bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit II variations predict adverse prognosis in cytogenetically normal acute myeloid leukaemia
Authors: Silkjaer Trine , Nyvold Charlotte Guldborg , Juhl‐Christensen Caroline , Hokland Peter , Nørgaard Jan Maxwell
Published: July 2013

Alterations in the two catalytic genes cytochrome c oxidase subunits I and II (COI and COII) have recently been suggested to have an adverse impact on prognosis in patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). In order to explore this in further detail, we sequenced these two mitochondrial genes in diagnostic bone marrow or blood samples in 235 patients with AML. In 37 (16%) patients, a non‐synonymous variation in either COI or COII could be demonstrated. No patients harboured both COI and COII non‐synonymous variations. Twenty‐four (10%) patients had non‐synonymous variations in COI, whereas 13 (6%) patients had non‐synonymous variations in COII. The COI and COII are essential subunits of cytochrome c oxidase that is the terminal enzyme in the oxidative phosphorylation complexes. In terms of disease course, we observed that in patients with a normal cytogenetic analysis at disease presentation (CN‐AML) treated with curative intent, the presence of a non‐synonymous variation in the COII was an adverse prognostic marker for both overall survival and disease‐free survival (DFS) in both univariate (DFS; hazard ratio (HR) 4.4, P = 0.006) and multivariate analyses (DFS; HR 7.2, P = 0.001). This is the first demonstration of a mitochondrial aberration playing an adverse prognostic role in adult AML, and we argue that its role as a potentially novel adverse prognostic marker in the subset of CN‐AML should be explored further.
An investigation into the move towards electronic journals: a case study of NHS libraries in Kent, Surrey and Sussex
Authors: England Rebecca
Published: July 2013

Electronic journals are so embedded into practice in academic libraries that it is easy to forget that this is not the case everywhere. In NHS libraries, for example, the staff face a particular set of issues. This article is based on Rebecca England's dissertation on this topic, completed as part of the MSc Econ course in Information and Library studies at Aberystwyth University. Rebecca is E‐resources Librarian at the Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust. She investigated the momentum towards electronic journals in NHS libraries in the Kent, Surrey and Sussex region and the potential for a regional purchasing consortium.

AM
Molecular characteristics of the MHC‐DRA genes from yak (Bos grunniens) and Chinese yakow (Bos grunniens × Bos taurus)
Authors: Sun Y. , Zheng H. , Xi D. , Zhang X. , Du M. , Pu L. , Lin M. , Yang Y.
Published: July 2013

Two full‐length cDNAs (762 bp) of the DRA gene from yak and Chinese yakow were isolated and analysed to identify structural and functional variations. The sequences for DRA in yak (Bogr‐DRA) and Chinese yakow (Bogr × BoLA‐DRA) were essentially identical to those for cattle (99%) and buffalo (97%). Except for two substitutions in the amino acids comprising the domain for signal peptide (SP) in yak, the additional residues were highly conserved across the species investigated. Peptide‐binding site (PBS) of Bogr‐DRA and Bogr × BoLA‐DRA was highly reserved in the α1 domain among all species investigated. The lack of mutation in Bogr‐DRA is consistent with the conception that the gene is highly conserved among all mammalian species. The very high conservation of the DRA gene among ruminants, including yak, may be due to its recent evolutionary detachment.
Increased frequency and suppressive activity of CD127low/− regulatory T cells in the peripheral circulation of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma are associated with advanced stage and nodal involvement
Authors: Drennan Samantha , Stafford Nicholas D. , Greenman John , Green Victoria L.
Published: July 2013

The presence of regulatory T (Treg) cells is thought to be an important mechanism by which head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) successfully evades the immune system. Using multicolour flow cytometry, the frequency and functional capacity of two CD4+ CD127low/− Treg cell populations, separated on the basis of different levels of CD25 expression (CD25inter and CD25high), from the peripheral circulation of newly presenting HNSCC patients were assessed with regard to clinicopathological features and healthy controls. The frequency of circulating Treg cells was similar between HNSCC patients and healthy controls, and for patients with HNSCC developing from different subsites (laryngeal compared with oropharyngeal). However, patients with advanced stage tumours and those with nodal involvement had significantly elevated levels of CD4+ CD25high CD127low/− Treg cells compared with patients who had early stage tumours (P = 0·03) and those without nodal involvement (P = 0·03), respectively. CD4+ CD25high CD127low/− Treg cells from the entire HNSCC patient cohort and from patients whose tumours had metastasized to the lymph nodes were also shown to suppress the proliferation of effector T cells significantly more, compared with those from healthy controls (P = 0·04) or patients with no nodal involvement (P = 0·04). Additionally, CD4+ CD25inter CD127low/− Treg cells consistently induced greater suppressive activity than CD4+ CD25high CD127low/− Treg cells on the proliferation of the effector T‐cell populations (CD4+ CD25− CD127−/+ and CD4+ CD25+ CD127+). Peripheral Treg cells, identified by the CD127low/− phenotype, have been shown to be influenced by a patient's tumour stage and/or nodal status in HNSCC; suggesting a role in tumour progression that could be manipulated by future immunotherapy.
Macroeconomic impact of a mild influenza pandemic and associated policies in Thailand, South Africa and Uganda: a computable general equilibrium analysis
Authors: Smith Richard D. , Keogh‐Brown Marcus R.
Published: July 2013

Background

Previous research has demonstrated the value of macroeconomic analysis of the impact of influenza pandemics. However, previous modelling applications focus on high‐income countries and there is a lack of evidence concerning the potential impact of an influenza pandemic on lower‐ and middle‐income countries.

Objectives

To estimate the macroeconomic impact of pandemic influenza in Thailand, South Africa and Uganda with particular reference to pandemic (H1N1) 2009.

Methods

A single‐country whole‐economy computable general equilibrium (CGE) model was set up for each of the three countries in question and used to estimate the economic impact of declines in labour attributable to morbidity, mortality and school closure.

Results

Overall GDP impacts were less than 1% of GDP for all countries and scenarios. Uganda's losses were proportionally larger than those of Thailand and South Africa. Labour‐intensive sectors suffer the largest losses.

Conclusions

The economic cost of unavoidable absence in the event of an influenza pandemic could be proportionally larger for low‐income countries. The cost of mild pandemics, such as pandemic (H1N1) 2009, appears to be small, but could increase for more severe pandemics and/or pandemics with greater behavioural change and avoidable absence.
Martin Luther's Use of Rhetorical Masks for Jews, Princes, Clerics, and other Enemies: The Problem of Meaning in a Post Modern Age
Authors: Cole Richard Glenn
Published: July 2013

In modern times, there is a common widespread and common misunderstanding of Martin Luther's views on Jews, Peasants, Clergy, Women, and Princes. An analysis of Luther's rhetorical use of “masks” as metaphors will help us understand that he was not the father of anti‐Semitism, or of political and social elitism. The purpose of this article is to explore and understand Luther's rhetorical intent in the context of early modern German culture. The central thesis of this article is that Martin Luther may have had in his use of rhetorical masks in his public discourse a hidden communicative strategy. Often his masks involved vulgar, crude, and violent words in his attempt to stimulate and persuade public opinion. Does language have consistent long‐term meaning regardless of context? Michael Giesecke, a professor of German linguistics, correctly argues that each cultural period develops its own ways of triadic perception that involves thinking, acting, and communicating. New ways of processing information as we now see in the electronic revolution holds true in the cultural shift in the sixteenth century fostered by the printing press. The new medium of printed works forces a new way of thinking in every affected age. Our problem is to understand the “new way.”
Influence of Grain and Grain‐Boundary Resistances on Dielectric Properties of KNbO3 Under Small DC Bias Field
Authors: Sharath Sankaramangalam Ulhas , Singh Rajesh Kumar , Raghvendra   , Singh Bheeshma Pratap , Kumar Pravin , Singh Prabhakar
Published: July 2013

Lead‐free piezoelectric potassium niobate (KNbO3) system was synthesized by conventional solid‐state ceramic route. Rietveld analysis of X‐ray diffraction data of this system revealed that the sample crystallized in pure orthorhombic perovskite phase at room temperature. SEM micrograph of this system depicted presence of grains having diffuse brick structure with an average grain size of 500 nm. Dielectric properties of KNbO3 ceramic were investigated under different DC bias voltage in a broad frequency (from 20 Hz to 1 MHz) and temperature (from 200°C to 500°C) ranges in its three crystalline phases. The dielectric constant was found to increase with increasing bias field in all three phases. The loss tangent of this system was found to increase first, and then it becomes constant with increasing bias field. These properties have been explained in terms of variation of grain and grain‐boundary resistances with bias field.
Reporting adverse events in randomized controlled trials in periodontology: a systematic review
Authors: Faggion Clovis M. , Tu Yu‐Kang , Giannakopoulos Nikolaos N.
Published: July 2013

Background/Aims

Reporting of adverse events is of paramount importance in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to guide the implementation of new therapeutic approaches in clinical practice. The aim of this study was to assess the quality of adverse events reporting in RCTs published in the periodontal literature.

Materials and Methods

Two authors (CMF and NNG) searched the PubMed and LILACS electronic databases independently and in duplicate to identify RCTs published in periodontology from 2002 to 2003 and from 2011 to 2012. Reporting quality in RCTs was assessed with reference to the 2004 CONSORT Extension for Harms checklist. Differences in adverse events reporting between industry‐ and non‐industry‐funded RCTs were also determined. Cohen's kappa statistic was used to determine the extent of inter‐reviewer agreement. Fischer's exact test was used to assess differences in reporting between the two samples.

Results

The analysis included 246 publications. One hundred twenty‐four of 990 (13%) items and 223 of 1460 (15%) items were adequately reported in publications from 2002 to 2003 and from 2011 to 2012 respectively. Three checklist topics were significantly better reported in the 2011–2012 sample; two recommendations were better reported in non‐industry‐funded trials in publications from both periods.

Conclusion

Improvement and standardization of adverse events reporting in periodontology are needed.
Research Review: Evaluating and reformulating the developmental taxonomic theory of antisocial behaviour
Authors: Fairchild Graeme , van Goozen Stephanie H.M. , Calder Andrew J. , Goodyer Ian M.
Published: July 2013

Background

The developmental taxonomic theory proposes that there are two subtypes of antisocial behaviour. The first is a neurodevelopmental disorder which emerges in early childhood and follows a life‐course persistent course, whereas the second emerges in adolescence, remits in early adulthood and reflects peer processes such as mimicry of antisocial peers. The aim of this review was to evaluate the developmental taxonomic theory in the light of recent empirical research.

Methods

We conducted a comprehensive literature review comparing these subtypes of antisocial behaviour based on searches on PubMed and other scientific databases covering the period from 1993 to 2013. We focused on research encompassing psychiatric epidemiology, personality assessment, neuropsychology, neuroendocrinology, genetics, and structural and functional neuroimaging. Sixty one empirical studies were identified that investigated one of these forms of antisocial behaviour separately or explicitly compared childhood‐onset and adolescence‐onset forms of antisocial behaviour.

Results

Empirical research provides support for the hypothesis that life‐course persistent antisocial behaviour is a neurodevelopmental disorder which emerges in the transactions between individual vulnerabilities and environmental adversity. In contrast to the developmental taxonomic theory, however, empirical findings suggest that severe antisocial behaviour that emerges in adolescence frequently has a negative prognosis and is rarely limited to the adolescent period. In addition, both forms of antisocial behaviour are associated with emotion processing deficits, changes in brain structure and function, alterations in cortisol secretion, and atypical personality traits (such as increased callous‐unemotional traits).

Conclusions

We conclude that the developmental taxonomic theory is in need of revision, as differences between life‐course persistent and adolescence‐onset forms of antisocial behaviour appear to be quantitative, rather than qualitative, in nature. In addition, evidence is accumulating that adolescence‐onset antisocial behaviour may also be a neurodevelopmental disorder. To account for the similarities between these groups, despite the differences in their age‐of‐onset, we propose that the quality of the child's early environment moderates the relationship between individual vulnerabilities and the age‐of‐onset of antisocial behaviour.
Impact of intrauterine and post‐natal nutritional determinants on blood pressure at 4 years of age
Authors: Normia J. , Laitinen K. , Isolauri E. , Poussa T. , Jaakkola J. , Ojala T.
Published: July 2013

Background

To prospectively study how the early nutritional environment can programme blood pressure in a well‐nourished population of children.

Methods

By means of multivariate modelling, we assessed whether gestational and post‐natal dietary intakes and growth influence childhood blood pressure programming in a cohort of 109 healthy mother–child pairs. They had been followed from early pregnancy until the children reached 4 years of age. Dietary intakes were evaluated using 3‐day food diaries. Blood pressure levels in the children were measured using an automated oscillometric DINAMAP ProCare 100 (Criticon, Tampa, FL, USA) at the age of 4 years.

Results

In the final multivariate model, the predictor variables of childhood systolic blood pressure were maternal dietary carbohydrate and fat intake during pregnancy, as well as childhood weight and dietary fat intake at 4 years of age. Systolic blood pressure levels in the children were found to be positively associated with the maternal carbohydrate intake (P = 0.003), whereas blood pressure levels were lowest in children exposed to the middle tertile of maternal dietary fat intake during pregnancy (P = 0.003) and whose own dietary fat intake was in the middle tertile at the age of 4 years (P = 0.013). The model also showed that heavier children have a higher systolic blood pressure (P < 0.001). None of the maternal clinical characteristics fulfilled the criterion to be included in the model. The only determinant underlying childhood diastolic blood pressure was childhood weight at 4 years of age (r = 0.289, P = 0.026).

Conclusions

Interventions focusing on cardiovascular health in young women during pregnancy and their children should be considered to reduce cardiovascular diseases risk factors in these children.
Growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) signaling modulates intermittent hypoxia‐induced oxidative stress and cognitive deficits in mouse
Authors: Nair Deepti , Ramesh Vijay , Li Richard C. , Schally Andrew V. , Gozal David
Published: July 2013

Intermittent hypoxia (IH) during sleep, such as occurs in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), leads to degenerative changes in the hippocampus, and is associated with spatial learning deficits in adult mice. In both patients and murine models of OSA, the disease is associated with suppression of growth hormone (GH) secretion, which is actively involved in the growth, development, and function of the central nervous system (CNS). Recent work showed that exogenous GH therapy attenuated neurocognitive deficits elicited by IH during sleep in rats. Here, we show that administration of the Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone (GHRH) agonist JI‐34 attenuates IH‐induced neurocognitive deficits, anxiety, and depression in mice along with reduction in oxidative stress markers such as MDA and 8‐hydroxydeoxyguanosine, and increases in hypoxia inducible factor‐1α DNA binding and up‐regulation of insulin growth factor‐1 and erythropoietin expression. In contrast, treatment with a GHRH antagonist (MIA‐602) during intermittent hypoxia did not affect any of the IH‐induced deleterious effects in mice. Thus, exogenous GHRH administered as the formulation of a GHRH agonist may provide a viable therapeutic intervention to protect IH‐vulnerable brain regions from OSA‐associated neurocognitive dysfunction.

image

Sleep apnea, characterized by chronic intermittent hypoxia (IH), is associated with substantial cognitive and behavioral deficits. Here, we show that administration of a GHRH agonist (JI‐34) reduces oxidative stress, increases both HIF‐1α nuclear binding and downstream expression of IGF1 and erythropoietin (EPO) in hippocampus and cortex, and markedly attenuates water maze performance deficits in mice exposed to intermittent hypoxia during sleep.
Experiences of living with dementia: qualitative content analysis of semi‐structured interviews
Authors: Mazaheri Monir , Eriksson Lars E , Heikkilä Kristiina , Nasrabadi Alireza Nikbakht , Ekman Sirkka‐Liisa , Sunvisson Helena
Published: July 2013

Aims and objectives

To describe people's experiences of living with dementia in Iran.

Background

A knowledge gap exists regarding the experiences of living with dementia in nonWestern contexts. This gap may be especially apparent within the Iranian context, where dementia research is relatively new. Deeper understanding about context‐related experiences of dementia is a prerequisite for nurses' ability to provide adequate and meaningful care.

Design

Qualitative, cross‐sectional design.

Methods

Qualitative content analysis of semi‐structured interviews with people living with dementia in urban Iran (six women and nine men; 60–87 years old).

Results

The participants experienced their condition as a state of forgetfulness that was accompanied by losses and dependency on others. They wanted to feel good about themselves and feel important, but they continually struggled with matters such as a loss of accountability, feelings of futility and the frustration of others. Economic dependency and a lack of economic resources were sources of feelings of futility.

Conclusion

Experiences of living with dementia in Iran included a substantial struggle to stay connected to the social world and to deal with dramatic life changes, aspects of living with dementia that seem to be universal. However, the feelings of financial burden and the experience of being nagged for their shortfalls by family members have seldom been described in other studies and seem to represent a cultural aspect of their experience.

Relevance to clinical practice

The results of the study call for further nursing efforts in supporting people living with dementia in their struggle with their altered lives and in retaining their connections to everyday life. Furthermore, their family members might benefit from specific nursing interventions including information about dementia and advice on how to help the family members with dementia to interact with others while exercising their individual strengths.
Changes of maternal dietary intake, bodyweight and fetal growth throughout pregnancy in pregnant Japanese women
Authors: Kubota Kimie , Itoh Hiroaki , Tasaka Mitsue , Naito Hatue , Fukuoka Yoshiharu , Muramatsu Kato Keiko , Kohmura Yukiko Kobayashi , Sugihara Kazuhiro , Kanayama Naohiro ,   Hamamatsu Birth Cohort (HBC) Study Team
Published: July 2013

Aim

The associations among changes in dietary intake, maternal bodyweight, and fetal growth during the course of pregnancy were investigated in a prospective cohort study carried out on 135 Japanese women.

Material and Methods

Dietary intake was analyzed using digital photos of meals taken over 3 consecutive days, in the first, second and third trimester, and was compared with maternal bodyweight, estimated fetal bodyweight by ultrasound examination, and birthweight.

Results

Surprisingly, the mean total calorie intake remained below 1600 kcal/day during pregnancy, much lower than the value recommended in the 2010 edition of ‘Dietary Reference Intakes for Japanese’. Dietary intake was similar throughout despite the recommendation of extra intake in late pregnancy. Maternal dietary intake did not correlate with fetal growth, although maternal bodyweight in the second trimester positively correlated with estimated fetal bodyweight in the third trimester. Maternal bodyweight before pregnancy positively correlated with birthweight.

Conclusions

Maternal bodyweight as well as eating habits established before pregnancy may have a considerable effect on fetal growth. There is an urgent need to improve the diet of Japanese women of child‐bearing age, especially during pregnancy.
Microwave endometrial ablation for endometrial protection in women with breast cancer on adjuvant tamoxifen
Authors: Zhu Yunshan , Yang Jianhua
Published: July 2013

Aim

The purpose of the current study was to determine the effectiveness of microwave endometrial ablation (MEA) in inhibiting the proliferative response of the endometrium in women with breast cancer who are treated with tamoxifen.

Material and Methods

In the before–after study, we treated 31 postmenopausal patients who had received adjuvant tamoxifen for 1 year or more with MEA, the endometrial changes were compared before and after MEA.

Results

After MEA, the thickness of the uterine lining was decreased significantly. No patient had recurrent endometrial polyps or abnormal vaginal bleeding during the follow‐up period.

Conclusion

MEA had a protective action against the uterine effects of tamoxifen for postmenopausal patients. MEA is a safe and effective minimally invasive treatment method for breast cancer patients treated with tamoxifen.
Unusual clinical course of preeclampsia heralded by generalized edema
Authors: Kojima Takashi , Yamada Takahiro , Yamada Takashi , Morikawa Mamoru , Cho Kazutoshi , Minakami Hisanori
Published: July 2013

Preeclampsia monitored by the amount of proteinuria usually does not show amelioration during pregnancy. A 37‐year‐old nulliparous woman was admitted to our hospital at gestational week (GW) 24−1/7 due to rapid weight gain (6.2 kg/4 weeks) and oligohydramnios. Hypertension (151/91 mmHg) appeared at GW 25−0/7 and proteinuria not detected at GW 24−0/7 became significant (0.55 g/day) at GW 25−2/7. During the 2 successive weeks after administration of betamethasone at 12 mg twice and transabdominal amnioinfusion with 250 mL of Ringer's acetate solution at GW 25−3/7, generalized edema, proteinuria and thrombocytopenia markedly improved: bodyweight, 78.0 to 69.0 kg; proteinuria, from 7.1 to 1.3 g/day; and platelet count, from 111 to 230 × 109/L. However, intrauterine infection accompanied by non‐reassuring fetal status necessitated emergency cesarean section at GW 28−3/7. Extraordinary bodyweight gain can herald the occurrence of preeclampsia and this weight gain together with signs of preeclampsia can ameliorate even during pregnancy, although its mechanism is unclear.
Felinine excretion in domestic cat breeds: a preliminary investigation
Authors: Hagen‐Plantinga E. A. , Bosch G. , Hendriks W. H.
Published: July 2013

The aim of this study was to determine possible differences in felinine excretion between domesticated cat breeds. For this purpose, urine was collected from a total of 83 privately owned entire male cats from eight different breeds in the Netherlands during the period of November 2010 till November 2011. In the collected samples, free felinine and creatinine concentrations were measured. Free felinine concentrations were expressed relative to the urinary creatinine concentration to compensate for possible variations in renal output. The mean (±SD) felinine:creatinine (Fel:Cr) ratio as measured over all cats was 0.702 (±0.265). Both the Abyssinian and Sphynx breeds showed the highest Fel:Cr ratio (0.878 ± 0.162 and 0.878 ± 0.341 respectively) which significantly differed from the ratios of the British Shorthairs (0.584 ± 0.220), Birmans (0.614 ± 0.266), Norwegian Forest cats (0.566 ± 0.296) and Siberian cats (0.627 ± 0.124). The Fel:Cr ratios of the Persians (0.792 ± 0.284) and Ragdolls (0.673 ± 0.256) showed no statistical difference with either of the other breeds. A significant proportion of the observed variation between the different feline breeds could be explained by hair growth, as both hair growth and felinine production compete for available cysteine. Shorthaired and hairless cat breeds generally showed a higher Fel:Cr ratio compared to longhaired cat breeds, with the exception of Persian cats. Further research is warranted to more closely study the effect of hair growth on felinine production.
Suppressive activity and altered conventional phenotype markers/mediators of regulatory T cells in patients with self‐limiting hepatitis E
Authors: Rathod S. B. , Das R. , Thanapati S. , Arankalle V. A. , Tripathy A. S.
Published: July 2013

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a major cause of self‐limiting acute viral hepatitis in several developing countries. Elevated levels of peripheral CD4+CD25+Foxp3+, CD4+CD25−Foxp3+ and rise in IL‐10 in hepatitis E have been associated with the involvement of regulatory T cells (Treg). The functional role of the same is yet elusive. In the current study, we have assessed (i) Foxp3 expression by real‐time PCR and by flow cytometry, (ii) the levels of antigen‐specific IL‐10 and TGF‐β by ELISA, (iii) functional analysis of Treg cells and (iv) expression of Treg‐associated conventional phenotypes by flow cytometry in 54 acute patients, 44 recovered individuals from hepatitis E and in 33 healthy controls. Foxp3 mRNA elevation in the acute compared with recovered group and elevation in Foxp3+ cells in both patient groups were significantly elevated. The levels of IL‐10 and TGF‐β in the acute patients and TGF‐β in the recovered individuals were elevated. Significantly higher expression of CTLA‐4, PD1, GITR, CD95, CD103 and CD73 on Treg and T effector (Teff) cells was detected in the patient groups. Treg cells of acute patients and recovered individuals exhibited suppressive activity indicating that the Treg cells of hepatitis E patients are functional. The suppressive capacity of Treg cells in acute hepatitis E patients was significantly higher compared with the recovered individuals. Based on our findings, the suppressive functionality of these key markers associated with hepatitis E Treg function need further exploration to get a better understanding of the mechanisms of Treg‐mediated suppression.
Sequence‐independent processing site of the C‐terminal domain (CTD) influences maturation of the RgpB protease from Porphyromonas gingivalis
Authors: Zhou Xiao‐Yan , Gao Jin‐Long , Hunter Neil , Potempa Jan , Nguyen Ky‐Anh
Published: July 2013

The Gram‐negative periodontal pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis produces a family of outer membrane‐anchored proteases, the gingipains, shown to play an essential role in virulence of the organism. The C‐terminal domain (CTD) of gingipains and other secreted proteins is known to be the targeting signal for maturation and translocation of the protein through the outer membrane. The CTD is subsequently cleaved during the secretion process. Multiple alignment of various CTDs failed to define a consensus sequence at the putative CTD processing site. Using mutagenesis, we were able to show that cleavage at the site is not dependent on a specific residue and that recognition of the site is independent of local sequence. Interestingly, length of the junction between the CTD and adjacent Ig‐like subdomain has a critical influence on post‐translational glycan modification of the protein, whereby insertion of additional residues immediately N‐terminal to the cleavage site results in failure of glycan modification and release of soluble protease into the culture medium. Various hypotheses are presented to explain these phenomena. Knowledge of the role CTDs play in maturation of gingipains has broader application for understanding maturation of CTD homologues expressed by bacteria of the Bacteriodetes phylum.
The prognostic ability of early Braden Q Scores in critically ill children
Authors: Tume Lyvonne N , Siner Sarah , Scott Elaine , Lane Steven
Published: July 2013

Background

Pressure ulcer (PU) risk assessment tools are an important component of good nursing care; however, it is essential that these tools offer a good sensitivity and specificity, in addition to clinical utility in the population being assessed.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to examine how the lowest Braden Q score recorded in the first 24 h of paediatric intensive care unit admission related to the risk of PU development in an English PICU (paediatric intensive care unit).

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was undertaken over 12 months in a single PICU in the North West of England. 891 critically ill children with a Braden Q score were evaluated.

The lowest Braden Q score within the first 24 h of PICU admission was matched to reported PU development and grade.

Results

The Braden Q score was found to perform well in children aged 3 weeks to 8 years without congenital heart disease (CHD), which is the population it was validated on. At a cut off score of ≤16 it yielded a sensitivity of 100% specificity of 73.1%, positive predictive value (PPV) 2.56 and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 100 and an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.87(0.75–0.98). When used in other age groups and when it included children with CHD, it performed less well with lower AUC and wider confidence intervals, but it performed moderately well in the group of term to 14 years with a sensitivity of 75% specificity of 72.6%, PPV 1.5 and a NPV of 99.8 and AUC of 0.74 (0.49–0.98).

Conclusion

Our results in a heterogeneous UK PICU population found the Braden Q score performed well in the specific population it was validated for (PICU children aged 3 weeks to 8 years without CHD), however, it performed moderately well in the more heterogonous PICU population of term to 14 years including children with CHD.
Medication communication through documentation in medical wards: knowledge and power relations
Authors: Liu Wei , Manias Elizabeth , Gerdtz Marie
Published: July 2013

Health professionals communicate with each other about medication information using different forms of documentation. This article explores knowledge and power relations surrounding medication information exchanged through documentation among nurses, doctors and pharmacists. Ethnographic fieldwork was conducted in 2010 in two medical wards of a metropolitan hospital in Australia. Data collection methods included participant observations, field interviews, video‐recordings, document retrieval and video reflexive focus groups. A critical discourse analytic framework was used to guide data analysis. The written medication chart was the main means of communicating medication decisions from doctors to nurses as compared to verbal communication. Nurses positioned themselves as auditors of the medication chart and scrutinised medical prescribing to maintain the discourse of patient safety. Pharmacists utilised the discourse of scientific judgement to guide their decision‐making on the necessity of verbal communication with nurses and doctors. Targeted interdisciplinary meetings involving nurses, doctors and pharmacists should be organised in ward settings to discuss the importance of having documented medication information conveyed verbally across different disciplines. Health professionals should be encouraged to proactively seek out each other to relay changes in medication regimens and treatment goals.
Increasing atmospheric CO2 reduces metabolic and physiological differences between isoprene‐ and non‐isoprene‐emitting poplars
Authors: Way Danielle A. , Ghirardo Andrea , Kanawati Basem , Esperschütz Jürgen , Monson Russell K. , Jackson Robert B. , Schmitt‐Kopplin Philippe , Schnitzler Jörg‐Peter
Published: July 2013

Isoprene, a volatile organic compound produced by some plant species, enhances abiotic stress tolerance under current atmospheric CO2 concentrations, but its biosynthesis is negatively correlated with CO2 concentrations. We hypothesized that losing the capacity to produce isoprene would require stronger up‐regulation of other stress tolerance mechanisms at low CO2 than at higher CO2 concentrations.

We compared metabolite profiles and physiological performance in poplars (Populus × canescens) with either wild‐type or RNAi‐suppressed isoprene emission capacity grown at pre‐industrial low, current atmospheric, and future high CO2 concentrations (190, 390 and 590 ppm CO2, respectively).

Suppression of isoprene biosynthesis led to significant rearrangement of the leaf metabolome, increasing stress tolerance responses such as xanthophyll cycle pigment de‐epoxidation and antioxidant levels, as well as altering lipid, carbon and nitrogen metabolism. Metabolic and physiological differences between isoprene‐emitting and suppressed lines diminished as growth CO2 concentrations rose.

The CO2 dependence of our results indicates that the effects of isoprene biosynthesis are strongest at pre‐industrial CO2 concentrations. Rising CO2 may reduce the beneficial effects of biogenic isoprene emission, with implications for species competition. This has potential consequences for future climate warming, as isoprene emitted from vegetation has strong effects on global atmospheric chemistry.
Applying science and mathematics to big data for smarter buildings
Authors: Lee Young M. , An Lianjun , Liu Fei , Horesh Raya , Chae Young Tae , Zhang Rui
Published: July 2013

Many buildings are now collecting a large amount of data on operations, energy consumption, and activities through systems such as a building management system (BMS), sensors, and meters (e.g., submeters and smart meters). However, the majority of data are not utilized and are thrown away. Science and mathematics can play an important role in utilizing these big data and accurately assessing how energy is consumed in buildings and what can be done to save energy, make buildings energy efficient, and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This paper discusses an analytical tool that has been developed to assist building owners, facility managers, operators, and tenants of buildings in assessing, benchmarking, diagnosing, tracking, forecasting, and simulating energy consumption in building portfolios.
Cytokines and tumor markers in potentially malignant disorders and oral squamous cell carcinoma: a pilot study
Authors: Czerninski R , Basile JR , Kartin‐Gabay T , Laviv A , Barak V
Published: July 2013

Objective

To evaluate serum levels of interleukin (IL)‐1, IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐10, soluble IL‐2 receptor (sIL‐2R), squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCCA), tissue polypeptide–specific antigen (TPS) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in patients with potentially malignant disorders (PMD), oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), or status‐post (SP) OSCC.

Subjects and Methods

Blood was collected from 47 patients, either controls or diagnosed with PMD, OSCC, or SPOSCC. Levels of cytokines and tumor marker were evaluated by ELISAs. Normal levels were based on previous studies and pathology determined by chi‐square and Fisher's exact tests. P ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Above normal levels of SCCA were found for OSCC and dysplasia patients (33.3% and 11.1%, respectively) and high range of normal (upper 20% of the normal range) for lichen planus, SPOSCC, and dysplasia patients (6.67%, 33.3%, and 22.2%, respectively), differences that approached statistical significance (P = 0.055). No differences were found between groups for other tested markers. A progression was seen for SCCA from high range of normal in SPOSCC to a mixture of high normal and elevated in dysplasia to elevated in active OSCC, suggesting that SCCA may be correlated with cancer progression.

Conclusion

Higher levels of serum SCCA may serve as a marker for dysplasia and progression to oral carcinogenesis.
Comparison of Dyssynchrony Parameters for VV‐Optimization in CRT Patients
Authors: RISUM NIELS , SOGAARD PETER , HANSEN THOMAS F. , BRUUN NIELS E. , HOFFMANN SOREN , KISSLO JOSEPH , JONS CHRISTIAN , OLSEN NIELS T.
Published: July 2013

Background

Optimization of the interventricular delay (VV‐optimization) in cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) patients can be performed by evaluation of mechanical dyssynchrony. However, there is no consensus on which method to use. In this study, three conceptually different methods were evaluated.

Methods

Thirty consecutive CRT patients were included. At day 1, patients were atrioventricular and VV optimized by left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) velocity time integral (VTI). At 6 months, 2D strain (2DS) echocardiography and tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) was performed at six different VV‐programming delay in steps of 20 ms. LVOT and three indices of dyssynchrony were evaluated at each setting: standard deviation (SD) of time‐to‐peak strain in 12 segments (2DS‐SD), SD of time‐to‐peak velocities in 12 segments (TDI‐SD), and maximal activation delay (AD‐max) by cross‐correlation analysis (XCA) of TDI‐derived myocardial acceleration curves.

Results

Feasibility was 90% for 2DS‐SD and TDI‐SD and 97% for AD‐max. Coefficients of variation for intraobserver variability were 13% for 2DS‐SD, 11% for TDI‐SD, and 6% for AD‐max. A relative increase in LVOT VTI > 10% was observed in 5/12 (42%) nonresponders and 7/18 (39%) responders to CRT. Optimization by all three dyssynchrony indices significantly increased LVOT VTI compared to simultaneous pacing and optimal setting at day 1 (P < 0.05, all). LVOT VTI was highest when using AD‐max, and AD‐max showed the best agreement (k = 0.71).

Conclusion

VV optimization at 6 months acutely benefits both responders and nonresponders; however, dyssynchrony indices do not perform equally well. XCA has a high feasibility and reproducibility and appears to be superior to time‐to‐peak techniques.
Interaction of Retinoic Acid Radical Cation with Lysozyme and Antioxidants: Laser Flash Photolysis Study in Microemulsion
Authors: Li Kun , Wang Mei , Wang Ting , Sun Dongmei , Zhu Rongrong , Sun Xiaoyu , Wu Xianzheng , Wang Shi‐Long
Published: July 2013

All‐trans retinoic acid (ATRA) plays essential roles in the normal biological processes and the treatment of cancer and skin diseases. Considering its photosensitive property, many studies have been focused on the photochemistry of ATRA. In this study, we investigated the transient phenomena in the laser flash photolysis (LFP) of ATRA in microemulsion to further understand the photochemistry of ATRA. Results show that 355 nm LFP of ATRA in both acidic and alkaline conditions leads to the generation of retinoic acid cation radicals (ATRA•+) via biphotonic processes. The employment of microemulsion system allows us to investigate the reaction of hydrophobic ATRA•+ with molecules of different polarity. Therefore, we studied the reaction activity of ATRA•+ to many hydrophobic and hydrophilic molecules. Results show that ATRA•+ can efficiently interact with lysozyme, tyrosine, tryptophan and many antioxidants, such as curcumin (Cur), vitamin C (VC) and gallic acid (GA). The apparent rate constants of these reactions were measured and compared. These findings suggest that ATRA•+ is a reactive transient product which may pose damage to lysozyme, and antioxidants, such as Cur, VC and GA, may inactivate ATRA•+ by efficient quenching reactions.
Contingent Commissions, Insurance Intermediaries, and Insurer Performance
Authors: Ma Yu‐Luen , Pope Nat , Xie Xiaoying
Published: July 2013

This research investigates the relationship shared by contingent commission usage and insurer performance. We assess performance using both frontier efficiency and financial performance measures. Our findings reveal that the relationship is complex and varies across differing insurer business models. We find that nonusers of contingent commissions are more cost and revenue efficient than are users of contingents. However, among insurers that use contingents, relatively higher levels of use are associated with more efficient operations and also better financial performance. Additionally, these findings are conditioned on the type of distribution system the insurer employs.
Spend More Today Safely: Using Behavioral Economics to Improve Retirement Expenditure Decisions With SPEEDOMETER Plans
Authors: Blake David , Boardman Tom
Published: July 2013

This article examines how behavioral economics can be used to improve the spending decisions of retirees, using a SPEEDOMETER (or Spending Optimally Throughout Retirement) retirement expenditure plan that employs defaults within a choice architecture. The plan involves just four key behavioral nudges: (1) first, make a plan—ideally by being auto‐enrolled into one or with the help of a financial adviser; (2) automatic phasing of annuitization, which is designed to tackle the aversion to large irreversible transactions and losing control of assets, and so allows the greatest possible degree of flexibility in managing the rundown of retirement assets; (3) capital protection in the form of “money‐back” annuities that deals with loss aversion, that is, the fear of losing your money if you die early; and (4) the slogan “spend more today safely” that utilizes hyperbolic discounting to satisfy the human trait of wanting jam today, and to reinforce the idea that “buying an annuity is a smart thing to do.”
A Micro‐Econometric Analysis of the Antipoverty Effect of Social Cash Transfers in Italy
Authors: Fabrizi Enrico , Ferrante Maria Rosaria , Pacei Silvia
Published: July 2013

We analyze the anti‐poverty effect of social cash transfers using a micro‐econometric approach. Aggregate analyses, based on comparing average poverty indicators before and after public transfers, fail to address who receives the transfers and how the transfers are distributed among the poor. We consider three dichotomous outcome variables: (i) poverty status before the receipt of transfers; (ii) the receipt of transfers; and (iii) poverty status after the receipt of transfers. We use a trivariate probit model with sample selection, connecting the outcome variables to the characteristics of the household and its head. Our empirical results highlight that the Italian social transfers system overprotects certain household typologies at the expense of others, as social transfers are primarily awarded to employees with permanent positions and the elderly, while the system is not generous enough to large households with dependant children, the self‐employed, temporary contract workers, and the unemployed.
Optimizing EEMCO guidance for the assessment of dry skin (xerosis) for pharmacies
Authors: Kang B. C. , Kim Y. E. , Kim Y. J. , Chang M. J. , Choi H. D. , Li K. , Shin W. G.
Published: July 2013

Purpose

People with dry skin (xerosis) are common in community pharmacies, but there is no consistent guidance for community pharmacists to evaluate and alleviate dry skin. Through evaluating any difference of the clinical scoring systems of EEMCO guidance between a dermatologist and pharmacists and the efficacy of moisturizers for the treatment of dry skin recommended by community pharmacists, we aim to validate a dry skin guidance through the help of community pharmacists. These results provide insight into how community pharmacists can help patients with dry skin.

Methods

The clinical scoring systems of EEMCO guidance used in this study comprised analog scales, the overall dry skin score (ODS), and the specific symptom sum score (SRRC) system. All pictures of the dry skin scored by pharmacists were visually evaluated by a dermatologist. The efficacy of the moisturizers was determined by the difference of the scales on day 0 and on day 28.

Results

In this study, 387 patients with dry skin from 157 community pharmacies were evaluated by pharmacists. Visual scale with divisions, ODS and SRRC that were evaluated by pharmacists on day 0 and day 28 were moderately reliable by a dermatologist. All parameters of dry skin were significantly improved by the moisturizers which were recommended by community pharmacists on day 28.

Conclusion

Visual scale, ODS and SRRC can be generally measured to evaluate dry skin in community pharmacies with moderate degree of reliability. This finding has possible applications for investigating the assessment of the community pharmacists on clinical scoring system of dry skin and moisturizers.
Teaching Oppressive Texts
Authors: Camp Claudia V. , Webster Jane S. , Thelle Rannfrid
Published: July 2013

Scholars have identified the many stories in the Bible that are oppressive to women or other minoritized groups. It is remarkable how common it is that North American undergraduate students remain blind to the oppression that is depicted and that is too often the result of commonly accepted interpretations of these texts. Three brief essays collected here, originally presented as part of a panel at the Society of Biblical Literature annual meeting (Atlanta, 2010), present various teaching strategies for exposing the oppressive elements in the biblical text and showing how the oppression operates (an aspect of ideological criticism). What are good strategies for communicating these hard points to students in a way they can hear them and work with them? Why is this important to do?
When to Initiate an International Vertical Merger? The Impact of Negative Demand Shock
Authors: Li Jie , Huang Xianhai
Published: July 2013

This paper develops an extended Hotelling‐type product and technology‐differentiated model with two upstream and two downstream firms. The US upstream (respectively downstream) firm is technologically more advanced than the Chinese upstream (respectively downstream) firm. The locations of the upstream firms and the US downstream firm are fixed, and the Chinese downstream firm chooses its product location. The downstream firms compete with each other in US market. We aim to explore the conditions under which an international vertical merger between the Chinese downstream firm and the US upstream firm occurs and its welfare implications. We show that the incentive for the Chinese downstream firm to initiate a technology‐acquiring international vertical merger crucially depends on the market conditions of the United States. As compared to exporting or domestic vertical merger, international vertical merger is by no means an optimal choice for the Chinese downstream firm when there is no negative demand shocks to US market. This result remains to hold when the US downstream firm also has the option of initiating a merger with the US upstream firm. Nevertheless, in the case of a negative demand shock, a profitable international vertical merger may occur. However, such mergers worsen the social welfare of the United States.