bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pay-for-Performance and Public Reporting Program Participation and Administrative Challenges Among Small- and Medium-Sized Physician Practices
Authors: Hearld Larry R. , Alexander Jeffrey A. , Shi Yunfeng , Casalino Lawrence P.
Published: November 2013

A key component of efforts to improve the quality of care in the United States is the use of public reporting and pay-for-performance programs. Little is known, however, about the extent to which small- and medium-sized physician practices are participating in these programs. This study examined the participation of small- and medium-sized physician practices in pay-for-performance and public reporting programs and the characteristics of the participating practices. Using cross-sectional data from a national sample of 1,734 small- and medium-sized physician practices throughout the United States, we found that many practices (61.2%) were participating in at least one program, while far fewer (19.2%) were participating in multiple programs. Among practices participating in multiple programs, relatively few (21.9%) reported high levels of administrative problems due to a lack of standardization on performance measures. The study also suggests that some structural features are associated with participation and may provide leverage points for fostering participation.
The Perception of Telephone-Processed Speech by Combined Electric and Acoustic Stimulation
Authors: Hu Yi , Tahmina Qudsia , Runge Christina , Friedland David R.
Published: November 2013

This study assesses the effects of adding low- or high-frequency information to the band-limited telephone-processed speech on bimodal listeners’ telephone speech perception in quiet environments. In the proposed experiments, bimodal users were presented under quiet listening conditions with wideband speech (WB), bandpass-filtered telephone speech (300–3,400 Hz, BP), high-pass filtered speech ( f > 300 Hz, HP, i.e., distorted frequency components above 3,400 Hz in telephone speech were restored), and low-pass filtered speech ( f < 3,400 Hz, LP, i.e., distorted frequency components below 300 Hz in telephone speech were restored). Results indicated that in quiet environments, for all four types of stimuli, listening with both hearing aid (HA) and cochlear implant (CI) was significantly better than listening with CI alone. For both bimodal and CI-alone modes, there were no statistically significant differences between the LP and BP scores and between the WB and HP scores. However, the HP scores were significantly better than the BP scores. In quiet conditions, both CI alone and bimodal listening achieved the largest benefits when telephone speech was augmented with high rather than low-frequency information. These findings provide support for the design of algorithms that would extend higher frequency information, at least in quiet environments.
Behavioral and Emotional Problems Associated With Convergence Insufficiency in Children
Authors: Borsting Eric , Mitchell G. Lynn , Arnold L. Eugene , Scheiman Mitchell , Chase Christopher , Kulp Marjean , Cotter Susan ,   CITT-RS Group
Published: November 2013

Objective: This study investigated behavioral and emotional characteristics of children with convergence insufficiency (CI), before and after treatment with office-based vergence accommodative therapy (OBVAT). Method: Parents of 44 children ages 9 to 17 years with symptomatic CI completed the Conners 3 ADHD Index and the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) before and after OBVAT. Pre-treatment scores were compared with normative data and post-treatment scores were compared with baseline using the Wilcoxon sign rank test. Results: Following OBVAT, CI children showed a significant mean improvement ( p < .0001, effect size of 0.58) on the Conners 3 ADHD Index with the largest changes occurring in the 23 children who scored the highest at baseline. On the CBCL, anxious/depressed, somatic, and internalizing problems improved significantly ( p < .001, effect sizes of −0.36, −1.15, and −0.67, respectively). Conclusion: In an open trial, attention and internalizing problems improved significantly following treatment for CI.
Pupillary response to sparse multifocal stimuli in multiple sclerosis patients
Authors: Ali EN , Maddess T , James AC , Voicu C , Lueck CJ
Published: November 2013

Objectives:

The objective of this paper is to investigate the pattern of abnormalities and establish the diagnostic power of multifocal objective pupil perimetry (mfPOP) in multiple sclerosis (MS).

Methods:

A prospective study enrolling 35 normal (47.9 ± 16.8 years, 22 females) and 85 MS subjects (49.8 ± 11.3 years, 62 females; 72 relapsing–remitting (RR), and 13 primary or secondary progressives (PorS)). EDSS scores for the RR and PorS groups were 3.53 ± 1.04 (mean ± SD), and 5.9 ± 1.43, respectively. mfPOP responses were obtained from 44 regions/visual field. Each region was analysed according to response time-to-peak and standardised amplitude (AmpStd). Predictive power was measured by percentage area under the receiver operator curve (%AUC).

Results:

mfPOP responses showed a significant reduction of 0.69 ± 0.04 dB (mean ± SE) in AmpStd and significantly delayed time-to-peak of 25.95 ± 0.89 ms (mean ± SE) in MS subjects compared to control subjects ( p<0.001). %AUC was greater for time-to-peak than AmpStd both for RR and PorS patients. Diagnostic power followed the EDSS scores but not a history of optic neuritis.

Conclusions:

mfPOP is well tolerated and potentially has a role in the diagnosis and assessment of patients with MS.
The association of personal resilience with stress, coping, and diabetes outcomes in adolescents with type 1 diabetes: Variable- and person-focused approaches
Authors: Yi-Frazier Joyce P , Yaptangco Mona , Semana Sharla , Buscaino Emil , Thompson Valeria , Cochrane Katie , Tabile Marissa , Alving Erin , Rosenberg Abby R
Published: November 2013

This study explored the association between personal resilience and distress, coping, and diabetes outcomes in 50 adolescents with type 1 diabetes. Resilience was defined by a factor score derived from validated instruments measuring self-efficacy, optimism, and self-esteem. Variable- and person-focused methodologies were used to explore these associations. Low resilience was associated with higher distress, poor quality of life, and poor glycemic control. Participants with low resilience used more maladaptive coping strategies and were at greatest risk of poor outcomes. Findings suggest that resilience is a promising candidate for interventions designed to reduce distress and improve outcomes for adolescents with type 1 diabetes.
Using appreciative inquiry to bring neonatal nurses and parents together to enhance family-centred care
Authors: Trajkovski Suza , Schmied Virginia , Vickers Margaret , Jackson Debra
Published: November 2013

Family-centred care (FCC) has been well recognised, accepted and reported in the literature as an optimised way of caring for hospitalised children. While neonatal units strive to adopt this philosophy, published research suggests there are difficulties implementing FCC principles in daily practice. Appreciative inquiry (AI) is a philosophy and methodology that offers a unique, strength-based approach to promoting organisational learning and positive organisational change. As a participatory approach, AI facilitates change from the ground up and lends itself to building effective partnerships or collaborations. This article reports the findings of a one-day workshop using an AI methodology to bring neonatal nurses and parents together to enhance the FCC within a neonatal intensive care unit in Sydney, Australia. Participants ( n = 15) developed collaborative insights of optimal FCC that can be built upon to support neonates and their families in the future. Shared visions were formed, strategies identified and a development plan made for ongoing collaborations and partnerships. AI provides a flexible framework that enables the mandatory collaboration needed to develop action plans that can form the catalyst for organizational change in health-care research and practice.
Do work-place initiated measures reduce sickness absence? Preventive measures and sickness absence among older workers in Norway
Authors: Midtsundstad Tove I , Nielsen Roy A
Published: November 2013

Aims: The article examines whether preventive measures and work adjustments at the establishment level affects sickness absence among workers aged 50 years and older. Methods: We combine survey data from a representative sample of 713 Norwegian companies, mapping the prevalence of preventive health measures in the work place in 2005, with register data on sickness absence and demographic variables for workers aged 50 years or older in 2001 and 2007. By means of a difference-in-differences approach, we compare changes and differences in the likelihood of sickness absence among the sample group, with and without the various measures/ instruments in 2005 respectively. Results: In general, work-place preventive measures at the establishment level have not contributed to reducing the probability for sickness absence among workers aged 50 years and older. However, analyses comparing differences between industries find that the work-place measures have had a positive effect on public administration employees. Conclusions: Whether work-place preventive initiatives influence levels of sickness absence seems to be contingent on sector and industry. Therefore, work-place measures may be more effective in the public administration sector where most employees have office jobs compared to sectors such as manufacturing, construction and transportation, where many employees have manual work and more physical demanding jobs. Work-place initiatives thus seem to have less effect on preventing sickness absence in sectors dominated by manual labour.
A comparison of hip fracture incidence rates among elderly in Sweden by latitude and sunlight exposure
Authors: Nilson Finn , Moniruzzaman Syed , Andersson Ragnar
Published: November 2013

Background: Research has shown that hip fracture risk increases with latitude; hypothetically due to reduced sunlight exposure and its effect on bone quality. Sweden, with large differences in latitude and UV radiation, is ideal to study in order to analyse the association between latitude and UV radiation on age- and sex-specific hip fracture rates among elderly. Method: Aggregated (2006–2008) age- and sex-specific hip fracture data was obtained for each Swedish municipality as well as the municipality’s latitudinal coordinates and aggregated (2006–2008) UV radiation levels. Pearson correlations were calculated between hip fracture incidence rates, latitude and UV radiation. Independent t tests were calculated on tertile-categorized latitudinal data in order to investigate the difference in hip fracture risk between these categories. Results: Statistically significant correlations were seen in all groups between hip fracture incidence rates and latitude as well as UV radiation. The independent t tests showed that this correlation was mainly due to high incidence rates in high latitude municipalities. Conclusions: Statistically significant correlations are seen between hip fracture incidence rates and latitude as well as UV radiation in Sweden and the northern parts of Sweden have an increased risk of hip fractures compared to the middle and southern parts. To our knowledge this is the first study using a national discharge register that shows this relationship and provides a starting point for further research to investigate why populations in northern Sweden have a higher risk of hip fractures compared to other Swedish regions.
Sustainable noise control system design for building ventilation systems
Authors: Mak C. M. , To W. M. , Tai T. Y. , Yun Y.
Published: November 2013

This article presents an integral approach to sustainable noise control system design for building ventilation systems in Hong Kong. This approach combines the analytic hierarchy process and life cycle analysis (LCA) to obtain a holistic view of the system performance in terms of human, economic, and environmental impacts. The approach was applied to the evaluation of various noise control systems including duct liners, silencers, semi-active noise control, and active noise control for ventilation systems. Although passive systems such as duct liners and silencers seem to consume more material resources than semi-active and active systems, the latter require sensors, controllers, resonators or loudspeakers, and electricity. In fact, the LCA showed little difference between the semi-active and active systems and the passive systems in term of resource depletion and carbon emission. As human impact and economic impact dominated the experts’ views on sustainability, the analysed results indicated that the most sustainable design was duct liners, followed by silencers, active noise control, and semi-active noise control.
Successful total replantation of a forearm after 11 hours of warm ischaemia
Authors: Aldhuhoori SS , Bachet J , Sayad A El , Eissa M
Published: November 2013

We present a case of a young female patient who underwent total replantation of an amputated forearm after 11 h of warm ischaemia. The immediate and long-term outcome of the procedure was totally satisfactory in terms of limb survival and satisfactory enough in terms of functionality. This outcome was due in part to the use of post-operative hyperbaric oxygen therapy, to minimize the effects of ischaemia-reperfusion injury. Considering that replantation of amputated limbs usually results in poor outcomes after 6 h of ischaemia, the present success represents a rare case.
Structural changes in the crosslinking process of a protein bioadhesive
Authors: Cuesta-Garrote Natalia , Escoto-Palacios María J , Arán-Ais Francisca , Orgilés-Barceló César
Published: November 2013

In a previous research study, a protein from Bacillus subtilis was cloned in an overexpressing strain and produced in higher amounts than in natural conditions, with the aim of assessing whether this protein can be a candidate to be considered in the formulation of new biobased, bioinspired adhesives with industrial purposes. A bioadhesion assay, as well as the morphological analysis by scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy, confirmed the involvement of the protein under study in the biofilm formation and adhesion processes of the bacterium. Furthermore, its suitability for being used as a polymeric base for adhesive formulations was assessed in terms of thermal properties, wettability of different substrates, surface tension, particle size distribution and bondability to polymeric adherends. The results obtained were promising. Nevertheless, it was found that the adhesive should be conveniently formulated in order to improve its performance. In this work, the purified protein has been modified using glutaraldehyde, which is commonly used in protein crosslinking. Structural changes produced in the protein, which could affect its suitable use as an adhesive, were assessed in terms of crystallinity, morphology, thermal properties and spectroscopic properties.
Exit Strategy (For My Grandmother, Margaret Gingrich)
Authors: Gingrich-Philbrook Craig
Published: November 2013

This autoethnographic essay, based upon the author’s performance of the same name, details a nexus of political and personal events that fostered suicidal ideation in the face of religious homophobia, as well as how an artifact of his late grandmother’s helped him move past that ideation. It uses the phrase “exit strategy” in multiple ways to reveal the limits of thinking that resistance to oppression can ever rest.
In Search of My Queer Fathers (In Response to Bishop Eddie Long)
Authors: Johnson E. Patrick
Published: November 2013

This poetic meditation engages homosexuality as pathology and inherited “disease” as propagated by some factions of the Black church. Reinterpreting the notion of genealogical “inheritance” the author pays tribute to his queer ancestors, tracing a legacy of racial and sexual struggle and how the two are imbricated. At the same time, the meditation points to the hypocrisy of Black clergy who always already carry within them a part of the Black queer.
Mechanical Evaluation of Articulating Instruments and Cross-Handed Manipulation in Laparoendoscopic Single-Site Surgery
Authors: Xu An An , Zhu Jiang Fan , Xie Xiaofeng , Su Yuantao
Published: November 2013

Background. Laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) is limited by loss of triangulation and internal instruments conflict. To overcome these difficulties, some concepts have been introduced, namely, articulating instruments and cross-handed manipulation, which causes the right hand to control the left instrument tip and vice versa. The aim of this study was to compare task performance with different approaches based on a mechanical evaluation platform. Methods. A LESS mechanical evaluation platform was set up to investigate the performance of 2 tasks (suture pass-through rings and clip-cut) with 3 different settings: uncrossed manipulation with straight instruments (group A, the control group), uncrossed manipulation with articulating instruments (group B), and cross-handed manipulation with articulating instruments (group C). The operation time and average load required for accomplishment of the standard tasks were measured. Results. Group A presented significantly better time scores than group B, and group C consumed the longest time to accomplish the 2 tasks ( P < .05). Comparing of average load required to perform the suture pass-through rings task, it differed significantly between dominant and nondominant hand in all groups ( P < .01) and was less in group A and group B than group C in dominant hand ( P < .01), while it was almost the same in all groups in the nondominant hand. In terms of average load requirement to accomplish clip-cut task, it was almost equal not only between group A and B but also between dominant and nondominant hand while the increase reached statistical significance when comparing group C with other groups ( P < .05). Conclusions. Compared with conventional devices and maneuvering techniques, articulating instruments and cross-handed manipulation are associated with longer operation time and higher workload. Instruments with better maneuverability should be developed in the future for LESS.
Therapeutic Relationship Between Male Nursing Students and Female Patients
Authors: Chan Zenobia C. Y. , Chan Vera W. S. , Tse Judy K. M.
Published: November 2013

This article explores the therapeutic relationship between male nursing students and female patients, through the use of autobiography in a qualitative approach. For this study, 18 male nursing students enrolled in master’s and bachelor’s programs in Hong Kong were recruited. They were asked to make records in a diary and draw pictures of their therapeutic relationship with female patients from their clinical experiences and then participate in a focus group interview. Content analysis was carried out on the collected data. The essential factors influencing the development of a therapeutic relationship were found to be gender, symbolic meanings, and career features. Good experiences were also discussed. The results shed light on the experiences of male nursing students and how they make sense of their therapeutic relationship with female patients.
We say: ‘. . .’, they say: ‘. . .’: How plant science experts draw on reported dialogue to shelve user concerns
Authors: Mogendorff Karen , te Molder Hedwig , van Woerkum Cees , Gremmen Bart
Published: November 2013

This study aims to increase insight into the uses of experts’ references to physically absent technology users in government-funded plant science. A discursive psychological analysis of expert board meetings shows that experts invoke various forms of reported dialogue/thoughts and dispositional statements when problems with technology and with program funding are discussed. Forms of reported dialogue serve to demonstrate that experts engage in dialogue with users, understand and are reasonable about users’ concerns, and that the content of user concerns does not agree with expert views. Dispositional statements allow users’ feelings rather than users’ knowledge to be acknowledged as relevant. By establishing that user concerns contrast with expert concerns in type and content and by not discussing how users’ feelings may be incorporated into technology, experts shelve user concerns. This practice may hinder the development of user-friendly technologies.
Complications following volar locking plate fixation for distal radial fractures: a systematic review
Authors: Bentohami A. , de Burlet K. , de Korte N. , van den Bekerom M. P. J. , Goslings J. C. , Schep N. W. L.
Published: November 2013

The purpose of this systematic review is to assess the prevalence of complications following volar locking plate fixation of distal radial fractures. A computer-based search was carried out using EMBASE and PUBMED/MEDLINE. Only prospective comparative and prospective cohort studies that presented data concerning complications after treatment of distal radial fractures with a volar locking plate in human adults with a minimal follow-up of 6 months were included. Two quality assessment tools were used to assess the methodological quality of the studies (level of evidence rating according to the Oxford Centre of Evidence Based Medicine and the modified version of the Cochrane Bone, Joint and Muscle Trauma Group’s former quality assessment tool).

Thirty three studies were eligible for final assessment. Most complications were problems with nerve and tendon function as well as complex regional pain syndrome. With an overall complication rate of 16.5%, most of which were ‘minor’ complications and low rates of nonunion and malunion, volar locking plate fixation can be considered a reasonably safe treatment option for patients with distal radial fractures.
Antibiotic resistance in pediatric urology
Authors: Edlin Rachel S. , Copp Hillary L.
Published: November 2013

Antibiotics are a mainstay in the treatment of bacterial infections, though their use is a primary risk factor for the development of antibiotic resistance. Antibiotic resistance is a growing problem in pediatric urology as demonstrated by increased uropathogen resistance. Lack of urine testing, nonselective use of prophylaxis, and poor empiric prescribing practices exacerbate this problem. This article reviews antibiotic utilization in pediatric urology with emphasis on modifiable practice patterns to potentially help mitigate the growing rates of antibiotic resistance. This includes urine testing to only treat when indicated and tailor broad-spectrum therapy as able; selective application of antibiotic prophylaxis to patients with high-grade vesicoureteral reflux and hydronephrosis with counseling regarding the importance of compliance; and using local antiobiograms, particularly pediatric-specific antiobiograms, with inpatient versus outpatient data.
The Importance of Supervisor Support for Effective Hotel Employees
Authors: Karatepe Osman M.
Published: November 2013

Supervisors’ support of employees promotes job embeddedness, which in turn encourages such essential job outcomes as effective employee performance and reduced employee turnover. The empirical research model tested in this study found that job embeddedness mediates the relationship between supervisor support and such organizationally valued job outcomes as service recovery performance, job performance, and turnover intentions. Data were obtained from 212 full-time frontline hotel employees and their immediate supervisors in four upscale hotels in Cameroon. By taking two surveys a month apart, the study could begin to assess the effects of job embeddedness on voluntary turnover. The chief implication for the hotel industry is that supervisors need to be given the tools to encourage and assist their employees. In addition, the hotel can establish human resource policies that give employees a chance to work as teams and become even more embedded in the organization.
Artificial neural network modelling to predict hot deformation behaviour of as HIPed FGH4169 superalloy
Authors: Yao C. G. , Wang B. , Yi D. Q. , Wang B. , Ding X. F.
Published: November 2013

The hot deformation behaviour of as HIPed FGH4169 superalloy was studied by single stroke compression test on MMS-200 test machine at the temperatures of 950–1050°C and the strain rates of 0·004–10 s−1. Based on the experimental results, a back-propagation artificial neural network model and constitutive equation method were established to predict the flow stress of FGH4169 superalloy. The predictability of two different models was compared. The correlation coefficients of experimental and predicted flow stress with the trained BP ANN model and constitutive equation were 0·9995 and 0·9808 respectively. The average root mean square error (RMSE) values of the trained ANN model and constitutive equation are 0·39 and 2·21 MPa respectively. And the average absolute relative error (AARE) values of the trained ANN model and constitutive equation are 1·79 and 7·47% respectively. The results showed that the ANN model is an effective tool to predict the flow stress in comparison with constitutive equation.
VEGFD regulates blood vascular development by modulating SOX18 activity
Authors: Duong Tam , Koltowska Katarzyna , Pichol-Thievend Cathy , Le Guen Ludovic , Fontaine Frank , Smith Kelly A. , Truong Vy , Skoczylas Renae , Stacker Steven A. , Achen Marc G. , Koopman Peter , Hogan Benjamin M. , Francois Mathias
Published: November 2013

Key Points

Haploinsufficiency of Sox18 reveals an important role for VEGFD in regulating blood vascular development in vivo in vertebrates. VEGFD acts through mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase–extracellular signal-regulated kinase to modulate the activity and nuclear concentration of endothelial-specific transcription factor SOX18.
An enhanced International Prognostic Index (NCCN-IPI) for patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma treated in the rituximab era
Authors: Zhou Zheng , Sehn Laurie H. , Rademaker Alfred W. , Gordon Leo I. , LaCasce Ann S. , Crosby-Thompson Allison , Vanderplas Ann , Zelenetz Andrew D. , Abel Gregory A. , Rodriguez Maria A. , Nademanee Auayporn , Kaminski Mark S. , Czuczman Myron S. , Millenson Michael , Niland Joyce , Gascoyne Randy D. , Connors Joseph M. , Friedberg Jonathan W. , Winter Jane N.
Published: November 2013

Key Points

The clinically based NCCN-IPI is a robust prognostic tool for the rituximab era that better discriminates low- and high-risk DLBCL patients compared with the IPI. The NCCN-IPI outperforms the IPI by refined categorization of age and LDH, and the identification of disease involvement at specific extranodal sites.
Optimal bounds for the Neuman-Sándor mean in terms of the first Seiffert and quadratic means
Authors: Gong Wei-Ming , Shen Xu-Hui , Chu Yu-Ming
Published: November 2013

In this paper, we find the least value α and the greatest value β such that the double inequality

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The Krüppel-like factor 2 and Krüppel-like factor 4 genes interact to maintain endothelial integrity in mouse embryonic vasculogenesis
Authors: Chiplunkar Aditi R , Curtis Benjamin C , Eades Gabriel L , Kane Megan S , Fox Sean J , Haar Jack L , Lloyd Joyce A
Published: November 2013

Background

Krüppel-like Factor 2 (KLF2) plays an important role in vessel maturation during embryonic development. In adult mice, KLF2 regulates expression of the tight junction protein occludin, which may allow KLF2 to maintain vascular integrity. Adult tamoxifen-inducible Krüppel-like Factor 4 (KLF4) knockout mice have thickened arterial intima following vascular injury. The role of KLF4, and the possible overlapping functions of KLF2 and KLF4, in the developing vasculature are not well-studied.

Results

Endothelial breaks are observed in a major vessel, the primary head vein (PHV), in KLF2-/-KLF4-/- embryos at E9.5. KLF2-/-KLF4-/- embryos die by E10.5, which is earlier than either single knockout. Gross hemorrhaging of multiple vessels may be the cause of death. E9.5 KLF2-/-KLF4+/- embryos do not exhibit gross hemorrhaging, but cross-sections display disruptions of the endothelial cell layer of the PHV, and these embryos generally also die by E10.5. Electron micrographs confirm that there are gaps in the PHV endothelial layer in E9.5 KLF2-/-KLF4-/- embryos, and show that the endothelial cells are abnormally bulbous compared to KLF2-/- and wild-type (WT). The amount of endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase (eNOS) mRNA, which encodes an endothelial regulator, is reduced by 10-fold in E9.5 KLF2-/-KLF4-/- compared to KLF2-/- and WT embryos. VEGFR2, an eNOS inducer, and occludin, a tight junction protein, gene expression are also reduced in E9.5 KLF2-/-KLF4-/- compared to KLF2-/- and WT embryos.

Conclusions

This study begins to define the roles of KLF2 and KLF4 in the embryonic development of blood vessels. It indicates that the two genes interact to maintain an intact endothelial layer. KLF2 and KLF4 positively regulate the eNOS, VEGFR2 and occludin genes. Down-regulation of these genes in KLF2-/-KLF4-/- embryos may result in the observed loss of vascular integrity.
The E3 ubiquitin ligases β-TrCP and FBXW7 cooperatively mediates GSK3-dependent Mcl-1 degradation induced by the Akt inhibitor API-1, resulting in apoptosis
Authors: Ren Hui , Koo Junghui , Guan Baoxiang , Yue Ping , Deng Xingming , Chen Mingwei , Khuri Fadlo R , Sun Shi-Yong
Published: November 2013

Background

The novel Akt inhibitor, API-1, induces apoptosis through undefined mechanisms. The current study focuses on revealing the mechanisms by which API-1 induces apoptosis.

Results

API-1 rapidly and potently reduced the levels of Mcl-1 primarily in API-1-senstive lung cancer cell lines. Ectopic expression of Mcl-1 protected cells from induction of apoptosis by API-1. API-1 treatment decreased the half-life of Mcl-1, whereas inhibition of the proteasome with MG132 rescued Mcl-1 reduction induced by API-1. API-1 decreased Mcl-1 levels accompanied with a rapid increase in Mcl-1 phosphorylation (S159/T163). Moreover, inhibition of GSK3 inhibited Mcl-1 phosphorylation and reduction induced by API-1 and antagonized the effect of API-1 on induction of apoptosis. Knockdown of either FBXW7 or β-TrCP alone, both of which are E3 ubiquitin ligases involved in Mcl-1 degradation, only partially rescued Mcl-1 reduction induced by API-1. However, double knockdown of both E3 ubiquitin ligases enhanced the rescue of API-1-induced Mcl-1 reduction.

Conclusions

API-1 induces GSK3-dependent, β-TrCP- and FBXW7-mediated Mcl-1 degradation, resulting in induction of apoptosis.
Drug users in Hanoi, Vietnam: factors associated with membership in community-based drug user groups
Authors: Hayes-Larson Eleanor , Grau Lauretta E , Khoshnood Kaveh , Barbour Russell , Khuat Oanh Thi Hai , Heimer Robert
Published: November 2013

Background

A syndemic conjoins injection drug use, incarceration, and HIV in Vietnam, where there is a need for programs that empower people who use drugs to minimize the harms thereby produced. Here we present a post-hoc evaluation of the organizing efforts of the Centre for Supporting Community Development Initiatives (SCDI) with two community-based drug user groups (CBGs) in Hanoi.

Methods

Members (n = 188) of the CBGs were compared to non-member peers (n = 184) on demographic, psychosocial, behavioral and knowledge variables using a face-to-face structured interview that focused on issues of quality of life and harm reduction. Bivariate analyses were conducted, and variables significantly associated with membership at p < 0.10 were included in a multivariate model.

Results

Variables associated with membership in the CBGs in the multivariate model included increased self-efficacy to get drug-related health care (OR 1.59, 1.24-2.04), increased quality of life in the psychological (OR 2.04, 1.07-3.93) and environmental (OR 2.54, 1.31-4.93) domains, and greater history of interactions with police about drugs (OR 3.15, 1.79-5.52). There was little difference between members and non-members on injection-related harms except in the domain of knowledge about opioid overdose. Among the 114 current injectors (30.6% of the sample), low rates of unsafe injection practices were reported, and low statistical power limited the ability to conclusively assess association with membership.

Conclusions

Although the CBG members displayed higher levels of well-being and access to healthcare than non-members, further longitudinal study is required to determine if these are a result of membership. The CBGs should pay more attention towards meeting challenges in responding to specific health issues of those who continue to use drugs including HIV, hepatitis, and drug overdose.
Aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 expression in primary and metastatic renal cell carcinoma: an immunohistochemistry study
Authors: Abourbih Samuel , Sircar Kanishka , Tanguay Simon , Kassouf Wassim , Aprikian Armen , Mansure Jose , Brimo Fadi
Published: November 2013

Background

ALDH1 has been shown to be a cancer stem cell marker, and its expression correlates with prognosis in a number of malignancies. We aimed to evaluate the expression of ALDH1 in a cohort of primary and metastatic RCC specimens, and to correlate expression with pathological outcomes such as tumor stage and grade, and clinical outcomes such as progression free survival.

Methods

Three tissue microarrays were constructed from 244 RCC specimens, taken from 1985 to 2006. Samples were stained using an ALDH1 monoclonal antibody and expression was quantified by degree of staining. Membrane and cytoplasm staining were considered separately. A retrospective chart review enabled correlation with clinical outcomes.

Results

ALDH1 expression did not vary significantly based on tumor stage (P = 0.6274) or grade (P = 0.1666). ALDH1 showed significantly more membranous expression in clear cell RCC versus other subtypes (P < 0.0001), as well as in the primary setting compared to metastases (P = 0.0216). In terms of progression free survival, no significant differences were seen based on ALDH1 expression levels. In a subanalysis of clear cell tumors, ALDH1 membranous expression was decreased in tumors of higher stage (P = 0.0233).

Conclusions

ALDH1 may be useful in characterizing RCC tumors as clear cell subtype. However, unlike in other malignancies, ALDH1 may not be useful in prognosticating renal cancers. The clinical significance of decreased ALDH1 expression in the high stage and metastatic setting remains to be determined in further investigations.
CNT@TiO2 nanohybrids for high-performance anode of lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Wen Zhenhai , Ci Suqin , Mao Shun , Cui Shumao , He Zhen , Chen Junhong
Published: November 2013

This work describes a potential anode material for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), namely, anatase TiO2 nanoparticle-decorated carbon nanotubes (CNTs@TiO2). The electrochemical properties of CNTs@TiO2 were thoroughly investigated using various electrochemical techniques, including cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, galvanostatic cycling, and rate experiments. It was revealed that compared with pure TiO2 nanoparticles and CNTs alone, the CNT@TiO2 nanohybrids offered superior rate capability and achieved better cycling performance when used as anodes of LIBs. The CNT@TiO2 nanohybrids exhibited a cycling stability with high reversible capacity of about 190 mAh g-1 after 120 cycles at a current density of 100 mA g-1 and an excellent rate capability (up to 100 mAh g-1 at a current density of 1,000 mA g-1).
Dynamics of a class of neutral three neurons network with delay
Authors: Liu Ming , Zhang Chunrui , Xu Xiaofeng
Published: November 2013

In this paper, a class of neutral neural networks with delays is investigated. The linear stability of the model is studied. It is found that a Hopf bifurcation also occurs when some delays pass through a sequence of critical values. The direction of the Hopf bifurcations and the stability of bifurcating periodic solutions are determined by using the normal form method and center manifold theory. The existence of a permanent oscillation is established using Chafee’s criterion. Numerical simulations are performed to support the analytical results.
On oscillation of second-order neutral dynamic equations
Authors: Ji Tao , Tang Shuhong , Thandapani Ethiraju
Published: November 2013

Assuming

∫

t
0

∞

Δ
t

r

1
/
γ

(
t
)

<
∞
,

a new oscillation criterion for a half-linear second-order neutral dynamic equation

(
r
(
t
)

(

(
x
(
t
)
+
p
(
t
)
x
(
t
−
τ
)
)

Δ

)

γ

)

Δ

+
q
(
t
)
|
x
(
t
−
δ
)

|

γ
−
1

x
(
t
−
δ
)
=
0

is presented. An interesting example is provided to show that the delayed function

δ
(
t
)
=
t
−
δ

plays an important role in the oscillatory behavior.

MSC:34K11, 34N05, 39A10.
Toll-like receptor 4 signaling in trigeminal ganglion neurons contributes tongue-referred pain associated with tooth pulp inflammation
Authors: Ohara Kinuyo , Shimizu Kohei , Matsuura Shingo , Ogiso Bunnai , Omagari Daisuke , Asano Masatake , Tsuboi Yoshiyuki , Shinoda Masamichi , Iwata Koichi
Published: November 2013

Background

The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the mechanisms underlying tongue-referred pain associated with tooth pulp inflammation.

Method

Using mechanical and temperature stimulation following dental surgery, we have demonstrated that dental inflammation and hyperalgesia correlates with increased immunohistochemical staining of neurons for TLR4 and HSP70.

Results

Mechanical or heat hyperalgesia significantly enhanced in the ipsilateral tongue at 1 to 9 days after complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA) application to the left lower molar tooth pulp compared with that of sham-treated or vehicle-applied rats. The number of fluorogold (FG)-labeled TLR4-immunoreactive (IR) cells was significantly larger in CFA-applied rats compared with sham-treated or vehicle-applied rats to the molar tooth. The number of heat shock protein (Hsp) 70-IR neurons in trigeminal ganglion (TG) was significantly increased on day 3 after CFA application compared with sham-treated or vehicle-applied rats to the molar tooth. About 9.2% of TG neurons were labeled with DiI applied to the molar tooth and FG injected into the tongue, and 15.4% of TG neurons were labeled with FG injected into the tongue and Alexa-labeled Hsp70-IR applied to the tooth. Three days after Hsp70 or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) application to the tooth in naive rats, mechanical or heat hyperalgesia was significantly enhanced compared with that of saline-applied rats. Following successive LPS-RS, an antagonist of TLR4, administration to the TG for 3 days, the enhanced mechanical or heat hyperalgesia was significantly reversed compared with that of saline-injected rats. Noxious mechanical responses of TG neurons innervating the tongue were significantly higher in CFA-applied rats compare with sham rats to the tooth. Hsp70 mRNA levels of the tooth pulp and TG were not different between CFA-applied rats and sham rats.

Conclusions

The present findings indicate that Hsp70 transported from the tooth pulp to TG neurons or expressed in TG neurons is released from TG neurons innervating inflamed tooth pulp, and is taken by TG neurons innervating the tongue, suggesting that the Hsp70-TLR4 signaling in TG plays a pivotal role in tongue-referred pain associated with tooth pulp inflammation.
Ethnobotanical assessment of plant resources of Banda Daud Shah, District Karak, Pakistan
Authors: Murad Waheed , Azizullah Azizullah , Adnan Muhammad , Tariq Akash , Khan Kalim Ullah , Waheed Saqib , Ahmad Ashfaq
Published: November 2013

Background

The Indigenous knowledge of plants is scientifically and culturally very significant. This paper elucidates the empirical findings of an ethnobotanical survey of Banda Daud Shah, District Karak, Pakistan.

Methods

Data collection was carried out from October 2011 to September 2012. Total twelve survey trips were made, three in each season. About 100 respondents were interviewed; most of them were aged people between 60–70 years. Interviews were conducted using structured questionnaire composed of variety of questions regarding ethnomedicinal uses of plants of the study area. Direct matrix ranking (DMR), informant citations and market survey of multipurpose plants were also carried out.

Results

The local community was using 58 plant species belonging to 52 genera and 34 families for different purposes. A total of 25 plant species were herbs followed by 18 shrubs. Leaf (45%) was the most commonly used plant part followed by the whole plants (23%). In total, 40 plant species were medicinally used to treat variety of diseases, of which highest number of species being used for gastro-intestinal problems (19 spp.), expectorant (3 spp.) and antipyretic (3 spp.). Beside medicinal values, 25 species were used for fuel and 18 for fodder purposes. Informant consensus showed that gastrointestinal and respiratory infections were ranked highest (FIC = 0.75) among all ailments. According to DMR output, Dalbergia sisso ranked first due to high multipurpose uses among all species and was found most threatened with higher market value.

Conclusion

The investigated area is rural in nature and the inhabitants are highly dependent on the native plants for their health care needs and other requirements like fuel wood and fodder due to financial constraints and unavailability of resources. Medicinal plants for high ranked diseases may be phtyochemicaly and pharmacologically investigated to prove their efficacy. The local medicinal flora is facing overexploitation, overgrazing and improper way of collection. Proper conservation strategies such as controlled grazing, reforestation and rangeland management among many others may be adopted to promote the sustainable use of medicinal plants.
Cryptococcus spp. isolation from excreta of pigeons (Columba livia) in and around Monterrey, Mexico
Authors: Canónico-González Yolanda , Adame-Rodríguez Juan Manuel , Mercado-Hernández Roberto , Aréchiga-Carvajal Elva Teresa
Published: November 2013

The presence of Cryptococcus spp. has been reported in Mexico’s capital city; however, to our knowledge there are no reports of its presence in the state of Nuevo León located in northeast Mexico. This is presumed to be because the hot and dry climate in this region does not favor cryptococcal proliferation. This study confirmed the presence of C. neoformans and C. albidus in 20% (10/50) of randomly selected fecal samples of pigeons (Columba livia) in the Monterrey metropolitan area. The presence of this yeast in the state of Nuevo León is proof of its adaptation to the typically hot climate of the area and is consistent with recent reviews of cryptococcosis cases in several local hospitals. The two species were identified and characterized through microbiological tests and molecular identification by DNA extraction and PCR amplification of highly conserved 18S ribosomal DNA using ITS1 and ITS2 as target regions. The PCR products were sequenced and compared with those reported in GenBank.
High Glucose Exposure Promotes Activation of Protein Phosphatase 2A in Rodent Islets and INS-1 832/13 β-Cells by Increasing the Posttranslational Carboxylmethylation of Its Catalytic Subunit
Authors: Arora Daleep K. , Machhadieh Baker , Matti Andrea , Wadzinski Brian E. , Ramanadham Sasanka , Kowluru Anjaneyulu
Published: November 2013

Existing evidence implicates regulatory roles for protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) in a variety of cellular functions, including cytoskeletal remodeling, hormone secretion, and apoptosis. We report here activation of PP2A in normal rat islets and insulin-secreting INS-1 832/13 cells under the duress of hyperglycemic (HG) conditions. Small interfering RNA-mediated knockdown of the catalytic subunit of PP2A (PP2Ac) markedly attenuated glucose-induced activation of PP2A. HG, but not nonmetabolizable 3-O-methyl glucose or mannitol (osmotic control), significantly stimulated the methylation of PP2Ac at its C-terminal Leu-309, suggesting a novel role for this posttranslational modification in glucose-induced activation of PP2A. Moreover, knockdown of the cytosolic leucine carboxymethyl transferase 1 (LCMT1), which carboxymethylates PP2Ac, significantly attenuated PP2A activation under HG conditions. In addition, HG conditions, but not 3-O-methyl glucose or mannitol, markedly increased the expression of LCMT1. Furthermore, HG conditions significantly increased the expression of B55α, a regulatory subunit of PP2A, which has been implicated in islet dysfunction under conditions of oxidative stress and diabetes. Thapsigargin, a known inducer of endoplasmic reticulum stress, failed to exert any discernible effects on the carboxymethylation of PP2Ac, expression of LCMT1 and B55α, or PP2A activity, suggesting no clear role for endoplasmic reticulum stress in HG-induced activation of PP2A. Based on these findings, we conclude that exposure of the islet β-cell to HG leads to accelerated PP2A signaling pathway, leading to loss in glucose-induced insulin secretion.
Screen for abnormal mitochondrial phenotypes in mouse ES cells identifies model for Succinyl-CoA Ligase deficiency and mtDNA depletion
Authors: Donti Taraka R. , Stromberger Carmen , Ge Ming , Eldin Karen W. , Craigen William J. , Graham Brett H.
Published: November 2013

Mutations in subunits of Succinyl-CoA Synthetase/Ligase (SCS), a component of the citric acid cycle, are associated with mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, elevation of methylmalonic acid (MMA), and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) depletion. While performing a FACS-based retroviral-mediated gene trap mutagenesis screen in mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells for abnormal mitochondrial phenotypes, a gene trap allele of Sucla2 (Sucla2SAβgeo) has been isolated in mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells and used to generate transgenic animals. Sucla2 encodes the ADP-specific β subunit isoform of SCS. Sucla2SAβgeo homozygotes exhibit recessive lethality, with most mutants dying late in gestation (e18.5). Mutant placenta and embryonic (e17.5) brain, heart and muscle show varying degrees of mtDNA depletion (20-60%), while there is no mtDNA depletion in mutant liver, where the gene is not normally expressed. Elevated levels of MMA are observed in embryonic brain. SCS deficient mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) demonstrate a 50% reduction in mtDNA content compared to wild type MEFs. The mtDNA depletion results in reduced steady state levels of mtDNA encoded proteins and multiple respiratory chain deficiencies, while mtDNA content can be restored by reintroduction of Sucla2. This mouse model of SCS deficiency and mtDNA depletion promises to provide insights into the pathogenesis of mitochondrial diseases with mtDNA depletion and into the biology of mtDNA maintenance. In addition, this report demonstrates the power of a genetic screen that combines gene trap mutagenesis and FACS analysis in mouse ES cells to identify mitochondrial phenotypes and to develop animal models of mitochondrial dysfunction.