Total mean energy intake was 548 kcal, 551 kcal and 692 kcal in the control, CSB and LNS groups, respectively (P = 0.011). The mean (95% confidence interval) intake of energy and protein were 144 (37–250; P < 0.001) and 46 (1.5–7.6; P < 0.001) larger, respectively, in the LNS group than among the controls. No significant differences were observed between the control and CSB groups. Energy intake from non‐supplement foods was significantly lower in the CSB group compared with the control group, but not in the LNS group, suggesting a lower displacement of non‐supplement foods with LNS. Both CSB and LNS supplementation resulted in higher intakes of calcium, iron, zinc and vitamin C compared with controls (all P ≤ 0.001). This study indicates that LNS might be superior to CSB to supplement underweight children as it results in higher energy intake, but this requires confirmation in other settings.
Dynamic recruitment of amino acid transporters to the insect/symbiont interface
Authors: Duncan Rebecca P. , Husnik Filip , Van Leuven James T. , Gilbert Donald G. , Dávalos Liliana M. , McCutcheon John P. , Wilson Alex C. C.
Published: February 2014

Symbiosis is well known to influence bacterial symbiont genome evolution and has recently been shown to shape eukaryotic host genomes. Intriguing patterns of host genome evolution, including remarkable numbers of gene duplications, have been observed in the pea aphid, a sap‐feeding insect that relies on a bacterial endosymbiont for amino acid provisioning. Previously, we proposed that gene duplication has been important for the evolution of symbiosis based on aphid‐specific gene duplication in amino acid transporters (AATs), with some paralogs highly expressed in the cells housing symbionts (bacteriocytes). Here, we use a comparative approach to test the role of gene duplication in enabling recruitment of AATs to bacteriocytes. Using genomic and transcriptomic data, we annotate AATs from sap‐feeding and non sap‐feeding insects and find that, like aphids, AAT gene families have undergone independent large‐scale gene duplications in three of four additional sap‐feeding insects. RNA‐seq differential expression data indicate that, like aphids, the sap‐feeding citrus mealybug possesses several lineage‐specific bacteriocyte‐enriched paralogs. Further, differential expression data combined with quantitative PCR support independent evolution of bacteriocyte enrichment in sap‐feeding insect AATs. Although these data indicate that gene duplication is not necessary to initiate host/symbiont amino acid exchange, they support a role for gene duplication in enabling AATs to mediate novel host/symbiont interactions broadly in the sap‐feeding suborder Sternorrhyncha. In combination with recent studies on other symbiotic systems, gene duplication is emerging as a general pattern in host genome evolution.
Ergosterol, an orphan fungal microbe‐associated molecular pattern (MAMP)
Authors: Klemptner Robyn L. , Sherwood John S. , Tugizimana Fidele , Dubery Ian A. , Piater Lizelle A.
Published: February 2014

Fungal pathogens continue to pose a significant threat to crop production and food supply. The early stages of plant–fungus interactions are mostly mediated by microbe‐associated molecular pattern (MAMP) molecules, perceived by plant pattern recognition receptors (PRRs). Currently, the identified fungalMAMPmolecules include chitin, chitosan, β‐glucans, elicitins and ergosterol. Although the molecular battles between host plants and infecting fungal phytopathogens have been studied extensively, many aspects still need to be investigated to obtain a holistic understanding of the intrinsic mechanisms, which is paramount in combating fungal plant diseases. Here, an overview is given of the most recent findings concerning an ‘orphan’ fungalMAMPmolecule, ergosterol, and we present what is currently known from a synopsis of different genes, proteins and metabolites found to play key roles in induced immune responses in plant–fungus interactions. Clearly, integrative investigations are still needed to provide a comprehensive systems‐based understanding of the dynamics associated with molecular mechanisms in plant–ergosterol interactions and associated host responses.
Essential principles: tracheostomy care in the adult patient
Authors: Dawson Deborah
Published: February 2014

Aim

This article aims to guide the nurse caring for a tracheostomy patient, following the main principles of nursing care.

Background

Tracheostomy is a surgical procedure to create an opening in the anterior wall of the trachea. Owing to improvement in technological support, the number of adult patients receiving a tracheostomy has increased. This requires the critical care nurse to have an understanding of the essential principles of care for a patient with a tracheostomy tube in situ.

Design and method

Literature search was conducted in Medline and Cinahl using the search terms tracheostomy OR tracheotomy AND procedure/nursing care/experience limited to English language and adult. Owing to the lack of empirical research on the care of patients with tracheostomy, evidence is limited and therefore expert consensus is utilized in much of the article.

Results

This article considers the indications for a tracheostomy, identifies the component parts of a tracheostomy tube, discusses 12 essential principles of care for a patient with a tracheostomy tube in situ, and finally briefly describes the nurse's role in an emergency and when discharging a patient with a tracheostomy tube to a ward.

Conclusion

Performing a tracheostomy has an enormous impact on patients and their care.

Relevance to clinical practice

Nurses caring for patients with tracheostomy require an appreciation of the breadth of knowledge needed to provide individual and safe care. It is also important to appreciate the lack of empirical evidence on which to base that care.
RbohB, a Phaseolus vulgaris NADPH oxidase gene, enhances symbiosome number, bacteroid size, and nitrogen fixation in nodules and impairs mycorrhizal colonization
Authors: Arthikala Manoj‐Kumar , Sánchez‐López Rosana , Nava Noreide , Santana Olivia , Cárdenas Luis , Quinto Carmen
Published: February 2014

The reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by respiratory burst oxidative homologs (Rbohs) are involved in numerous plant cell signaling processes, and have critical roles in the symbiosis between legumes and nitrogen‐fixing bacteria. Previously, down‐regulation of RbohB in Phaseolus vulgaris was shown to suppress ROS production and abolish Rhizobium infection thread (IT) progression, but also to enhance arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal (AMF) colonization. Thus, Rbohs function both as positive and negative regulators. Here, we assessed the effect of enhancing ROS concentrations, by overexpressing PvRbohB, on the P. vulgaris–rhizobia and P. vulgaris–AMF symbioses.

We estimated superoxide concentrations in hairy roots overexpressing PvRbohB, determined the status of early and late events of both Rhizobium and AMF interactions in symbiont‐inoculated roots, and analyzed the nodule ultrastructure of transgenic plants overexpressing PvRbohB.

Overexpression of PvRbohB significantly enhanced ROS production, the formation of ITs, nodule biomass, and nitrogen‐fixing activity, and increased the density of symbiosomes in nodules, and the density and size of bacteroides in symbiosomes. Furthermore, PvCAT, early nodulin, PvSS1, and PvGOGAT transcript abundances were elevated in these nodules. By contrast, mycorrhizal colonization was reduced in roots that overexpressed RbohB.

Overexpression of PvRbohB augmented nodule efficiency by enhancing nitrogen fixation and delaying nodule senescence, but impaired AMF colonization.
Flower development of Phalaenopsis orchid involves functionally divergent SEPALLATA‐like genes
Authors: Pan Zhao‐Jun , Chen You‐Yi , Du Jian‐Syun , Chen Yun‐Yu , Chung Mei‐Chu , Tsai Wen‐Chieh , Wang Chun‐Neng , Chen Hong‐Hwa
Published: February 2014

The Phalaenopsis orchid produces complex flowers that are commercially valuable, which has promoted the study of its flower development. E‐class MADS‐box genes, SEPALLATA (SEP), combined with B‐, C‐ and D‐class MADS‐box genes, are involved in various aspects of plant development, such as floral meristem determination, organ identity, fruit maturation, seed formation and plant architecture.

Four SEP‐like genes were cloned from Phalaenopsis orchid, and the duplicated PeSEPs were grouped into PeSEP1/3 and PeSEP2/4.

All PeSEPs were expressed in all floral organs. PeSEP2 expression was detectable in vegetative tissues. The study of protein–protein interactions suggested that PeSEPs may form higher order complexes with the B‐, C‐, D‐class and AGAMOUS LIKE6‐related MADS‐box proteins to determine floral organ identity. The tepal became a leaf‐like organ when PeSEP3 was silenced by virus‐induced silencing, with alterations in epidermis identity and contents of anthocyanin and chlorophyll. Silencing of PeSEP2 had minor effects on the floral phenotype. Silencing of the E‐class genes PeSEP2 and PeSEP3 resulted in the downregulation of B‐class PeMADS2‐6 genes, which indicates an association of PeSEP functions and B‐class gene expression.

These findings reveal the important roles of PeSEP in Phalaenopsis floral organ formation throughout the developmental process by the formation of various multiple protein complexes.
Adaptive and nonadaptive genome size evolution in Karst endemic flora of China
Authors: Kang Ming , Tao Junjie , Wang Jing , Ren Chen , Qi Qingwen , Xiang Qiu‐Yun , Huang Hongwen
Published: February 2014

Genome size variation is of fundamental biological importance and has been a longstanding puzzle in evolutionary biology. Several hypotheses for genome size evolution including neutral, maladaptive, and adaptive models have been proposed, but the relative importance of these models remains controversial.

Primulina is a genus that is highly diversified in the Karst region of southern China, where genome size variation and the underlying evolutionary mechanisms are poorly understood. We reconstructed the phylogeny of Primulina using DNA sequences for 104 species and determined the genome sizes of 101 species. We examined the phylogenetic signal in genome size variation, and tested the fit to different evolutionary models and for correlations with variation in latitude and specific leaf area (SLA).

The results showed that genome size, SLA and latitudinal variation all displayed strong phylogenetic signals, but were best explained by different evolutionary models. Furthermore, significant positive relationships were detected between genome size and SLA and between genome size and latitude.

Our study is the first to investigate genome size evolution on such a comprehensive scale and in the Karst region flora. We conclude that genome size in Primulina is phylogenetically conserved but its variation among species is a combined outcome of both neutral and adaptive evolution.
A miR169 isoform regulates specific NF‐YA targets and root architecture in Arabidopsis
Authors: Sorin Céline , Declerck Marie , Christ Aurélie , Blein Thomas , Ma Linnan , Lelandais‐Brière Christine , Njo Maria Fransiska , Beeckman Tom , Crespi Martin , Hartmann Caroline
Published: February 2014

In plants, roots are essential for water and nutrient acquisition. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate their target mRNAs by transcript cleavage and/or inhibition of protein translation and are known as major post‐transcriptional regulators of various developmental pathways and stress responses. In Arabidopsis thaliana, four isoforms of miR169 are encoded by 14 different genes and target diverse mRNAs, encoding subunits A of the NF‐Y transcription factor complex. These miRNA isoforms and their targets have previously been linked to nutrient signalling in plants.

By using mimicry constructs against different isoforms of miR169 and miR‐resistant versions of NF‐YA genes we analysed the role of specific miR169 isoforms in root growth and branching.

We identified a regulatory node involving the particular miR169defg isoform and NF‐YA2 and NF‐YA10 genes that acts in the control of primary root growth. The specific expression of MIM169defg constructs altered specific cell type numbers and dimensions in the root meristem. Preventing miR169defg‐regulation of NF‐YA2 indirectly affected laterial root initiation. We also showed that the miR169defg isoform affects NF‐YA2 transcripts both at mRNA stability and translation levels.

We propose that a specific miR169 isoform and the NF‐YA2 target control root architecture in Arabidopsis.
Tracing detached and attached care practices in nursing education
Authors: Soffer Ann Katrine B.
Published: February 2014

The implementation of skills labs in Danish nursing education can, in itself, be viewed as a complexity. The students are expected to eventually carry out their work in a situated hospital practice, but they learn their professional skills in a different space altogether, detached and removed from the hospitals and practising on plastic dummies. Despite the apparent artificiality of the skills lab, this article will show that it is possible to analyse some of the fundamental aspects of care in nursing by ethnographically following this phenomenon of simulation‐based training. These particular aspects of care are not explicated in the curriculum or textbooks; however, they surfaced once this crooked approach to studying care in a simulated practice was applied. The article start from the assertion that detached engagements are not recognized within the field of nursing education as an equal component to attachments. Yet empirical cases from the skills lab and hospitals illustrate how students sometimes felt emotionally attached to plastic dummies and how experienced nurses sometimes practised a degree of detachment in relation to human patients. Detached engagements will therefore be presented as part of care practices of nurses – rendering the ability to detach in engagement with patients a professional skill that students also need to learn. In the analysis to follow, attached and detached engagements are located on an equal plane by integrating both into the same conceptual framework, rather than imposing a priori notions about their dialectic relation. The analysis shows that it is the particular intertwinement of attachment and detachment that gives care its fundamental meaning. In conclusion, the need for a conceptual shift from a strong emphasis on attached engagement to a more balanced analytical approach to care work, as involving both attached and detached engagement within Danish nursing education, is advocated.
Correlation between CCR7 expression and lymph node metastatic potential of human tongue carcinoma
Authors: Xia X , Liu K , Zhang H , Shang Z
Published: February 2014

Metastasis is an important cause of cancer‐related mortality. In this study, we investigated the role of CCR7 in the lymph node metastasis of tongue carcinoma. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot revealed the expression of CCR7 in tongue SCC tissues and cell lines. In addition, we examined the expression of CCL21, a ligand of CCR7, in normal and diseased lymph nodes using immunohistochemistry and/or real‐time PCR. The CCR7 expression was significantly correlated with cervical lymph node metastasis, tumor staging, and histological grade (P = 0.015, 0.040, and 0.015, respectively). The multivariate analysis showed that regional lymph node metastasis, the expression of CCR7, and LVD were the independent poor prognostic factors. Knockdown of CCR7 gene resulted in a significant inhibition of migration and invasion of SCC4 cells in vitro without affecting the proliferation and apoptosis of tumor cells. Also, CCR7 knockdown obviously inhibited cervical lymph node metastasis in an animal tumor model. Our study indicated that CCR7 may play an important role in progression of tongue SCC and could be a promising target for tongue SCC therapy.
Association between Left‐Handedness and Cardiac Autonomic Function in Healthy Young Men
Authors: İŞCEN SINAN , ÖZENÇ SALIM , TAVLASOGLU URAT
Published: February 2014

Background

Effects of nonright‐handedness on risk for sudden death associated with coronary artery disease via sympathetic imbalance contributed to ventricular arrhythmogenesis previously have been demonstrated. This study hypothesized that left‐handedness might be associated with cardiac autonomic functions in healthy young men. The aim of this study was to examine the association between left‐handedness and cardiac autonomic functions in healthy young men.

Methods

A total of 992 asymptomatic young male subjects underwent routine health checkup between May 2012 and July 2013, and were included in this study. All were submitted to a standard protocol that included a complete clinical examination, laboratory evaluation, 12‐lead electrocardiogram, and 2D‐echocardiogram. Fifty‐two subjects were left‐handed; 32 subjects had abnormal QRS‐T angle. Statistical analyses were performed using statistical package SPSS 15.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA) and statistical significance was assessed at the two‐tailed 0.05 threshold.

Results

A total of 52 (5%) subjects were left‐handed; 32 (3%) subjects had an abnormal frontal QRS‐T angle. The mean age, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, fasting glucose, current smoking, estimated glomerular filtration rate, hemoglobin, leukocyte count, platelet count, and echocardiographic parameters were not different between two groups. But subjects with left‐handedness had greater prevalence of abnormal QRS‐T angle. The left‐handedness group had 18 subjects with abnormal QRS‐T angle (34%) and the right‐handedness group had 14 subjects with abnormal QRS‐T angle (1.4%). The difference between two groups was significant (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

In this study, there was a significant association between left‐handedness and abnormal QRS‐T angle in healthy young subjects.
Performance of an Automatic Arrhythmia Classification Algorithm: Comparison to the ALTITUDE Electrophysiologist Panel Adjudications
Authors: MAHAJAN DEEPA , DONG YANTING , SAXON LESLIE A. , CHA YONG‐MEI , GILLIAM Francis ROOSEVELT , ASIRVATHAM SAMUEL J. , CESARIO DAVID A. , JONES PAUL W. , SETH MILAN , POWELL BRIAN D.
Published: February 2014

Introduction

Adjudication of thousands of implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD)‐treated arrhythmia episodes is labor intensive and, as a result, is most often left undone. The objective of this study was to evaluate an automatic classification algorithm for adjudication of ICD‐treated arrhythmia episodes.

Methods

The algorithm uses a machine learning algorithm and was developed using 776 arrhythmia episodes. The algorithm was validated on 131 dual‐chamber ICD shock episodes from 127 patients adjudicated by seven electrophysiologists (EPs). Episodes were classified by panel consensus as ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation (VT/VF) or non‐VT/VF, with the resulting classifications used as the reference. Subsequently, each episode electrogram (EGM) data was randomly assigned to three EPs without the atrial lead information, and to three EPs with the atrial lead information. Those episodes were also classified by the automatic algorithm with and without atrial information. Agreement with the reference was compared between the three EPs consensus group and the algorithm.

Results

The overall agreement with the reference was similar between three‐EP consensus and the algorithm for both with atrial EGM (94% vs 95%, P = 0.87) and without atrial EGM (90% vs 91%, P = 0.91). The odds of accurate adjudication, after adjusting for covariates, did not significantly differ between the algorithm and EP consensus (odds ratio 1.02, 95% confidence interval: 0.97–1.06).

Conclusions

This algorithm performs at a level comparable to an EP panel in the adjudication of arrhythmia episodes treated by both dual‐ and single‐chamber ICDs. This type of algorithm has the potential for automated analysis of clinical ICD episodes, and adjudication of EGMs for research studies and quality analyses.
Reduced Effect of Percutaneous Retrogasserian Glycerol Rhizolysis in Trigeminal Neuralgia Affecting the Third Branch
Authors: Koning Mark V. , Koning Nick J. , Koning Henk M.
Published: February 2014

Introduction

The objective of this study was to determine the long‐term efficacy of percutaneous glycerol rhizolysis of the trigeminal ganglion for treating patients with trigeminal neuralgia and search for predictors associated with (long‐term) benefit to improve patient selection.

Methods

A retrospective study in 60 consecutive patients treated with percutaneous glycerol rhizolysis of the trigeminal ganglion for trigeminal neuralgia. Charts were reviewed in combination with follow‐up by questionnaire (n = 55, 92% response).

Results

Initial pain relief was achieved in 92% of the patients. Pain‐free survival was 59% of the patients at 12 months and 53% at 24 months. Most common side effects were hypesthesia (15%), dry eye (5%), and meningitis (2%). In patients without involvement of the third branch of the trigeminal nerve, the initial effect was 79%, of which 90% achieved more than 2 years pain‐free survival, compared with 97% initial effect and less than 40% pain‐free survival of more than 2 years when the third trigeminal branch was involved.

Discussion

The present study demonstrates that involvement of the third branch is a negative predictor for long‐term outcome in percutaneous glycerol rhizolysis of the trigeminal ganglion in patients with classical trigeminal neuralgia. However, in the absence of third‐branch involvement, glycerol rhizolysis yields excellent long‐term results when initial positive effect is obtained.
Single Paravertebral Injection for Acute Thoracic Herpes Zoster: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Makharita Mohamed Y. , Amr Yasser M. , El‐Bayoumy Youssef
Published: February 2014

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of single thoracic paravertebral injection in acute thoracic herpes zoster (HZ) pain, eruptive duration, and the incidence of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN).

Methods

One hundred thirty‐eight patients over 50 years of age with acute thoracic herpetic eruption were randomly assigned to receive a paravertebral block using either 10 mL saline (placebo group) or 25 mg bupivacaine, plus 8 mg dexamethasone in a total volume of 10 mL (active group). All the patients received pregabalin 150 mg twice daily. Acetaminophen was available as rescue analgesia. Pain severity was assessed using visual analog scale (VAS). Analgesics consumption was evaluated weekly. Time to pain resolution, healing of the skin eruption, and incidence of persistent postherpetic pain were reported.

Results

Significantly shorter duration of pain and herpetic eruption was noticed in the active group vs. placebo group (P = 0.013 and < 0.001, respectively). Active group showed significantly lower VAS at the third week. Significantly lower doses of pregabalin and acetaminophen were consumed in the active group. Incidence of PHN was comparable in both groups after 3 months (P = 0.094). A significantly lower incidence of PHN was noted in active treatment group at 6 months (P = 0.048).

Conclusion

Early single paravertebral blockade in the course of acute thoracic HZ seems to be a safe and effective adjuvant treatment modality.
Endogenous Pain Modulation in Response to Exercise in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis, Patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Comorbid Fibromyalgia, and Healthy Controls: A Double‐Blind Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Meeus Mira , Hermans Linda , Ickmans Kelly , Struyf Filip , Van Cauwenbergh Deborah , Bronckaerts Laura , De Clerck Luc S. , Moorken Greta , Hans Guy , Grosemans Sofie , Nijs Jo
Published: February 2014

Objective

Temporal summation (TS) of pain, conditioned pain modulation (CPM), and exercise‐induced analgesia (EIA) are often investigated in chronic pain populations as an indicator for enhanced pain facilitation and impaired endogenous pain inhibition, respectively, but interactions are not yet clear both in healthy controls and in chronic pain patients. Therefore, the present double‐blind randomized placebo‐controlled study evaluates pains cores, TS, and CPM in response to exercise in healthy controls, patients with chronic fatigue syndrome and comorbid fibromyalgia (CFS/FM), and patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), both under placebo and paracetamol condition.

Methods

Fifty‐three female volunteers – of which 19 patients with CFS/FM, 16 patients with RA, and 18 healthy controls – underwent a submaximal exercise test on a bicycle ergometer on 2 different occasions (paracetamol vs. placebo), with an interval of 7 days. Before and after exercise, participants rated pain intensity during TS and CPM.

Results

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis showed decreased TS after exercise, both after paracetamol and placebo (P < 0.05). In patients with CFS/FM, results were less univocal. A nonsignificant decrease in TS was only observed after taking paracetamol. CPM responses to exercise are inconclusive, but seem to worsen after exercise. No adverse effects were seen.

Conclusion

This study evaluates pain scores, TS, and CPM in response to submaximal exercise in 2 different chronic pain populations and healthy controls. In patients with RA, exercise had positive effects on TS, suggesting normal EIA. In patients with CFS/FM, these positive effects were only observed after paracetamol and results were inconsistent.
Genetics and biology of cytoplasmic male sterility and its applications in forage and turf grass breeding
Authors: Islam Md. Shofiqul , Studer Bruno , Møller Ian Max , Asp Torben
Published: February 2014

Hybrid breeding can exploit heterosis and thus offers opportunities to maximize yield, quality and resistance traits in crop species. Cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) is a widely applied tool for efficient hybrid seed production. Encoded in the mitochondrial genome, CMS is maternally inherited, and thus, it can be challenging to apply in breeding schemes of allogamous self‐incompatible plant species, such as perennial ryegrass. Starting with a general introduction to the origin and the function of mitochondria in plants, this review focuses on the genetics and biology of CMS systems in plants to identify conserved and system‐specific mechanisms. We examine prospects of comparative mitochondrial genomics to identify candidate genes and causative polymorphisms associated with CMS across species and discuss specificities, obstacles and potentials of CMS as a breeding tool for maximizing heterosis in forage grasses. The purpose of the review is to highlight the importance of CMS and hybrid breeding in grasses, with the aim of facilitating research and development of novel breeding strategies to address the future needs for food, feed and biomass production.
Diversity of glutelin acidic subunit polypeptides in rice cultivars collected from Northern Vietnam
Authors: Hoai Tran T. T. , Suu Tran D. , Satoh Hikaru , Kumamaru Toshihiro
Published: February 2014

The diversity of glutelin acidic polypeptides in rice cultivars collected from Northern Vietnam was characterized via sodium dodecyl sulphate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE) and isoelectric focusing (IEF) electrophoresis. Glutelin acidic subunits were separated into four bands by molecular mass, as α‐1 (39 kDa), α‐2 (38 kDa), α‐3 (37.5 or 37 kDa) and α‐4 (34 or 33 kDa). One hundred and eighty‐five Vietnamese rice cultivars were divided into three types, based on differences in staining intensity and the molecular size of the α‐3 and α‐4 polypeptides derived from SDS‐PAGE analysis. Wide variation was also observed in the isoelectric point (pI) staining intensity, in addition to the absence/presence of pI bands detected via IEF analysis. A total of 16 pI bands, ranging from pI 6.30 to pI 7.52, were identified in the various local rice cultivars. The maximum and minimum of IEF bands detected were 14 and 10, respectively. The genetic variability index (H′) ranged from 0.280 to 0.820, which confirms that local rice cultivars from Northern Vietnam have diverse glutelin seed storage units.