bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Customized CT angiogram planning for intraoperative transesophageal echography-guided endovascular exclusion of thoracic aorta penetrating ulcer
Authors: Piazza Michele , Lupia Mario , Grego Franco , Antonello Michele
Published: May 2014

The technique is demonstrated in a 78-year-old man; the preoperative CT angiogram showed a descending thoracic aorta ulcer of 5.9 cm in maximum diameter and 3.8 cm longitudinal extension. A ZTEG-2P-36-127-PF (Cook Medical) single tubular endograft was planned to be deployed. From the preoperative CT angiogram we planned to land 4.7 cm above the midline of the descending thoracic aorta ulcer and 8.0 cm below. In the operating room, under radioscopic vision the centre of the transesophageal echography probe was used as marker to identify the correspondent midline of the descending thoracic aorta ulcer and a centimeter-sized pigtail catheter in the aorta was used to calculate the desired length above and below the ulcer midline. The endograft was introduced and placed in the desired position compared to the transesophageal echography probe and the catheter; under transesophageal echography vision the graft was finally deployed. The CT angiogram at 1 month showed the correct endograft position, descending thoracic aorta ulcer exclusion with no signs of endoleak. In selected cases, this method allows planning in advance safe stent graft positioning and deployment totally assisted by transesophageal echography, with no risk of periprocedural contrast-related renal failure and reduced radiation exposure for the patient and operators.
Biologics and trade agreements: Defining the new frontier
Authors: Jorge Maria Fabiana
Published: May 2014

Today's trade agreements reflect in great measure the prevalence of special interests some of which, as in the case of originator pharmaceutical companies, seek to fence off their products from competition. This results in high prices that hinder the generic/biosimilar industry, which faces additional delays in the launch of its products, as well as consumers who are forced to pay higher prices for longer periods of time. The Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) has become a key example of how powerful economic groups are striving to get countries to adopt regulations that would benefit them at the expense of everybody else. This is particularly clear in the case of biologic drugs, the most expensive drugs in today's market. Since their first patents have begun to expire, patent holders have been aggressively seeking to expand their rights and obtain additional protection through different means such as the adoption of long periods of exclusivity for data. If TPP negotiating parties end up yielding to the pressure, they would be endorsing a system that would simply not be sustainable.
PAeDS-MoRe: A framework for the development and review of research assent protocols involving children and adolescents
Authors: Constand Marissa , Tanel Nadia , Ryan Stephen E
Published: May 2014

We systematically reviewed contemporary literature to create an evidence-informed framework for research studies involving children and adolescents who can assent to participate. We searched seven citation indices to locate peer-reviewed research published in English language journals between 2000 and 2012. After screening 1,231 titles and abstracts for relevance, we assessed levels of evidence, extracted information, and analysed content from 87 articles. Most articles narrowly focused on paediatric assent barriers and facilitators for decision-making about research participation. No articles provided a single, comprehensive ethical framework to guide the development and review of research assent protocols. We developed a 6-step framework that provides guidance to: prepare the child for the assent process; assess the child’s readiness to engage in decision making; discuss the elements of informed consent to the greatest extent possible; seek an initial assent decision; monitor and affirm assent; and respect the child’s role as a research participant. The PAeDS-MoRe framework also supports the creation of process models that address the unique, developmental needs of paediatric sub-groups, and guides the operationalization of jurisdictional requirements for ethical research involving children who are unable to provide free, informed and ongoing consent.
Effectiveness of the Dorsal Thermoplastic Locking Orthosis to Prevent Floating Toes in Postoperative Follow-up of Weil Osteotomies
Authors: Godoy-Santos Alexandre Leme , Diniz Fernandes Tulio , Luzo Candida , Ortiz Rafael Trevisan , Sakaki Marcos , Weil Lowell
Published: May 2014

Background: The Weil oblique distal metatarsal osteotomy is regularly used in the treatment of primary metatarsalgia. The most frequent complication is the floating toe, which occurs in up to 36% of postoperative follow-up. The theory of reducing the plantar flexor mechanism tension associated with the retraction of the dorsal structures during the healing process of the surgical procedure may explain this negative evolution. Objective: This study aimed at assessing the effectiveness of the Tucade dorsal thermoplastic locking orthosis in the prevention of floating toe after Weil osteotomy. Methods: In all, 30 patients with metatarsalgia diagnosis submitted to Weil osteotomy were treated in the postoperative period with the Tucade dorsal thermoplastic locking orthosis. Results: The floating toe was not observed in this case series. There was 1 case of superficial wound irritation at the dorsal surgical incision and 1 case that evolved with transfer metatarsalgia. Statistical analyses were performed—American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Scale for lateral toes and extension of the lateral toes—using the t test, and P < .0001 was obtained for comparison of the preoperative and postoperative periods in the population studied. Conclusion: The Tucade dorsal thermoplastic locking orthosis during the postoperative period of Weil osteotomy proved to be effective in the prevention of floating toes.

Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level IV: Case Series
Ascorbic Acid Deficiency (Scurvy) in a Toddler With Restricted Dietary Intake Presenting With “Leg Weakness” and a Rash
Authors: Cain Meghan , Harris Malinda , Kim Kristin , Homme Jason H.
Published: May 2014

This report describes a toddler who presented to the emergency department with reported leg weakness and a petechial rash who ultimately was diagnosed with severe ascorbic acid deficiency (scurvy) due to restricted dietary intake. The diagnosis was delayed, and this report highlights the role of a detailed dietary history as part of the diagnostic process.
Turning the Camera Back
Authors: Fournier Bonnie , Bridge Andrea , Mill Judy , Alibhai Arif , Kennedy Andrea Pritchard , Konde-Lule Joseph
Published: May 2014

There is limited literature describing the methodological and pragmatic considerations that arise when conducting participatory action research utilizing Photovoice with children, particularly within sub-Saharan Africa. We provide a case example of these considerations based on a qualitative exploratory design that was conducted in June 2010 with 13 children between the ages of 12 and 18 years who were orphaned and living with HIV in a group home setting in Western Uganda. The main purpose of this study was to explore the children’s experiences while including them in a participatory way utilizing Photovoice to share their stories, define their issues, and propose their own solutions. Conducting research in another country where language and culture are different from the researchers’ can pose many unique methodological, epistemological, and ethical challenges. These issues are discussed by reflecting on the process of the study. Key lessons will also be discussed regarding the methodological and pragmatic considerations with the aim of providing new insights for researchers who want to conduct research in a cross-cultural and multilingual setting.
Posttranscriptional regulation of c-Myc expression in adult murine HSCs during homeostasis and interferon-α-induced stress response
Authors: Ehninger Armin , Boch Tobias , Uckelmann Hannah , Essers Marieke A. , Müdder Katja , Sleckman Barry P. , Trumpp Andreas
Published: May 2014

Key Points

Increasing levels of c-Myc protein during differentiation of HSCs are posttranscriptionally regulated by the ubiquitin-proteasome system. Interferon-α-mediated entry of quiescent HSCs into the cell cycle is associated with robust upregulation of c-Myc protein but not mRNA.
Transcriptome differences between two sister desert poplar species under salt stress
Authors: Zhang Jian , Feng Jianju , Lu Jing , Yang Yongzhi , Zhang Xu , Wan Dongshi , Liu Jianquan
Published: May 2014

Background

Populus euphratica Oliv and P. pruinosa Schrenk (Salicaceae) both grow in dry desert areas with high summer temperatures. However, P. euphratica is distributed in dry deserts with deep underground water whereas P. pruinosa occurs in deserts in which there is underground water close to the surface. We therefore hypothesized that these two sister species may have evolved divergent regulatory and metabolic pathways during their interaction with different salt habitats and other stresses. To test this hypothesis, we compared transcriptomes from callus exposed to 24 h of salt stress and control callus samples from both species and identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and alternative splicing (AS) events that had occurred under salt stress.

Results

A total of 36,144 transcripts were identified and 1430 genes were found to be differentially expressed in at least one species in response to salt stress. Of these DEGs, 884 and 860 were identified in P. euphratica and P. pruinosa, respectively, while 314 DEGs were common to both species. On the basis of parametric analysis of gene set enrichment, GO enrichment in P. euphratica was found to be significantly different from that in P. pruinosa. Numerous genes involved in hormone biosynthesis, transporters and transcription factors showed clear differences between the two species in response to salt stress. We also identified 26,560 AS events which were mapped to 8380 poplar genomic loci from four libraries. GO enrichments for genes undergoing AS events in P. euphratica differed significantly from those in P. pruinosa.

Conclusions

A number of salt-responsive genes in both P. euphratica and P. pruinosa were identified and candidate genes with potential roles in the salinity adaptation were proposed. Transcriptome comparisons of two sister desert poplar species under salt stress suggest that these two species may have developed different genetic pathways in order to adapt to different desert salt habitats. The DEGs that were found to be common to both species under salt stress may be especially important for future genetic improvement of cultivated poplars or other crops through transgenic approaches in order to increase tolerance of saline soil conditions.
The importance of dietary change for men diagnosed with and at risk of prostate cancer: a multi-centre interview study with men, their partners and health professionals
Authors: Avery Kerry NL , Donovan Jenny L , Horwood Jeremy , Neal David E , Hamdy Freddie C , Parker Chris , Wade Julia , Lane Athene
Published: May 2014

Background

The diagnosis of prostate cancer (PC) can provide a trigger for dietary change, and there is evidence that healthier diets may improve quality of life and clinical outcomes. However, men’s views about dietary change in PC survivorship are largely unknown. This multi-centre qualitative interview study explored men’s views about dietary change in PC survivorship, to better understand motivations for, and barriers to, achieving desired changes. The role of radical and active surveillance treatments on dietary change and the influence of men’s partners were examined. Focus groups also evaluated stakeholder opinion, including healthcare professionals, about the provision of dietary advice to PC patients.

Methods

A multi-centre interview study explored views about diet and motivations for, and barriers to, dietary change in men at elevated risk or diagnosed with PC following prostate specific antigen (PSA) testing. 58 men and 11 partners were interviewed. Interviews and focus groups were undertaken with 11 healthcare professionals, 5 patients and 4 partners to evaluate stakeholders’ opinions about the feasibility and acceptability of providing dietary advice to PC patients. Data were analysed using methods of constant comparison and thematic analysis.

Results

Over half of diagnosed men reported making dietary changes, primarily to promote general or prostate health or facilitate coping, despite their uncertainty about diet-PC links. Interest in dietary advice was high. Information needs varied depending on treatment received, with men on active surveillance more frequently modifying their diet and regarding this as an adjunct therapy. Men considered their partners integral to implementing changes. Provision of dietary advice to men diagnosed with PC was considered by healthcare professionals and men to be feasible and appropriate in the context of a holistic ‘care package’.

Conclusions

Many men make positive dietary changes after PC diagnosis, which are perceived by men and their partners to bring psychological and general health benefits and could help future dietary intervention trials. Men and their partners desire more and better dietary information that may support PC survivorship, particularly among those embarking on active surveillance/monitoring programmes. There are opportunities for healthcare professionals to support PC patients both clinically and psychologically by the routine integration of healthy eating advice into survivorship care plans.
The variations of VP1 protein might be associated with nervous system symptoms caused by enterovirus 71 infection
Authors: Zhang Bao , Wu Xianbo , Huang Keyong , Li Ling , Zheng Li , Wan Chengsong , He Ming-Liang , Zhao Wei
Published: May 2014

Background

The VP1 protein of enterovirus 71 (EV71) is an important immunodominant protein which is responsible for host-receptor binding. Nevertheless, the relationship between VP1 and neurovirulence is still poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the relationship between mutation of VP1 and neurovirulent phenotype of EV71 infection.

Methods

One hundred and eighty-seven strains from Genbank were included, with a clear clinical background. They were divided into two groups, one with nervous system symptoms and one with no nervous system symptoms. After alignment, the significance of amino acid variation was determined by using the χ2 test and a phylogenetic tree was constructed with MEGA software (version 5.1).

Results

We showed no significant difference in neurovirulence between genotype B and C. Interestingly, we found that variations of E145G/Q, E164D/K and T292N/K were associated with nervous system infection in genotype B. In the case of genotype C, the N31D mutation increased the risk for nervous complications, whereas I262V mutation decreased the risk of nervous complications. We used a 3D model of VP1 to demonstrate the potential molecular basis for EV71 nervous system tropism.

Conclusions

Distinct variations are shown to be associated with neurovirulent phenotype in the different genotype. Detection of variation in genotypes and subtypes may be important for the prediction of clinical outcomes.
p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase determines the susceptibility to cigarette smoke-induced emphysema in mice
Authors: Marumo Satoshi , Hoshino Yuma , Kiyokawa Hirofumi , Tanabe Naoya , Sato Atsuyasu , Ogawa Emiko , Muro Shigeo , Hirai Toyohiro , Mishima Michiaki
Published: May 2014

Background

There is a need for agents that suppress inflammation and progression of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) has been associated with this disorder, and several inhibitors of this cascade are in clinical trials for its treatment, but their efficacy and utility are unknown. This study evaluated the relationship between p38 MAPK activation and susceptibility to cigarette smoke (CS)-induced emphysema, and whether its inhibition ameliorated the lung inflammation and injury in murine models of cigarette smoke exposure.

Methods

In acute and chronic CS exposure, the activation and expression of p38 MAPK in the lungs, as well as lung inflammation and injury (proteinase production, apoptosis, and oxidative DNA damage), were compared between two mouse strains: C57BL/6 (emphysema-susceptible) and NZW (emphysema-resistant). The selective p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580 (45 mg/kg) was administrated intra-peritoneally to C57BL/6 mice, to examine whether it ameliorated cigarette smoke-induced lung inflammation and injury.

Results

Acute CS-induced lung inflammation (neutrophil infiltration, mRNA expressions of TNF-α and MIP-2), proteinase expression (MMP-12 mRNA), apoptosis, and oxidative DNA damage were significantly lower in NZW than C57BL/6 mice. p38 MAPK was significantly activated and up-regulated by both acute and chronic CS exposure in C57BL/6 but not NZW mice. mRNA expression of p38 MAPK was also upregulated in C57BL/6 by chronic CS exposure and tended to be constitutively suppressed in NZW mice. SB203580 significantly attenuated lung inflammation (neutrophil infiltration, mRNA expressions of TNF-α and MIP-2, protein levels of KC, MIP-1α, IL-1β, and IL-6), proteinase expression (MMP-12 mRNA), oxidative DNA damage, and apoptosis caused by acute CS exposure.

Conclusions

Cigarette smoke activated p38 MAPK only in mice that were susceptible to cigarette smoke-induced emphysema. Its selective inhibition ameliorated lung inflammation and injury in a murine model of cigarette smoke exposure. p38 MAPK pathways are a possible molecular target for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Effects of Gelam and Acacia honey acute administration on some biochemical parameters of Sprague Dawley rats
Authors: Samat Suhana , Nor Nor Azmi Md , Nor Hussein Fuzina , Ismail Wan Iryani Wan
Published: May 2014

Background

Since ancient times, honey has been used for medicinal purposes in many cultures; it is one of the oldest and most enduring substances used in wound management. Scientific evidence for its efficacy is widely studied, but systemic safety studies are still lacking. It is essential to study the impact of consumption of honey on the health and proper development of the consumer. Therefore, the present study was designed to observe the effects of acute administration (14 days) of Gelam honey (GH), a wild harvesting honey and Acacia honey (AH), a beekeeping honey, on male and female Sprague Dawley (SD) rats.

Methods

An acute oral study was performed following OECD test guideline 423, with minor modifications. In the study, GH, AH and sucrose (S) were administered at 2000 mg/kg body weight. Animals were obse rved for the next 14 days. Gross pathology was performed at the end of the study. Animals were observed for mortality, morbidity, body weight changes, feed and water intake. Clinical biochemistry, gross pathology, relative organ weight and histopathological examination were performed.

Results

Rats fed with honey did not exhibit any abnormal signs or deaths. Results showed a decrease in weight gain and energy efficiency, but significantly increased in total food intake and total calories in female rats fed with GH, compared to control (p < 0.05). Nevertheless, a significant increase in body weight was observed in male rats in all honey-treated groups. Male rats fed with AH significantly decreased in total food intake, total calories and energy efficiency. Both male and female rats fed with GH displayed a significant decrease in triglycerides compared to control group. Hepatic and renal function levels were within acceptable range. The gross necropsy analysis did not reveal changes in any of the organs examined.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that acute consumption of GH and AH at 2000 mg/kg body weight of male and female SD rats has some discrepancy effects on biochemical parameters but in line with OECD regulation. Gelam honey may have potential in controlling weight gain and triglyceride levels in female rats compared to Acacia honey. SD rats have some effect on biochemical parameters, an exploration of which would make for intriguing analysis.
The value of (pre)school playgrounds for children’s physical activity level: a systematic review
Authors: Broekhuizen Karen , Scholten Anne-Marie , de Vries Sanne I
Published: May 2014

The (pre)school environment is an important setting to improve children’s health. Especially, the (pre)school playground provides a major opportunity to intervene. This review presents an overview of the existing evidence on the value of both school and preschool playgrounds on children’s health in terms of physical activity, cognitive and social outcomes. In addition, we aimed to identify which playground characteristics are the strongest correlates of beneficial effects and for which subgroups of children effects are most distinct. In total, 13 experimental and 17 observational studies have been summarized of which 10 (77%) and 16 (94%) demonstrated moderate to high methodological quality, respectively. Nearly all experimental studies (n = 11) evaluated intervention effects on time spent in different levels of physical activity during recess. Research on the effects of (pre)school playgrounds on cognitive and social outcomes is scarce (n = 2). The experimental studies generated moderate evidence for an effect of the provision of play equipment, inconclusive evidence for an effect of the use of playground markings, allocating play space and for multi-component interventions, and no evidence for an effect of decreasing playground density, the promotion of physical activity by staff and increasing recess duration on children’s health. In line with this, observational studies showed positive associations between play equipment and children’s physical activity level. In contrast to experimental studies, significant associations were also found between children’s physical activity and a decreased playground density and increased recess duration. To confirm the findings of this review, researchers are advised to conduct more experimental studies with a randomized controlled design and to incorporate the assessment of implementation strategies and process evaluations to reveal which intervention strategies and playground characteristics are most effective.
A nontoxic and low-cost hydrothermal route for synthesis of hierarchical Cu2ZnSnS4 particles
Authors: Xia Yu , Chen Zhihong , Zhang Zhengguo , Fang Xiaoming , Liang Guozheng
Published: May 2014

We explore a facile and nontoxic hydrothermal route for synthesis of a Cu2ZnSnS4 nanocrystalline material by using l-cysteine as the sulfur source and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) as the complexing agent. The effects of the amount of EDTA, the mole ratio of the three metal ions, and the hydrothermal temperature and time on the phase composition of the obtained product have been systematically investigated. The addition of EDTA and an excessive dose of ZnCl2 in the hydrothermal reaction system favor the generation of kesterite Cu2ZnSnS4. Pure kesterite Cu2ZnSnS4 has been synthesized at 180°C for 12 h from the reaction system containing 2 mmol of EDTA at 2:2:1 of Cu/Zn/Sn. It is confirmed by Raman spectroscopy that those binary and ternary phases are absent in the kesterite Cu2ZnSnS4 product. The kesterite Cu2ZnSnS4 material synthesized by the hydrothermal process consists of flower-like particles with 250 to 400 nm in size. It is revealed that the flower-like particles are assembled from single-crystal Cu2ZnSnS4 nanoflakes with ca. 20 nm in size. The band gap of the Cu2ZnSnS4 nanocrystalline material is estimated to be 1.55 eV. The films fabricated from the hierarchical Cu2ZnSnS4 particles exhibit fast photocurrent responses under intermittent visible-light irradiation, implying that they show potentials for use in solar cells and photocatalysis.
Radiographic imaging for traumatic ankle injuries: a demand profile and investigation of radiological reporting timeframes from an Australian tertiary facility
Authors: Eastgate Patrick , Davidson Robert , McPhail Steven M
Published: May 2014

Background

Radiographic examinations of the ankle are important in the clinical management of ankle injuries in hospital emergency departments. National (Australian) Emergency Access Targets (NEAT) stipulate that 90 percent of presentations should leave the emergency department within 4 hours. For a radiological report to have clinical usefulness and relevance to clinical teams treating patients with ankle injuries in emergency departments, the report would need to be prepared and available to the clinical team within the NEAT 4 hour timeframe; before the patient has left the emergency department. However, little is known about the demand profile of ankle injuries requiring radiographic examination or time until radiological reports are available for this clinical group in Australian public hospital emergency settings.

Methods

This study utilised a prospective cohort of consecutive cases of ankle examinations from patients (n = 437) with suspected traumatic ankle injuries presenting to the emergency department of a tertiary hospital facility. Time stamps from the hospital Picture Archiving and Communication System were used to record the timing of three processing milestones for each patient's radiographic examination; the time of image acquisition, time of a provisional radiological report being made available for viewing by referring clinical teams, and time of final verification of radiological report.

Results

Radiological reports and all three time stamps were available for 431 (98.6%) cases and were included in analysis. The total time between image acquisition and final radiological report verification exceeded 4 hours for 404 (92.5%) cases. The peak demand for radiographic examination of ankles was on weekend days, and in the afternoon and evening. The majority of examinations were provisionally reported and verified during weekday daytime shift hours.

Conclusions

Provisional or final radiological reports were frequently not available within 4 hours of image acquisition among this sample. Effective and cost‐efficient strategies to improve the support provided to referring clinical teams from medical imaging departments may enhance emergency care interventions for people presenting to emergency departments with ankle injuries; particularly those with imaging findings that may be challenging for junior clinical staff to interpret without a definitive radiological report.
Supervised extensions of chemography approaches: case studies of chemical liabilities assessment
Authors: Ovchinnikova Svetlana I , Bykov Arseniy A , Tsivadze Aslan Yu , Dyachkov Evgeny P , Kireeva Natalia V
Published: May 2014

Chemical liabilities, such as adverse effects and toxicity, play a significant role in modern drug discovery process. In silico assessment of chemical liabilities is an important step aimed to reduce costs and animal testing by complementing or replacing in vitro and in vivo experiments. Herein, we propose an approach combining several classification and chemography methods to be able to predict chemical liabilities and to interpret obtained results in the context of impact of structural changes of compounds on their pharmacological profile. To our knowledge for the first time, the supervised extension of Generative Topographic Mapping is proposed as an effective new chemography method. New approach for mapping new data using supervised Isomap without re-building models from the scratch has been proposed. Two approaches for estimation of model’s applicability domain are used in our study to our knowledge for the first time in chemoinformatics. The structural alerts responsible for the negative characteristics of pharmacological profile of chemical compounds has been found as a result of model interpretation.
Hyperglycemia-induced diaphragm weakness is mediated by oxidative stress
Authors: Callahan Leigh A , Supinski Gerald S
Published: May 2014

Introduction

A major consequence of ICU-acquired weakness (ICUAW) is diaphragm weakness, which prolongs the duration of mechanical ventilation. Hyperglycemia (HG) is a risk factor for ICUAW. However, the mechanisms underlying HG-induced respiratory muscle weakness are not known. Excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) injure multiple tissues during HG, but only one study suggests that excessive ROS generation may be linked to HG-induced diaphragm weakness. We hypothesized that HG-induced diaphragm dysfunction is mediated by excessive superoxide generation and that administration of a specific superoxide scavenger, polyethylene glycol superoxide dismutase (PEG-SOD), would ameliorate these effects.

Methods

HG was induced in rats using streptozotocin (60 mg/kg intravenously) and the following groups assessed at two weeks: controls, HG, HG + PEG-SOD (2,000U/kg/d intraperitoneally for seven days), and HG + denatured (dn)PEG-SOD (2000U/kg/d intraperitoneally for seven days). PEG-SOD and dnPEG-SOD were administered on day 8, we measured diaphragm specific force generation in muscle strips, force-pCa relationships in single permeabilized fibers, contractile protein content and indices of oxidative stress.

Results

HG reduced diaphragm specific force generation, altered single fiber force-pCa relationships, depleted troponin T, and increased oxidative stress. PEG-SOD prevented HG-induced reductions in diaphragm specific force generation (for example 80 Hz force was 26.4 ± 0.9, 15.4 ± 0.9, 24.0 ± 1.5 and 14.9 ± 0.9 N/cm2 for control, HG, HG + PEG-SOD, and HG + dnPEG-SOD groups, respectively, P <0.001). PEG-SOD also restored HG-induced reductions in diaphragm single fiber force generation (for example, Fmax was 182.9 ± 1.8, 85.7 ± 2.0, 148.6 ± 2.4 and 90.9 ± 1.5 kPa in control, HG, HG + PEG-SOD, and HG + dnPEG-SOD groups, respectively, P <0.001). HG-induced troponin T depletion, protein nitrotyrosine formation, and carbonyl modifications were largely prevented by PEG-SOD.

Conclusions

HG-induced reductions in diaphragm force generation occur largely at the level of the contractile proteins, are associated with depletion of troponin T and increased indices of oxidative stress, findings not previously reported. Importantly, administration of PEG-SOD largely ablated these derangements, indicating that superoxide generation plays a major role in hyperglycemia-induced diaphragm dysfunction. This new mechanistic information could explain how HG alters diaphragm function during critical illness.
Systemic glucose variability predicts cerebral metabolic distress and mortality after subarachnoid hemorrhage: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Kurtz Pedro , Claassen Jan , Helbok Raimund , Schmidt J Michael , Fernandez Luis , Presciutti Mary , Stuart R Morgan , Connolly E Sander , Lee Kiwon , Badjatia Neeraj , Mayer Stephan A
Published: May 2014

Introduction

Cerebral glucose metabolism and energy production are affected by serum glucose levels. Systemic glucose variability has been shown to be associated with poor outcome in critically ill patients. The objective of this study was to assess whether glucose variability is associated with cerebral metabolic distress and outcome after subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Methods

A total of 28 consecutive comatose patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage, who underwent cerebral microdialysis and intracranial pressure monitoring, were studied. Metabolic distress was defined as lactate/pyruvate ratio (LPR) >40. The relationship between daily glucose variability, the development of cerebral metabolic distress and hospital outcome was analyzed using a multivariable general linear model with a logistic link function for dichotomized outcomes.

Results

Daily serum glucose variability was expressed as the standard deviation (SD) of all serum glucose measurements. General linear models were used to relate this predictor variable to cerebral metabolic distress and mortality at hospital discharge. A total of 3,139 neuromonitoring hours and 181 days were analyzed. After adjustment for Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores and brain glucose, SD was independently associated with higher risk of cerebral metabolic distress (adjusted odds ratio = 1.5 (1.1 to 2.1), P = 0.02). Increased variability was also independently associated with in hospital mortality after adjusting for age, Hunt Hess, daily GCS and symptomatic vasospasm (P = 0.03).

Conclusions

Increased systemic glucose variability is associated with cerebral metabolic distress and increased hospital mortality. Therapeutic approaches that reduce glucose variability may impact on brain metabolism and outcome after subarachnoid hemorrhage.
H3K79 methylation: a new conserved mark that accompanies H4 hyperacetylation prior to histone-to-protamine transition in Drosophila and rat
Authors: Dottermusch-Heidel Christine , Gärtner Stefanie M. K. , Tegeder Isabel , Rathke Christina , Barckmann Bridlin , Bartkuhn Marek , Bhushan Sudhanshu , Steger Klaus , Meinhardt Andreas , Renkawitz-Pohl Renate
Published: May 2014

During spermiogenesis, haploid spermatids undergo extensive chromatin remodeling events in which histones are successively replaced by more basic protamines to generate highly compacted chromatin. Here we show for the first time that H3K79 methylation is a conserved feature preceding the histone-to-protamine transition in Drosophila melanogaster and rat. During Drosophila spermatogenesis, the Dot1-like methyltransferase Grappa (Gpp) is primarily expressed in canoe stage nuclei. The corresponding H3K79 methylation is a histone modification that precedes the histone-to-protamine transition and correlates with histone H4 hyperacetylation. When acetylation was inhibited in cultured Drosophila testes, nuclei were smaller and chromatin was compact, Gpp was little synthesized, H3K79 methylation was strongly reduced, and protamines were not synthesized. The Gpp isoform Gpp-D has a unique C-terminus, and Gpp is essential for full fertility. In rat, H3K79 methylation also correlates with H4 hyperacetylation but not with active RNA polymerase II, which might point towards a conserved function in chromatin remodeling during the histone-to-protamine transition in both Drosophila and rat.
The tissue-specific transcriptomic landscape of the mid-gestational mouse embryo
Authors: Werber Martin , Wittler Lars , Timmermann Bernd , Grote Phillip , Herrmann Bernhard G.
Published: May 2014

Differential gene expression is a prerequisite for the formation of multiple cell types from the fertilized egg during embryogenesis. Understanding the gene regulatory networks controlling cellular differentiation requires the identification of crucial differentially expressed control genes and, ideally, the determination of the complete transcriptomes of each individual cell type. Here, we have analyzed the transcriptomes of six major tissues dissected from mid-gestational (TS12) mouse embryos. Approximately one billion reads derived by RNA-seq analysis provided extended transcript lengths, novel first exons and alternative transcripts of known genes. We have identified 1375 genes showing tissue-specific expression, providing gene signatures for each of the six tissues. In addition, we have identified 1403 novel putative long noncoding RNA gene loci, 439 of which show differential expression. Our analysis provides the first complete transcriptome data for the mouse embryo. It offers a rich data source for the analysis of individual genes and gene regulatory networks controlling mid-gestational development.
De novo formation of nucleoli in developing mouse embryos originating from enucleolated zygotes
Authors: Kyogoku Hirohisa , Fulka Josef , Wakayama Teruhiko , Miyano Takashi
Published: May 2014

The large, compact oocyte nucleoli, sometimes referred to as nucleolus precursor bodies (NPBs), are essential for embryonic development in mammals; in their absence, the oocytes complete maturation and can be fertilized, but no nucleoli are formed in the zygote or embryo, leading to developmental failure. It has been convincingly documented that zygotes inherit the oocyte nucleolar material and form NPBs again in pronuclei. It is commonly accepted that during early embryonic development, the original compact zygote NPBs gradually transform into reticulated nucleoli of somatic cells. Here, we show that zygote NPBs are not required for embryonic and full-term development in the mouse. When NPBs were removed from late-stage zygotes by micromanipulation, the enucleolated zygotes developed to the blastocyst stage and, after transfer to recipients, live pups were obtained. We also describe de novo formation of nucleoli in developing embryos. After removal of NPBs from zygotes, they formed new nucleoli after several divisions. These results indicate that the zygote NPBs are not used in embryonic development and that the nucleoli in developing embryos originate from de novo synthesized materials.
Electric Conductivity of Nanoparticle Composites Coated with Oxidized Aminothiophenol and Adhered on Resin Plates
Authors: Oyama Taku , Kuwabara Kosuke , Muraki Takahito , Amo Satoru
Published: May 2014

The successful adhesion of Au nanoparticles, which are coated with oxidized o-aminothiophenol on resin and glass plates, was attained by soaking the plates in a nanoparticle solution. The residual-free amino function group of aminothiophenol was used for the polymerization reaction among the aniline derivatives chemically modified on Au surfaces. The resulting polymeric aniline derivative sheet combined on the surfaces of the Au particles connects the particles electrically and thus induces high electric conductivity in the nanoparticle composites.
Stress–Strain and Diffusion Behavior of Industrial Waste-filled Acrylonitrile–Butadiene Rubber/High Density Polyethylene Blends
Authors: Ahmed Khalil
Published: May 2014

The mechanical properties and diffusion behavior of marble waste (MW)-filled acrylonitrile–butadiene rubber (NBR)/high density polyethylene (HDPE) blends were studied as a function of blend composition. A sulfur curing system was employed to crosslink the thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) blends. The results obtained showed that the physical properties of vulcanized NBR/HDPE blends were enhanced with the addition of HDPE in MW-filled vulcanized NBR/HDPE blends. Mechanical properties such as stress–strain behavior, tensile strength, modulus, and % elongation at break and tear strength, were assessed and found to fluctuate with the blend ratio. HDPE-incorporated vulcanized NBR/HDPE blends have been found to reveal a reduced toluene uptake trend compare to the NBR compound.
Diversity in Bonding of Dithiadibenzo[24]crown Ether. Reversible Formation of Pseudorotaxane of Dibenzylammonium and Complexation with PdCl2
Authors: Suzaki Yuji , Nagai Hiroyuki , Osakada Kohtaro
Published: May 2014

[2]Pseudorotaxane of dibenzylammonium and dithia[24]crown-8-ether (DTC) reacts with [PdCl2(cod)] (cod: 1,5-cyclooctadiene) to form [PdCl2(DTC)], accompanied by liberation of dibenzylammonium and cod. Further addition of PPh3 to the mixture causes formation of [PdCl2(PPh3)2] and regeneration of the [2]pseudorotaxane.
Ruthenium-catalyzed Ortho-selective Aromatic C–H Alkenylation with Alkenyl Carbonates
Authors: Ogiwara Yohei , Kochi Takuya , Kakiuchi Fumitoshi
Published: May 2014

Ortho-selective aromatic C–H alkenylation with alkenyl carbonates proceeds in the presence of a catalytic amount of [Ru(cod)(cot)]. Arylpyridines and an aryloxazoline were regioselectively alkenylated without adding external bases. Aromatic C–H alkylation also occurs depending on the reaction conditions.
Study of the Preperation of SnSe Nanorods with Selenium Dioxide as Source
Authors: Wang Rong , Wei Ming , Jiang Guoshun , Liu Weifeng , Zhu Changfei
Published: May 2014

A new green method to synthesize SnSe nanorods had been carried out, with adopting SnCl2·2H2O and SeO2 as precursors. The products were characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and UV–vis absorption spectroscopy. The results revealed that the SnSe nanorods have an average length of 250 nm and width of 14 nm, with preferred growth direction of [010]. Optical measurements showed a direct band gap of 1.4 eV for nanorods, which is favorable for application in solar cells.
Early and Late Support Measured over Various Distances: The Covered versus Open Part of the Orchestra Pit
Authors: Wenmaekers R.H.C. , Hak C.C.J.M.
Published: May 2014

The Early and Late Support parameters (STearly and STlate) are used to describe acoustic conditions on stage. Recently, extended Support parameters have been introduced which can be measured at various distances: STearly,d and STlate,d. This way, the amount of reflected sound energy can be studied for sound paths with distances between source and receiver larger than 1 meter. Occasionally, Early and Late Support are also used to investigate orchestra pits. Using the extended Support parameters, the mutual support from reflections between the positions in the open and covered part of the orchestra pit has been investigated. It is found that, when plotting STearly,d as a function of distance, three different trends are found each having a distinctive shape for different types of source and receiver positions: both positions in the open part; both positions in the covered part; and just one of both positions in the open or covered part. When comparing the different trends, a large increase is found in early reflected sound energy when either source or receiver or both are in the covered part of the pit. In the covered part, at 1 meter distance the level of reflected sound can even be in the same order of magnitude as the direct sound. When considering the late reflected sound energy it was found that STlate,d was not dependent on the source to receiver distance and less difference was found between the open and covered part of the orchestra pit.
Certainties and Uncertainties from Using a Selection of Data to Predict Concert Hall Preference
Authors: Skålevik Magne
Published: May 2014

Over the past hundred years or so, many researchers have explored the possible correlation between physical properties of the concert halls and listeners assessment of the acoustics of the same halls. And we are still searching and researching. This author has previously shown how some sets of room acoustical parameters can, with their appropriate qualifying criteria, be used to explain the subjective ranking of a selection of halls from Beranek's rank ordering of 58 halls. A set of five listening aspects in ISO-3382 seems to be important, but trials with even more physical quantities have provided more explanation potential. A critical limitation in the research turned out to be the lack of sufficient amount of subjective AND objective data, leading to the launch of an online concert hall acoustics rating survey. In this paper, the latest results from this author's investigation are presented, featuring a demonstration of how the size of selected data affects the statistical uncertainties in such results. Remaining uncertainty in the prediction method naturally leads to a “safety first” policy with strict acceptance limits for the objective data. As a consequence, many appreciated halls would not be recommended for replication. These and other consequences need to be discussed in further work.
American Genre Film in the French Banlieue: Luc Besson and Parkour
Authors: Pettersen David
Published: May 2014

This article analyzes the cultural politics of Luc Besson’s recent producing ventures. It argues that his EuropaCorp studio’s three parkour films, Yamakasi (2001), Banlieue 13 (2004), and Banlieue 13: Ultimatum (2009), offer ways to think about how Besson negotiates the competing pressures of Hollywood cinema, a globalizing commercial film industry, and traditionalist conceptions of French cinema. By locating his Cité du Cinéma in the marginalized French suburbs and by setting some of its films there, Besson and other contemporary French filmmakers fuse French banlieue culture with American genre formulas to imagine what a commercially viable French popular cinema might look like.
Cable, Pornography, and the Reinvention of Television, 1982–1989
Authors: Stadel Luke
Published: May 2014

This article surveys the discourses produced by the emergence of pornographic programming on cable television during the 1980s, advancing an argument not only that pornography helped establish cable as a consumer medium, as existing analyses have asserted, but also that the cultural and regulatory responses to pornography on cable helped establish a new ontology for television as a sexual technology.
Can Moving Pictures Speak?: Film, Speech, and Social Science in Early Twentieth-Century Law
Authors: Petersen Jennifer
Published: May 2014

This article revisits the key 1915 Mutual v. Ohio legal decision, which endorsed censorship of film in the United States. Placing the decision in the context of two other related decisions ( Kalem Co. v. Harper Bros . [1911] and Pathé Exchange v. Cobb [1922]) highlights the importance of the Supreme Court justices’ conception of the nature of film as more akin to physical action than to opinion and expression. The article locates this conception in contemporaneous popular discourse on technology and the social scientific discourse on influence.
Soviet Hollywood: The Culture Industry That Wasn’t
Authors: Belodubrovskaya Maria
Published: May 2014

This article details the history of a project to reform the Soviet film industry based on the Hollywood model and to construct a “cine-city,” a Soviet Hollywood, in Soviet Russia in the mid-1930s. It argues that with the project’s abandonment, the Soviets missed an opportunity to create a culture industry. Instead of a Hollywood-style production machine, they ended up with an exclusive, event-based cinema in which every film was distributed in hundreds of prints, but in which filmmaking was never routine enough to effect a subjectifying mass culture.
The Impacts of Expanding Access to High-Quality Preschool Education
Authors: Cascio Elizabeth U. , Schanzenbach Diane Whitmore
Published: May 2014

President Obama’s “Preschool for All” initiative calls for dramatic increases in the number of 4-year-olds enrolled in public preschool programs and in the quality of these programs nationwide. The preschools proposed by the initiative share many characteristics with the universal preschools that have been offered in Georgia and Oklahoma since the 1990s. This study draws together data from multiple sources to estimate the impacts of these “model” state programs on preschool enrollment and a broad set of family and child outcomes. We find that the state programs have increased the preschool enrollment rates of children from lower- and higher-income families alike. Among lower-income families, our findings also suggest that the programs have increased the amount of time mothers and children spend together on activities such as reading, the likelihood that mothers work, and children’s test performance as late as eighth grade. Among higher-income families, however, we find that the programs have shifted children from private to public pre-schools, resulting in less of an impact on overall enrollment but a reduction in childcare expenses, and that they have had no positive effect on children’s later test scores.