bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of the Chinese version of the Oro‐facial Esthetic Scale
Authors: Zhao Y. , He S. L.
Published: July 2013

The aim of this study was to investigate the psychometric properties of the Oro‐facial Esthetic Scale among Chinese‐speaking patients. The original Oro‐facial Esthetic Scale was cross‐culturally adapted in accordance with the international standards to develop a Chinese version (OES‐C). Unlike the original Oro‐facial Esthetic Scale, the version employed in this study used a 5‐point Likert scale with items rated from unsatisfactory to most satisfactory. Psychometric evaluation included the reliability and validity of the OES‐C. The reliability of the OES‐C was determined through internal consistency and test–retest methods. The validity of OES‐C was analysed by content validity, discriminative validity, construct validity and convergent validity. The corrected item‐total correlation coefficients of the OES‐C ranged from 0·859 to 0·910. The inter‐item correlation coefficients between each two of the eight items of the OES‐C ranged from 0·766 to 0·922. The values of ICC ranged from 0·79 (95% CI = 0·54–0·98) to 0·93 (95% CI = 0·87–0·99), indicating an excellent agreement. Construct validity was proved by the presence of one‐factor structure that accounted for 83·507% of the variance and fitted well into the model. Convergent validity was confirmed by the association between OES‐C scores and self‐reported oral aesthetics and three questions from the Oral Health Impact Profile related to aesthetics (correlation coefficients ranged from −0·830 to −0·702, P < 0·001). OES‐C scores discriminated aesthetically impaired patients from healthy controls. This study provides preliminary evidence concerning the reliability and validity of the OES‐C. The results show that the OES‐C may be a useful tool for assessment of oro‐facial esthetics in China.
Maintenance of genetic diversity in a small, isolated population of ancient tree Erythrophleum fordii
Authors: ZHU Peng , WANG Zheng‐Feng , YE Wan‐Hui , CAO Hong‐Lin
Published: July 2013

Ancient trees remaining in natural areas from once widespread forest due to overexploitation and habitat modification would naturally regenerate to form small isolated populations after the halting of disturbance. The genetic processes and consequence of this regeneration are generally unknown, which prevents the effective conservation and management of these populations. One such population, an Erythrophleum fordii population, is located in Dinghushan National Nature Reserve (China). Owing to the remarkably huge trunk of the sole ancient tree (KG) relative to the other individuals in the population, the local people and local tourism administration presume that this population has developed solely from KG. We found, using genetic diversity analyses, that contrary to this presumption, the population might have regenerated from several founders with diverse genetic backgrounds. Severe degradation of genetic diversity within the population did not take place, rather, it possessed the potential ability to maintain and recover gradually with population development. According to the results of simulations, we found that the longevity of tree species with iteroparity offers the potential to maintain genetic diversity in small isolated populations. The results from this study will benefit the restoration and conservation of the endangered species E. fordii, and of other congener species and tree species with similar life history traits.
Emerging Role of the Scaffolding Protein Dlg1 in Vesicle Trafficking
Authors: Walch Laurence
Published: July 2013

Discs large 1 (Dlg1) is a modular scaffolding protein implicated in the control of cell polarity through assembly of specific multiprotein complexes, including receptors, ion channels and signaling proteins, at specialized zones of the plasma membrane. Recent data have shown that in addition to these well‐known interaction partners, Dlg1 may also recruit components of the vesicle trafficking machinery either to the plasma membrane or to transport vesicles. Here, we discuss Dlg1 function in vesicle formation, targeting, tethering and fusion, in both the exocytotic and endocytotic pathways. These pathways contribute to cell functions as major and diverse as glutamatergic activity in the neurons, membrane homeostasis in Schwann cell myelination, insulin stimulation of glucose transport in adipocytes, or endothelial secretion of the hemostatic protein, von Willebrand factor (VWF).
CRM1 Is a Cellular Target of Curcumin: New Insights for the Myriad of Biological Effects of an Ancient Spice
Authors: Niu Mingshan , Wu Sijin , Mao Lei , Yang Yongliang
Published: July 2013

Curcumin is the major constituent of turmeric plant, an ancient spice widely used in Indian cuisine and traditional herbal medicine. Recently, the potential medical use of curcumin as anti‐cancer and anti‐inflammatory agent has set off an upsurge in research into the mechanism for its broad biological effects. We showed that CRM1, an important nuclear exportin, is a cellular target of curcumin by serious experimental and theoretical investigation. Using a nuclear export functional assay, we observed a clear and rapid shift of cargo proteins from a cytoplasmic localization to the nucleus when treated with curcumin or its structural analogue dibenzylideneacetone (DBA). We demonstrated that curcumin could specifically target the conserved Cys528 of CRM1 through mass spectrometric analysis and in vivo experiments. Furthermore, computational modeling has revealed that curcumin could be correctly docked into the hydrophobic pocket of CRM1 judged from shape complementarity and putative molecular interactions. The Michael acceptor moiety on curcumin is within the appropriate distance to enable Michael reaction with Cys residue of CRM1. More importantly, we showed that nuclear retention of FOXO1 could be observed in the presence of Leptomycin B (LMB) or curcumin whereas in cells expressing the CRM1‐Cys528 mutant, only a cytoplasmic localization was observed. The inhibition of nuclear traffic by curcumin may account for its myriad of biological effects, particularly for its therapeutic properties in cancer and inflammatory diseases. Our findings may have important implications for further clinical investigation of curcumin.
Evaluation of an experimental filter designed for improving the quality of red blood cells (RBCs) during storage by simultaneously removing white blood cells and immunomodulators and improving RBC viscoelasticity and Band 3 proteins
Authors: Sowemimo‐Coker S.O.
Published: July 2013

Background

Storage age of red blood cells (RBCs) has been reported to be associated with increased mortality and morbidity. During storage, RBCs undergo changes in biochemical and functional properties. Stored RBCs may also contain white blood cells (WBCs), activated platelets (PLTs), cytokines, immunoglobulin, and other bioactive proteins. Transfusion of these bioactive proteins and cells with RBCs has the potential to cause serious adverse effects. We evaluated the performances of an experimental filter (EF) designed to remove immunoglobulins, cytokines, and other bioactive proteins in RBCs.

Study Design and Methods

Sixteen sets, each containing 3 units of ABO‐identical RBCs in AS‐3 were obtained from a blood bank. Three units of RBCs were combined together and then split into three equal aliquots, A, B, and C. Unit A was unfiltered while Units B and C were filtered with a leukoreduction filter and the EF, respectively. All the units were stored at 4°C in a blood bank refrigerator for 42 days. We measured RBC viscoelasticity, hemolysis, RBC adenosine triphosphate, Band 3 proteins, cytokines, PLTs, WBCs, and immunoglobulin before and after filtration and on Days 21 and 42 of storage. Data were analyzed by repeated‐measures analysis of variance with Newman‐Keuls multiple comparison test.

Results

The EF significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the levels of immunoglobulin (control IgG, 2.184 ± 1.918 mg/mL; BPF4, 2.216 ± 1.956 mg/mL; and EF, 0.363 ± 0.391 mg/mL), PLTs, cytokines, and improved viscoelastic properties when compared to either control or leukoreduced RBCs.

Conclusion

The EF achieved lower levels of WBCs, improved viscoelastic properties, and reduced levels of immunoglobulins and cytokines but significance will require clinical evaluation.
Influence of regular physical activity and caloric restriction on β‐adrenergic and natriuretic peptide receptor expression in retroperitoneal adipose tissue of OLETF rats
Authors: Jenkins Nathan T. , Padilla Jaume , Rector R. Scott , Laughlin M. Harold
Published: July 2013

New findings

What is the central question of this study?

What are the effects of caloric restriction and chronic exercise on β‐adrenergic and natriuretic peptide receptor genes in visceral adipose tissue of obese rats?

What is the main finding and its importance?

Physical activity induced increases in natriuretic peptide receptor (NPR) and β‐adrenergic receptor (βAR) mRNA levels in retroperitoneal fat of obese rats. Both chronic exercise and caloric restriction enhance protein expression of βAR2 and βAR3 in the retroperitoneal adipose tissue of the Otsuka Long–Evans Tokushima Fatty rat, albeit through apparently different mechanisms. Organ culture experiments support the hypothesis that increases in nitric oxide interact synergistically with adrenaline and atrial natriuretic peptide signalling in control of the expression of βAR2 and NPR2 mRNAs.

The mechanisms underlying exercise‐induced increases in adipose tissue blood flow and lipolysis involve both β‐adrenergic receptor (βAR)‐ and natriuretic peptide receptor (NPR)‐dependent processes. We hypothesized that daily wheel running (RUN) would increase the expression of NPR1, NPR2, βAR2 and βAR3 in retroperitoneal (RP) and epididymal (EPI) adipose tissues of obese Otsuka Long–Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rats. Four‐week‐old OLETF rats were assigned to sedentary (SED, n= 6), calorie‐restricted (CR, n= 8; fed 70% of SED) or RUN groups (n= 8). Rats were killed at 40 weeks of age. By design, body weight and adiposity were similar between RUN and CR animals, but each was lower than SED (P < 0.01). Compared with SED, RP depots of RUN rats exhibited 1.7‐ to 3.2‐fold greater NPR1, NPR2, βAR2 and βAR3 mRNA levels (all P < 0.05). There were no differences between CR and SED in the expression of these genes in RP adipose tissues, and there were no differences in gene expression among groups in EPI adipose tissues. At the protein level, βAR2 and βAR3 were elevated in RUN and CR groups relative to the SED group in RP adipose tissues. In order to gain insight into the mechanisms underlying the activity‐induced increases in NPR and βAR mRNAs, RP adipose tissue explants from Wistar rats were treated with atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), adrenaline and/or S‐nitroso‐N‐acetyl‐dl‐penicillamine (SNAP; a nitric oxide donor) in organ culture experiments. SNAP synergistically enhanced adrenaline‐ and ANP‐stimulated increases in NPR2 and βAR2 mRNA levels. Our data suggest that physical activity‐induced increases in nitric oxide interact with adrenaline and ANP to trigger the induction of NPR and βAR mRNAs in the RP adipose tissue depot of the OLETF rat.
Aspergillus fumigatus Hyphal Damage Caused by Noninvasive Radiofrequency Field-Induced Hyperthermia
Authors: Kaluarachchi Warna D. , Cisneros Brandon T. , Corr Stuart J. , Albert Nathaniel D. , Curley Steven A. , Kontoyiannis Dimitrios P.
Published: July 2013

We studied the effect of noninvasive radiofrequency-induced hyperthermia on the viability of
Aspergillus fumigatus
hyphae
in vitro
. Radiofrequency-induced hyperthermia resulted in significant (>70%,
P
< 0.0001) hyphal damage in a time and thermal dose-dependent fashion as assessed by XTT [(sodium 2,3,-
bis
(2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-5-[(phenylamino)-carbonyl] (1)-2
H
-tetrazolium inner salt)], DiBAC [
bis
-(1,3-dibutylbarbituric acid) trimethine oxonol] staining, and transmission electron microscopy. For comparison, water bath hyperthermia was used over the range of 45 to 55°C to study hyphal damage. Radiofrequency-induced hyperthermia resulted in severe damage to the outer fibrillar layer of hyphae at a shorter treatment time compared to water bath hyperthermia. Our preliminary data suggest that radiofrequency-induced hyperthermia might be an additional therapeutic approach to use in the management of mold infections.
Draft Genome Sequence of Salinibacillus aidingensis Strain MSP4, an Obligate Halophilic Bacterium Isolated from a Salt Crystallizer of the Rann of Kutch, India
Authors: Pal Kamal Krishna , Dey Rinku , Sherathia Dharmesh , Dalsania Trupti , Savsani Kinjal , Patel Ilaxi , Thomas Manesh , Ghorai Sucheta , Vanpariya Sejal , Rupapara Rupal , Acharya Namrata , Rawal Priya , Joshi Pragnesh , Sukhadiya Bhoomika , Mandaliya Mona , Saxena Anil Kumar
Published: July 2013

We report the 7.42-Mbp draft whole genome sequence of
Salinibacillus aidingensis
strain MSP4, an obligate halophilic bacterium, isolated from a salt crystallizer of the Rann of Kutch in India. Analysis of the genome of this organism will lead to a better understanding of the genes and metabolic pathways involved in imparting osmotolerance.
Complete Genome Sequence of the Thermophilic and Facultatively Chemolithoautotrophic Sulfate Reducer Archaeoglobus sulfaticallidus Strain PM70-1
T
Authors: Stokke Runar , Hocking William Peter , Steinsbu Bjørn Olav , Steen Ida Helene
Published: July 2013

Dissimilatory sulfate-reducing archaea of the genus
Archaeoglobus
display divergent preferences in the use of energy sources and electron acceptors. Here we present the complete genome sequence of the thermophilic
Archaeoglobus sulfaticallidus
strain PM70-1
T
, which distinctly couples chemolithoautotrophic growth on H
2
/CO
2
to sulfate reduction in addition to heterotrophic growth.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Pandoraea
sp. Strain SD6-2, Isolated from Lindane-Contaminated Australian Soil
Authors: Pushiri Hafizah , Pearce Stephen L. , Oakeshott John G. , Russell Robyn J. , Pandey Gunjan
Published: July 2013

Pandoraea
sp. strain SD6-2 is a δ-hexachlorocyclohexane-degrading bacterial strain isolated from lindane-contaminated soil in Queensland, Australia. The genome of SD6-2 was sequenced to investigate its ability to degrade δ-hexachlorocyclohexane. Here we report the annotated genome sequence of this strain.
Genome Sequence of Streptomyces viridosporus Strain T7A ATCC 39115, a Lignin-Degrading Actinomycete
Authors: Davis Jennifer R. , Goodwin Lynne , Teshima Hazuki , Detter Chris , Tapia Roxanne , Han Cliff , Huntemann Marcel , Wei Chia-Lin , Han James , Chen Amy , Kyrpides Nikos , Mavrommatis Kostas , Szeto Ernest , Markowitz Victor , Ivanova Natalia , Mikhailova Natalia , Ovchinnikova Galina , Pagani Ioanna , Pati Amrita , Woyke Tanja , Pitluck Sam , Peters Lin , Nolan Matt , Land Miriam , Sello Jason K.
Published: July 2013

We announce the availability of the genome sequence of
Streptomyces viridosporus
strain T7A ATCC 39115, a plant biomass-degrading actinomycete. This bacterium is of special interest because of its capacity to degrade lignin, an underutilized component of plants in the context of bioenergy. It has a full complement of genes for plant biomass catabolism.
Draft Genome Sequence of Multidrug-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa Strain VRFPA02, Isolated from a Septicemic Patient in India
Authors: Malathi Jambulingam , Murugan Nandagopal , Umashankar Vetrivel , Bagyalakshmi Radhakrishnan , Madhavan Hajib Narahari Rao
Published: July 2013

Multidrug-resistant
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
strains, which are notable nosocomial pathogens, have greatly increased the mortality rate of septicemic patients due to treatment failure. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of
P. aeruginosa
strain VRFPA02, a human bloodstream isolate that has phenotypically proven to be resistant to a broad spectrum of antibiotics.
Complete Genome Sequence of
Burkholderia
sp. Strain RPE64, Bacterial Symbiont of the Bean Bug
Riptortus pedestris
Authors: Shibata Tomoko F. , Maeda Taro , Nikoh Naruo , Yamaguchi Katsushi , Oshima Kenshiro , Hattori Masahira , Nishiyama Tomoaki , Hasebe Mitsuyasu , Fukatsu Takema , Kikuchi Yoshitomo , Shigenobu Shuji
Published: July 2013

We isolated
Burkholderia
symbiont strain RPE64 from the bean bug
Riptortus pedestris
. Analysis of the complete 6.96-Mb genome, which consists of three chromosomes and two plasmids, will facilitate further understanding of insect–microbe symbiosis and the development of pest-control technologies.
Complete Genome Sequences of Helicobacter pylori Rifampin-Resistant Strains
Authors: Momynaliev Kuvat , Chelysheva Vera , Selezneva Oksana , Akopian Tatyana , Alexeev Dmitry , Govorun Vadim
Published: July 2013

Here we present the complete genome sequences of two
Helicobacter pylori
rifampin-resistant (Rif
r
) strains (Rif1 and Rif2). Rif
r
strains were obtained by
in vitro
selection of
H. pylori
26695 on agar plates with 20 µg/ml rifampin. The genome data provide insights on the genomic diversity of
H. pylori
under selection by rifampin.
Draft Genome Sequence of Arthrobacter crystallopoietes Strain BAB-32, Revealing Genes for Bioremediation
Authors: Joshi M. N. , Pandit A. S. , Sharma A. , Pandya R. V. , Desai S. M. , Saxena A. K. , Bagatharia S. B.
Published: July 2013

Arthrobacter crystallopoietes
strain BAB-32, a Gram-positive obligate aerobic actinobacterium having potential application in bioremediation and bioreduction of a few metals, was isolated from rhizosphere soil of Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India. The draft genome (4.3 Mb) of the strain revealed a few vital gene clusters involved in the metabolism of aromatic compounds, zinc, and sulfur.
Prediction of sediment erosion after dam removal using a one-dimensional model
Authors: Greimann Blair
Published: July 2013

The accurate prediction of sediment erosion after dam removal is critical to quantifying the impact of dam removal on the reservoir and downstream environment. A variety of methods can be used to estimate this impact, and one of the most common is to use a one-dimensional mobile bed sediment transport model. I describe a one-dimensional sediment transport model (SRH-1D) and use it to simulate a laboratory experiment of incision through a reservoir delta deposit. The model allows the user to specify the erosion width through the deposit as a function of the flow rate. The model is shown to predict the vertical incision and downstream sediment load with reasonable accuracy if the erosion width is specified. Sensitivity tests to the transport equation parameters, erosion width, and angle of repose are conducted. The sediment loads exiting the dam are shown to be sensitive to the critical shear stress, but they are relatively insensitive to changes to the erosion width and angle of repose. One-dimensional models are shown to require the specification of the erosion width, but the results are not considered to be extremely sensitive to its value, so long as it is approximately equal to the observed river width under the same flow conditions. Further work on modeling of bank erosion is necessary to more accurately predict the long-term evolution of reservoir deposits.
Conventional and Complementary Approaches to Chronic Widespread Pain and Its Comorbidities
Authors: Foell Jens
Published: July 2013

The concept of comorbidities as a challenge for healthcare systems has recently been given increasing attention in leading medical journals. Many patients suffering from chronic pain, especially those who are older or poorer, have more than one pathology (multimorbidity) or more than one set of manifestation of one pathology (comorbidity). These patients present a difficult problem in industrialised societies, with services that are highly specialised and compartmentalised. Systematic reviews of interventions for patients of this kind do not mention acupuncture. Acupuncturists claim that their treatment promotes general well-being and can help with multiple symptoms, but evidence for this claim is currently lacking. Longitudinal research with prospective data collection regarding the effect on morbidity burden is needed.
Subacute liver failure secondary to black cohosh leading to liver transplantation
Authors: Lim Tiong Y , Considine Aisling , Quaglia Alberto , Shawcross Debbie L
Published: July 2013

The use of herbal medications is increasing significantly in the UK and there is a perception that herbal preparations are without adverse effects. This case report highlights the potential risks of black cohosh, which is one of the most commonly used herbal products. This is a case report of a 60-year-old Caucasian lady who presented with subacute liver failure secondary to taking black cohosh. This was further confirmed by liver biopsy and she subsequently deteriorated and underwent liver transplantation. Available evidence supports an association between black cohosh and risk of hepatotoxicity. In current literature, there have only been four previously reported cases of hepatotoxicity associated with black cohosh, which required liver transplantation. We submit that our patient represents the fifth case. We recommend that patients taking this supplement should have close monitoring of their hepatic function, especially in the presence of other risk factors.
‘Occam's Scissors’: opportunistic infections in advanced HIV infection
Authors: Shah Nirav , Owen Leah , Bhagani Sanjay
Published: July 2013

The authors report the case of a new diagnosis of advanced HIV-1 infection with a blood CD4 cell count of 0.003×109/L (2%), presenting with weight loss, night sweats, diarrhoea and anorexia. Symptoms were due to disseminated histoplasmosis (confirmed pulmonary and colonic disease),Pneumocystispneumonia and oral candidiasis highlighting the limitations of ‘Occam's razor’ with advanced HIV infection.
The potential for antimicrobials to adversely affect mental state
Authors: Lally Leona , Mannion Laura
Published: July 2013

This is a case report highlighting the influence that antimicrobials (clarithromycin in particular) can have on one's mental state. We discuss the case of a middle-aged woman who presented to an acute admissions unit under Irish Mental Health Act for involuntary admission because of concerns expressed by her family and general practitioner regarding a recent change in behaviour and onset of irritable mood. This lady was diagnosed with an episode of mania that was thought to be precipitated by a combination of psychosocial stressors, recent discontinuation of psychotropic medication and complicated by a recent course of clarithromycin.
The ischaemic ECG: is it all in the head?
Authors: Patel Anant Piyush , Ibrahim Bashar Issa , Dockery Frances
Published: July 2013

Acute cerebrovascular events including ischaemic stroke and subarachnoid haemorrhage are known to be associated with left ventricular dysfunction and significant electrocardiographic abnormalities that can mimic cardiac ischaemia. The authors present a case in which an intracerebral haemorrhage was diagnosed during the treatment of pneumonia in a 62-year-old woman, with repolarisation abnormalities on the ECG acting as the key diagnostic clue in the absence of clinical or radiological evidence of ventricular dysfunction. The pneumonia was treated without complication, and there were no long-term respiratory, cardiac or neurological sequelae. Diagnostic cardiac imaging, including angiography at follow-up, confirmed the absence of significant coronary artery disease, suggesting a non-coronary aetiology for these ECG changes. The authors emphasise that when presentation is atypical for acute coronary syndrome, non-specific ECG changes could point to a primary cerebrovascular pathology, even in the absence of neurological or cardiac symptoms.
Severe thrombocytopenia due to hypersplenism treated with partial splenic embolisation
Authors: Hanafiah Mohammad , Shahizon Azura Mohamed Mukhari , Low Soo Fin , Shahrina Man Harun
Published: July 2013

A 35-year-old woman with background of liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension secondary to chronic hepatitis C presented with complication of hypersplenism and thrombocytopenia. She developed severe menorrhagia requiring multiple blood transfusions. In addition, her interferon therapy was withheld owing to the underlying thrombocytopenia. Partial splenic embolisation was performed, which improved her platelet counts. Subsequently, the menorrhagia was resolved and her interferon therapy was restarted.
Tissue regeneration mesh reinforcement during abdominoplasty for severe myoaponeurotic laxity after pregnancy
Authors: Uzair Sheikh , Babar Zaheer , Sutton Paul A
Published: July 2013

A 28-year-old woman who was 6 months postpartum following her second pregnancy presented with a history of painful protrusion and weakness of her abdominal wall musculature. Despite having had physiotherapy there was no improvement in muscle strength. MRI scan of her abdominal wall was performed which showed significant diastasis of the recti but no herniae were seen. The effect of this on the patient's quality of life was marked, and therefore abdominoplasty with mesh reinforcement was planned. In order to limit the consequences of infection, a Strattice mesh (a tissue regeneration mesh) was selected. Standard panniculectomy and plication of the rectus sheath using non-absorbable sutures was performed, and the mesh sutured to the anterior abdominal wall using an on-lay technique. The patient recovered well from the procedure, with a significant return of functionality to her abdominal wall, enabling her to return to work some3 months later.
CT and MRI findings of renal infestation by a huge active hydatid cyst
Authors: Kizildag Betul , Dagistan Emine , Gurel Safiye , Alan Cabir
Published: July 2013

Hydatid cysts derived from a type of tapeworm calledEchinococcus granulosislarvaes which can situate in various organs or tissues in human body. It encounters as an endemic zoonosis in many regions all over the world including eastern part of Turkey. Renal involvement of hydatid cysts is uncommon even in endemic areas. The imaging properties vary according to the phase of the disease. Although it is a benign condition, the diagnosis of a renal hydatid cyst is critical in managing treatment and complications, such as nephrectomy, medical treatment before surgery and the risk of anaphylaxis or dissemination during intervention. Herein authors reported a case of an isolated involvement of the right kidney by a huge active hydatid cyst in a young man who was treated surgically, emphasising its ultrasound, CT, contrast-enhanced MR and diffusion-weighted imaging findings.
CD34-negative solitary fibrous tumour resistant to imatinib
Authors: Watanabe Koichiro , Otsu Satoshi , Morinaga Ryotaro , Shirao Kuniaki
Published: July 2013

A 75-year-old man presented to our hospital with multifocal thickening of the left pleura and left pleural effusion. Histology of the pleura showed uniform and bipolar spindle cells with moderate mitosis in a collagenised stroma. It further showed abundant blood vessels in a haemangiopericytoma-like pattern. These findings were strongly suggestive of malignant solitary fibrous tumour (SFT). The tumour showed negative staining for CD34. The loss of CD34 expression could imply histologically high-grade tumour, as reported previously. Imatinib, a multityrosine kinase inhibitor with targets, including platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR)-α and PDGFR-β, has antitumour activity in some patients with SFT. Unfortunately, imatinib treatment failed to control disease progression in the present case that expressed PDGFR-β, but not PDGFR-α. This report described a case of CD34-negative SFT resistant to imatinib.
Fever of unknown origin and the role ofPlasmodium vivaxin Sao Paulo
Authors: Bacci Marcelo Rodrigues , Santos Janaina Aparecida Boide , Zing Natalia C P , Bragatto Felipe Barca
Published: July 2013

Malaria is a disease that hits the northern part of Brazil in an endemic form. Recorded cases outside this region are unusual and, in most cases, limited to travellers. The southeast of Brazil has an extensive wilderness area with a type of vegetation similar to the one found in the equatorial rainforest. We present the case of a patient living in the southeast, with no reported travel history, who evolved to periodic fever, associated with myalgia and chills. With the positive test result forPlasmodium, the treatment for malaria was started. This case enabled the study in the Anopheles mosquito affected area, where the patient reported infection, outside the Amazon region.
Seeing you through London 2012: eye care at the Paralympics
Authors: Wilson Clare M , Thomson W David , D'Ath Penny J
Published: July 2013

Background

The provision of eye care services for competitors and support teams is integral to the modern Olympic Games. The eye clinic for the London 2012 Paralympic Games employed a multidisciplinary team of eye care professionals using state-of-the-art instrumentation to provide the highest level of eye care. The detailed organisation of the eye care clinic at London 2012 is described in a companion paper which summarises the eye care clinic during the London 2012 Olympic Games. These two reports will aid in planning eye care clinics at future Games.

Aim

This paper summarises the organisation of the eye clinic and provides outline audit data relating to eye conditions encountered during the Paralympic Games.

Results

A total of 870 patients representing 102 countries attended the eye clinic. 274 (31.5%) were competitors; the remainder were trainers and support staff. No serious ocular injuries resulted from competitor injury in the field of play during the Paralympic Games, although seven patients were referred urgently to hospital eye services for conditions including orbital cellulitis, retinal detachment, exudative macular degeneration, corneal ulcer, Stevens-Johnson syndrome and macular oedema. A total of 749 spectacles, 14 pairs of contact lenses and 7 low vision aids were dispensed.

Conclusions

By combining excellent facilities and equipment with a multidisciplinary team of eye care professionals, we feel we provided the highest level of eye care, providing a legacy for future Games.
Randomised controlled trial of weekly chloroquine to re-establish normal erythron iron flux and haemoglobin recovery in postmalarial anaemia
Authors: Cox Sharon E , Nweneka Chidi V , Doherty Conor P , Fulford Anthony J , Moore Sophie E , Prentice Andrew M
Published: July 2013

Objective

To determine if low-dose weekly chloroquine (CQ) therapy improves recovery from malaria-associated anaemia.

Design

Proof of concept randomised clinical trial.

Setting

West Kiang District, Lower River Region, The Gambia.

Participants

Children resident in participating communities, aged 12–72 months, with uncomplicated malaria identified using active case detection over two consecutive malaria transmission seasons.

Interventions

In 2007, eligible children were randomised to chloroquine-sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine (CQ-SP) or co-artemether (ACT) antimalarial therapy, and after parasite clearance on day 3 were subsequently re-randomised (double-blind) to weekly low-dose CQ (5 mg/kg) or placebo. In 2008, all eligible children were treated with ACT and subsequently randomised to CQ or placebo.

Outcome measures

The primary outcome was a change in haemoglobin from baseline (day 3 of antimalarial treatment) to day 90 in the CQ and placebo treatment arms. Secondary outcomes were changes in urinary neopterin as a marker of macrophage activation, markers of erythropoietic response and prevalence of submicroscopic parasitaemia. Change in haemoglobin in the placebo arm by initial antimalarial treatment was also assessed.

Results

In 2007, 101 children with uncomplicated malaria were randomised to antimalarial treatment with CQ-SP or ACT and 65 were subsequently randomised to weekly CQ or placebo. In 2008, all children received ACT antimalarial treatment and 31 were subsequently randomised to receive weekly CQ or placebo. Follow-up to day 90 was 96%. There was no effect of weekly CQ vs placebo on change in haemoglobin at day 90 (CQ+10.04 g/L (95% CI 6.66 to 13.42) vs placebo +7.61 g/L (95% CI 2.88 to 12.35)). There was no effect on the secondary outcomes assessed, or effect of initial antimalarial therapy on haemoglobin recovery. Higher day 90 haemoglobin correlated independently with older age, not being stunted, higher haemoglobin at day 0 and adequate iron status at day 3.

Conclusions

Weekly low-dose CQ after effective antimalarial treatment is not effective in improving recovery from postmalarial anaemia.

Trial registration

The clinical trial registration number isNCT00473837(ClinicalTrials.gov).
Psychosocial and educational outcomes of weight faltering in infancy in ALSPAC
Authors: Holme Amelia R , Blair Peter S , Emond Alan M
Published: July 2013

Objectives

To investigate whether infants with weight faltering have impaired psychosocial and educational outcomes in later childhood.

Design

Follow-up of infants with weight faltering in a large UK cohort study.

Setting

The Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC).

Participants

11 534 term infants from ALSPAC with complete weight records. Weight gain (conditional on initial weight) was calculated for three periods: from birth to 8 weeks, 8 weeks to 9 months, and birth to 9 months. Cases of weight faltering were defined as those infants with a conditional weight gain below the 5th centile, and these were compared with the rest of the cohort as the control group.

Outcomes

Between 6 and 11 years, social, emotional and behavioural development was measured by direct assessment of the children and parental and teacher report. Educational outcomes included Standardised Assessment Test results at 7 and 11 years and Special Educational Needs status at age 11.

Results

Differences seen on univariate analysis in attention, non-verbal accuracy, educational attainment and special educational needs became non-significant after adjustment for confounding. Children with weight faltering in infancy did not differ from controls on any measures of self-esteem, peer relationships, experience of bullying, social cognition, antisocial activities, anxiety, depression or behavioural problems.

Conclusions

Weight faltering in early infancy was associated with poorer educational outcomes in later childhood, but these associations were explained by confounding. The subsequent psychosocial development of infants with slow weight gain was not different from that of their peers.
What is the probability of detecting poorly performing hospitals using funnel plots?
Authors: Seaton Sarah E , Barker Lisa , Lingsma Hester F , Steyerberg Ewout W , Manktelow Bradley N
Published: July 2013

Recent high profile cases in the UK have highlighted the impact that the reporting of clinical outcomes can have for healthcare providers and patients. Great importance has been placed on the use of statistical methods to identify healthcare providers with observed poor performance. Such providers are highlighted as potential outliers and the possible causes investigated. It is crucial, therefore, that the methods used for identifying outliers are correctly understood and interpreted. While patients, funders, managers and clinical teams really want to know the true underlying performance of the provider, this true performance generally cannot be known directly and must be estimated using observed outcomes. However, differences between the true and observed performance are likely to arise due to chance variation. Clinical outcomes are often reported through the standardised mortality ratio (SMR), displayed using funnel plots. Providers whose observed SMR falls outside the funnel plot control limits will be identified as potential outliers. However, while it is obviously desirable that a healthcare provider with a true underlying performance different from that expected should be identified, the actual probability that it will be identified from observed SMRs has not previously been described. Here we show that funnel plots for the SMR should be used with caution when the expected number of events is small as the probability of identifying providers with true poor performance is likely to be small. On the other hand, when the expected number of events is large, care must be taken as a provider may be identified as an outlier even when its divergence is of little or no clinical importance.
Incorporating evidence review into quality improvement: meeting the needs of innovators
Authors: Danz Margie Sherwood , Hempel Susanne , Lim Yee-Wei , Shanman Roberta , Motala Aneesa , Stockdale Susan , Shekelle Paul , Rubenstein Lisa
Published: July 2013

Background

Achieving quality improvement (QI) aims often requires local innovation. Without objective evidence review, innovators may miss previously tested approaches, rely on biased information, or use personal preferences in designing and implementing local QI programmes.

Aim

To develop a practical, responsive approach to evidence review for QI innovations aimed at both achieving the goals of the Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH) and developing an evidence-based QI culture.

Design

Descriptive organisational case report.

Methods

As part of a QI initiative to develop and spread innovations for achieving the Veterans Affairs (VA) PCMH (termed Patient Aligned Care Team, or PACT), we involved a professional evidence review team (consisting of review experts, an experienced librarian, and administrative support) in responding to the evidence needs of front-line primary care innovators. The review team developed a systematic approach to responsive innovation evidence review (RIER) that focused on innovator needs in terms of time frame, type of evidence and method of communicating results. To assess uptake and usefulness of the RIERs, and to learn how the content and process could be improved, we surveyed innovation leaders.

Results

In the first 16 months of the QI initiative, we produced 13 RIERs on a variety of topics. These were presented as 6–15-page summaries and as slides at a QI collaborative. The RIERs focused on innovator needs (eg, topic overviews, how innovations are carried out, or contextual factors relevant to implementation). All 17 innovators who responded to the survey had read at least one RIER; 50% rated the reviews as very useful and 31%, as probably useful.

Conclusions

These responsive evidence reviews appear to be a promising approach to integrating evidence review into QI processes.
An intervention to improve transitions from NICU to ambulatory care: quasi-experimental study
Authors: Moyer Virginia A , Papile Lu-Ann , Eichenwald Eric , Giardino Angelo P , Khan Myrna M , Singh Hardeep
Published: July 2013

Background

Infants born prematurely or with complex medical problems are surviving to discharge in growing numbers and often require significant monitoring and coordination of care in the ambulatory setting. Using Healthcare Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (HFMEA), we identified a large number of potentially serious error points in this transition of care.

Purpose

To test whether a multifaceted intervention that included a health coach to assist families and an enhanced personal health record to improve the quality of information available to parents and community professionals would decrease adverse events and improve family assessment of the transition.

Methods

Using a concurrent cohort design, infants in one geographic area (pod) of the intensive care nursery received the intervention; infants in two other pods received routine discharge care. Primary outcomes included deaths, sick visits, unplanned readmissions and missed appointments within 1 month of discharge. The family assessed the transition using a modified version of the Care Transitions Measure.

Results

125 intervention infants (54% boys) and 104 control infants (48% boys) were enrolled over 18 months. The groups were similar in maternal education, insurance status, language spoken and number of adults in the home, birth weight and length of stay. At least one adverse outcome occurred in 63 (50.4%) intervention infants and 56 (53.8%) control infants (p=0.55). At 24–48 h post discharge, caregivers in the intervention group had significantly higher scores on the adapted care transitions measure (3.51 vs 3.27, p<0.0001); however, at 30 days, the difference was no longer significant (3.45 vs 3.40, p=0.27).

Conclusions

A multicomponent discharge intervention designed to address specific problems identified using HFMEA did not reduce certain adverse outcomes in the post-discharge period.

Trial Registration

NCT01088945.
Three-dimensional centrifuge and numerical modeling of the interaction between perpendicularly crossing tunnels
Authors: Ng Charles W.W. , Boonyarak Thayanan , Mašín David
Published: July 2013

Tunnel driving inevitably induces changes in stress and deformation in the ground, which could cause ultimate and serviceability problems to an adjacent tunnel. The effects of induced stress on an existing tunnel and crossing-tunnel interaction are still not fully understood. In this study, a series of three-dimensional centrifuge tests were carried out to investigate the responses of an existing tunnel in sand to the excavation of a new tunnel perpendicularly below it. Three-dimensional tunnel advancement was simulated using a novel technique that considers the effects of both volume and weight losses. This novel technique involves using a “donut” to control volume loss and mimic soil removal in-flight. To improve fundamental understanding of the stress transfer mechanism during the new tunnel advancement, measured results were back-analyzed three-dimensionally using the finite element method. The maximum measured settlement of the existing tunnel induced by the new tunnel constructed underneath was about 0.3% of tunnel diameter, which may be large enough to cause serviceability problems. The observed large settlement of the existing tunnel was caused not only by a sharp reduction in vertical stress at the invert, but also by substantial stress transfer of overburden pressure at the crown. The section of the existing tunnel directly above the new tunnel was compressed vertically because the incremental normal stress on the existing tunnel was larger in the vertical direction than in the horizontal direction. The tensile strain and shear stress induced in the existing tunnel exceeded the cracking tensile strain and allowable shear stress limit given by the American Concrete Institute.
Responses of caribou and reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) to acute food shortages in spring
Authors: Thompson D.P. , Barboza P.S.
Published: July 2013

Migratory caribou and sedentary reindeer (Rangifer tarandus (L., 1758)) can encounter acute food shortages during spring. We examined the response to short-term food restrictions by measuring individual food intake, body mass, and activity of 2-year-old unbred female caribou and reindeer from 25 April to 29 May 2011. Caribou lost 2%–3% of body mass on days when mean dry matter (DM) intakes (60 ± 6 g DM·kg−0.75·d−1) were restricted up to 75%. Caribou regained body mass as intake increased to 98 ± 8 g DM·kg−0.75·d−1 following restriction without a change in digestibility (82%–83%). In reindeer, digestibility increased (78%–83%) as intakes decreased (67–45 g DM·kg−0.75·d−1). Food restriction did not affect activity for either subspecies. We suggest that, at high digestive efficiency, Rangifer have “spare capacity”, to increase DM intake to compensate for lost foraging opportunity or to use patches of emerging high-quality forage. Furthermore, caribou with large fat reserves lost proportionally more body mass, consumed less food, and were less active than leaner caribou. Our data indicate that Rangifer use flexible responses of food intake, digestion, and body condition to maximize survival and reproduction in both migratory and sedentary ecotypes at the end of winter.
WAVELET MULTI-RESOLUTION ANALYSIS ON LARGE-EDDY SIMULATION OF TURBURLENT FLOW BEHIND A VEHICLE EXERNAL MIRROR
Authors: RINOSHIKA A. , ZHENG Y. , SHISHIDO E.
Published: July 2013

The three-dimensional orthogonal wavelet multi-resolution technique was applied to analyze flow structures of various scales around an externally mounted vehicle mirror. Firstly, the three-dimensional flow of mirror wake was numerically analyzed at a Reynolds number of 105 by using the large-eddy simulation (LES). Then the instantaneous velocity and vorticity were decomposed into the large-, intermediate- and relatively small-scale components by the wavelet multi-resolution technique. It was found that a three-dimensional large-scale vertical vortex dominates the mirror wake flow and makes a main contribution to vorticity concentration. Some intermediate- and relatively small-scale vortices were extracted from the LES and were clearly identifiable.
Combining compound recognition and PCFG-LA parsing with word lattices and conditional random fields
Authors: Constant Matthieu , Roux Joseph Le , Sigogne Anthony
Published: July 2013

The integration of compounds in a parsing procedure has been shown to improve accuracy in an artificial context where such expressions have been perfectly preidentified. This article evaluates two empirical strategies to incorporate such multiword units in a real PCFG-LA parsing context: (1) the use of a grammar including compound recognition, thanks to specialized annotation schemes for compounds; (2) the use of a state-of-the-art discriminative compound prerecognizer integrating endogenous and exogenous features. We show how these two strategies can be combined with word lattices representing possible lexical analyses generated by the recognizer. The proposed systems display significant gains in terms of multiword recognition and often in terms of standard parsing accuracy. Moreover, we show through an Oracle analysis that this combined strategy opens promising new research directions.
A computational model of logical metonymy
Authors: Shutova Ekaterina , Kaplan Jakub , Teufel Simone , Korhonen Anna
Published: July 2013

The use of figurative language is ubiquitous in natural language texts and it is a serious bottleneck in automatic text understanding. A system capable of interpreting figurative expressions would be an invaluable addition to the real-world natural language processing (NLP) applications that need to access semantics, such as machine translation, opinion mining, question answering and many others. In this article we focus on one type of figurative language, logical metonymy, and present a computational model of its interpretation bringing together statistical techniques and the insights from linguistic theory. Compared to previous approaches this model is both more informative and more accurate. The system produces sense-level interpretations of metonymic phrases and then automatically organizes them into conceptual classes, or roles, discussed in the majority of linguistic literature on the phenomenon.