bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the Memory Effect on Gold‐Coated Silica Adsorption Tubes Used for the Analysis of Gaseous Mercury by Cold Vapor Atomic Absorption Spectrometry
Authors: Rahman Mohammad Mahmudur , Brown Richard J. C. , Kim Ki-Hyun , Yoon Hye-On , Phan Nhu-Thuc
Published: March 2013

In an effort to reduce the experimental bias involved in the analysis of gaseous elemental mercury (Hgo), the blank response from gold‐coated adsorption tubes has been investigated using cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry (CVAAS). Our study has been compared with our recent investigation on memory effect in a cold vapour atomic fluorescence spectrometry (CVAFS). The pattern of blank responses was quantified after loading different amounts of mercury and after different time intervals of 1, 14, and 45 days. In case of the one day interval, the result of five to six instant blank heating cycles confirmed successful liberation of mercury following the second and third blank heating cycles. The results of 14 or 45 days generally suggest that liberation of excess mercury is affected by both the initial loading amount and the length of storage time prior to analysis. We have demonstrated a possibly effective way to reduce memory effects. Some similarities of these results with those from CVAFS experiment suggests that the blank response is caused by a combination of mercury absorbed within the bulk gold and micro‐ and nanoparticles liberated during heating and not from coabsorbing interfering gaseous species.
Modeling for Deformable Body and Motion Analysis: A Review
Authors: Pan Hailang , Huo Hongwen , Cui Guoqin , Chen Shengyong
Published: March 2013

This paper surveys the modeling methods for deformable human body and motion analysis in the recent 30 years. First, elementary knowledge of human expression and modeling is introduced. Then, typical human modeling technologies, including 2D model, 3D surface model, and geometry-based, physics-based, and anatomy-based approaches, and model-based motion analysis are summarized. Characteristics of these technologies are analyzed. The technology accumulation in the field is outlined for an overview.
High-Frequency Vibration Treatment of Human Bone Marrow Stromal Cells Increases Differentiation toward Bone Tissue
Authors: Prè D. , Ceccarelli G. , Visai L. , Benedetti L. , Imbriani M. , Cusella De Angelis M. G. , Magenes G.
Published: March 2013

In order to verify whether differentiation of adult stem cells toward bone tissue is promoted by high-frequency vibration (HFV), bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) were mechanically stimulated with HFV (30 Hz) for 45 minutes a day for 21 or 40 days. Cells were seeded in osteogenic medium, which enhances differentiation towards bone tissue. The effects of the mechanical treatment on differentiation were measured by Alizarin Red test, (q) real-time PCR, and protein content of the extracellular matrix. In addition, we analyzed the proliferation rate and apoptosis of BMSC subjected to mechanical stimulation. A strong increase in all parameters characterizing differentiation was observed. Deposition of calcium was almost double in the treated samples; the expression of genes involved in later differentiation was significantly increased and protein content was higher for all osteogenic proteins. Lastly, proliferation results indicated that stimulated BMSCs have a decreased growth rate in comparison with controls, but both treated and untreated cells do not enter the apoptosis process. These findings could reduce the gap between research and clinical application for bone substitutes derived from patient cells by improving the differentiation protocol for autologous cells and a further implant of the bone graft into the patient.
Towards the Consolidation of a Diagramming Suite for Agent-Oriented Modelling Languages
Authors: Henderson-Sellers Brian
Published: March 2013

Whilst several agent-oriented modelling languages have been developed by independent research groups, it is now appropriate to consider a consolidation of these various approaches. There are arguably three things that need consolidation and future standardization: individual symbols, the underpinning metamodel, and the diagram types. Here we address only the third issue by extending an earlier analysis that resulted in recommendations for various diagram types for the modelling of a multiagent system (MAS). Here, we take each of these previously recommended diagram types and see how each is realized in a wide variety (over 20) of current agent-oriented software engineering (AOSE) methodologies. We also take the opportunity to express, as exemplars, some of these diagram types using the recently published FAML notation.
Involvement in Specific HIV Risk Practices among Men Who Use the Internet to Find Male Partners for Unprotected Sex
Authors: Klein Hugh
Published: March 2013

Purpose. Men who have sex with other men (MSM) account for more than one-half of all new HIV infections in the USA. This study reports on the prevalence of a variety of HIV risk behaviors in one specific subpopulation of risk-seeking MSM.Methods. The study was based on a national sample of 332 MSM who use the Internet to find partners for unprotected sex. Data collection was conducted via telephone interviews between January 2008 and May 2009.Results. Unprotected oral and anal sex was commonplace among study participants. Men engaged in a large number of other risky behaviors as well, including having had multiple recent sex partners (mean number = 11), simultaneous double-penile penetration of the anus (16%), eating semen out of another man’s anus (17%), engaging in multiple-partner sexual encounters (47%), engaging in anonymous sex (51%), and having sex while “under the influence” (52%).Conclusions. HIV intervention and prevention programs need to address numerous behaviors that place MSM at risk for contracting/transmitting HIV. Merely focusing on unprotected anal sex does a disservice to members of this community, who typically engage in many types of behavioral risks, each of which requires addressing if HIV transmission rates are to be reduced.
Admission Control Methods in IP Networks
Authors: Chromy Erik , Jadron Marcel , Behul Tomas
Published: March 2013

Telecommunications operators and research institutions pay close attention to the issue of quality of service. The paper deals with methods of admission control in IP networks, which is only one of the subsets of quality of service. There are two large groups of AC methods: parameter-based admission control and measurement-based admission control. The core of the paper is simulation of AC methods and algorithms for topology model in MATLAB. Our simulations are mainly focused on required bandwidth and loss rates. At the end of the paper there are compared results of simulations.
An Investigation on Dislocation Density in Cold-Rolled Copper Using Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy
Authors: Rafiee Elyas , Farzam Mansour , Golozar Mohammad Ali , Ashrafi Ali
Published: March 2013

Variation of electrochemical impedance with dislocation density was investigated using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). For this purpose, EIS measurements were carried out on 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50% cold-rolled commercially pure copper in 0.1 M NaCl (pH = 2) solution. Nyquist plots illustrated that the electrochemical reactions are controlled by both charge transfer and diffusion process. Increasing dislocation density, the magnitude of electrochemical impedance of samples was decreased. Decreasing magnitude of impedance at intermediate frequencies indicated increasing double-layer capacitance. Charge transfer resistance decreased from value 329.6 Ωcm2for annealed sample to 186.3 Ωcm2for sample with maximum dislocation density (1.72×1015 m−2). Phase angles were lower for samples that contained more dislocation density, indicating more tendencies to loss of electrons and releasing atoms into electrolyte.
A Novel Reconfigurable MB-OFDM UWB LNA Using Programmable Current Reuse
Authors: Ragheb Ahmed , Fahmy Ghazal , Ashour Iman , Ammar Abdel Hady
Published: March 2013

This paper presents a design of a reconfigurable low noise amplifier (LNA) for multiband orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (MB-OFDM) ultra wideband (UWB) receivers. The proposed design is divided into three stages; the first one is a common gate (CG) topology to provide the input matching over a wideband. The second stage is a programmable circuit to control the mode of operation. The third stage is a current reuse topology to improve the gain, flatness and consume lower power. The proposed LNA is designed using 0.18 μm CMOS technology. This LNA has been designed to operate in two subbands of MB-OFDM UWB, UWB mode-1 and mode-3, as a single or concurrent mode. The simulation results exhibit the power gain up to 17.35, 18, and 11 dB for mode-1, mode-3, and concurrent mode, respectively. The NF is 3.5, 3.9, and 6.5 and the input return loss is better than −12, −13.57, and −11 dB over mode-1, mode-3, and concurrent mode, respectively. This design consumes 4 mW supplied from 1.2 V.
Inhibition of miR-21 Induces Biological and Behavioral Alterations in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Gu Ling , Song Guoqi , Chen Liping , Nie Zhenlin , He Bangshun , Pan Yuqin , Xu Yeqiong , Li Rui , Gao Tianyi , Cho William C. , Wang Shukui
Published: March 2013

MicroRNA-21 (miR-21) has been ascribed a key role in many cellular processes, e.g. tumorigenesis via inhibition of target gene expression. However, its role in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is still unclear, and there are no in-depth studies on the relationship between miR-21 and the cellular phenotype of DLBCL. In this study, we investigated the expression and role of miR-21 in the regulation of cell biological processes in DLBCL. Firstly, miR-21 expression was evaluated in three DLBCL cell lines by real-time quantitative reverse-transcription (qRT) polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Then, to determine the possible role of miR-21 in the biological and behavioral characteristics of DLBCL, we performed miR-21 knockdown by transfection with anti-miR-21. In addition, PDCD4 and PTEN were assessed by luciferase reporter assay, qRT-PCR, and Western blot. Our study revealed that miR-21 was significantly upregulated in activated B-cell-like DLBCL cells compared to germinal center-like DLBCL cells. We demonstrated that inhibition of miR-21 induced suppression of proliferation and invasion, as well as increased apoptosis in DLBCL. Moreover, knockdown of miR-21 increased PDCD4 and PTEN expression at the protein level but not at the mRNA level. In conclusion, miR-21 can regulate proliferation, invasion, and apoptosis, and thus it has a potential therapeutic application in DLBCL.
Osthole Ameliorates Renal Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury by Inhibiting Inflammatory Response
Authors: Zheng Yi , Lu Min , Ma Lulin , Zhang Shudong , Qiu Min , Ma Xin
Published: March 2013

Introduction: Renal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury is a primary cause of acute renal failure that results in high mortality. This study aimed to investigate the effect of osthole, a natural coumarin derivative, on renal I/R injury in a rat model. Materials and Methods: Rats were randomly allocated to the sham operation + vehicle, I/R + vehicle, and I/R + osthole groups. Renal I/R injury was induced by clamping the left renal artery for 45 min followed by 12 h of reperfusion and a contralateral nephrectomy. Osthole (40 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally injected 30 min before inducing I/R. Renal function and histological damage were determined subsequently. Myeloperoxidase activity, monocyte/macrophage infiltration, as well as tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-1β, and activated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase expression in kidneys were also assessed. Results: Osthole treatment significantly ameliorated I/R-induced renal functional and morphological injuries. Moreover, osthole treatment attenuated myeloperoxidase activity, monocyte/macrophage infiltration, and tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-1β, and activated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase expression in kidneys. Conclusions: Osthole treatment ameliorates renal I/R injury by inhibiting inflammatory responses in kidneys. Thus, osthole may represent a novel practical strategy to prevent renal I/R injury.
Translocation t(5;18)(q35;q21) as a Rare Nonrandom Abnormality in Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Daraki A. , Bourantas L.K. , Manola K.N.
Published: March 2013

Cytogenetic abnormalities play an important role in diagnosis, classification and prognosis in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Nevertheless, several chromosome abnormalities have not been completely determined, and their prognostic significance is currently unknown due to their low incidence and the sporadic limited data. We report a case of AML-M2 with a novel, nonrandom translocation t(5;18)(q35;q21) in order to clarify the clinical features and outcome of these patients which could be advisable for prognostic and therapeutic purposes. This translocation has been reported only once in AML. Our patient received intensive chemotherapy, but he achieved a complete remission only initially. Eighteen months post diagnosis, t(3;12)(p23;p13) was detected as a secondary abnormality to t(5;18)(q35;q21) in the progression of the disease. FISH studies confirmed the reciprocal t(5;18)(q35;q21) and demonstrated a rearrangement of ETV6 gene as a consequence of t(3;12)(p23;p13). The patient died a few days later. In conclusion, t(5;18)(q35;q21) is a rare but nonrandom abnormality in AML, found in FAB M2 subtype, possibly associated with a rather poor prognosis, while t(3;12)(p23;p13) seems to contribute to the progression of the disease. The publication of rare, nonrandom chromosome abnormalities such as t(5;18)(q35;q21) contribute to the identification of the whole spectrum of cytogenetic abnormalities in AML and their prognostic significance.
Patients' Preferences Regarding Choice of End-Stage Renal Disease Treatment Options
Authors: Maaroufi Abdelmouttalib , Fafin Coraline , Mougel Sophie , Favre Guillaume , Seitz-Polski Barbara , Jeribi Ahmed , Vido Sandor , Dewisme Catherine , Albano Laetitia , Esnault Vincent , Moranne Olivier
Published: March 2013

Background: Dialysis registries have reported a low take-up of home treatment. The aim of our study was to report patients' preferred treatment options for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) after information delivery, patients' characteristics by treatment preference, and the reasons for differences between treatment preference and the treatment delivered. Methods: A prospective cohort study on patients seen in our nephrology department between January 2009 and June 2011 included all patients with chronic kidney disease (GFR <20 ml/min/1.73 m2) and incident dialysis patients who received an information program about ESRD treatment options. Results: 228 patients received information delivery and either expressed a preference for a given renal replacement therapy (peritoneal dialysis, PD: 42%; hemodialysis, HD: 33%), remained undecided (20%) or expressed reluctance to undergo renal replacement therapy (5%). Multivariate analysis revealed that compared to HD preference, patients preferring PD were older (OR 1.02, 95% CI 1.0-1.04), had a lower BMI (OR 0.9, 95% CI 0.87-0.98) and were more likely to have been informed before rather than after starting dialysis (OR 3.4, 95% CI 1.5-7.4); home treatment was the main reason given for preferring PD. Undecided patients were mainly women and the majority were eventually treated by HD. Reluctant patients were the oldest (OR 1.12, 95% CI 1.02-1.22) and were rarely treated by dialysis. Only 24% of patients informed before and 8% of patients informed after starting dialysis were ultimately treated with PD. Reasons for a mismatch between dialysis modality preference and treatment delivered were equally distributed between medical and nonmedical. Conclusion: Patients should be systematically informed before starting dialysis, patients' preferences should be taken into account before organizing dialysis and all treatment modalities should be available in all centers.
Predictors of Time to Discharge in Patients Hospitalized for Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia
Authors: Kitamura Tatsuru , Kitamura Maki , Hino Shoryoku , Kurata Koichi
Published: March 2013

Background/Aims: In Japan, more than 50,000 patients with dementia are housed in psychiatric facilities, a trend precipitated by prolonged hospitalizations. This study aimed to determine predictors for the time to discharge in patients hospitalized for behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). Methods: Medical charts of patients admitted to an acute psychogeriatric ward for treatment of BPSD were reviewed. Cox's proportional hazards model was used to evaluate relationships between active behavioral problems and/or demographics at the time of admission, and the time until favorable discharge (FD), defined as discharge to the patient's own home or a care facility. Results: For the 402 study patients included in this study, median time to FD was 101 days. In addition to family and residential factors, multivariate analysis identified higher Mini-Mental State Examination scores as independent clinical predictors for a shorter hospital stay, whereas male gender and combative behavior as the primary reason for hospital admission were predictors for a longer hospital stay. Conclusion: Clinical characteristics can be predictive of the time to discharge for patients with BPSD. Earlier interventions and enhanced care strategies may be needed for patients with a lower likelihood of FD.
Thrombolysis in a Stroke Patient on Dabigatran Anticoagulation: Case Report and Synopsis of Published Cases
Authors: Pfeilschifter Waltraud , Abruscato Mario , Hövelmann Susanne , Baas Horst
Published: March 2013

We present the case of an aphasic 77-year-old stroke patient with left distal M1 occlusion who received rt-PA for thrombolysis while on oral anticoagulant treatment with dabigatran (150 mg b.i.d.). Coagulation parameters were normal (thrombin time 20 s, aPTT 20 s, INR 1.08) and the patient improved from an NIHSS of 15 to 5 within 24 h with sonographic evidence of M1 recanalization. She did not develop intracranial bleeding complications but showed unusually large diffuse skin ecchymoses. In our report, we give an overview of all reported cases of thrombolysis under dabigatran anticoagulation and discuss the questions of medication adherence under novel oral anticoagulants (NOA) and the safety of NOA in terms of secondary intracerebral hemorrhage after stroke.
When Do Environmentally Focused Assistance Projects Achieve their Objectives? Evidence from World Bank Post-Project Evaluations
Authors: Buntaine Mark T. , Parks Bradley C.
Published: March 2013

Scholars and practitioners have paid considerable attention to the factors that promote successful outcomes in environmentally focused assistance projects. Previous studies have identified various potential predictors of successful outcomes, including the political commitment, institutional capacity, and governance quality of the recipient country; the severity of environmental pressures in the recipient country; donor-recipient contracting dynamics; project characteristics; and civic participation in the recipient country environment sector. We test the influence of these variables on project success using a dataset of outcome ratings for all environmentally focused World Bank projects approved since 1994. We find that strong public sector institutions in the recipient country and proactive staff supervision foster project success and that projects seeking to achieve global environmental objectives are less likely to succeed. Future research will be most fruitful if it focuses on how operational and management characteristics of individual projects lead to successful outcomes.
Feeding the City
Authors: Roncaglia Sara
Published: March 2013

Every day in Mumbai 5,000 dabbawalas (literally translated as "those who carry boxes") distribute a staggering 200,000 home-cooked lunchboxes to the city’s workers and students. Giving employment and status to thousands of largely illiterate villagers from Mumbai's hinterland, this co-operative has been in operation since the late nineteenth century. It provides one of the most efficient delivery networks in the world: only one lunch in six million goes astray.

Feeding the City is an ethnographic study of the fascinating inner workings of Mumbai's dabbawalas. Cultural anthropologist Sara Roncaglia explains how they cater to the various dietary requirements of a diverse and increasingly global city, where the preparation and consumption of food is pervaded with religious and cultural significance. Developing the idea of "gastrosemantics" – a language with which to discuss the broader implications of cooking and eating – Roncaglia's study helps us to rethink our relationship to food at a local and global level. The publication of this book is financed by the generous support of interested readers and organisations, who made donations using the crowd-funding website unglue.it
Mexican-Origin Early Adolescents’ Ethnic Socialization, Ethnic Identity, and Psychosocial Functioning
Authors: Umaña-Taylor Adriana J. , O’Donnell Megan , Knight George P. , Roosa Mark W. , Berkel Cady , Nair Rajni
Published: March 2013

This study examined how parental ethnic socialization informed adolescents’ ethnic identity (EI) development and, in turn, youths’ psychosocial functioning (i.e., mental health, social competence, academic efficacy, externalizing behaviors) among 749 Mexican-origin families. In addition, school ethnic composition was examined as a moderator of these associations. Findings indicated that mothers’ and fathers’ ethnic socialization were significant longitudinal predictors of adolescents’ EI, although fathers’ ethnic socialization interacted significantly with youths’ school ethnic composition in fifth grade to influence EI in seventh grade. Furthermore, adolescents’ EI was significantly associated with increased academic self-efficacy and social competence, and decreased depressive symptoms and externalizing behaviors. Findings support theoretical predictions regarding the central role parents play in Mexican-origin adolescents’ normative developmental processes and adjustment and, importantly, underscore the need to consider variability that is introduced into these processes by features of the social context such as school ethnic composition.
Proclaiming the Gospel, Preaching the Public
Authors: Bowlin John
Published: March 2013

When does preaching become public witness, and what problems emerge when public witness regards a matter that belongs to a democratic citizenry? This article addresses these questions in a somewhat roundabout way. It begins in what might be called political sociology and it explores what it might mean to speak and act with a multiply hyphenated political identity. The assumption is that Christians have an identity of precisely this kind and that taking note of this fact will help bring into focus the public character of public witness.
God for Us, God against Us: Singing the Pentateuch’s Songs of Praise in Exodus 15 and Deuteronomy 32
Authors: Olson Dennis T.
Published: March 2013

Two theologically rich songs within the Pentateuch both incorporate elements of the praise of God but for quite different purposes. The Song of the Sea in Exodus 15:1–21 celebrates God’s victory against Israel’s enemy, the Egyptian Pharaoh and his army. The whole community (men and women) join together after the victory in joyful praise and celebration. The Song of Moses in Deuteronomy 32:1–43, in contrast, includes the praise of God as part of God’s larger indictment against God’s own people, Israel, as well as judgment against an unnamed enemy nation who will oppress Israel. A number of theological implications concerning the praise of God flow out of the dialogue between Exodus 15 and Deuteronomy 32 regarding the power of song and praise, the relationship of vengeance and praise, and the rich mix of metaphors for God (warrior, shepherd, farmer, birthing and nursing mother, rock, an eagle parenting its young) contained within these songs.
Discerning the Public Presence of God
Authors: Brown Sally A.
Published: March 2013

An encounter between strangers in public space is critically interrogated from both socio-cultural and theological perspectives to uncover “operational” (experiential) connections between Christian worship and public action. The article concludes with the constructive proposal that perceiving the presence of the God of redemptive promise in public space forms the primary link between worship and witness, sanctuary and street.
Aristotle on the Virtue of the Multitude
Authors: Cammack Daniela
Published: March 2013

It is generally believed that one argument advanced by Aristotle in favor of the political authority of the multitude is that large groups can make better decisions by pooling their knowledge than individuals or small groups can make alone. This is supported by two analogies, one apparently involving a “potluck dinner” and the other aesthetic judgment. This article suggests that that interpretation of Aristotle’s argument is implausible given the historical context and several features of the text. It argues that Aristotle’s support for the rule of the multitude rested not on its superior knowledge but rather on his belief that the virtue of individuals can be aggregated and even amplified when they act collectively. This significantly alters our understanding of Aristotle’s political thought and presents a powerful alternative to the epistemic defenses of mass political activity popular today.
Uniting the corpus of our collections through visualization
Authors: Byrne Alex
Published: March 2013

This paper explores the challenges of visualizing digital and physical collections to enable discovery and use with reference to new models for academic and public libraries as well as the particular challenges faced by libraries with great heritage collections such as the State Library of New South Wales. That Library is renowned internationally for its unique collections on Australia and the surrounding region. It and its international peers face the challenge to present their heritage collections, their digitized versions and their contemporary print, media and born digital materials to as a discoverable corpus for researchers, students and the public.
User-centered decision making: a new model for developing academic library services and systems
Authors: Connaway Lynn Silipigni , Hood Erin M. , Lanclos Donna , White David , Cornu Alison Le
Published: March 2013

This longitudinal study tracks US and UK participants’ shifts in their motivations and forms of engagement with technology and information as they transition between four educational stages. The quantitative and qualitative methods, including ethnographic methods that devote individual attention to the subjects, yield a very rich data set enabling multiple methods of analysis. Instead of reporting general information-seeking habits and technology use, this study explores how the subjects get their information based on the context and situation of their needs during an extended period of time, identifying if and how their behaviors change.
Uneasy relations
Authors: Walker Cherryl
Published: March 2013

This article addresses the tensions between the struggle for gender equality and the struggle for cultural rights in the particular form championed by traditionalists within the ANC after 1994. While both sets of rights are recognized in the 1996 Constitution, the right to equality takes precedence. Nevertheless, a ‘turn to tradition’ within the ANC has seen the consolidation of patriarchal traditional institutions in the communal areas. These developments reflect the predominance of very thin understandings of both gender equality and culture within the organization. They have, however, been challenged by activists, with the principle of gender equality proving to be a significant impediment to the traditionalist agenda. The manner in which these dynamics have unfolded places gender at the centre of struggles over the meaning and practice of equality and democracy in post-apartheid South Africa.
Comparison of Aluminum Mordants on the Colorfastness of Natural Dyes on Cotton
Authors: Haar Sherry , Schrader Erica , Gatewood Barbara M.
Published: March 2013

Two mordanting agents, aluminum potassium sulfate and aluminum acetate, in three concentrations (5%, 10%, and 20% owf) were evaluated for colorfastness to laundering and light of natural dye extracts (madder, weld, and coreopsis) on cotton print cloth. The type of aluminum mordant had a greater influence on colorfastness to laundering, whereas dye type had a greater influence on fastness to light. Aluminum acetate at 5% owf concentration gave slightly higher Gray Scale ratings for colorfastness to laundering of coreopsis and weld. All treatments had negligible to no staining on cotton. Weld had slightly better colorfastness to light ratings than the other dye types with 20% aluminum potassium sulfate rating highest. Even though the aluminum acetate mordant improved the colorfastness to laundering on weld and coreopsis at the 5% and 10% owf concentrations, it did not improve fastness to light and resulted in slightly lower fastness to light grades on coreopsis.
Trafficking of phagocytic peritoneal cells in hypoinsulinemic-hyperglycemic mice with systemic candidiasis
Authors: Fraga-Silva Thais Fernanda de Campos , Venturini James , de Arruda Maria Sueli Parreira
Published: March 2013

Background

Candidemia is a severe fungal infection that primarily affects hospitalized and/or immunocompromised patients. Mononuclear phagocytes have been recognized as pivotal immune cells which act in the recognition of pathogens, phagocytosis, inflammation, polarization of adaptive immune response and tissue repair. Experimental studies have showed that the systemic candidiasis could be controlled by activated peritoneal macrophages. However, the mechanism to explain how these cells act in distant tissue during a systemic fungal infection is still to be elucidated. In the present study we investigate thein vivotrafficking of phagocytic peritoneal cells into infected organs in hypoinsulinemic-hyperglycemic (HH) mice with systemic candidiasis.

Methods

The red fluorescent vital dye PKH-26 PCL was injected into the peritoneal cavity of Swiss mice 24 hours before the intravenous inoculation withCandida albicans. After 24 and 48 hours and 7 days of infection, samples of the spleen, liver, kidneys, brain and lungs were submitted to the microbiological evaluation as well as to phagocytic peritoneal cell trafficking analyses by fluorescence microscopy.

Results

In the present study, PKH+cells were observed in the peritoneum, kidney, spleen and liver samples from all groups. In infected mice, we also found PKH+cells in the lung and brain. The HH condition did not affect this process.

Conclusions

In the present study we have observed that peritoneal phagocytes migrate to tissues infected byC. albicansand the HH condition did not interfere in this process.
Study protocol of the B-CAST study: a multicenter, prospective cohort study investigating the tumor biomarkers in adjuvant chemotherapy for stage III colon cancer
Authors: Ishiguro Megumi , Kotake Kenjiro , Nishimura Genichi , Tomita Naohiro , Ichikawa Wataru , Takahashi Keiichi , Watanabe Toshiaki , Furuhata Tomohisa , Kondo Ken , Mori Masaki , Kakeji Yoshihiro , Kanazawa Akiyoshi , Kobayashi Michiya , Okajima Masazumi , Hyodo Ichinosuke , Miyakoda Keiko , Sugihara Kenichi
Published: March 2013

Background

Adjuvant chemotherapy for stage III colon cancer is internationally accepted as standard treatment with established efficacy. Several oral fluorouracil (5-FU) derivatives with different properties are available in Japan, but which drug is the most appropriate for each patient has not been established. Although efficacy prediction of 5-FU derivatives using expression of 5-FU activation/metabolism enzymes in tumors has been studied, it has not been clinically applied.

Methods/design

The B-CAST study is a multicenter, prospective cohort study aimed to identify the patients who benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy with each 5-FU regimen, through evaluating the relationship between tumor biomarker expression and treatment outcome. The frozen tumor specimens of patients with stage III colon cancer who receives postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy are examined. Protein expression of thymidine phosphorylase (TP), dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are evaluated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). mRNA expression of TP, DPD, thymidylate synthase (TS) and orotate phosphoribosyl transferase (OPRT) are evaluated using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The patients’ clinical data reviewed are as follow: demographic and pathological characteristics, regimen, drug doses and treatment duration of adjuvant therapy, types and severity of adverse events, disease free survival, relapse free survival and overall survival. Then, relationships among the protein/mRNA expression, clinicopathological characteristics and the treatment outcomes are analyzed for each 5-FU derivative.

Discussion

A total of 2,128 patients from the 217 institutions were enrolled between April 2009 and March 2012. The B-CAST study demonstrated that large-scale, multicenter translational research using frozen samples was feasible when the sample shipment and Web-based data collection were well organized. The results of the study will identify the predictors of benefit from each 5-FU derivative, and will contribute to establish the “personalized therapy” in adjuvant chemotherapy for colon cancer.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00918827, UMIN Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN-CTR) UMIN000002013
p53-independent early and late apoptosis is mediated by ceramide after exposure of tumor cells to photon or carbon ion irradiation
Authors: Alphonse Gersende , Maalouf Mira , Battiston-Montagne Priscillia , Ardail Dominique , Beuve Michaël , Rousson Robert , Taucher-Scholz Gisela , Fournier Claudia , Rodriguez-Lafrasse Claire
Published: March 2013

Background

To determine whether ceramide is responsible for the induction of p53-independent early or late apoptosis in response to high- and low-Linear-Energy-Transfer (LET) irradiation.

Methods

Four cell lines displaying different radiosensitivities and p53-protein status were irradiated with photons or 33.4 or 184 keV/μm carbon ions. The kinetics of ceramide production was quantified by fluorescent microscopy or High-Performance-Liquid-Chromatogaphy and the sequence of events leading to apoptosis by flow cytometry.

Results

Regardless of the p53-status, both low and high-LET irradiation induced an early ceramide production in radiosensitive cells and late in the radioresistant. This production strongly correlated with the level of early apoptosis in radiosensitive cells and delayed apoptosis in the radioresistant ones, regardless of radiation quality, tumor type, radiosensitivity, or p53-status. Inhibition of caspase activity or ceramide production showed that, for both types of radiation, ceramide is essential for the initiation of early apoptosis in radiosensitive cells and late apoptosis following mitotic catastrophe in radioresistant cells.

Conclusions

Ceramide is a determining factor in the onset of early and late apoptosis after low and high-LET irradiation and is the mediator of the p53-independent-apoptotic pathway. We propose that ceramide is the molecular bridge between mitotic catastrophe and the commitment phase of delayed apoptosis in response to irradiation.
Trends in hospital discharges, management and in-hospital mortality from acute myocardial infarction in Switzerland between 1998 and 2008
Authors: Insam Charlène , Paccaud Fred , Marques-Vidal Pedro
Published: March 2013

Background

Since the late nineties, no study has assessed the trends in management and in-hospital outcome of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in Switzerland. Our objective was to fill this gap.

Methods

Swiss hospital discharge database for years 1998 to 2008. AMI was defined as a primary discharge diagnosis code I21 according to the ICD10 classification. Invasive treatments and overall in-hospital mortality were assessed.

Results

Overall, 102,729 hospital discharges with a diagnosis of AMI were analyzed. The percentage of hospitalizations with a stay in an Intensive Care Unit decreased from 38.0% in 1998 to 36.2% in 2008 (p for trend < 0.001). Percutaneous revascularizations increased from 6.0% to 39.9% (p for trend < 0.001). Bare stents rose from 1.3% to 16.6% (p for trend < 0.001). Drug eluting stents appeared in 2004 and increased to 23.5% in 2008 (p for trend < 0.001). Coronary artery bypass graft increased from 1.0% to 3.0% (p for trend < 0.001). Circulatory assistance increased from 0.2% to 1.7% (p for trend < 0.001). Among patients managed in a single hospital (not transferred), seven-day and total in-hospital mortality decreased from 8.0% to 7.0% (p for trend < 0.01) and from 11.2% to 10.1%, respectively. These changes were no longer significant after multivariate adjustment for age, gender, region, revascularization procedures and transfer type. After multivariate adjustment, differing trends in revascularization procedures and in in-hospital mortality were found according to the geographical region considered.

Conclusion

In Switzerland, a steep rise in hospital discharges and in revascularization procedures for AMI occurred between 1998 and 2008. The increase in revascularization procedures could explain the decrease in in-hospital mortality rates.
InternationaL cross-sectIonAl and longItudinal assessment on aSthma cONtrol in European adult patients - the LIAISON study protocol
Authors: Braido Fulvio , Brusselle Guy , Ingrassia Eleonora , Nicolini Gabriele , Price David , Roche Nicolas , Soriano Joan B , Worth Heinrich
Published: March 2013

Background

According to international guidelines, the goal of asthma management is to achieve and maintain control of the disease, which can be assessed using composite measures. Prospective studies are required to determine how these measures are associated with asthma outcomes and/or future risk. The ‘InternationaL cross-sectIonAl and longItudinal assessment on aSthma cONtrol (LIAISON)’ observational study has been designed to evaluate asthma control and its determinants, including components of asthma management.

Methods/design

The LIAISON study will be conducted in 12 European countries and comprises a cross-sectional phase and a 12-month prospective phase. Both phases will aim at assessing asthma control (six-item Asthma Control Questionnaire, ACQ), asthma-related quality of life (Mini Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire, Mini-AQLQ), risk of non-adherence to treatment (four-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale, MMAS-4), potential reasons for poor control, treatment strategies and associated healthcare costs.

The cross-sectional phase will recruit > 8,000 adult patients diagnosed with asthma for at least 6 months and receiving the same asthma treatment in the 4 weeks before enrolment.

The prospective phase will include all patients with uncontrolled/poorly controlled asthma at the initial visit to assess the proportion reaching control during follow-up and to examine predictors of future risk. Visits will take place after 3, 6 and 12 months.

Discussion

The LIAISON study will provide important information on the prevalence of asthma control and on the quality of life in a broad spectrum of real-life patient populations from different European countries and will also contribute to evaluate differences in management strategies and their impact on healthcare costs over 12 months of observation.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier, NCT01567280.
Stress and stability comparison between different systems for high tibial osteotomies
Authors: Luo Chu-An , Hua Shi-Yuan , Lin Shang-Chih , Chen Chun-Ming , Tseng Ching-Shiow
Published: March 2013

Background

High tibial osteotomy (HTO) with a medial opening wedge has been used to treat medial compartment osteoarthritis. However, this makes the proximal tibia a highly unstable structure and causes plate and screws to be the potentials sources for mechanical failure. Consequently, proper design and use of the fixation device are essential to the HTO especially for overweight or full weight-bearing patients.

Methods

Based on the CT-based images, a tibial finite-element model with medial opening was simulated and instrumented with one-leg and two-leg plate systems. The construct was subjected to physiological and surgical loads. Construct stresses and wedge micromotions were chosen as the comparison indices.

Results

The use of locking screws can stabilize the construct and decrease the implant and bone stresses. Comparatively, the two-leg design provides a wider load-sharing base to form a force-couple mechanism that effectively reduces construct stresses and wedge micromotions. However, the incision size, muscular stripping, and structural rigidity are the major concerns of using the two-leg systems. The one-leg plates behave as the fulcrum of the leverage system and make the wedge tip the zone of tension and thus have been reported to negatively affect the callus formation.

Conclusions

The choice of the HTO plates involved the trade-off between surgical convenience, construct stability, and stress-shielding effect. If the stability of the medial opening is the major concern, the two-leg system is suggested for the patients with heavy load demands and greater proximal tibial size. The one-leg system with locking screws can be used for the majority of the patients without heavy bodyweight and poor bone quality.
Worldwide population genetic structure of the oriental fruit moth (Grapholita molesta), a globally invasive pest
Authors: Kirk Heather , Dorn Silvia , Mazzi Dominique
Published: March 2013

Background

Invasive pest species have large impacts on agricultural crop yields, and understanding their population dynamics is important for ensuring food security. The oriental fruit moth Grapholita molesta is a cosmopolitan pest of stone and pome fruit species including peach and apple, and historical records indicate that it has invaded North and South America, Europe, Australia and Africa from its putative native range in Asia over the past century.

Results

We used 13 microsatellite loci, including nine newly developed markers, to characterize global population structure of G. molesta. Approximately 15 individuals from each of 26 globally distributed populations were genotyped. A weak but significant global pattern of isolation-by-distance was found, and G. molesta populations were geographically structured on a continental scale. Evidence does not support that G. molesta was introduced to North America from Japan as previously proposed. However, G. molesta was probably introduced from North America to The Azores, South Africa, and Brazil, and from East Asia to Australia. Shared ancestry was inferred between populations from Western Europe and from Brazil, although it remains unresolved whether an introduction occurred from Europe to Brazil, or vice versa. Both genetic diversity and levels of inbreeding were surprisingly high across the range of G. molesta and were not higher or lower overall in introduced areas compared to native areas. There is little evidence for multiple introductions to each continent (except in the case of South America), or for admixture between populations from different origins.

Conclusions

Cross-continental introductions of G. molesta appear to be infrequent, which is surprising given its rapid worldwide expansion over the past century. We suggest that area-wide spread via transport of fruits and other plant materials is a major mechanism of ongoing invasion, and management efforts should therefore target local and regional farming communities and distribution networks.
Association between maternal exposure to housing renovation and offspring with congenital heart disease: a multi-hospital case–control study
Authors: Liu Zhen , Li Xiaohong , Li Nana , Li Shengli , Deng Kui , Lin Yuan , Chen Xinlin , You Fengzhi , Li Jun , Mu Dezhi , Wang Yanping , Zhu Jun
Published: March 2013

Background

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is one of the most prevalent birth defects. Housing renovations are a newly recognized source of indoor environmental pollution that is detrimental to health. A growing body of research suggests that maternal occupational exposure to renovation materials may be associated with an increased risk of giving birth to fetuses with CHD. However, the effect of indoor housing renovation exposure on CHD occurrence has not been reported.

Methods

A multi-hospital case–control study was designed to investigate the association between maternal periconceptional housing renovation exposure and the risk of CHD for offspring. In total, 346 cases and 408 controls were enrolled in this study from four hospitals in China. Exposure information was based on a questionnaire given to women during pregnancy. The association between housing renovation exposure and CHD occurrence was assessed by estimating odds ratios (OR) with logistic regression models adjusted for potential confounders.

Results

The risk for CHD in offspring was significantly associated with maternal exposure to housing renovations (AOR: 1.89, 95% CI: 1.29-2.77). There were similar risks for cardiac defects with or without extra-cardiac malformation (AOR of 2.65 and 1.76, respectively). Maternal housing renovation exposure may increase the fetus’ risk of suffering from conotruncal defect or anomalous venous return. There were significant risks for cardiac defects if the pregnant woman moved into a new house within one month after decoration at either 3 months before pregnancy (AOR: 2.38, 95% CI: 1.03 to 5.48) or during first trimester (AOR: 4.00, 95% CI: 1.62 to 9.86).

Conclusions

Maternal exposure to housing renovations may have an increased risk of giving birth to fetuses with some selected types of CHD. This relationship was stronger for women who moved into a newly decorated house. However, considering the limited number of subjects and the problem of multiple exposures, more research is needed to clarify the effects seen here.