bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Water, water everywhere but not a drop to drink: The false promise of virtual water
Authors: Barnes Jessica
Published: November 2013

The concept of “virtual water,” which represents the volume of water needed to produce a particular quantity of agricultural commodity, has become popular among international water experts. Advocates of the concept argue that trade in virtual water can help even out the imbalances generated by the irregular distribution of water resources around the world – an attempt to make the world conform to an abstract model that some scholars have termed “virtualism”. This paper argues that the concept of virtual water is limited, however, by its reduction of water to a question of crop inputs alone, erasing both the labor of those who channel that water onto their fields and of the water itself as it moves through the landscape.

The paper focuses on the case of Egypt, an arid country where water scarcity poses a critical challenge and where water experts are increasingly talking about virtual water as a policy solution. The government’s policy to decrease the area of water-intensive rice cultivation, limit rice exports, and increase rice imports exemplifies a virtual water logic. Yet, I argue, seeing water as being virtually embedded in rice obscures the way in which it washes salts from the soil of rice paddies and maintains soil quality. The fact that water fulfills multiple functions, beyond just that of feeding crops, helps explain why the government’s efforts to implement a policy that makes sense from a virtual water perspective have so far been unsuccessful. The paper concludes that attention to the labor of people and the resources that they mobilize reveals some of the socio-natural elements that may evade, challenge, and defy virtualisms.
Paulo Freire’s blunt challenge to anthropology: Create a Pedagogy of the Oppressed for Your Times
Authors: McKenna Brian
Published: November 2013

Paulo Freire was a revolutionary educator. He founded an educational movement based on conducting an ethnographic evaluation of a community to identify the generative themes (or “dangerous words”) which matter profoundly to people and which, for just this reason, contain their own catalytic power. In the sixteen years since Freire’s untimely death in 1997, a small cottage industry has arisen to adapt, dissect and/or critique Freire and his life’s work. A centerpiece of this intellectual ferment surrounds Freire’s magnum opus, Pedagogy of the Oppressed (1970). Ironically few of Freire’s acolytes and/or interlocutors have been formally educated anthropologists. This might seem surprising since much of Freire’s work overlaps with the mainstays of anthropology’s affirmed methodological imperatives surrounding: recovery of native voice, community dialogue, ethnographic research, cultural analysis, epistemological critique and working with the most disempowered. Freire was a fervent anti-capitalist but it’s often difficult to recognize this trait of his in professional anthropology. One reason is the domestication of his messages. This includes the world’s most well-known anthropologists, World Bank President Jim Yong Kim and Dr. Paul Farmer. Cofounders of Partners in Health, both claim to be followers of Freire. This paper: (1) classifies seven ways anthropologists tend to interpret Freire and the critical pedagogy movement; (2) illustrates Freire’s radical educational approach by applying it to Drs. Kim and Farmer; and (3) distills the central aspects of Freire’s work that are fundamental for a renewed public anthropology. In critiquing Kim and Farmer, the article provides a detailed illustration of the Freirean approach, one which privileges problem posing over problem solving and clarity over charity. This article demonstrates the force of Freire in disrupting the “culture of silence” by way of a case study that illuminates the dangers of liberalism in a collapsing empire.
Greenland ice sheet hydrology
Authors: Chu Vena W.
Published: November 2013

Understanding Greenland ice sheet (GrIS) hydrology is essential for evaluating response of ice dynamics to a warming climate and future contributions to global sea level rise. Recently observed increases in temperature and melt extent over the GrIS have prompted numerous remote sensing, modeling, and field studies gauging the response of the ice sheet and outlet glaciers to increasing meltwater input, providing a quickly growing body of literature describing seasonal and annual development of the GrIS hydrologic system. This system is characterized by supraglacial streams and lakes that drain through moulins, providing an influx of meltwater into englacial and subglacial environments that increases basal sliding speeds of outlet glaciers in the short term. However, englacial and subglacial drainage systems may adjust to efficiently drain increased meltwater without significant changes to ice dynamics over seasonal and annual scales. Both proglacial rivers originating from land-terminating glaciers and subglacial conduits under marine-terminating glaciers represent direct meltwater outputs in the form of fjord sediment plumes, visible in remotely sensed imagery. This review provides the current state of knowledge on GrIS surface water hydrology, following ice sheet surface meltwater production and transport via supra-, en-, sub-, and proglacial processes to final meltwater export to the ocean. With continued efforts targeting both process-level and systems analysis of the hydrologic system, the larger picture of how future changes in Greenland hydrology will affect ice sheet glacier dynamics and ultimately global sea level rise can be advanced.
Therapeutic and protective effects of Caesalpinia gilliesii and Cajanus cajan proteins against acetaminophen overdose-induced renal damage
Authors: Aly Hanan F , Rizk Maha Z , Abo-Elmatty Dina M , Desoky MM , Ibrahim NA , Younis Eman A
Published: November 2013

The present work aims to evaluate the protective and ameliorative effects of two plant-derived proteins obtained from the seeds of Cajanus cajan and Caesalpinia gilliesii (Leguminosae) against the toxic effects of acetaminophen in kidney after chronic dose through determination of certain biochemical markers including total urea, creatinine, and kidney marker enzyme, that is, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH). In addition histopathological examination of intoxicated and treated kidney with both proteins was performed. The present results show a significant increase in serum total urea and creatinine, while significant decrease in GAPDH. Improvement in all biochemical parameters studied was demonstrated, which was documented by the amelioration signs in rats kidney architecture. Thus, both plant protein extracts can counteract the nephrotoxic process, minimize damage to the kidney, delay disease progression, and reduce its complications.
Clinical Features and Molecular Characterization of a Patient With Muscle-Eye-Brain Disease
Authors: Raducu Madalina , Cotarelo Rocío P. , Simón Rogelio , Camacho Ana , Rubio-Fernández Marcos , Hernández-Laín Aurelio , Cruces Jesús
Published: November 2013

Muscle-eye-brain disease is a congenital muscular dystrophy characterized by structural brain and eye defects. Here, we describe a 12-year-old boy with partial agenesis of corpus callosum, ventriculomegaly, flattened brain stem, diffuse pachygyria, blindness, profound cognitive deficiencies, and generalized muscle weakness, yet without a clear dystrophic pattern on muscle biopsy. There was no glycosylation of α-dystroglycan and the genetic screening revealed a novel truncating mutation, c.1545delC (p.Tyr516Thrfs*21), and a previously identified missense mutation, c.1469G>A (p.Cys490Tyr), in the protein O-mannose beta-1,2- N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase 1 ( POMGNT1) gene. These findings broaden the clinical spectrum of muscle-eye-brain disease to include pronounced hypotonia with severe brain and eye malformations, yet with mild histopathologic changes in the muscle specimen, despite the absence of glycosylated α-dystroglycan.
Mowat-Wilson Syndrome
Authors: Abdalla Ebtesam Mohamed , Zayed Louay Hassan
Published: November 2013

Mowat-Wilson syndrome is a genetic disease caused by heterozygous mutations or deletions of the zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox 2 ( ZEB2) gene. The syndrome is characterized by typical facial features, moderate-to-severe mental retardation, epilepsy and variable congenital malformations, including Hirschsprung disease, genital anomalies, congenital heart disease, agenesis of the corpus callosum, and eye defects. The prevalence of Mowat-Wilson syndrome is currently unknown, but it seems that Mowat-Wilson syndrome is underdiagnosed, particularly in patients without Hirschsprung disease. We report here the first Egyptian case of Mowat-Wilson syndrome who was conceived by intracytoplasmic sperm injection. The patient manifested bilateral sensorineural hearing loss—a new feature not previously reported in cases of Mowat-Wilson syndrome. This report describes the first Egyptian patient of Mowat-Wilson syndrome who was conceived after intracytoplasmic sperm injection, and provides a new evidence for the inclusion of deafness among the congenital defects of the syndrome.
Case Report
Authors: Beal Jules C.
Published: November 2013

Neuronal migration disorders are a group of disorders that cause structural brain abnormalities and varying degrees of neurocognitive impairment, resulting from abnormal neuronal migration during brain development. There are several mutations that have been associated with these disorders. Here the case of a 4-year-old autistic boy is presented, who was found to have evidence of a neuronal migration disorder on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) during a workup for seizures. Genetic testing did not reveal any of the gene mutations known to be associated with neuronal migration disorders but did reveal a microduplication at chromosome 15q13.3, a locus that has been previously associated with autism, cognitive impairment, and seizures. Although the concurrent presence of the genetic and structural abnormalities does not necessarily imply causality, the simultaneous independent occurrence of both conditions is certainly unusual. It is possible that there may be an association between this duplication syndrome and aberrant neuronal migration.
Utilization of cocoa pod husk as filler in polypropylene biocomposites
Authors: Chun Koay Seong , Husseinsyah Salmah , Osman Hakimah
Published: November 2013

The aim of the research was to utilize cocoa pod husk (CPH) in polypropylene (PP) biocomposites. Maleated polypropylene (MAPP) was used as coupling agent to improve the properties of PP/CPH biocomposites. The addition of MAPP had increased the stabilization torque of PP/CPH biocomposites. The tensile strength and modulus of PP/CPH with MAPP were higher compared to PP/CPH biocomposites without MAPP, except the elongation at break decreased. The crystallinity and thermal stability of PP/CPH biocomposites with MAPP increased. These improvements were due to the enhanced interfacial bonding between CPH and PP matrix, which were proved by SEM analysis.
Experimental and analytical study of the elliptical vibration-assisted turning process with the dynamic friction model
Authors: Nosouhi Reza , Behbahani Saeed , Amini Saeed , Khosrojerdi Mohammadreza
Published: November 2013

A novel analytical model for prediction of forces in elliptical vibration-assisted turning using a dynamic friction model is presented in this article and verified with experimental elliptical vibration-assisted turning tests. In elliptical vibration-assisted turning process, the main cause of force reduction is the reversal of the friction force direction in a fraction of vibration cycle time. In analytical modeling of elliptical vibration-assisted turning, the change of the relative sliding velocity direction causes a stick–slip condition which cannot be detected with static friction models like Coulomb model. In this research, a dynamic friction model, named LuGre model, is used to predict the machining forces in elliptical vibration-assisted turning. To derive the model coefficients, a series of orthogonal cutting experiments are performed on Al 6061, Al 7075 T6, Copper and Inconel 718, and the friction coefficients are identified using genetic algorithm optimization method. The cutting forces are determined by incorporating the friction forces calculated from LuGre model. To verify the results, a series of elliptical vibration-assisted turning experiments are performed on four above-mentioned workpiece materials using an elliptical vibration-assisted turning tool. The machining forces are then compared with the analytical results. The results achieved from the analytical solution using LuGre dynamic friction model are in a good agreement with experimental results.
Frames of scientific evidence: How journalists represent the (un)certainty of molecular medicine in science television programs
Authors: Ruhrmann Georg , Guenther Lars , Kessler Sabrina Heike , Milde Jutta
Published: November 2013

For laypeople, media coverage of science on television is a gateway to scientific issues. Defining scientific evidence is central to the field of science, but there are still questions if news coverage of science represents scientific research findings as certain or uncertain. The framing approach is a suitable framework to classify different media representations; it is applied here to investigate the frames of scientific evidence in film clips ( n = 207) taken from science television programs. Molecular medicine is the domain of interest for this analysis, due to its high proportion of uncertain and conflicting research findings and risks. The results indicate that television clips vary in their coverage of scientific evidence of molecular medicine. Four frames were found: Scientific Uncertainty and Controversy, Scientifically Certain Data, Everyday Medical Risks, and Conflicting Scientific Evidence. They differ in their way of framing scientific evidence and risks of molecular medicine.
Spontaneous Network Activity and Synaptic Development
Authors: Kerschensteiner Daniel
Published: November 2013

Throughout development, the nervous system produces patterned spontaneous activity. Research over the past two decades has revealed a core group of mechanisms that mediate spontaneous activity in diverse circuits. Many circuits engage several of these mechanisms sequentially to accommodate developmental changes in connectivity. In addition to shared mechanisms, activity propagates through developing circuits and neuronal pathways (i.e., linked circuits in different brain areas) in stereotypic patterns. Increasing evidence suggests that spontaneous network activity shapes synaptic development in vivo. Variations in activity-dependent plasticity may explain how similar mechanisms and patterns of activity can be employed to establish diverse circuits. Here, I will review common mechanisms and patterns of spontaneous activity in emerging neural networks and discuss recent insights into their contribution to synaptic development.
Developing requirements for a mobile app to support citizens in dealing with ticks and tick bites via end-user profiling
Authors: van Velsen Lex , Beaujean Desirée JMA , Wentzel Jobke , Van Steenbergen Jim E , van Gemert-Pijnen Julia EWC
Published: November 2013

Tick bites and tick-borne infections are an increasingly large problem. There is a wide range of precautions that citizens can take, but compliance is low. Mobile technology can offer a solution here, as they allow citizens to access health information in context. In this article, we discuss the development of requirements for a mobile app to support citizens in dealing with ticks and tick bites. First, we identified organizational stakeholders based on relevant protocols, and primary end-users via a systematic risk determination procedure. Then, we profiled end-users based on 25 in-depth interviews. We consulted organizational stakeholders via a focus group. The mobile app should primarily motivate citizens to check themselves for tick bites after visiting a risk area. The app should also include a tick radar, alerts to remind people to check for tick bites, and the possibility to document tick bites. Our experiences underline the necessity of thoroughly investigating the designated end-users and their context of use in order to tailor preventive health advice, and we demonstrate how this can be done. Finally, this case shows the need to create persuasive health technology in order to maximize citizen compliance.
Assessment of Burmese refugee students' meaning making of scientific informational texts
Authors: Croce Keri-Anne
Published: November 2013

This two and a half year study examines how non-native English-speaking Burmese refugee students from first to third grades made meaning of scientific informational texts. The study is framed by sociocultural theory and transactional theory. Primary data were drawn from 160 student retellings of scientific informational texts. Secondary data included student interviews and classroom observations. This study contributes to culturally relevant pedagogy by revisiting what it means to read a scientific informational text. It was found that students’ understandings of scientific informational texts were informed by the sociopolitical contexts of their lives. The results of the study also suggest that non-native English-speaking students’ early language approximations should be valued, as they transact with the language patterns in scientific informational texts.
Study of engineered carpet yarns structure; Part B: By cross-sectional microtomy
Authors: Ishtiaque SM , Sen Kushal , Kumar Ajay
Published: November 2013

This paper describes the measurement of packing density and radial packing density of newly developed three-layered, wool structure yarn for pile carpets. Three different varieties of Indian wool, in terms of fibre diameter, medullation and bending rigidity, were strategically positioned in the (ring spun) yarn cross-section. The measurements of all the researched yarns have shown that radial packing density is neither uniform across the yarn cross-section nor maximum at yarn core. The maximum packing density of these yarns occurs at some different distances from the yarn axis and it sharply decreases from that point towards yarn surface. In general, all the yarns are seen to have slight hollowness near their axis. The possible mechanism of the fibre density distribution in the yarn cross-section is also discussed.
Cancer Prevention and Therapy
Authors: Yoon Seong Woo , Jeong Jong Soo , Kim Ji Hye , Aggarwal Bharat B.
Published: November 2013

In spite of billions of dollars spent on cancer research each year, overall cancer incidence and cancer survival has not changed significantly in the last half century. Instead, the recent projection from the World Health Organization suggests that global cancer incidence and death is expected to double within the next decade. This requires an “out of the box” thinking approach. While traditional medicine used for thousands of years is safe and affordable, its efficacy and mechanism of action are not fully reported. Demonstrating that traditional medicine is efficacious and how it works can provide a “bed to bench” and “bench to bed” back approach toward prevention and treatment of cancer. This current review is an attempt to describe the contributions of traditional Korean medicine (TKM) to modern medicine and, in particular, cancer treatment. TKM suggests that cancer is an outcome of an imbalance of body, mind, and spirit; thus, it requires a multimodal treatment approach that involves lifestyle modification, herbal prescription, acupuncture, moxibustion, traditional exercise, and meditation to restore the balance. Old wisdoms in combination with modern science can find a new way to deal with the “emperor of all maladies.”
Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials of Acupuncture for Cancer-Related Fatigue
Authors: Zeng Yingchun , Luo Taizhen , Finnegan-John Jennifer , Cheng Andy S. K.
Published: November 2013

Background. Fatigue is a distressing and pervasive problem for people with cancer. In recent years, acupuncture has gained increasing attention among researchers as an alternative management strategy for cancer-related fatigue (CRF). This review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture for CRF. Methods. Five databases (Medline, CINAHL, Scopus, the Cochrane Library, and CAJ Full-text Database) were searched up to May 2013. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of acupuncture for the treatment of CRF were considered for inclusion. Results. Seven RCTs were included for meta-analysis, involving a total of 689 subjects. Three studies compared acupuncture with sham acupuncture for CRF with follow-up at 10 weeks; the standardized mean difference (SMD) for general CRF change values was −0.82 (95% confidence interval [CI] = −1.90 to 0.26). When acupuncture plus education intervention was compared with usual care, there was a statistically significant difference for the change score of general CRF (SMD = −2.12; 95% CI = −3.21 to −1.03). The SMD for general CRF change scores between acupuncture with no treatment or wait-list control was −1.46 (95% CI = −3.56 to 0.63). Finally, the SMD for general CRF change scores between acupuncture with acupressure or self-acupuncture was −1.12 (95% CI = −3.03 to 0.78). Three trials reported data for general quality of life and functioning status, reporting enough data for statistical pooling but showing no statistically significant difference ( Z score = 1.15, P = .25, SMD = 0.99, 95% CI = −0.70 to 2.68 and Z score = 1.13, P = .26, SMD = 1.38, 95% CI = −1.02 to 3.79, respectively). The I2 statistics of all statistically pooled data were higher than 50%, indicating heterogeneity between the trials. Conclusions. There were 4 sets of comparison for the effectiveness of acupuncture for CRF; statistical pooling of the reduction in CRF from baseline to follow-up showed in favor of acupuncture. However, 3 sets of comparison for the pooled estimates of effect sizes had no statistical significance. Although one set of comparison (acupuncture plus education interventions vs usual care) had statistically significant differences, it is unclear whether this pooled positive outcome is attributable to the effects of acupuncture or to the education intervention. In addition, the duration of follow-up in these included trials was up to 10 weeks, and some RCTs had methodological flaws. Further rigorously designed RCTs adhering to acceptable standards of trial methodology are required to determine the effectiveness of acupuncture and its long-term effects on CRF.
Efficacy and Safety of Moxibustion for Relieving Pain in Patients With Metastatic Cancer
Authors: Lee Jinsoo , Yoon Seong Woo
Published: November 2013

Background. Moxibustion has been traditionally used to manage pain related to chronic diseases, including cancer. This study aims to investigate the efficacy and safety of moxibustion for relieving cancer pain in patients with metastatic cancer. Methods. A total of 16 patients were randomly divided into a true moxibustion (TM) group or a sham moxibustion (SM) group. In both groups, moxibustion was applied for 10 minutes, once daily for 7 consecutive days. In the SM group, the moxa cone was removed earlier than in the TM group, so as not to deliver heat stimulation completely into the skin. The changes of pain severity using the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) and quality of life measured by the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–General (FACT-G) were observed. A blinding credibility test was done to validate the sham moxibustion procedure. Results. The total BPI score significantly decreased in the TM group compared with the SM group (TM vs SM: −0.97 ± 1.05 vs 0.35 ± 0.60, P = .025). The 2 subsets of BPI, pain intensity score and pain interference score, also significantly decreased in the TM group (TM vs SM: intensity, −0.82 ± 0.93 vs 0.46 ± 0.87, P = .020; interference, −1.12 ± 1.31 vs 0.24 ± 0.61, P = .047). Even after adjusting for the values of opioid consumption, these results remained significant. FACT-G did not significantly improve in the TM group. The blinding to sham moxibustion was credible and no serious adverse events occurred. Conclusion. We suggest that moxibustion could be a safe and potential modality for cancer-related pain in patients with metastatic cancer. With the limitation of small sample size, a larger and long-term follow-up study is necessary to determine more definitely the efficacy of moxibustion.
TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-10, and IL-4 levels were elevated in a murine model of human sickle cell anemia maintained on a high protein/calorie diet
Authors: Hyacinth Hyacinth I , Capers Patrice L , Archer David R , Hibbert Jacqueline M
Published: November 2013

Increased frequency and risk of infection is one of the well described complications of sickle cell anemia (SCA). Dietary supplementation in children with SCA and growth retardation improved growth and decreased incidence of infection. We investigated the impact of a high protein diet on weight gain, hematological profile, and immune cytokine levels in the Berkeley model of SCA, 16 of which were randomized to either regular mouse diet with 20% of calories from protein ( n = 8) or a test feed with 35% of calories from protein ( n = 8). Control mice (C57BL/6, n = 16) were correspondingly randomized, and were all feed ad libitum for three months with actual intake estimated by subtracting the weight of gnaw waste from that of the feed given. Blood was collected at sacrifice by cardiac puncture and plasma levels of T helper cell 1 (TH1) and TH2 associated cytokines were measured using a multiplex antibody immobilized bead assay. SCA mice receiving the 35% protein diet had modest improvements in weight, red blood cell count, and hemoglobin level, with a slight decrease in reticulocyte count compared with SCA mice on the regular mouse diet. Furthermore, they also had significantly higher plasma levels of cytokines tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α ( P = 0.02), interferon (IFN)-γ ( P = 0.01), interleukin 10 (IL-10; P = 0.02), and IL-4 ( P = 0.02) compared with those that received the 20% protein diet. We conclude that providing additional protein calories to transgenic SCA mice increased the plasma levels of acute inflammatory cytokines associated with immune response to infection, which might partly explain decreased episodes of infection observed among supplemented children with SCA.
Examining the Link Between Perceptions of Relationship Quality With Parole Officers and Recidivism Among Female Youth Parolees
Authors: Vidal Sarah , Oudekerk Barbara A. , Reppucci N. Dickon , Woolard Jennifer
Published: November 2013

This study explored 140 female youth parolees’ characterization of their relationships with their parole officers (PO), examined whether the quality of PO–youth relationships relate to recidivism, and explored the role of parental assistance in acquiring services during reintegration as a moderator of the link between PO–youth relationship and recidivism. Female youth perceived both an interpersonal and professionalism aspect of PO–youth relationship. The association between the interpersonal quality of PO–youth relationship and violent recidivism was strong and significant for those who had low parental assistance, but nonsignificant for those with high parental assistance. Implications for research, policy, and practice are discussed.
Diagnostic value of apparent diffusion coefficient for the accurate assessment and differentiation of intracranial meningiomas
Authors: Bano Shazia , Waraich Mustansar Mahmood , Khan Muhammad Afzal , Buzdar Saeed Ahmad , Manzur Shahid
Published: November 2013

Background

Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) along with the calculation of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), is a novel, non-invasive, and reliable technique of choice for accurate assessment and for the treatment planning of different types of brain tumors. It is more advantageous in the distinction and differentiation of benign from malignant meningiomas on the basis of ADC values.

Purpose

To investigate the utility of DW magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and to compare the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) obtained at two b-values for an authentic and preoperative characterization of meningiomas.

Material and Methods

Twenty-six patients with clinically diagnosed or histologically verified meningioma (18 benign and 8 malignant) underwent imaging including DWI at 1.5 T. DW images were obtained at b = 1000 s/mm2 and b = 2000 s/mm2, ADC maps were generated at both the b-values. Signal intensities (SIs) and ADCs for solid tumorous tissues, contralateral normal tissues, and peritumoral edema were calculated and normalized ADC (NADC) ratio were determined for tumorous tissues. SI scores, ADC maps, and ADC values were analyzed visually and quantitatively, and were compared at both the b-values.

Results

DW images at b = 2000 s/mm2 were more conspicuity (either hyperintense or hypointense) with improved contrast. The mean ADC of malignant meningiomas (0.64 ± 0.05 and 0.42 ± 0.03) was significantly lower ( P < 0.05) as compared with benign meningiomas (1.04 ± 0.12 and 0.80 ± 0.07) at both the b-values. Mean NADC ratio in the malignant type was also significantly lower ( P < 0.05) than the benign type at both the b-values. Mean ADC values for peritumoral edema do not differ between benign and malignant meningiomas.

Conclusion

1.5-T DWI using high b-values improved our ability to differentiate benign from malignant meningiomas. DWI may play an important role in the preoperative radiological evaluation and the recognition of these types for proper surgical treatment.
Science and technology of the emerging nanomedicines in cancer therapy: A primer for physicians and pharmacists
Authors: Pillai Gopalakrishna , Ceballos-Coronel Maria L
Published: November 2013

Nanomedicine, the medical applications of devices based on nanotechnology, promises an endless range of applications from biomedical imaging to drug and gene delivery. The size range of the nanomaterials is strictly defined as 1–100 nm, although many marketed nanomedicines are in the submicron range of 100–1000 nm. The major advantages of using nanomaterials as a carrier for anticancer agents are the possibility of targeted delivery to the tumor; their physical properties such as optical and magnetic properties, which can be exploited for developing contrast agents for tumor imaging; their ability to hold thousands of molecules of a drug and deliver at the required site and also the ability to overcome solubility and stability issues. Currently, there are several nanotechnology-enabled diagnostic and therapeutic agents undergoing clinical trials and a few already approved by Food and Drug Administration. Targeted delivery of anticancer agents is achieved by exploiting a unique characteristic of the rapidly dividing tumor cells called “the enhanced permeability and retention effect.” Nanoparticles with mean diameter between 100 and 200 nm or even above 200 nm have also been reported to be taken up by tumor cells via the enhanced permeability and retention effect. In addition to this passive targeting based on size, the nanoparticle surface may be modified with a variety of carefully chosen ligands that would interact with specific receptors on the surface of the tumor cells, thus imparting additional specificity for active targeting. Regional release of a drug contained in a nanoparticulate system by the application of external stimuli such as hyperthermia to a thermosensitive device is another innovative strategy for targeted delivery. Nanoparticles protect the enclosed drug from rapid elimination from the body, keep them in circulation for prolonged periods and often evade expulsion by the efflux pump mechanisms, which also leads to avoidance of development of resistance. This review focuses on the science and technology of Food and Drug Administration–approved cancer nanomedicines such as Abraxane, Doxil, DaunoXome and those drug-delivery systems that have reached an advanced stage of clinical development utilizing liposomes, albumin nanospheres, thermosensitive devices and gold nanoshells.
Hand replantation: A rare case report
Authors: El-Sayed Ahmed Magdy M
Published: November 2013

We report a case of a hand replantation. A 43-year-old male presented with an amputated right hand. After clinical and radiological examination of the amputated hand and the forearm stump, the patient was consented for hand replantation procedure. Both bones of the forearm were fixed using K-wires. Careful dissection, trimming and repair of the tendons, vessels (two arteries and one vein) and nerves was achieved. The patient tolerated the procedure well and 2 months later showed a progressive improvement in motor and sensory functions. We suggest that a single-vein repair is sufficient for a successful hand replantation.
Repetitive complications after prosthetic graft for inflammatory aortic aneurysm
Authors: Takeda Yoshihiro , Daimon Masahiro , Tsuji Motomu , Katsumata Takahiro , Morita Hideaki , Ishizaka Nobukazu
Published: November 2013

The presence of retroperitoneal fibrosis after an aortic graft replacement is a marker of poor prognosis following aortic graft replacement. Herein we report the case of a 39-year-old man with retroperitoneal fibrosis that had been causing ureteral obstruction. The man had undergone repeated aortic graft replacement due to bacteremia and aortic graft–small intestinal fistula that occurred 4 years after initial aortic grafting for an inflammatory aortic aneurysm. The patient was discharged after 4 weeks of intravenous antibiotic therapy following the latest aortic graft replacement.
Psychosocial Adjustment of Spousal Caregivers of Patients With Chronic Pain
Authors: Mercurio-Riley Denise , Lee Gloria K. , Chronister Julie , Swigar Elizabeth A.
Published: November 2013

This conceptual article aims to propose a framework of understanding the risk and resistance factors that contribute to the adjustment of spousal caregivers of chronic pain patients (SCCPP). A comprehensive review of literature related to caregivers of patients with chronic pain was performed. Findings from the review were applied to the Wallander et al.’s Risk and Resistance Model of Adjustment, specifically examining outcomes among SCCPP. No statistical results are presented in this conceptual article. We advocate for the need to study and test the adjustment process of SCCPP in a systematic, comprehensive, and theory-driven manner to further understand caregivers’ strengths and challenges. This will allow for further rehabilitation interventions to address risk factors and promote resistance factors, allowing for more inclusive mental health care for SCCPP.
Effects of prior compression on ductility and yielding behaviour in extruded magnesium alloy AZ31
Authors: He J. J. , Liu T. M. , Chen H. B. , Lu L. W. , Pan F. S.
Published: November 2013

In the present paper, the effects of precompression along extrusion direction (ED) on subsequent compression perpendicular to ED were investigated in an extruded magnesium alloy AZ31. The results showed that the yield stress under compression perpendicular to ED increased if there was precompression along ED. The evolution of deformation mechanism was responsible for increase in yield stress because plastic deformation was dominated by both basal slip and {10–12} twinning under compression perpendicular to ED in samples without prestrain, but basal slip was difficult to be activated and {10–12} twinning dominated deformation in samples with precompression. However, because basal slip had no obvious contribution to plastic deformation, the ductility decreased if there was precompression along ED.
Effects of rare earth additions during surface boriding on microstructure and properties of titanium alloy TC21
Authors: Zhu Y. S. , Lu W. Z. , Zuo D. W. , Sun Y. L. , Wang H. , Xu J.
Published: November 2013

In the present paper, the effects of rare earth (RE) additions to the solid state boriding of titanium alloy TC21 have been studied. The microstructural evolution and phase transformations of the borided layers were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and X-ray diffraction. Moreover, the microhardness for the borided layer was also determined by Vickers hardness test. The results showed that the addition of a small amount of RE elements in the boriding process can lead to an increased boron concentration in the surface layer coupled with the improved surface hardness and coating layer thickness. Furthermore, the presence of trace quantities of RE oxide (Ce2O3) in boride layers indicated that the RE elements as catalysts could not only influence but also accelerate boriding process.
Almost contractive coupled mapping in ordered complete metric spaces
Authors: Shatanawi Wasfi , Saadati Reza , Park Choonkil
Published: November 2013

In this paper, we introduce the notion of almost contractive mapping

F
:
X
×
X
→
X

with respect to the mapping

g
:
X
→
X

and establish some existence and uniqueness theorems of a coupled common coincidence point in ordered complete metric spaces. Also, we introduce an example to support our main results. Our results generalize several well-known comparable results in the literature.

MSC:54H25, 47H10, 34B15.
SNP genotyping reveals genetic diversity between cultivated landraces and contemporary varieties of tomato
Authors: Corrado Giandomenico , Piffanelli Pietro , Caramante Martina , Coppola Mariangela , Rao Rosa
Published: November 2013

Background

The tomato (Solanum lycopersium L.) is the most widely grown vegetable in the world. It was domesticated in Latin America and Italy and Spain are considered secondary centers of diversification. This food crop has experienced severe genetic bottlenecks and modern breeding activities have been characterized by trait introgression from wild species and divergence in different market classes.

Results

With the aim to examine patterns of polymorphism, characterize population structure and identify putative loci under positive selection, we genotyped 214 tomato accessions (which include cultivated landraces, commercial varieties and wild relatives) using a custom-made Illumina SNP-panel. Most of the 175 successfully scored SNP loci were found to be polymorphic. Population structure analysis and estimates of genetic differentiation indicated that landraces constitute distinct sub-populations. Furthermore, contemporary varieties could be separated in groups (processing, fresh and cherry) that are consistent with the recent breeding aimed at market-class specialization. In addition, at the 95% confidence level, we identified 30, 34 and 37 loci under positive selection between landraces and each of the groups of commercial variety (cherry, processing and fresh market, respectively). Their number and genomic locations imply the presence of some extended regions with high genetic variation between landraces and contemporary varieties.

Conclusions

Our work provides knowledge concerning the level and distribution of genetic variation within cultivated tomato landraces and increases our understanding of the genetic subdivision of contemporary varieties. The data indicate that adaptation and selection have led to a genomic signature in cultivated landraces and that the subpopulation structure of contemporary varieties is shaped by directed breeding and largely of recent origin. The genomic characterization presented here is an essential step towards a future exploitation of the available tomato genetic resources in research and breeding programs.
Characterization of the Pseudomonas aeruginosametalloendopeptidase, Mep72, a member of the Vfr regulon
Authors: Balyimez Aysegul , Colmer-Hamood Jane A , San Francisco Michael , Hamood Abdul N
Published: November 2013

Background

Pseudomonas aeruginosa Vfr (the virulence factor regulator) enhances P. aeruginosa virulence by positively regulating the expression of numerous virulence genes. A previous microarray analysis identified numerous genes positively regulated by Vfr in strain PAK, including the yet uncharacterized PA2782 and PA2783.

Results

In this study, we report the detailed characterization of PA2783 in the P. aeruginosa strain PAO1. RT-PCR analysis confirmed that PA2782-PA2783 constitute an operon. A mutation in vfr significantly reduced the expression of both genes. The predicted protein encoded by PA2783 contains a typical leader peptide at its amino terminus end as well as metalloendopeptidase and carbohydrate binding motifs at its amino terminus and carboxy terminus regions, respectively. An in-frame PA2783::phoA fusion encoded a hybrid protein that was exported to the periplasmic space of Escherichia coli and P. aeruginosa. In PAO1, the proteolytic activity of the PA2783-encoded protein was masked by other P. aeruginosa extracellular proteases but an E. coli strain carrying a PA2783 recombinant plasmid produced considerable proteolytic activity. The outer membrane fraction of an E. coli strain in which PA2783 was overexpressed contained specific endopeptidase activity. In the presence of cAMP, purified recombinant Vfr (rVfr) bound to a 98-bp fragment within the PA2782-PA2783 upstream region that carries a putative Vfr consensus sequence. Through a series of electrophoretic mobility shift assays, we localized rVfr binding to a 33-bp fragment that contains part of the Vfr consensus sequence and a 5-bp imperfect (3/5) inverted repeat at its 3′ and 5′ ends (TGGCG-N22-CGCTG). Deletion of either repeat eliminated Vfr binding.

Conclusions

PA2782 and PA2783 constitute an operon whose transcription is positively regulated by Vfr. The expression of PA2783 throughout the growth cycle of P. aeruginosa follows a unique pattern. PA2783 codes for a secreted metalloendopeptidase, which we named Mep72. Mep72, which has metalloendopeptidase and carbohydrate-binding domains, produced proteolytic and endopeptidase activities in E. coli. Vfr directly regulates the expression of the PA2782-mep72 operon by binding to its upstream region. However, unlike other Vfr-targeted genes, Vfr binding does not require an intact Vfr consensus binding sequence.
Morphometric profile of the localised renal tumors managed either by open or robot-assisted nephron-sparing surgery: the impact of scoring systems on the decision making process
Authors: Esen Tarık , Acar Ömer , Musaoğlu Ahmet , Vural Metin
Published: November 2013

Background

Nephrometric scoring systems aim to improve the manner in which tumoral complexity is measured and reported. Each system provides a way to objectively measure specific tumor features that influence technical feasibility. In this study we aimed to determine how nephrometric scoring systems tailored our approach to the surgical treatment of localised renal masses.

Methods

Charts of the patients with localised renal tumors, who were managed by either open or robot-assisted nephron-sparing surgery between May 2010 and June 2012, were retrospectively reviewed. Nephrometric scores [radius, exophytic/endophytic, nearness, anterior/posterior, location (R.E.N.A.L.) score, preoperative aspects and dimensions used for anatomic (P.A.D.U.A.) classification and centrality index (C-index)] were calculated based on preoperative imaging findings. Perioperative data were recorded. Morphometric characteristics of the renal masses were compared. Additionally, the difference between surgical alternative subgroups in terms of morphometric variables and the predictive power of each scoring system in determining the details of the surgical plan were investigated. Furthermore, surgical preferences in different nephrometric categories were compared.

Results

Mean R.E.N.A.L. and P.A.D.U.A. scores of the tumors treated with robotic surgery were significantly lower than those managed by open surgery. R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry score showed significant differences between most of the surgical alternative subgroups. P.A.D.U.A. and C-index differences were significant only between robotic off-clamp and open clamped cases. Tumors that required open conversion had significantly higher mean R.E.N.A.L. and P.A.D.U.A. score. High R.E.N.A.L. score (cut-off: 6.5) and high P.A.D.U.A. score (cut-off: 7.5) were found to be significant predictors of the surgical route. Significantly more tumors with moderate R.E.N.A.L. score were managed through the open approach, while the significant majority of those with low R.E.N.A.L. and low P.A.D.U.A. score were operated by robotic assistance.

Conclusions

R.E.N.A.L. and P.A.D.U.A. scores influenced our surgical treatment strategy for localized renal masses. High R.E.N.A.L. and P.A.D.U.A. scores increased the likelihood of an open NSS.
Topical Brazilian propolis improves corneal wound healing and inflammation in rats following alkali burns
Authors: Martin Luiz Fernando Taranta , Rocha Eduardo Melani , Garcia Sérgio Britto , Paula Jayter Silva
Published: November 2013

Background

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of the Brazilian Scaptotrigona sp propolis, a widely used folk medicine, in corneal wound healing and inflammation.

Methods

Corneal epithelial defects of 1 mm in diameter were made in the right eyes of Wistar male adult rats by cauterization with silver nitrate sticks. Subsequently, they were divided in two groups (n = 40 rats/group): Brazilian propolis (BP) group was topically treated with a microemulsion containing 1% Brazilian propolis; vehicle (VH) group received the same formulation without propolis. The epithelial defect area was photographed and measured at t = 0 (wound induction), and after 12, 24, 48 and 120 h of treatment. The inflammatory response was evaluated based on counting of neutrophils. Epithelial regeneration rates were determined based on Ki-67 expression in basal epithelial cells. Comparisons were made using the Kruskal-Wallis and the Mann–Whitney U test.

Results

The BP group presented both smaller epithelial defect areas at 12, 24 and 48 h and fewer corneal infiltrating neutrophils at 24 and 48 h (P < 0.01) than the VH group. These effects were associated with more pervasive Ki-67 staining in the BP group at 12 and 24 h (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Topically applied BP accelerated wound healing and reduced the inflammatory response to silver nitrate-induced corneal alkali burns in rats.