bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FGF‐2 addition during expansion of human bone marrow‐derived stromal cells alters MSC surface marker distribution and chondrogenic differentiation potential
Authors: Hagmann S. , Moradi B. , Frank S. , Dreher T. , Kämmerer P. W. , Richter W. , Gotterbarm T.
Published: July 2013

Objectives

Although clinical applications using mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are becoming more frequent, procedures for their in vitro culture are far from standardized. Growth factors such as FGF‐2 are frequently added during expansion to improve population growth and differentiation characteristics. However, up to now its influence on surface marker distribution of MSCs has been close to unknown. The purpose of this study was therefore to analyse effects of FGF‐2 supplementation on pre‐selection of MSC subpopulations.

Materials and methods

Mesenchymal stromal cells were harvested from bone marrow of six patients and expanded in alpha‐MEM or DMEM‐LG. Starting in passage 2, 10 ng/ml FGF‐2 was administered and non‐supplemented media were used as controls. Growth indices were calculated from P0 to P4. After P4, fluorescence cytometry for common MSC surface markers was performed and standard chondrogenic, adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation protocols were applied.

Results

Cell population growth indices were higher for those in FGF‐2 supplemented media. Significant differences in surface marker distribution were observed for CD13, CD14, CD49, CD90, CD340 and STRO‐1 depending on respective culture conditions. FGF‐2 suppressed CD146 expression in both alpha‐MEM and DMEM‐LG. No differences in adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation potential could be observed, while FGF‐2 significantly improved chondrogenic differentiation in DMEM‐LG.

Conclusions

While holding the benefit of improving MSC chondrogenic differentiation potential, FGF‐2 pre‐selects certain MSC subtypes. Our data clearly show that expansion culture conditions have a significant effect on distribution of a number of MSC surface markers.
TNFα‐activated stromal COX‐2 signalling promotes proliferative and invasive potential of colon cancer epithelial cells
Authors: Zhu M. , Zhu Y. , Lance P.
Published: July 2013

Objectives

Up to now it has been unclear whether stromal/epithelial interaction affects progression of colon cancer. This study was designed to examine effects of tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα)‐activated stromal cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) signalling on proliferation and invasiveness of colon cancer epithelial cells.

Materials and methods

Cyclooxygenase‐2 mRNA and protein were determined by real‐time PCR and western blotting and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) was assayed by radioimmunoassay. Cell proliferation and invasiveness were determined by transwell chamber assays and protein kinase C (PKC) was assayed by Biotrak™ PKC Assay System.

Results

Our results indicated that TNFα, a powerful inflammatory cytokine, strongly promoted COX‐2 expression and PGE2 production in colon cancer‐associated fibroblasts. Using in vitro assays for estimating proliferative and invasive potential, we discovered that activation of stromal COX‐2 signalling significantly promoted proliferation and invasiveness of colon cancer epithelial cells. In addition, selective COX‐2 inhibitor N‐[2‐(Cyclohexyloxy)‐4‐nitrophenyl]methanesulfonamide, blocked such proliferative and invasive effects on the cancer epithelial cells. In this process, PKC was involved in activation of COX‐2 signalling in the fibroblasts.

Conclusion

We conclude that activation of stromal COX‐2 signalling by TNFα played a major role in promoting proliferation and invasiveness of colon cancer epithelial cells.
Promyelocytic leukaemia zinc finger maintains self‐renewal of male germline stem cells (mGSCs) and its expression pattern in dairy goat testis
Authors: Song W. , Zhu H. , Li M. , Li N. , Wu J. , Mu H. , Yao X. , Han W. , Liu W. , Hua J.
Published: July 2013

Objectives

Previous studies have shown that promyelocytic leukaemia zinc finger (PLZF) is a spermatogonia‐specific transcription factor in the testis, required to regulate self‐renewal and maintenance of the spermatogonia stem cell. Up to now, expression and function of PLZF in the goat testis has not been known. The objectives of this study were to investigate PLZF expression pattern in the dairy goat and its effect on male goat germline stem cell (mGSC) self‐renewal and differentiation.

Materials and methods

Testis development and expression patterns of PLZF in the dairy goat were analysed by haematoxylin and eosin staining, immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). Furthermore, effects of PLZF overexpression on mGSC self‐renewal and differentiation were evaluated by quantitative RT‐PCR (QRT‐PCR), immunofluorescence and BrdU incorporation assay.

Results

Promyelocytic leukaemia zinc finger was essential for dairy goat testis development and expression of several proliferation and pluripotency‐associated proteins including OCT4, C‐MYC were upregulated by PLZF overexpression. The study demonstrated that PLZF played a key role in maintaining self‐renewal of mGSCs and its overexpression enhanced expression of proliferation‐associated genes.

Conclusions

Promyelocytic leukaemia zinc finger could function in the dairy goat as well as in other species in maintaining self‐renewal of germline stem cells and this study provides a model to study the mechanism on self‐renewal and differentiation of mGSCs in livestock.
Introduction to the issue of state sovereignty and humanitarian action
Authors: Kahn Clea , Cunningham Andrew
Published: July 2013

There has been greater discussion among humanitarians in recent years about the rise in the number of ‘strong states’, and the suggestion has been made that states are increasingly reasserting their sovereignty. This introduction to this special issue of Disasters on ‘State Sovereignty and Humanitarian Action’ contends that it is not states that have changed, but rather the international framework that surrounds humanitarian action. The latter has altered so substantially that a fundamental gap has developed between states and international humanitarian actors in terms of describing what sovereignty entails and how it is expressed. At the heart of this dilemma are the urgent needs of people caught up in crises, whose well‐being becomes the contested ground on which states and humanitarian actors clash. This paper explores the current and historical dimensions of these shifts, and provides a conceptual overview for this special issue.
Invitation withdrawn: humanitarian action, United Nations peacekeeping, and state sovereignty in Chad
Authors: Karlsrud John , Felix da Costa Diana
Published: July 2013

This paper looks at the three‐way relationship between the Government of Chad, humanitarians, and the United Nations Mission in the Central African Republic and Chad (MINURCAT) from 2004 until June 2011. Chad was never comfortable with the international presence of either humanitarians or peacekeepers and asserted its sovereignty increasingly during this period. MINURCAT was deployed in 2008 to protect humanitarian workers and to facilitate the provision of humanitarian assistance in eastern Chad. This association between the UN mission and humanitarian agencies contributed to making the latter the target of repressive practices by the government, such as the imposition of armed escorts. Facing a steep learning curve, Chad and its state officials gradually appropriated the discourse of the humanitarian and international community and ultimately, in 2010, requested the departure of MINURCAT, claiming that they could meet the protection needs of vulnerable populations in eastern Chad on their own.
Paediatric estimated average glucose in children with Type 1 diabetes
Authors: O'Riordan S. M. P. , Danne T. , Hanas R. , Peters C. J. , Hindmarsh P.
Published: July 2013

Aim

Estimated average glucose has been used to transform HbA1c into a glucose measure that might better inform patients of their glycaemic control. The data set used to obtain the estimated average glucose equation was derived in adults with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, along with normal healthy control subjects, and requires testing in children.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional study of 234 children and young people (106 male) with Type 1 diabetes aged 4.0–23.5 years who underwent continuous glucose monitoring over a 5‐day period along with a measure of HbA1c. Regression analysis was used to determine estimated average glucose and agreement was assessed with the average glucose estimated from the Nathan equation: Nathan average glucose equation = 1.59 (HbA1c%) – 2.59.

Results

Mean HbA1c was 76 mmol/mol (25.1) [9.1 (2.3)%] and mean continuous glucose monitoring tissue glucose was 10.4 (2.6) mmol/l. The relationship between continuous glucose monitoring tissue glucose and HbA1c was described by the paediatric equation: paediatric estimated average glucose = 0.49 (HbA1c%) + 5.95 (r = 0.45; P < 0.001). The mean paediatric estimated average glucose was 10.4 (1.1) mmol/l compared with that from the Nathan average glucose equation of 11.9 (3.7) mmol/l (P < 0.001). Overall, the paediatric estimated average glucose was 2.7 mmol/l lower than the Nathan estimated average glucose, with a 95% limit of agreement of ± 0.5 mmol/l. The agreement was very close with HbA1c values below 80 mmol/mol (9.5%).

Conclusion

These data suggest that the Nathan estimated average glucose could be used in children and young people with Type 1 diabetes. Caution should still be exercised in the estimates derived for average glucose as the data set is skewed in both Nathan and paediatric average glucose estimates in opposite directions because of the differences in average HbA1c.
Gestational diabetes predicts the risk of childhood overweight and abdominal circumference independent of maternal obesity
Authors: Nehring I. , Chmitorz A. , Reulen H. , von Kries R. , Ensenauer R.
Published: July 2013

Aim

Gestational diabetes mellitus is believed to be a risk factor for childhood overweight/obesity. We aimed to assess whether this association is either a reflection or independent of confounding by maternal BMI.

Methods

Data from 7355 mother–child dyads of the German Perinatal Prevention of Obesity cohort with full anthropometric information on mothers and children, gestational diabetes and confounding factors were obtained at school entry health examination. We calculated crude and adjusted logistic regression models for the association of gestational diabetes and childhood overweight/obesity and abdominal adiposity defined by age‐ and sex‐specific percentiles for BMI and waist circumference.

Results

Among all children (mean age 5.8 years), 8.1% were overweight, 2.6% were obese and 15.5% had abdominal adiposity. The prevalence of overweight (obesity) was 21% (8.2%) in children of mothers with gestational diabetes and 10.4% (2.4%) in children of healthy mothers. Analyses with adjustment for maternal BMI and other potential confounders yielded an odds ratio of 1.81 (95% CI 1.23–2.65) and 2.80 (95% CI 1.58–4.99) for the impact of gestational diabetes on childhood overweight and obesity, respectively. Similar results were obtained for the risk of childhood abdominal adiposity (odds ratio 1.64, 95% CI 1.16–2.33) by maternal gestational diabetes.

Conclusions

The postulated increased risk of overweight and abdominal adiposity in offspring of mothers with gestational diabetes cannot be explained by maternal BMI alone and may be stronger for childhood obesity than for overweight.
Two‐hour post‐load plasma glucose levels are associated with carotid intima‐media thickness in subjects with normal glucose tolerance
Authors: Kato K. , Otsuka T. , Kobayashi N. , Kon Y. , Kawada T.
Published: July 2013

Aims

Elevated post‐load plasma glucose levels may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, even when they are within the normoglycaemic range. We examined the association of carotid artery intima‐media thickness, a marker of early atherosclerosis, with glycaemic variables, including post‐load plasma glucose levels, in Japanese subjects with normal glucose tolerance.

Methods

The study participants were 663 Japanese subjects with normal glucose tolerance (565 men, mean age 47 ± 9 years) who underwent both a 75‐g oral glucose tolerance test and carotid artery intima‐media thickness measurement by B‐mode ultrasonography during a health examination. Associations between maximal common carotid artery intima‐media thickness and fasting plasma glucose, 1‐h and 2‐h plasma glucose during an oral glucose tolerance test, and HbA1c were examined.

Results

The carotid artery intima‐media thickness gradually increased across the tertiles of 1‐h plasma glucose, 2‐h plasma glucose and HbA1c. In multiple linear regression analysis, 2‐h plasma glucose (β = 0.09, P = 0.012), as well as age, male gender, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, and current smoking were independent determinants of carotid artery intima‐media thickness. In contrast, other glycaemic variables were not independent determinants of carotid artery intima‐media thickness. The carotid artery intima‐media thickness in hypertensive subjects with the highest tertile of 2‐h plasma glucose [0.70 (95% CI 0.64–0.76) mm] was significantly greater than in normotensive subjects, with the lowest tertile of 2‐h plasma glucose [0.60 (95% CI 0.58–0.63) mm, P = 0.037], even after adjusting for the multiple potential confounders.

Conclusions

The 2‐h plasma glucose during an oral glucose tolerance test was positively and independently associated with carotid artery intima‐media thickness in Japanese subjects with normal glucose tolerance. In particular, the combination of elevated 2‐h plasma glucose and hypertension may contribute to an increased carotid artery intima‐media thickness.
Lost in translation—the role of family in interventions among adults with diabetes: a systematic review
Authors: Torenholt R. , Schwennesen N. , Willaing I.
Published: July 2013

Aims

Family interventions are increasingly recognized as important in the care of people with diabetes. The aim of this study was to synthesize the existing literature on family interventions among adults with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes and to determine the degree to which they were family centred.

Methods

The literature search was carried out in four databases (Scopus, CINAHL, PsycINFO and ERIC). Two reviewers independently screened the search results. Only English‐language articles about interventions on education, care and/or support of adult individuals with diabetes involving the participation of both the individual with diabetes and at least one family member were included.

Results

From an initial 1480 citations, 10 reports were included. The intervention studies varied considerably in terms of design and population. The family dimension generally represented a modest part of the interventions: Two interventions applied a family‐relevant theoretical framework. Disease knowledge and lifestyle changes were more prevalent intervention themes than family issues. Biological and behavioural outcomes were most prevalent, whereas psychosocial and family outcomes were used in six of the studies.

Conclusions

The number of trials and statistically significant results in family interventions targeting adults with diabetes is limited. Because of inhomogeneity, it is difficult to come to a conclusion on effective approaches in family interventions. The interventions are inconsistent with regard to theoretical framework, intervention themes and measured outcomes. However, psychosocial and familial dimensions seem sensitive to family‐based interventions. From development to evaluation, the family dimension needs to be included to prove the specific effect of family interventions.
Regional circadian period difference in the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the mammalian circadian center
Authors: Koinuma Satoshi , Asakawa Takeshi , Nagano Mamoru , Furukawa Keiichi , Sujino Mitsugu , Masumoto Koh‐Hei , Nakajima Yoshihiro , Hashimoto Seiichi , Yagita Kazuhiro , Shigeyoshi Yasufumi
Published: July 2013

The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) is the mammalian circadian rhythm center. Individual oscillating neurons have different endogenous circadian periods, but they are usually synchronized by an intercellular coupling mechanism. The differences in the period of each oscillating neuron have been extensively studied; however, the clustering of oscillators with similar periods has not been reported. In the present study, we artificially disrupted the intercellular coupling among oscillating neurons in the SCN and observed regional differences in the periods of the oscillating small‐latticed regions of the SCN using a transgenic rat carrying a luciferase reporter gene driven by regulatory elements from a per2 clock gene (Per2::dluc rat). The analysis divided the SCN into two regions – a region with periods shorter than 24 h (short‐period region, SPR) and another with periods longer than 24 h (long‐period region, LPR). The SPR was located in the smaller medial region of the dorsal SCN, whereas the LPR occupied the remaining larger region. We also found that slices containing the medial region of the SCN generated shorter circadian periods than slices that contained the lateral region of the SCN. Interestingly, the SPR corresponded well with the region where the SCN phase wave is generated. We numerically simulated the relationship between the SPR and a large LPR. A mathematical model of the SCN based on our findings faithfully reproduced the kinetics of the oscillators in the SCN in synchronized conditions, assuming the existence of clustered short‐period oscillators.
Early postnatal motor experience shapes the motor properties of C57BL/6J adult mice
Authors: Serradj Nadjet , Picquet Florence , Jamon Marc
Published: July 2013

This study aimed to evaluate the long‐term consequences of early motor training on the muscle phenotype and motor output of middle‐aged C57BL/6J mice. Neonatal mice were subjected to a variety of motor training procedures, for 3 weeks during the period of acquisition of locomotion. These procedures are widely used for motor training in adults; they include enriched environment, forced treadmill, chronic centrifugation, and hindlimb suspension. At 9 months, the mice reared in the enriched environment showed a slower type of fibre in slow muscles and a faster type in fast muscles, improved performance in motor tests, and a modified gait and body posture while walking. The proportion of fibres in the postural muscles of centrifuged mice did not change, but these mice showed improved resistance to fatigue. The suspended mice showed increased persistence of immature hybrid fibres in the tibialis, with a slower shift in the load‐bearing soleus, without any behavioural changes. The forced treadmill was very stressful for the mice, but had limited effects on motor output, although a slower profile was observed in the tibialis. These results support the hypothesis that motor experience during a critical period of motor development shapes muscle phenotype and motor output. The different impacts of the various training procedures suggest that motor performance in adults can be optimized by appropriate training during a defined period of motor development.
Results of phase II levetiracetam trial following acute head injury in children at risk for posttraumatic epilepsy
Authors: Pearl Phillip L. , McCarter Robert , McGavin Colleen L. , Yu Yuezhou , Sandoval Fabian , Trzcinski Stacey , Atabaki Shireen M. , Tsuchida Tammy , van den Anker John , He Jianping , Klein Pavel
Published: July 2013

Posttraumatic seizures develop in up to 20% of children following severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Children ages 6–17 years with one or more risk factors for the development of posttraumatic epilepsy, including presence of intracranial hemorrhage, depressed skull fracture, penetrating injury, or occurrence of posttraumatic seizure were recruited into this phase II study. Treatment subjects received levetiracetam 55 mg/kg/day, b.i.d., for 30 days, starting within 8 h postinjury. The recruitment goal was 20 treated patients. Twenty patients who presented within 8–24 h post‐TBI and otherwise met eligibility criteria were recruited for observation. Follow‐up was for 2 years. Forty‐five patients screened within 8 h of head injury met eligibility criteria and 20 were recruited into the treatment arm. The most common risk factor present for pediatric inclusion following TBI was an immediate seizure. Medication compliance was 95%. No patients died; 19 of 20 treatment patients were retained and one observation patient was lost to follow‐up. The most common severe adverse events in treatment subjects were headache, fatigue, drowsiness, and irritability. There was no higher incidence of infection, mood changes, or behavior problems among treatment subjects compared to observation subjects. Only 1 (2.5%) of 40 subjects developed posttraumatic epilepsy (defined as seizures >7 days after trauma). This study demonstrates the feasibility of a pediatric posttraumatic epilepsy prevention study in an at‐risk traumatic brain injury population. Levetiracetam was safe and well tolerated in this population. This study sets the stage for implementation of a prospective study to prevent posttraumatic epilepsy in an at‐risk population.
Sustainable Entrepreneurship and Corporate Political Activity: Overcoming Market Barriers in the Clean Energy Sector
Authors: Pinkse Jonatan , Groot Koen
Published: July 2013

While sustainable entrepreneurs face market barriers that require them to become politically active, how to accomplish this has not yet been explored. This paper seeks to address this research gap based on an exploratory study of the Dutch clean energy sector. Findings suggest that sustainable entrepreneurs are politically active but pursue these activities using collective action. This raises issues because they face the presence of incumbents in industry associations that seek to thwart their political influence. The paper concludes with propositions about the conditions for sustainable entrepreneurs to realize political access and influence through collective action.
Robustness of the Theory of Planned Behavior in Predicting Entrepreneurial Intentions and Actions
Authors: Kautonen Teemu , van Gelderen Marco , Fink Matthias
Published: July 2013

This analysis demonstrates the relevance and robustness of the theory of planned behavior in the prediction of business start–up intentions and subsequent behavior based on longitudinal survey data (2011 and 2012; n = 969) from the adult population in Austria and Finland. By doing so, the study addresses two weaknesses in current research: the limited scope of samples used in the majority of prior studies and the scarcity of investigations studying the translation of entrepreneurial intentions into behavior. The paper discusses conceptual and methodological issues related to studying the intention–behavior relationship and outlines avenues for future research.
The 5′‐untranslated region regulates ATF5 mRNA stability via nonsense‐mediated mRNA decay in response to environmental stress
Authors: Hatano Masaya , Umemura Mariko , Kimura Natsumi , Yamazaki Takashi , Takeda Hitoshi , Nakano Haruo , Takahashi Shigeru , Takahashi Yuji
Published: July 2013

We previously reported that activating transcription factor 5 (ATF5) mRNA increases in response to amino acid limitation, and that this increase is dependent on mRNA stabilization. The ATF5 gene allows transcription of mRNAs with two alternative 5′‐UTRs, 5′‐UTRα and 5′‐UTRβ, derived from exon 1α and exon 1β. 5′‐UTRα contains the upstream open reading frames uORF1 and uORF2. Phosphorylation of eukaryotic initiation factor 2α during the integrated stress response had been previously shown to lead to bypassing of uORF2 translation and production of ATF5 protein. Translation of uORF2 is expected to result in translational termination at a position 125 nucleotides upstream of the exon junction, and this fits the criterion of a nonsense‐mediated decay target mRNA. We investigated the potential role of 5′‐UTRα in the control of mRNA stabilization, and found that 5′‐UTRα reduced the stability of ATF5 mRNA. 5′‐UTRα‐regulated destabilization of mRNA was suppressed by knockdown of the nonsense‐mediated decay factors Upf1 and Upf2. Mutation of the downstream AUG (uAUG2) rendered mRNA refractory to Upf1 and Upf2 knockdown. Moreover, 5′‐UTRα‐regulated down‐regulation was hindered by amino acid limitation and tunicamycin treatment, and stress‐induced phosphorylation of eukaryotic initiation factor 2α was involved in stabilization of ATF5 mRNA. These studies show that ATF5 mRNA is a naturally occurring normal mRNA target of nonsense‐mediated decay, and provide evidence for linkage between stress‐regulated translational regulation and the mRNA decay pathway. This linkage constitutes a mechanism that regulates expression of stress response genes.
Sex differences in depressive, anxious behaviors and hippocampal transcript levels in a genetic rat model
Authors: Mehta N. S. , Wang L. , Redei E. E.
Published: July 2013

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common, debilitating illness with high prevalence of comorbid anxiety. The incidence of depression and of comorbid anxiety is much higher in women than in men. These gender biases appear after puberty and their etiology is mostly unknown. Selective breeding of the Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rat strain, an accepted model of adult and adolescent depression, resulted in two fully inbred substrains. Adult WKY more immobile (WMI) rats of both sexes consistently show increased depression‐like behavior in the forced swim test when compared with the control WKY less immobile (WLI) strain. In contrast, here we show that while adult female WMIs and WLIs both display high anxiety‐like behaviors, only WLI males, but not WMI males, show this behavior. Moreover, the behavioral profile of WMI males is consistent from early adolescence to adulthood, but the high depression‐ and anxiety‐like behaviors of the female WMIs appear only in adulthood. These sex‐specific behavioral patterns are paralleled by marked sex differences in hippocampal gene expression differences established by genome‐wide transcriptional analyses of 13th generation WMIs and WLIs. Moreover, sex‐ and age‐specific differences in transcript levels of selected genes are present in the hippocampus of the current, fully inbred WMIs and WLIs. Thus, the contribution of specific genes and/or the influence of the gonadal hormonal environment to depression‐ and anxiety‐like behaviors may differ between male and female WMIs, resulting in their distinct behavioral and transcriptomic profiles despite shared sequences of the somatic chromosomes.
Syphilis related to atypical oral lesions affecting an elderly man. a case report
Authors: Araujo Juliane Piragine , Jaguar Graziella Chagas , Alves Fabio Abreu
Published: July 2013

Objective

To present a case of oral syphilis in an old patient.

Background

Syphilis seems to be resurging mainly in the young. However, in the last twenty years, the elderly have become more susceptive to infectious diseases due to a more frequent use of sildenafil.

Clinical Report

An 83‐year‐old man was referred to our clinic complaining of burning mouth. His medical history revealed papular lesions on chest and penis glans, which had been diagnosed and treated as scabiosis 2 months prior to our assessment. The intra‐oral examination showed erosive and patch lesions on the bilateral lip commissures, the palate and the border of the tongue. Initially, oral herpes was suspected. However, both the serological test and the cytology were negative. Therefore, syphilis was hypothesised. Non‐treponemic (VDRL) and treponemic tests (FTA‐ABS) were reagent and secondary syphilis was confirmed. The treatment consisted of penicillin G benzathine 2.4 million IU/IM for 4 weeks. Both oral and skin lesions had complete remission.

Conclusion

The present case illustrates that syphilis should be suspected in old patients with oral atypical lesions.
Cover cropping and establishment of lucerne‐based pastures in a semi‐arid zone, mixed‐farming system of uniform rainfall distribution
Authors: Norton M. R. , Koetz E. A.
Published: July 2013

Research to study the effect of cover crop sowing rate, row spacing and cultivar on establishment of lucerne (Medicago sativa L.)‐based pastures in a semi‐arid zone mixed‐farming system was undertaken at three sites over three consecutive years in south‐eastern Australia. The weather of these 3 years subjected the establishing swards to a vastly differing range of moisture conditions. Conditions were so dry in the first year that lucerne swards failed to establish although it appeared at an early stage that there were advantages when lucerne was sown as a pure sward. By contrast, in the 2nd and 3rd years, moisture conditions at two of the three sites were so favourable that satisfactory densities were attained in all treatments. Lucerne forage yield was a more sensitive parameter than density to establishment method as it illustrated trial treatment effects during these wetter years when lucerne density alone could not. Thus, greater lucerne forage yields in the first summer after cover crop harvest under pure‐sward establishment in comparison with establishment under a cover crop were seen at both Ardlethan and Barellan over both the 2nd and 3rd years of trials. Furthermore, the trial at Goolgowi in year 3 showed that when moisture was moderately limiting lucerne establishment, and yield is benefitted by sowing under a short, erect barley cultivar than under a taller and more spreading barley variety. This research highlights the greater lucerne forage production attained when lucerne is sown either as a pure sward or under cover crops with low levels of biomass.
Toll‐Like Receptors and Cytokines are Upregulated during Helicobacter pylori Infection in Children
Authors: Lagunes‐Servin Hugo , Torres Javier , Maldonado‐Bernal Carmen , Pérez‐Rodríguez Martha , Huerta‐Yépez Sara , Madrazo de la Garza Armando , Muñoz‐Pérez Leopoldo , Flores‐Luna Lourdes , Ramón‐García Guillermo , Camorlinga‐Ponce Margarita
Published: July 2013

Background and Aim

Helicobacter pylori infection is mainly acquired during childhood, and establishes a chronic infection that may lead to peptic ulcer or gastric cancer during adulthood. Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) are expressed by distinct cell types throughout the gastrointestinal tract, and play an important role in regulation of the innate immune response. Few works have addressed TLRs expression in gastric epithelia of adults, and scarce studies have done it in children. The aim of this work was to analyze the expression of TLR2, TLR4, TLR5, TLR9, and IL‐8, IL‐10 and TNF‐α in the gastric mucosa of children with and without H. pylori infection.

Methods

Gastric biopsies were collected by endoscopy from 50 children with recurrent abdominal pain, 25 with H. pylori infection and 25 without infection. In the gastric biopsies the expression of TLRs and cytokines was studied by immunohistochemistry, and the degree of mucosal inflammation was determined using the Sydney system.

Results

We found that H. pylori infection was associated with a significant increased expression of TLRs 2, 4, 5 and 9, although expression varied between surface epithelia and glands. Epithelial cells expressing IL‐8, IL‐10 and TNF‐α were increased in gastric mucosa of children with H. pylori infection.

Conclusion

This study shows the gastric epithelia of children respond to H. pylori infection by increasing the expression of TLR2, TLR4, TLR5, TLR9 and the cytokines IL‐8, IL‐10 and TNF‐α.
Malignancies of the eyelid: a review of primary and metastatic cancers
Authors: Dekmezian Mhair S. , Cohen Philip R. , Sami Mirwat , Tschen Jaime A.
Published: July 2013

The eyelid can be the site of various malignant tumors, including epithelial, mesenchymal, lymphoproliferative, and endocrine neoplasms, all of which can present in unusual ways or mimic benign processes, often requiring biopsy for a definitive diagnosis. This review article presents a broad overview of some of the malignancies that have been reported to occur in eyelids, addressing clinical presentation and natural history, histologic and immunostaining characteristics, and genetic associations where relevant. The unique combination of functional importance, to protect and lubricate the eye, and cosmetic importance make management of eyelid lesions difficult. We describe a few of the diagnostic and treatment options that can be considered.
Starch fraction profiles of milled, nonparboiled rice varieties from Nigeria
Authors: Odenigbo Amaka M. , Ngadi Michael , Manful John , Danbaba Nahemiah
Published: July 2013

This study determined the levels of nutritionally important starch fractions in selected milled, nonparboiled rice cultivated in Nigeria. Five improved varieties (FARO 52, FARO 57, FARO 44, FARO 60 and FARO 61) and four local varieties (Kwandala, Yardass, Jeep and Jamila) were evaluated. There were significant differences in starch fractions among varieties. Resistant starch (RS) ranged between 1.43% and 3.13%. Rapidly digestible starch (RDS) was lowest in Jamila (27.70%) and highest in FARO 61 (39.26%). Generally, the local varieties had significant higher RS (2.71%) with a lower RDS (32.82%) compared with improved varieties (RS; 1.88% and RDS; 36.07%). RS was inversely related to RDS and starch digestion index (SDI). The SDI had a highly significant positive correlation with RDS (r = 0.879, P < 0.01). These results highlight the need for further work in the identification of milled, nonparboiled rice varieties with less rapid digestion for its associated health benefits to consumers.
Inhibition of quality loss in chilled megrim (Lepidorhombus whiffiagonis) by employing citric and lactic acid icing
Authors: García‐Soto Bibiana , Böhme Karola , Barros‐Velázquez Jorge , Aubourg Santiago P.
Published: July 2013

This study focuses on the quality retention of megrim (Lepidorhombus whiffiagonis) during chilled storage. Aqueous solutions of two different concentrations of citric (CA) and lactic (LA) acids were employed as icing media (0.125% CA–0.050% LA and 0.175% CA–0.050% LA, respectively; w/v). The effects of each solution on microbial activity, lipid damage and sensory acceptance were monitored for up to 13 days of storage. Lower (P < 0.05) bacterial growth was detected according to microbiological (aerobe and psychrotroph counts) and chemical (trimethylamine‐N and pH) assessments, which led to an enhancement of sensory appreciation. Whereas control fish were determined as unacceptable at day 13, the acid‐iced fish were still acceptable at that time. Concerning lipid damage, an inhibitory effect (P < 0.05) on fluorescent compound formation was observed in the acid‐iced fish. Present results allow to conclude that the use of a CA–LA icing system can provide a profitable strategy to obtain higher quality chilled fish.
Perceived food and labor equity and school attendance amongUgandan children living in kin care
Authors: Roby Jini Lyman , Shaw Stacey Anne , George Laurel High
Published: July 2013

Emerging research suggests that biological relatedness contributes to differential treatment between children being raised by kin and the biological children in the caregiver's household. This potential concern may be elevated especially when household resources are stretched thin. In this study, 518Ugandan youth and their caregivers were interviewed individually, examining the association between relatedness and perceived food and work equity, and school attendance. Household income, but not relatedness, was negatively associated with food inequity. However, relatedness was positively associated with perceived disparity in the distribution of work among children living in the household, and with children's school attendance. These findings support and challenge previous findings, raising further research questions and suggesting practice implications.

Key Practitioner Message:● Children in kinship care may be experiencing intrahousehold disparity in the amount of household work they are asked to perform; ● Disparity in school attendance between biological and kin children in the same household could have negative implications for the long‐term wellbeing of children in kin care; ● Programs should be tailored to monitor this type of intrahousehold disparity in treatment.
Characteristics and prognosis of Asian patients with type 2 diabetes from a multi‐racial Australian community: the Fremantle Diabetes Study
Authors: Tan E. D. D. , Davis W. A. , Davis T. M. E.
Published: July 2013

Background

Asian migrants represent an expanding proportion of the Australian population and are from a region with an increasing diabetes burden. There are few data detailing the characteristics and outcome of type 2 diabetes in Asian Australians.

Aims

To determine whether the phenotype and prognosis of Asians with type 2 diabetes differ from those in Anglo‐Celt (AC) patients from the same Australian community.

Methods

We studied 44 Asian and 796 AC patients from the Fremantle Diabetes Study. Each had a detailed assessment between 1993 and 1996, and was invited to annual reviews for ≥5 years. Data linkage provided additional endpoints to end‐2010. Cox proportional hazards modelling was used to determine predictors of cardiovascular disease (CVD) death and all‐cause mortality.

Results

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes in Asians and the general population in Fremantle was similar (1.5% vs 1.6%; P = 0.60). The Asian patients were younger, less obese and less likely to be hypertensive than the AC subjects, but they had a higher retinopathy prevalence (27.3% vs 13.5%; P = 0.023). During up to 18 years of follow up, 12 Asians and 428 AC patients died, 2 (16.7%) vs 205 (47.9%) from CVD (P = 0.040). Asian ethnicity was independently protective against CVD death (hazard ratio 0.13 (95% confidence interval: 0.02–0.96); P = 0.046) but not all‐cause mortality (hazard ratio 0.58 ( 95% confidence interval: 0.31–1.10); P = 0.10).

Conclusions

The phenotype of type 2 diabetes in a relatively small group of well‐characterised Asian Australians differed from that in AC patients from the same urban community. Their favourable cardiovascular prognosis may reflect a healthy migrant effect.
Hepatitis D virus in Victoria 2000–2009
Authors: Shadur B. , MacLachlan J. , Cowie B.
Published: July 2013

Background

Hepatitis D virus (HDV) coinfection can adversely affect prognosis and complicate management of chronic hepatitis B. The epidemiology and clinical practices surrounding HDV in Australia are poorly understood, with no robust estimates of the burden of disease, and the extent of appropriate testing and clinical follow up is unknown.

Aims

To determine the number of reported cases of HDV in Victoria, Australia between 2000–2009 and to explore screening practices in patients at risk of HDV infection over the same time period.

Methods

Data regarding HDV diagnoses in Victoria for 2000–2009 were obtained from notifiable disease surveillance and public health laboratory testing records. Notifications data were analysed to determine risk factors and demographics of HDV diagnoses where available, and laboratory records used to determine screening practices and follow up testing.

Results

Eighty‐seven notifications for HDV were recorded between 2000 and 2009. The median age at diagnosis was 34 (interquartile range 27–44), and the majority of cases were men (77%) and born overseas (71.4% of those with country of birth reported). During the same period, 2314 Victorian residents were tested for HDV infection, with 110 (4.75%) found to be positive. Both the number of people testing positive and the number of tests conducted steadily increased between 2005 and 2009. Of those patients with positive HDV antibody results, less than half (44 patients, 40%) were subsequently evaluated for replicative infection by polymerase chain reaction.

Conclusion

The number of people being tested for HDV has increased over the past decade; however, gaps in the appropriate follow‐up of infected patients are apparent. Birth overseas has become an increasingly important risk factor in Victorian notifications, highlighting the need for routine testing of people living with chronic hepatitis B for HDV infection.
Underlying heart disease and microbiological spectrum of adult infective endocarditis in one Chinese university hospital: a 10‐year retrospective study
Authors: Ma X. Z. , Li X. Y. , Que C. L. , Lv Y.
Published: July 2013

Background and Aim

To identify the underlying heart disease and microbiological pathogen associated with infective endocarditis (IE) in Chinese patients in one university hospital over a 10‐year period.

Methods

We recruited 115 adult patients admitted to Peking University First Hospital from 2002 to 2011 who were diagnosed with definite IE. Statistical analysis was performed to analyse data on demographics, clinical and laboratory findings, as well as microbiological pathogens.

Results

The most common underlying heart diseases for IE were congenital heart disease (24.3%) followed by degenerative valvular disease (17.4%). Aortic (44.3%) and mitral (43.5%) valves were most frequently affected. The right‐sided IE cases were all found in patients with congenital heart disease. The age of patients was younger in right‐sided cases than that in left‐sided ones (P = 0.001). There was no difference in the mortality among groups with different underlying heart disease (P = 0.841). Forty‐four (38.3%) patients were infected with viridans group streptococci. The isolation rate of staphylococci in right‐sided IE was higher than that in the left‐sided IE group (P = 0.021). More than 85% of streptococci were susceptible to β‐lactams.

Conclusions

Congenital heart disease and degenerative valvular disease have overtaken rheumatic heart disease as the major underlying heart diseases associated with IE. Viridans group streptococci are the most common microbial cause of IE.
Impact of a decision rule on duration of continuous cardiac monitoring of patients with suspected acute coronary syndrome in an emergency department
Authors: King G. , Nicholls G. M. (M.) , Jones P.
Published: July 2013

Background/Aims

To determine the effect of introducing a decision rule on the duration of continuous cardiac monitoring (CCM) for patients with suspected acute coronary syndrome in an adult emergency department (ED).

Methods

This was a retrospective observational study of 220 patients with suspected acute coronary syndrome made up of two consecutive cohorts collected before and after introduction in July 2010 of a decision rule that made use of a new high‐sensitivity troponin T assay. The primary outcome was median CCM duration in the ED (CCMED). Secondary outcomes were median duration of CCM in the first 24 h, rate of adverse events, proportion of patients after the intervention who had the rule adhered to, and estimated median CCMED had the decision rule been adhered to by all patients.

Results

The decision rule was adhered to in 59.3% (95% confidence interval 49.8–68.1) of patients post‐intervention. There was no statistically or clinically significant difference in median CCMED before (240 min, interquartile range 156–313) and after (230 min interquartile range 145–353) introduction of the decision rule (P = 0.74) nor in CCM in the first 24 h (908 min vs 929 min). Seven (3.2%, 95% confidence interval 1.4–6.6) adverse events occurred overall. All three patients with adverse events after the intervention were monitored in ED according to the decision rule.

Conclusion

Introduction of this decision rule did not decrease the median CCMED. All adverse events after the intervention occurred in appropriately monitored patients, including patients with initially negative high‐sensitivity troponin T, suggesting that the decision rule would not compromise patient safety.
Implementation of risk stratified antibiotic therapy for neutropenic fever: what are the risks?
Authors: Wierema J. , Konecny P. , Links M.
Published: July 2013

Background

A new national guideline for the management of febrile patients with severe neutropenia uses a risk stratification score to tailor treatment.

Aims

To evaluate the implementation of this guideline in a metropolitan teaching hospital.

Methods

A protocol was developed for implementation of the national guidelines for patients with neutropenic fever or at risk because of recent chemotherapy. Medical records of all patients presenting with fever to the haematology and oncology service for 3 months in 2011 were audited. Patients with a neutrophil count between 0.5 and 1.0 × 109/L were classified as borderline neutropenia.

Results

Eighty‐one episodes of fever were treated on the protocol. Forty‐three per cent of patients were neutropenic. Uptake of the policy was low (35%) despite concerted efforts. The sensitivity and specificity of the Multinational Association for Supportive Care in Cancer score was 86% and 24% respectively. The readmission rate with fever was 19.2%. Median time to antibiotics was 60 min. Outcomes were similar for the neutropenic fever and borderline groups. Increasing treatment complexity was the major barrier to implementation.

Conclusions

The majority of presentations with cancer and fever following chemotherapy do not have neutropenia but have similar outcomes when treated on the same pathway. The utility of the Multinational Association for Supportive Care in Cancer score was limited by uptake and specificity. Reducing time to antibiotics administration and readmission rates were identified as priorities. Implementation was labour‐intensive and faced significant barriers. Prioritisation of evidence for translation requires attention to local priorities and implementation complexity. These results argue for a single sepsis guideline with treatment of cancer as a high‐risk group.
Facial skin breakdown in patients with non‐invasive ventilation devices: report of two cases and indications for treatment and prevention
Authors: Maruccia Michele , Ruggieri Martina , Onesti Maria G
Published: July 2013

Non‐invasive ventilation (NIV) provides an effective ventilatory support in patients with respiratory failure without endotracheal intubation. However, there are potential problems with its clinical application and the development of pressure ulcers represents a common complication. Often several intensive care units treat facial skin breakdown related to NIV. In this article, we report our experience in treatment and prevention of these lesions, emphasising the higher risk of certain age groups to develop them, such as preterm infants and elderly patients with comorbidities. We performed daily disinfection of the lesions followed by application of topical cream containing hyaluronic acid (HA) sodium salt. In addition, in order to prevent worsening of injury, we applied a cushion made of gauze pad containing HA sodium salt between the skin and the masks, so as to reduce friction between the NIV devices and the skin. Local medical treatment allowed complete reepithelialisation of the injured skin areas. Systematic monitoring of patients' faces is essential to detect early damages and to intervene with appropriate therapy, especially in preterm infants and elderly. Moreover, refining the devices with the proposed protective cushion can reduce pressure ulcers and increase comfort for the patients.
Personality and Daily Experience: The Promise and the Challenge
Authors: Tennen Howard , Suls Jerry , Affleck Glenn
Published: July 2013

This special issue of the Journal of Personality is devoted to personality and daily experience. Through historical analysis of the daily event literature, empirical inquiry, and methodological and statistical commentary, the contributors to this issue convey both the possibilities and the problems of studying everyday life. These articles demonstrate how people's dispositions, goals, and commitments can influence daily emotional well‐being and health, their inner experience, their reactions to events, and perhaps even which events they encounter. The introduction of personality to the study of daily experience holds the promise of enriching our studies of both.