bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Creatio ex nihiloin Palestinian Judaism and Early Christianity
Authors: Bockmuehl Markus
Published: July 2012

Recent decades have witnessed a near-consensus of critical opinion (1) that the idea of God's creation of matter ‘out of nothing’ is not affirmed in scripture, but instead (2) originated in a second-century Christian reaction against Gnosticism's convictions about matter as evil and creation as the work of an inferior Demiurge. (3) Judaism's interest, by contrast, was generally deemed late and philosophically derivative or epiphenomenal upon Christian ideas. This essay re-examines all three convictions with particular reference to the biblical creation accounts in Palestinian Jewish reception. After highlighting certain interpretative features in the ancient versions of Genesis 1, this study explores the reception of such ideas in texts like the Dead Sea Scrolls and early rabbinic literature. It is clear that the typically cited proof texts from biblical or deutero-canonical books indeed do not yield clear confirmation of the doctrine they have sometimes been said to prove. Genesis was understood even in antiquity to be somewhat ambiguous on this point, and merely to say that creation gave shape to formlessness need not entail anycreatio ex nihilo. This much seems uncontroversial. Nevertheless, closer examination also shows that the Scrolls and the rabbis do consistently affirm Israel's God as the creator ofallthings, explicitly including matter itself. Graeco-Roman antiquity axiomatically accepted that ‘nothing comes from nothing’, which also meant the pre-existence of matter. To be sure, the conceptual terminology of ‘nothingness’ came relatively late to Christians, and even later to Jews. Yet the substantive concern for God's free creation of the world without recourse to pre-existing matter is repeatedly affirmed in pre-Christian Jewish texts, and constitutes perhaps the single most important building block for the emergence of an explicit doctrine of ‘creation out of nothing’. In its Jewish and Christian origins, therefore, the idea ofcreatio ex nihiloaffirms creation's comprehensive contingency on the Creator's sovereignty and freedom. This in fact is a point which has been rightly and repeatedly accented in both historic and modern Christian theology on this subject (e.g. by K. Barth and E. Brunner, J. Moltmann and C. Gunton). Well before its explicit articulation in dialogue with Hellenistic philosophy, the doctrine of God's creation of all matter was rooted in biblical texts and their Jewish interpretation, which in turn came to be refined and enriched through Christian–Jewish dialogue and controversy.
Shallow sublittoral ecosystems in the Inner Hebrides
Authors: Mitchell R. , Earll R. C. , Dipper F. A.
Published: July 2012

Synopsis

Rapid advances in scientific SCUBA diving have provided a means of investigating the previously difficult ground of the shallow sublittoral. Dhing surveys of the Inner Hebridean islands have been promoted and coordinated by the Nature Conservancy Council (NCC) and the Underwater Conservation Society (UCS) to provide appropriate data for reviewing the marine nature conservation importance of the area. Although the surveys have been extensive rather than intensive, and many areas have yet to be investigated, a short preliminary descriptive account of the communities of the shallow seas of the Inner Hebrides is presented in this paper.

The classification and description of sublittoral habitats is essentially related to the substratum type and the influence of water movement and light penetration. Although the diversity of habitat types is probably less for the Inner Hebrides than either the outer islands or the mainland, the larger islands show a range of exposure from the sheltered mud of sea lochs to wave- and tide-exposed bedrock. The juxtaposition of three marine biogeographical regions around the British Isles is reflected in the biota of the Inner Hebrides. In addition to the typical ‘Scottish’ sublittoral biota there is an associated assemblage of south-western species, and a number of northern species at their south-western limit. In many areas the diversity of the biota is reduced by the intense grazing of the sea urchin Echinus esculentus, a notably Scottish phenomenon.
Go With Your Gut!
Authors: De Houwer Jan , Tucker Smith Colin
Published: July 2012

The Affective Misattribution Procedure (AMP) is one of the leading examples of a class of tasks used to measure attitudes implicitly. Based on the idea that AMP effects occur because participants misattribute affective responses, we hypothesized that asking participants to focus on their affective, gut-level responses would increase the magnitude of AMP eaffects. In line with this prediction, results showed that participants who completed the AMP while “going with their gut” revealed AMP effects that were much larger than for participants who completed the AMP with standard instructions. This result supports the prevailing model of the AMP as being related to affective misattribution, and reveals a straightforward way to increase effect sizes in the AMP.
What lies beneath: natural products from marine organisms as nuclear receptor modulators
Authors: McEwan Iain J.
Published: July 2012

The marine environment has long been known to be species-rich and to be a source of molecules with interesting and beneficial biochemical and clinical properties. However, despite some notable successes the potential of the ‘marine pipeline’ has yet to be fully realized. Recent studies involving members of the nuclear receptor superfamily illustrate the chemical richness of molecules from marine species and helps to re-emphasize the translational possibilities of natural products in drug discovery. In this issue of the Biochemical Journal Wang et al. describe the identification and characterization of such a compound, an agonist for the retinoic acid receptor isolated from the sponges Luffariella sp. and Fascaplysinopsis.
Effects of body positions on the saddle on pedalling technique for cyclists and triathletes
Authors: Bini Rodrigo Rico , Hume Patria A. , Lanferdini Fabio J. , Vaz Marco A.
Published: July 2012

Cyclists usually change their body position on the saddle depending on the characteristics of the race. We compared the effects of cycling at three body positions on the saddle (preferred/self‐selected, most forward, most backward) on pedalling technique for cyclists and triathletes. Twelve cyclists and nine triathletes performed four trials starting with the maximal aerobic workload, followed by three trials at the workload of their ventilatory threshold. Force applied on the right pedal via an instrumented pedal, lower limb kinematics via video and muscle activation via electromyography were recorded during all trials. Pedalling technique was quantified using total force applied on the pedal, pedal force effectiveness, activation of six lower limb muscles, joint angles and mechanical work at the ankle, knee and hip joints. Analyses using effect sizes showed no large effects from changes in position on the saddle for pedal forces, ankle joint work and ankle kinematics. There were large increases in knee joint angle and mechanical work and rectus femoris activation along with smaller hip work at the forward position on the saddle. Differences between cyclists and triathletes were not substantial. Effects of changes in saddle positions were limited to the hip and knee joints.
Oxford Handbook of Clinical Pathology
Authors: Carton James
Published: July 2012

The Oxford Handbook of Clinical Pathology is an accessible and easy-to-use resource, which explains the pathology behind important and common diseases relevant to the whole range of medical and surgical specialties.
Cardiac pathology
Authors: Carton James
Published: July 2012

Congenital heart disease 40

Angina pectoris 42

Unstable angina 43

Non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction 44

ST-elevation myocardial infarction 46

Left ventricular failure 48

Right ventricular failure 50

Valvular heart disease 51

Cardiomyopathies 52

Infective endocarditis 53

Myocarditis 54

Pericarditis 55

• Most common type of congenital heart disease
(CHD)....
Gastrointestinal pathology
Authors: Carton James
Published: July 2012

Gastrointestinal malformations 84

Oral cavity diseases 86

Salivary gland diseases 87

Oesophagitis 88

Oesophageal polyps and nodules 89

Oesophageal carcinoma 90

Gastritis 92

Gastric polyps 93

Gastric carcinoma 94

Gastrointestinal stromal tumours 96

Peptic duodenitis 97

Coeliac disease 98

Small bowel infarction 99

Intestinal infections ...
Pancreatic pathology
Authors: Carton James
Published: July 2012

Pancreatic malformations 132

Acute pancreatitis 133

Chronic pancreatitis 134

Pancreatic ductal carcinoma 135

Pancreatic endocrine tumours 136

Pancreatic cystic tumours 138

Acinar cell carcinoma 139

• Common developmental anomaly in which pancreatic
tissue is located outside the usual position of the pancreas.

• The duodenum is the most common site, but it can
be seen in the jejunum and ileum and within a Meckel's diverticulum (...
Intravascular Catheter-Related Infections
Authors: Wilson John W. , Estes Lynn L.
Published: July 2012

• Catheter cultures should be performed only if a catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) is suspected. Do NOT obtain routine or surveillance blood cultures through catheters.

• Always draw peripheral and blood cultures through the catheter lumen before starting empiric antimicrobial therapy.

A definite diagnosis of CRBSI requires one of the following:
...
Soft Tissue Infections: Nontoxigenic
Authors: Wilson John W. , Estes Lynn L.
Published: July 2012

(See also section on Soft Tissue Infections: Necrotizing or Toxigenic, pages 206-209.)

• Diagnosis is largely based on history and physical examination.

• Recurrent cellulitis is common (≥20% of patients).

• Leukocytosis may or may not be found.

• Blood cultures have low yields (about 2–4%)....
Nontuberculosis Mycobacterial Infections
Authors: Wilson John W. , Estes Lynn L.
Published: July 2012

•Group I (photochromogens): Produces pigment in light: Mycobacterium kansasii, M marinum, M simiae

•Group II (scotochromogens): Produces pigment in dark: M scrofulaceum, M szulgai, M xenopi, M gordonae

•Group III (nonphotochromogens): No pigment: M avium-intracellulare complex (MAC), M haemophilum, M ulcerans, M malmoense, M terrae...
Select Opportunistic Infections in Adult Patients With HIV
Authors: Wilson John W. , Estes Lynn L.
Published: July 2012

•Risk factors: Ubiquitous organism; CD4 count <200/mcL; chronic corticosteroid or other immunosuppressive drug therapy

•Clinical disease

• Exertional dyspnea, fever, nonproductive cough, and chest discomfort that gets worse over days to weeks

• Hypoxemia; chest radiographs vary (most commonly show diffuse bilateral, symmetrical interstitial infiltrate but may be relatively normal early in course and can have atypical presentation)...
Occupational Postexposure Prophylaxis and Management
Authors: Wilson John W. , Estes Lynn L.
Published: July 2012

• Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission risk is about 0.3% (about 1 in 300)

• About 0.1% after mucous membrane exposure

• <0.1% after exposure to abraded skin

• Hepatitis B virus (HBV) for nonvaccinated persons when blood from source is:

• HBsAg (hepatitis B surface antigen) positive ...
Tick-Borne Infections
Authors: Wilson John W. , Estes Lynn L.
Published: July 2012

Numerous species of ticks have been associated with transmission of infectious diseases to humans. Recognizing the type of tick and its geographic distribution can aid identification of select bacterial, viral, and protozoan infection risk assessment.

• Consists of the hard ticks that transmit nearly all tick-borne human diseases; 2–30 mm...
Hand evaluation of clothing fabrics from new biodegradable fibres
Authors: Grineviciute Diana , Krauledas Sigitas , Gutauskas Matas V.
Published: July 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to perform instrumental comparison of hand parameters of knitted fabrics produced from different biodegradable fibres and to analyze peculiarities of hand parameters' extent influenced by fabric structure and chemical softening.

Design/methodology/approach

The hand of five types of different biodegradable fabrics was evaluated. Experiments were performed using a method based on the principle of specimen biaxial punching deformation when a disc‐shaped specimen is extracted through a round nozzle. The Influence of fabric weave (terry and plain jersey) and finishing (padding with the silicone softener “Belfasin SI”) on the fabric hand was investigated.

Findings

Investigations have shown that weave type and finishing significantly influenced fabric hand properties. It was also stated that even tenuous differences between fabric parameters could be obtained by one numeral value of complex hand rate Q.

Practical implications

Experiments have shown that KTU–Griff–Tester is a simple, reliable instrumental device suitable to obtain quantitative information about fabric mechanical properties. Evaluation of finishing influence on a fabric hand could be precisely expressed by one parameter Q.

Originality/value

In the present research quantitative evaluation of new fabrics from biodegradable fibres hand was performed. Comparison between new biodegradable and traditional cotton fabrics has shown that new biodegradable fibres which are generally used for underwear, sportswear and for medical application are characterized by soft hand, as a result a good affinity with skin.
Prediction of Greek takeover targets via bootstrapping on mixed logit model
Authors: Tsagkanos Athanasios , Koumanakos Evangelos , Georgopoulos Antonios , Siriopoulos Costas
Published: July 2012

Purpose

The main purpose of this study is to examine the possibility of prediction of Greek takeover targets that belong to the industrial sector, emphasizing the econometric methodology and the prediction test.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a sample of 51 targets and 290 non‐targets exclusively from Greek industry over the period 1997‐2005. In order to achieve a better predictive accuracy the paper uses a new econometric methodology, the bootstrap mixed logit and different (more advanced) techniques of prediction test and choice of cutoff values.

Findings

The results exhibit that bootstrap mixed logit has significant and valuable predictive ability with respect to the classical conditional logit model. Furthermore, the predictive accuracy is higher than the results of other studies (e.g Palepu and Espahbodi and Espahbodi).

Originality/value

The main contribution of this study is the application of the bootstrap mixed logit in analyzing Greek takeovers. The results change the prediction variables as well as the determinants of the takeover target characteristics for the Greek industry. This is meaningful, not only for the investors that seek to increase the value of their fortune through acquisitions, but also for the managers that can detect if their firm might be considered a takeover target.
Direct listing for total hip replacement (THR) by primary care physiotherapists
Authors: Parfitt Nicola , Smeatham Alison , Timperley John , Hubble Matthew , Gie Graham
Published: July 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to show the results from a pioneering primary care‐based extended scope physiotherapist (ESP) led service, which placed patients directly onto the surgical waiting list of secondary care orthopaedic consultants over a two‐year period.

Design/methodology/approach

A retrospective data review was performed on all referrals from community‐based ESPs for direct listing at the secondary care hospital between 2 January 2008 and 31 December 2009.

Findings

A total of 130 referrals for direct listing were made by the ESP team during the two‐year period. Of these, 127 (98 per cent) went on to undergo a THR. Three patients (2 per cent) did not ultimately have a THR.

Research limitations/implications

This process has continued over the two years of the direct listing service, with ongoing evaluation and refinement of the pathway, so referral criteria and clinical/administrative pathways have been changed in the light of experience.

Practical implications

Patients who were directly listed did not require a hospital orthopaedic outpatient appointment until attendance at preoperative assessment clinic shortly before their surgery. In addition to the reduction in inconvenience and travelling costs incurred by patients, there was an approximate saving of £145 to the primary care trust per directly listed patient.

Originality/value

The authors believe that this service evaluation is the first publication to show that direct listing by primary care based ESPs is a safe and effective process for some patients requiring primary THR.
State Responses and Migrant Experiences with Human Smuggling: A Reality Check
Authors: van Liempt Ilse , Sersli Stephanie
Published: July 2012

Using Bigo's (2002) notion of “the governmentality of unease” this article reveals a shift in popular discourse around human smuggling in Western Europe and Canada since the 1990s towards increasing criminalization. To analyze this process of criminalization we have identified three recurring elements: boat arrivals; high fees and “bogus” asylum seekers; and the involvement of organized crime. The finding that smugglers today are generally perceived as “evil criminals” who undermine states' ability to manage migration and who need to be punished is contrasted with data derived from interviews with smuggled migrants in the Netherlands and Canada that offer an alternative, more socially embedded understanding of human smuggling. We posit that this reality check and a more nuanced understanding of human smuggling are needed for the protection of international migrants.
Penetration of faba bean sieve elements by pea aphid does not trigger forisome dispersal
Authors: Walker Gregory P. , Medina‐Ortega Karla J.
Published: July 2012

Immediately after their stylets penetrate a phloem sieve element, aphids inject saliva into the sieve element for approximately 30–60 s before they begin to ingest phloem sap. This salivation period is recorded as waveform E1 in electrical penetration graph (EPG) monitoring of aphid feeding behavior. It has been hypothesized that the function of this initial period of phloem salivation is to reverse or prevent plugging of the sieve element by one of the plant's phloem defenses: formation of P‐protein plugs or callose synthesis in the sieve pores that connect adjacent sieve elements. This hypothesis was tested using the pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), and faba bean, Vicia faba L. (Fabaceae), as a model system, and the results do not support the hypothesis. In legumes, such as faba bean, P‐protein plugs in sieve elements are formed by dispersal of proteinaceous bodies called forisomes. Contrary to the hypothesis, the great majority of sieve element penetrations by pea aphid stylets do not trigger forisome dispersal. Thirteen sieve elements were cryofixed early in phloem phase before the aphids could complete their salivation period and the forisomes were not dispersed in any of the 13 samples. However, in these samples, the aphids completed on average a little over half of their normal E1 salivation period before they were cryofixed. Thus, it is possible that sieve element penetration triggered forisome dispersal in these samples but the abbreviated period of salivation was still sufficient to reverse dispersal. To rule out this possibility, 17 sieve elements were cryofixed during R‐pds, which are an EPG waveform associated with sieve element penetration but without the characteristic E1 salivation that occurs during phloem phase. In 16 of the 17 samples, the forisomes were not dispersed. Thus, faba bean sieve elements usually do not form P‐protein plugs in response to penetration by pea aphid stylets. Consequently, the characteristic E1 salivation that occurs at the start of each phloem phase does not seem to be necessary to prevent a plugging response because penetration of sieve elements during R‐pds does not trigger forisome dispersal despite the absence of E1 salivation. Furthermore, as P‐protein plugs do not normally form in response to sieve element penetration, E1 salivation that occurs at the start of each phloem phase is not a response to development of a P‐protein plug. Thus, the E1 salivation period at the beginning of the phloem phase appears to have function(s) unrelated to phloem sealing.
Torque Neutrality for Active Steering Systems
Authors: Müller Jonas
Published: July 2012

This paper outlines a method for using an active steering system with two electrical actuators (one power-steering actuator and one superposition actuator) in order to manipulate the steering rack position without torque feedback to the steering wheel. To this effect, the power-steering actuator is used to implement a feed-forward control in order to compensate for the inertial effect introduced by the angle superposition. A rudimentary steering system model is used to derive the relevant transfer functions and assemble the control law for the superposition actuator. Experimental results of a research project at the BMW Group are included.
Analytic Approximations for Cooling Turbine Disks
Authors: El-Nahhas A.
Published: July 2012

In this paper, we use the homotopy analysis method as a tool to obtain analytic approximations to the nonlinear problem of the cooling of turbine disks with a non-Newtonian viscoelastic fluid. The application of this method is executed via a polynomial exponential basis. The effects on velocity and temperature profiles with variations of the cross viscosity parameter, the Reynolds number, and the Prandtl number are discussed. A comparison with corresponding results of the perturbation method is illustrated and also, as a result of application of the homotopy analysis method, an analytic evaluation for the Nusselt number compared to the perturbation method is achieved.
Feasibility study of a synchronized‐moving‐grid (SMOG) system to improve image quality in cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT)
Authors: Ren Lei , Yin Fang‐Fang , Chetty Indrin J. , Jaffray David A. , Jin Jian‐Yue
Published: July 2012

Purpose:

To evaluate the feasibility of asynchronized moving grid (SMOG) system to remove scatter artifacts, improve the contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR), and reduce image lag artifacts in cone‐beam CT (CBCT).

Methods:

The SMOG system proposed here uses a rapidly oscillating, synchronized moving grid attached to the kV source. Multiple partial projections are taken at different grid positions to form a complete projection in each gantry position, before the gantry moves to the next position during a scan. The grid has a low transmission factor, and it is used for both scatter reduction and scatter measurement for postscan scatter correction. Experimental studies using a static grid and an enlarged CATphan phantom were performed to evaluate the potential CNR enhancement for different SMOG exposure numbers (1, 2, and 4). Simulation studies were performed to evaluate the image lag correction for different exposure numbers (2, 3, and 4) and grid interspace widths in SMOG using the data from an anthropomorphic pelvis phantom scan. Imaging dose of SMOG was also estimated by measuring the imaging dose in a CIRS CT dose phantom using a static grid.

Results:

SMOG can enhance the CNR by 16% and 13% when increasing exposure number from 1 to 2 and from 2 to 4, respectively. This enhancement was more dramatic for larger phantoms and smaller initial exposure numbers. Simulation results indicated that SMOG could reduce the lag to less than 4.3% for 2‐exposure mode and to less than 0.8% for 3‐exposure mode when the grid interspace width was 1.4 cm. Increasing the number of exposures in SMOG dramatically reduced the residual lag in the image. Reducing the grid interspace width somewhat reduced the residual lag. Skin line artifacts were removed entirely in SMOG. Point dose measurement showed that imaging dose of SMOG at isocenter was similar as that of a conventional CBCT.

Conclusions:

Compared to our previously developed static‐grid dual‐rotation method, the proposed SMOG technique has the advantages of enhancing the CNR, correcting the image lag, and reducing the delivery time. Once implemented, SMOG has the potential to remove scatter and image lag artifacts, and significantly enhance CNR for CBCT using the same scanning time as conventional CBCT.
Draft Genome Sequence of Ureibacillus thermosphaericus Strain Thermo-BF, Isolated from Ramsar Hot Springs in Iran
Authors: Abbasalizadeh Saeed , Salehi Jouzani Gholamreza , Motamedi Juibari Mehraneh , Azarbaijani Reza , Parsa Yeganeh Laleh , Ahmad Raji Mana , Mardi Mohsen , Hosseini Salekdeh Ghasem
Published: July 2012

Ureibacillus thermosphaericus
strain Thermo-BF is an aerobic, thermophilic bacillus which has been characterized to biosynthesize gold nanoparticles. Here we present the draft genome sequence of
Ureibacillus thermosphaericus
strain Thermo-BF which consists of a 2,864,162-bp chromosome. This is the first report of a shotgun sequenced draft genome of a species in the
Ureibacillus
genus.
Role of histone deacetylase 2 in epigenetics and cellular senescence: implications in lung inflammaging and COPD
Authors: Yao Hongwei , Rahman Irfan
Published: July 2012

Histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2) is a class I histone deacetylase that regulates various cellular processes, such as cell cycle, senescence, proliferation, differentiation, development, apoptosis, and glucocorticoid function in inhibiting inflammatory response. HDAC2 has been shown to protect against DNA damage response and cellular senescence/premature aging via an epigenetic mechanism in response to oxidative stress. These phenomena are observed in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). HDAC2 is posttranslationally modified by oxidative/carbonyl stress imposed by cigarette smoke and oxidants, leading to its reduction via an ubiquitination-proteasome dependent degradation in lungs of patients with COPD. In this perspective, we have discussed the role of HDAC2 posttranslational modifications and its role in regulation of inflammation, histone/DNA epigenetic modifications, DNA damage response, and cellular senescence, particularly in inflammaging, and during the development of COPD. We have also discussed the potential directions for future translational research avenues in modulating lung inflammaging and cellular senescence based on epigenetic chromatin modifications in diseases associated with increased oxidative stress.
Inhibition of allergic inflammation by supplementation with 5-hydroxytryptophan
Authors: Abdala-Valencia Hiam , Berdnikovs Sergejs , McCary Christine A. , Urick Daniela , Mahadevia Riti , Marchese Michelle E. , Swartz Kelsey , Wright Lakiea , Mutlu Gökhan M. , Cook-Mills Joan M.
Published: July 2012

Clinical reports indicate that patients with allergy/asthma commonly have associated symptoms of anxiety/depression. Anxiety/depression can be reduced by 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) supplementation. However, it is not known whether 5-HTP reduces allergic inflammation. Therefore, we determined whether 5-HTP supplementation reduces allergic inflammation. We also determined whether 5-HTP decreases passage of leukocytes through the endothelial barrier by regulating endothelial cell function. For these studies, C57BL/6 mice were supplemented with 5-HTP, treated with ovalbumin fraction V (OVA), house dust mite (HDM) extract, or IL-4, and examined for allergic lung inflammation and OVA-induced airway responsiveness. To determine whether 5-HTP reduces leukocyte or eosinophil transendothelial migration, endothelial cells were pretreated with 5-HTP, washed and then used in an in vitro transendothelial migration assay under laminar flow. Interestingly, 5-HTP reduced allergic lung inflammation by 70–90% and reduced antigen-induced airway responsiveness without affecting body weight, blood eosinophils, cytokines, or chemokines. 5-HTP reduced allergen-induced transglutaminase 2 (TG2) expression and serotonylation (serotonin conjugation to proteins) in lung endothelial cells. Consistent with the regulation of endothelial serotonylation in vivo, in vitro pretreatment of endothelial cells with 5-HTP reduced TNF-α-induced endothelial cell serotonylation and reduced leukocyte transendothelial migration. Furthermore, eosinophil and leukocyte transendothelial migration was reduced by inhibitors of transglutaminase and by inhibition of endothelial cell serotonin synthesis, suggesting that endothelial cell serotonylation is key for leukocyte transendothelial migration. In summary, 5-HTP supplementation inhibits endothelial serotonylation, leukocyte recruitment, and allergic inflammation. These data identify novel potential targets for intervention in allergy/asthma.
VtaA8 and VtaA9 from Haemophilus parasuis delay phagocytosis by alveolar macrophages
Authors: Costa-Hurtado Mar , Ballester Maria , Galofré-Milà Nuria , Darji Ayub , Aragon Virginia
Published: July 2012

Haemophilus parasuis, a member of the family Pasteurellaceae, is a common inhabitant of the upper respiratory tract of healthy pigs and the etiological agent of Glässer’s disease. As other virulent Pasteurellaceae, H. parasuis can prevent phagocytosis, but the bacterial factors involved in this virulence mechanism are not known. In order to identify genes involved in phagocytosis resistance, we constructed a genomic library of the highly virulent reference strain Nagasaki and clones were selected by increased survival after incubation with porcine alveolar macrophages (PAM). Two clones containing two virulent-associated trimeric autotransporter (VtaA) genes, vtaA8 and vtaA9, respectively, were selected by this method. A reduction in the interaction of the two clones with the macrophages was detected by flow cytometry. Monoclonal antibodies were produced and used to demonstrate the presence of these proteins on the bacterial surface of the corresponding clone, and on the H. parasuis phagocytosis-resistant strain PC4-6P. The effect of VtaA8 and VtaA9 in the trafficking of the bacteria through the endocytic pathway was examined by fluorescence microscopy and a delay was detected in the localization of the vtaA8 and vtaA9 clones in acidic compartments. These results are compatible with a partial inhibition of the routing of the bacteria via the degradative phagosome. Finally, antibodies against a common epitope in VtaA8 and VtaA9 were opsonic and promoted phagocytosis of the phagocytosis-resistant strain PC4-6P by PAM. Taken together, these results indicate that VtaA8 and VtaA9 are surface proteins that play a role in phagocytosis resistance of H. parasuis.
Increased risk of cancer in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A retrospective cohort study in China
Authors: Zhang Pian-Hong , Chen Zhong-Wen , Lv Duo , Xu Yu-Yang , Gu Wei-Ling , Zhang Xu-Hui , Le Yuan-Luo , Zhu Hong-hong , Zhu Yi-Min
Published: July 2012

Background

Previous studies indicated that type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) might be associated with the risk of cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between T2DM and the risk of developing common cancers in a Chinese population.

Methods

A population-based retrospective cohort study was carried out in the Nan-Hu district of Jiaxing city, Zhejiang province, China. The incidence of cancer cases among type 2 diabetic patients were identified through record-linkage of the Diabetic Surveillance and Registry Database with the Cancer Database from January 2002 to June 2008. The standardized incidence ratio (SIR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were estimated for the risk of cancer among the patients with type 2 diabetes.

Results

The overall incidence of cancer was 1083.6 per 105 subjects in male T2DM patients and 870.2 per 105 in females. Increased risk of developing cancer was found in both male and female T2DM patients with an SIR of 1.331 (95% CI = 1.143-1.518) and 1.737 (1.478-1.997), respectively. As for cancer subtypes, both male and female T2DM patients had a significantly increased risk of pancreatic cancer with the SIRs of 2.973 (1.73-4.21) and 2.687 (1.445-3.928), respectively. Elevated risk of liver and kidney cancers was only found in male T2DM patients with SIRs of 1.538 (1.005-2.072) and 4.091 (1.418-6.764), respectively. Increased risks of developing breast cancer [2.209 (1.487-2.93)] and leukemia SIR: [4.167 (1.584- 6.749) ] were found in female patients.

Conclusions

These findings indicated that patients with T2DM have an increased risk of developing cancer. Additional cancer screening should be employed in the management of patients with T2DM.
Production of aqueous spherical gold nanoparticles using conventional ultrasonic bath
Authors: Lee Ji-Hwan , Choi Stephen U S , Jang Seok Pil , Lee Seoung Youn
Published: July 2012

A conventional ultrasonic bath was used to examine the feasibility of forming aqueous spherical gold nanoparticles (GNPs) under atmospheric conditions. The effects of ultrasonic energy on the size and morphology of GNPs were also investigated. Highly monodispersed spherical GNPs were successfully synthesised by sodium citrate reduction in a conventional ultrasonic bath, without an additional heater or magnetic stirrer, as evidenced by ultraviolet–visible spectra and transmission electron microscopy. Ultrasonic energy was shown to be a key parameter for producing spherical GNPs of tunable sizes (20 to 50 nm). A proposed scheme for understanding the role of ultrasonic energy in the formation and growth of GNPs was discussed. The simple single-step method using just a conventional ultrasonic bath as demonstrated in this study offers new opportunities in the production of aqueous suspensions of monodispersed spherical GNPs.
Can exhaled NO fraction predict radiotherapy-induced lung toxicity in lung cancer patients?
Authors: Enache Irina , Noel Georges , Jeung M-Young , Meyer Nicolas , Oswald-Mammosser Monique , Urban-Kraemer Emile , Schumacher Catherine , Geny Bernard , Quoix Elisabeth , Charloux Anne
Published: July 2012

Background

A large increase in nitric oxide fraction (FeNO) after radiotherapy (RT) for lung cancer may predict RT-induced lung toxicity.

Methods

In this study, we assessed the relationships between FeNO variations and respiratory symptoms, CT scan changes or dose volume histogram (DVH) parameters after RT. We measured FeNO before RT, 4, 5, 6, 10 weeks, 4 and 7.5 months after RT in 65 lung cancer patients.

Results

Eleven lung cancer patients (17%) complained of significant respiratory symptoms and 21 (31%) had radiation pneumonitis images in >1/3 of the irradiated lung after RT. Thirteen patients (20%) showed increases in FeNO >10 ppb. The sensitivity and specificity of a >10 ppb FeNO increase for the diagnosis of RT-associated respiratory symptoms were 18% and 83%, respectively. There was no correlation between DVH parameters or CT scan changes after RT and FeNO variations. Three patients (5%) showed intriguingly strong (2 or 3-fold, up to 55 ppb) and sustained increases in FeNO at 4 and 5 weeks, followed by significant respiratory symptoms and/or radiation-pneumonitis images.

Conclusion

Serial FeNO measurements during RT had a low ability to identify lung cancer patients who developed symptoms or images of radiation pneumonitis. However, three patients presented with a particular pattern which deserves to be investigated.
Effects of endotoxin on lactate metabolism in humans
Authors: Michaeli Burkhard , Martinez Alexandre , Revelly Jean-Pierre , Cayeux Marie-Christine , Chioléro René L , Tappy Luc , Berger Mette M
Published: July 2012

Introduction

Hyperlactatemia represents one prominent component of the metabolic response to sepsis. In critically ill patients, hyperlactatemia is related to the severity of the underlying condition. Both an increased production and a decreased utilization and clearance might be involved in this process, but their relative contribution remains unknown. The present study aimed at assessing systemic and muscle lactate production and systemic lactate clearance in healthy human volunteers, using intravenous endotoxin (LPS) challenge.

Methods

Fourteen healthy male volunteers were enrolled in 2 consecutive studies (n = 6 in trial 1 and n = 8 in trial 2). Each subject took part in one of two investigation days (LPS-day with endotoxin injection and placebo-day with saline injection) separated by one week at least and in a random order. In trial 1, their muscle lactate metabolism was monitored using microdialysis. In trial 2, their systemic lactate metabolism was monitored by means of a constant infusion of exogenous lactate. Energy metabolism was monitored by indirect calorimetry and glucose kinetics was measured with 6,6-H2 glucose.

Results

In both trials, LPS increased energy expenditure (p = 0.011), lipid oxidation (p<0.0001), and plasma lactate concentration (p = 0.016). In trial 1, lactate concentration in the muscle microdialysate was higher than in blood, indicating lactate production by muscles. This was, however, similar with and without LPS. In trial 2, calculated systemic lactate production increased after LPS (p = 0.031), while lactate clearance remained unchanged.

Conclusions

LPS administration increases lactatemia by increasing lactate production rather than by decreasing lactate clearance. Muscle is, however, unlikely to be a major contributor to this increase in lactate production.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01647997
Diagnostic accuracy of imaging modalities for suspected scaphoid fractures
Authors: Yin Z-G. , Zhang J-B. , Kan S-L. , Wang X-G.
Published: July 2012

Follow-up radiographs are usually used as the reference standard for the diagnosis of suspected scaphoid fractures. However, these are prone to errors in interpretation. We performed a meta-analysis of 30 clinical studies on the diagnosis of suspected scaphoid fractures, in which agreement data between any of follow-up radiographs, bone scintigraphy, magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, or CT could be obtained, and combined this with latent class analysis to infer the accuracy of these tests on the diagnosis of suspected scaphoid fractures in the absence of an established standard. The estimated sensitivity and specificity were respectively 91.1% and 99.8% for follow-up radiographs, 97.8% and 93.5% for bone scintigraphy, 97.7% and 99.8% for MRI, and 85.2% and 99.5% for CT. The results were generally robust in multiple sensitivity analyses. There was large between-study heterogeneity for the sensitivity of follow-up radiographs and CT, and imprecision about their sensitivity estimates.

If we acknowledge the lack of a reference standard for diagnosing suspected scaphoid fractures, MRI is the most accurate test; follow-up radiographs and CT may be less sensitive, and bone scintigraphy less specific.
Role of wild type p53 and double suicide genes in interventional therapy of liver cancer in rabbits
Authors: Niu Hong-xin , Du Tong , Xu Zhong-fa , Zhang Xi-kun , Wang Ruo-gu
Published: July 2012

PURPOSE: To investigate the feasibility of interventional lipiodol embolism and multigene therapy in combination with focal chemotherapy in the treatment of VX2 liver cancer in rabbits. METHODS: Forty five rabbits with cancer larger than 2cm in diameter were randomly divided into five groups (n=9 per group). In Group 1, animals were treated with 0.9% sodium chloride. In Group 2, animals received lipiodol embolism. In Group 3, animals received lipiodol embolism and p53 gene therapy. In Group 4, animals received lipiodol embolism and TK/CD gene therapy. In Group 5, animals received lipiodol embolism and p53 and TK/CD gene therapy. Ultrasonography and CT were performed before and at ten days after interventional therapy. RESULTS: The VX2 model of liver cancer was successfully established in rabbits and interventional therapy smoothly performed. At ten days after interventional therapy, significant difference in the tumor volume was noted among five groups (p<0.05) and different treatments could inhibit the cancer growth. The inhibition of cancer growth was the most evident in the Group 5. Factorial analysis revealed gene therapy with p53 or TK/CD and lipiodol embolism independently exert significantly inhibitory effect on cancer growth. In addition, the suppression on tumor growth rate was the most obvious in the Group 5. CONCLUSIONS: Combination of gene therapy with lipiodol embolism can effectively inhibit the cancer growth and prolong the survival time. These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of multigene therapy in combination with lipiodol embolism in the treatment of liver cancer.
Complete Calvarial Agenesis in Conjunction with a Tessier 1–13 Facial Cleft
Authors: Addona Tommaso , Friedman Ariella , Post Alexander , Weiss Nirit , Silver Lester , Taub Peter J.
Published: July 2012

Amniotic band sequence (ABS) is a condition in which rupture of the amniotic sac leads to the development of a broad spectrum of fetal anomalies. A newborn male presented at term with multiple craniofacial and skeletal anomalies, including attachment of the placenta to the head, a paramedian facial cleft, and multiple skeletal anomalies. The patient has undergone several operations to date. The initial operation was performed to remove the attached placenta off the underlying dura, which was with a collagen matrix bound to a silicone membrane. The patient subsequently underwent split-thickness skin grafting with complete survival of the graft.
Local and Circulating Levels of Adipocytokines in Obese and Normal Weight Individuals With Chronic Periodontitis
Authors: Zimmermann Glaucia Santos , Bastos Marta Ferreira , Dias Gonçalves Tiago Eduardo , Chambrone Leandro , Duarte Poliana Mendes
Published: July 2012

Background: The aim of this study is to evaluate the local and circulating levels of adipocytokines (resistin, adiponectin, leptin, tumor necrosis factor [TNF]‐α, and interleukin [IL]‐6) in individuals who are obese and individuals who are normal weight (NW) with chronic periodontitis (CP).

Methods: Periodontal and anthropometric examinations were performed. Based on these measurements, the individuals were divided into one of the following groups: NW non‐periodontitis (NP) (NWNP; n = 20); NWCP (n = 20); obese NP (ONP; n = 18); and obese CP (OCP; n = 20). The levels of adipocytokines were evaluated in the serum and gingival crevicular fluid of shallow and deep sites by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results: In serum, resistin levels were higher whereas adiponectin levels were lower in periodontitis than in NP groups (P <0.05). The NWNP group presented the lowest serum leptin levels (P <0.05). The ONP and OCP groups demonstrated higher TNF‐α levels in periodontal sites than the NWNP and NWCP groups (P <0.05). Serum levels of IL‐6 (P = 0.04) and leptin (P = 0.01) were correlated with the OCP group, with odds ratios of 0.99 (95% confidence interval [CI]: –0.01 to –0.00) and 0.99 (95% CI: −0.00 to −0.00), respectively.

Conclusions: Periodontitis mainly influenced the circulating levels of resistin and adiponectin, whereas both obesity and periodontitis affected the circulating levels of leptin in favor of proinflammation. In addition, obesity upregulated the local levels of TNF‐α.
Inhibitors for Proteins Endowed with Catalytic and Non-Catalytic Activity which Recognize pTyr
Authors: Costantino Luca , Barlocco Daniela
Published: July 2012

Reversible phosphorylation of Tyr residues in proteins plays a central role in the transduction of signals. For both SH2 domains and for protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) the phosphate group of phosphotyrosine (pTyr) of peptides provides a key affinity element, but its highly charged nature and its hydrolytic lability render it unsuitable in inhibitor design. The research in the recent years has been addressed to find pTyr bioisosters devoid of the phenylphosphate moiety and more potent inhibitors with less peptidic character. Several derivatives were prepared as pTyr bioisosters, and their activity appears to depend on the nature of the substrate, peptidic or low-molecular weight compounds, in which they are placed. In the field of PTPs, the research was mainly focused on new and selective PTP1B inhibitors, possibly useful in the treatment of Type 2 diabetes. The discovery of non-peptidic low molecular weight compounds able to inhibit PTP1B, by means of docking procedures and HTS screening, and the presence of secondary binding sites on PTP1B afforded new potent and selective inhibitors; several leads devoid of negative charges were also found. To date, however, few compounds have been tested In vivo and found to show a significant activity in diabetic mouse models. Other neutral compounds, mainly quinones, were found to inhibit CD45 and Cdc25. Several papers have appeared in recent years on the discovery of new Grb2, Src, Syk, and Lck SH2 domains binding antagonists. In this field very good inhibitors derived from high affinity peptides were found, with less peptidic character and with a reduced number of negative charges; however the presence of some negative charges, especially the one present on the pTyr bioisoster moiety, seems to be indispensable. As regards Grb2, Src and Lck SH2 domains, rigidification of the starting high affinity binding peptides afforded derivatives with improved affinity; cellular activity was achieved by modification of the side chains of these inhibitors.
1α,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 Modulates the Hair-Inductive Capacity of Dermal Papilla Cells: Therapeutic Potential for Hair Regeneration
Authors: Aoi Noriyuki , Inoue Keita , Chikanishi Toshihiro , Fujiki Ryoji , Yamamoto Hanako , Kato Harunosuke , Eto Hitomi , Doi Kentaro , Itami Satoshi , Kato Shigeaki , Yoshimura Kotaro
Published: July 2012

Dermal papilla cells (DPCs) have the potential to induce differentiation of epithelial stem cells into hair, and Wnt signaling is deeply involved in the initiation process. The functional limitation of expanded adult DPCs has been a difficult challenge for cell-based hair regrowth therapy. We previously reported that 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (VD3) upregulates expression of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β2 and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, both features of hair-inducing human DPCs (hDPCs). In this study, we further examined the effects and signaling pathways associated with VD3 actions on DPCs. VD3 suppressed hDPC proliferation in a dose-dependent, noncytotoxic manner. Among the Wnt-related genes investigated, Wnt10b expression was significantly upregulated by VD3 in hDPCs. Wnt10b upregulation, as well as upregulation of ALPL (ALP, liver/bone/kidney) and TGF-β2, by VD3 was specific in hDPCs and not detected in human dermal fibroblasts. Screening of paracrine or endocrine factors in the skin indicated that all-trans retinoic acid (atRA) upregulated Wnt10b gene expression, although synergistic upregulation (combined atRA and VD3) was not seen. RNA interference with vitamin D receptor (VDR) revealed that VD3 upregulation of Wnt10b, ALPL, and TGF-β2 was mediated through the genomic VDR pathway. In a rat model of de novo hair regeneration by murine DPC transplantation, pretreatment with VD3 significantly enhanced hair folliculogenesis. Specifically, a greater number of outgrowing hair shafts and higher maturation of regenerated follicles were observed. Together, these data suggest that VD3 may promote functional differentiation of DPCs and be useful in preserving the hair follicle-inductive capacity of cultured DPCs for hair regeneration therapies.