bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Attitude and behaviour change – it takes a generation
Authors: Russell Naomi , Taylor Jennifer
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to describe the work of the Children and Young People's Programme of Time to Change, which is England's biggest campaign to end the stigma and discrimination that surrounds mental health.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper draws upon research into the nature and effects of mental health stigma and discrimination on young people and also outlines the strategy of the Time to Change campaign and its initial outcomes.

Findings

– The paper includes testimonies from young people with lived experience of mental health problems about the stigma and discrimination they have faced. It also outlines the aims, objectives and stages of implementation of the Time to Change Children and Young People's Programme. The paper particularly focuses on the campaign work undertaken in secondary schools, the social leadership programme for young people with lived experience of mental health problems and the process of designing effective campaign messaging for social media.

Originality/value

– Time to Change is England's biggest campaign to end the stigma and discrimination that surrounds mental health. This paper provides a unique insight into the process of developing and rolling out an anti-stigma campaign for young people.
The Impact of Pillar II Funding: Validation from a Modelling and Evaluation Perspective
Authors: Schroeder Lilli Aline , Gocht Alexander , Britz Wolfgang
Published: November 2014

We extend the Common Agricultural Policy Regionalised Impact Modelling System (CAPRI) with a regional computational general equilibrium (CGE) model to estimate the effects of the Pillar II of the Common Agricultural Policy. Our aim is to assess the modeling approach by comparing the scenario results with observations from the evaluation reports for rural development, supplemented with expert interviews and findings from the literature. For this purpose, an ex‐post scenario is developed for Germany that models the effect of the Pillar II measures in 2006. We observe a moderate impact, namely, an increase in agricultural income (5%) and agricultural land use (0.15%), particularly grassland, and a substitution of arable land with grassland. This effect leads to a total increase in agricultural production, particularly of beef, and to an increase in total greenhouse gas emissions and total nitrogen surplus for Germany. Greenhouse gas emissions and nutrient surpluses per ha, however, are reduced. We observe that farm investment programmes displace private investment. The evaluation reports confirm the moderate impact and our major results, as does the comparison with other literature. However, the conclusions about agri‐environment measures and their impact on income differ. The most important difference between our results and the evaluation reports and majority of the present literature is that we also quantify the joint effect between the whole economy and policy measures, with some contradictory effects.
Henry Barrett: pioneer paediatric surgeon
Authors: Koea Jonathan B.
Published: November 2014

Background

Henry Barrett worked as a general surgeon in New Plymouth, New Zealand between 1939 and 1978. In this time, he made significant contributions to the development of paediatric surgery in New Zealand.

Methods

Henry Barrett's archive and personal papers remain in the possession of his family. These described his pioneering operations first hand.

Results

In an 18‐month period from 1947 to 1948, in New Plymouth small provincial hospital, Henry Barrett successfully completed the first primary repair of an oesophageal atresia with distal tracheoesophageal fistula in the Southern Hemisphere and the second and third successful ligations of patent ductus arteriosus in New Zealand. All three patients survived into adulthood.

Conclusion

Henry Barrett pioneered the undertaking of two complex paediatric surgical procedures in New Zealand. These operations were performed without specialist paediatric support at a time when procedures for these conditions, particularly patent ductus arteriosus, were viewed with suspicion.
SOUPies: an old(er) urban phenomenon
Authors: Campbell's Ben A , Baxters Don , Mitchell Don
Published: November 2014

Seeking to stir the pot a bit, we've identified an old(er) urban phenomenon: SOUPies. This is a preliminary paper. It does not cover everything from soup to nuts, but it does at least provide a taste – a soupçon, if you will – of why this heretofore unidentified urban phenomenon ought to take its place in any menu of geographical concepts.
Filipina domestic workers, violent insecurity, testimonial theatre and transnational ambivalence
Authors: Pratt Geraldine , Johnston Caleb
Published: November 2014

From conventional social scientific interview material, we have developed a testimonial play that focuses on the intimate violence of a state‐regulated temporary worker programme in Canada. Taking the play to the Philippines has raised questions about the contextuality of interpretation. How easily do our scholarly narratives travel between global north and south? How might we use our research to stage nuanced transnational conversations about issues that are experienced differently in different places?
Support to parents with cognitive limitations: parental abilities and social participation
Authors: Milot Élise , Turcotte Daniel , Tétreault Sylvie
Published: November 2014

Accessible summary

Some adults with cognitive limitations choose to become parents.

Parents with cognitive limitations can receive support to help them meet a child's needs.

Different types of support exist such as educational support.

The aim of this study was to explore the different types of support that parents with cognitive limitations might need.

In several countries, a growing number of adults with cognitive limitations decide to become parents. However, exercising this right requires the implementation of measures and services that foster their ability to assume parental responsibilities. This study presents results collected in an exploratory study documenting the type of support parents with cognitive limitations may need to play their parental role efficiently and be active members of their community. Data come from semi‐structured interviews conducted with 27 professionals and 9 parents with cognitive limitations. Nine types of support were identified from the data collected. Some issues associated with the delivery of such supports are discussed.
Allopurinol treatment improves renal function in patients with type 2 diabetes and asymptomatic hyperuricemia: 3‐year randomized parallel‐controlled study
Authors: Liu Peng , Chen Yingying , Wang Bin , Zhang Fengmei , Wang Debao , Wang Yangang
Published: November 2014

Objective

To investigate the effects of long‐term effective control of serum uric acid on renal function in patients with type 2 diabetes and asymptomatic hyperuricemia.

Methods

Application of randomized open parallel‐controlled methods, a total of 176 patients with type 2 diabetes and asymptomatic hyperuricemia were selected, and was randomly divided into two groups for allopurinol or conventional treatments, respectively. Changes in urinary albumin excretion rate (UAER), the levels of serum creatinine and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and the incidence of new‐onset diabetic nephropathy (DN) and hypertension in patients before and after 3 years of treatment were measured and compared between groups.

Results

There were no statistically significant difference in the baseline clinical characteristics of study participants between two treatment groups (P > 0·05 for all). After 3 years of treatment, compared to the conventional treatment, the allopurinol treatment was more effective in reducing serum uric acid, UAER, serum creatinine (P < 0·01 for all) and increasing GFR (P < 0·01). The intention‐to‐treat (ITT) analysis indicated that the incidence of new‐onset DN and hypertension in the allopurinol group showed a declining trend compared to that in the conventional treatment group, despite a lack of significant difference (P > 0·05).

Conclusion

Long‐term effective control of serum uric acid can decrease UAER and serum creatinine, increase GFR and may exert kidney protection effects in patients with type 2 diabetes and asymptomatic hyperuricemia.
Aortic stiffness increases in proportion to the severity of apnoea–hypopnea index in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome
Authors: Çörtük Mustafa , Akyol Selahattin , Baykan Ahmet O. , Kiraz Kemal , Uçar Hakan , Çaylı Murat , Kandiş Hayati
Published: November 2014

Background and Aims

Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSA) and aortic stiffness are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Although aortic stiffness increased in patients with OSA, the relationship between severity of OSA indicated with apnoea–hypopnea index (AHI) and aortic stiffness was not investigated in previous studies. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between the severity of OSA and aortic stiffness.

Methods

In the present study, 90 consecutive OSA patients definite diagnosed with sleep test were prospectively included (mean age 54.5 ± 11.6 years). Aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV) and augmentation index (AIx) were calculated using the single‐point method via the Mobil‐O‐Graph® ARCsolver algorithm. Aortic distensibility (AD) was calculated from the echocardiographically derived ascending aorta diameters and haemodynamic pressure measurements. Overnight full‐laboratory polysomnography examination was conducted on each subject. Patients were classified into two groups according to their median AHI values (AHIlow and AHIhigh groups).

Results

PWV values were higher and AD values were lower in AHIhigh group compared with AHIlow group (P < 0.05, for all). AHI was associated with body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure, pulse pressure, aortic diameter, AD, AIx and PWV in bivariate analysis (P < 0.05, for all). Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that AHI was independently associated with BMI (β = 0.175, P = 0.047), PWV (β = 0.521, P < 0.001) and aortic distensibility (β = −0.223, P = 0.020).

Conclusions

Aortic stiffness is associated both with the presence and the severity of OSA.
Absorption kinetics of low‐dose chewable aspirin – implications for acute coronary syndromes
Authors: Hobl Eva‐Luise , Schmid Rainer W. , Stimpfl Thomas , Ebner Josef , Jilma Bernd
Published: November 2014

Background

This study describes the implications of the pharmacokinetics of low‐dose chewable aspirin for acute coronary syndromes. Current guidelines recommend the administration of 162–325 mg aspirin chewing tablets for the treatment of acute myocardial infarction. Although aspirin is widely used and a cornerstone in myocardial infarction, there is no information available on the pharmacokinetics of low doses of chewable aspirin.

Materials and methods

This prospective trial assessed the pharmacokinetics of acetylsalicylic acid and its metabolite salicylic acid after intake of 162 mg chewable low‐dose aspirin in 35 healthy volunteers. Plasma drug and metabolite levels were analysed using high‐performance liquid chromatography, and corresponding pharmacodynamics were determined by impedance aggregometry.

Results

Acetylsalicylic acid was rapidly absorbed with a mean Tmax of 27 ± 8 min. Tmax of salicylic acid was 69 ± 21 min. Mean Cmax was 1·8 ± 0·6 mg/L and 7·6 ± 1·4 for acetylsalicylic acid and salicylic acid, respectively. Arachidonic acid‐induced aggregation showed maximum platelet inhibition 30 min after drug ingestion.

Conclusions

The characterization of the plasma–time profile fills the gap between the lack of data on pharmacokinetics and the pharmacodynamics and the recommendation for using low‐dose chewable aspirin for acute coronary syndromes. We describe for the first time that a 162‐mg dose of chewable aspirin is rapidly absorbed and achieves plasma concentrations of the active metabolite salicylic acid required to maximally inhibit platelet aggregation. However, a 162‐mg dose is truly a minimum, and doubling this dose might be better for patients with myocardial infarction.
Angiopoietins 1 and 2 in sputum supernatant of optimally treated asthmatics: the effect of smoking
Authors: Petta Vasiliki , Bakakos Petros , Tseliou Eleni , Kostikas Konstantinos , Simoes Davina C. M. , Konstantellou Elissavet , Hillas Georgios , Koulouris Nikolaos G. , Papiris Spyros , Loukides Stelios
Published: November 2014

Background

Angiopoietin‐1 (Ang‐1) is an essential mediator of angiogenesis by establishing vascular integrity, whereas angiopoietin‐2 (Ang‐2) acts as its natural inhibitor.

Objective

We aimed to determine the levels of angiopoietins in sputum supernatants of patients with optimally treated asthma and to investigate whether smoking represents a significant covariate on the above possible processes.

Methods

Eighty‐seven patients with asthma (42 smokers) and 28 healthy subjects (14 smokers) were studied. All subjects underwent lung function tests, bronchial hyper‐responsiveness assessment and sputum induction for cell count identification and measurement of Ang‐1, Ang‐2, vascular endothelial growth factor, TGF‐β1, MMP‐2, IL‐13, Eosinophilic cationic protein and IL‐8 in supernatants. Airway vascular permeability (AVP) index was also assessed.

Results

Ang‐1 (ng/mL) levels were significantly higher in patients with asthma compared to normal subjects. Smoking significantly increased Ang‐1 levels [median, interquartile ranges 24 (13–37) in smoking asthmatics vs 10 (7–14) in nonsmoking asthmatics vs 5·3 (3·7–6·5) and 4·6 (3·8–5·7) in healthy smokers and nonsmokers, respectively, P < 0·001]. Similar results were observed for Ang‐2 (pg/mL) [168 (132–203) vs 124 (82–152) vs 94 (78–113) vs 100 (96–108), respectively, P < 0·001]. Regression analysis in the whole study population showed a significant negative association for Ang‐1, with AVP index, and MMP‐2. Smoking was a significant covariate for both Ang‐1 and Ang‐2 in asthmatic patients.

Conclusions

Ang‐1 and Ang‐2 levels are upregulated in patients with optimally treated asthma. Our data support a possible role for smoking in the angiogenetic process in asthma.
Cryptic matters: overlooked species generate most butterfly beta‐diversity
Authors: Vodă Raluca , Dapporto Leonardo , Dincă Vlad , Vila Roger
Published: November 2014

The cryptic fraction of biodiversity is composed of morphologically similar species that are or have been overlooked by scientists. Although current research is increasingly documenting new cases, cryptic species are frequently ignored in large‐scale studies and monitoring programs, either because they have not yet been discovered, or because of the practical difficulties involved in differentiating them. However, it is unknown if this could represent a bias extending beyond the number of missed species. By analyzing the butterfly fauna of the west Mediterranean (335 species), we defined cryptic species based on the current consensus of the scientific community, compared their properties to other congeneric species and investigated the consequences of their inclusion/exclusion in beta‐diversity analyses. We show that, as defined, the cryptic fraction of butterfly diversity represents about 25% of the west Mediterranean fauna and is overwhelmingly composed by groups of species that are not sympatric. Our results show that co‐occurrence among cryptic species is significantly lower than among congeneric non‐cryptic species. Accordingly, albeit the frequency of cryptic species is homogenously distributed over the study area, their distribution pattern accounts for most beta‐diversity turnover over sea (from 50 to 100%). Beta‐diversity turnover, a direct measure of the frequency of species replacement from site to site, is recognized as a fundamental parameter in ecology and is widely used to detect biogeographic patterns. These findings represent a change of paradigm in showing that cryptic diversity comprises original qualitative aspects in addition to merely quantitative ones. This highlights the importance of differentiating cryptic species for various research fields and opens the door to the study of further potential particularities of cryptic diversity.
Immunophenotypic analysis of hematopoiesis in patients suffering from Shwachman–Bodian–Diamond Syndrome
Authors: Mercuri Angela , Cannata Elisa , Perbellini Omar , Cugno Chiara , Balter Rita , Zaccaron Ada , Tridello Gloria , Pizzolo Giovanni , De Bortoli Massimiliano , Krampera Mauro , Cipolli Marco , Cesaro Simone
Published: November 2014

Objectives

Shwachman–Diamond syndrome is a rare disorder characterized by exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, skeletal abnormalities, and bone marrow failure, with high risk of leukemic evolution. The aim of the study was the immunophenotypic characterization of bone marrow cells from patients with Shwachman–Diamond syndrome to assess the maturation pathway of blood progenitor cells and to identify the presence of recurrent abnormalities.

Methods

Bone marrow samples from nineteen patients and eleven controls were analyzed by multiparameter flow cytometry.

Results

We found a low frequency of CD34+ cells (P = 0.0179) and myeloid progenitors (P = 0.025), in the bone marrow of patients with Shwachman–Diamond syndrome as compared to the controls. A significant reduction in the percentage of granulocytes (P = 0.002) and an increase of monocytes (P < 0.001) were also evident in the bone marrow of patients.

Conclusions

On the basis of these observations, future prospective assessments may be useful to verify the contribution of bone marrow immunophenotype in the early identification of the evolution toward aplasia or myelodysplasia.
Editorial: Far from idle: Four ways in which growing knowledge of the ‘resting’ brain is transforming our understanding of the causes of childhood disorder
Authors: Sonuga‐Barke Edmund J.S.
Published: November 2014

Historians of science continue to debate the importance of individual inspiration and personal creativity as fuel in the engine of scientific progress. While true that, in general, scientific knowledge advances cautiously by careful experimentation, painstaking observation and the gradual accumulation of evidence occasionally a field of enquiry can be revolutionised by a single, perhaps simple, yet inspired and profound insight. Such breakthroughs are most likely to occur when an individual moves outside the intellectual tramlines that normally constrain scientific thinking, leaving them able to look at old evidence in new and original ways. The reception of such original insights by the research community varies considerably, of course. Some insights may be ‘too original’ – a step too far in what is normally an incremental journey of discovery. Some ideas, enthusiastically accepted initially, may burn out before making any real impression. Other ideas revolutionize a field – producing a cascade of hypotheses and lines of enquiry that lead to new discoveries which permanently change the scientific landscape. The issue of scientific creativity was very much in my mind when reading through the papers slated to appear in the current journal number. One article in particular, by Pannekoeke and colleagues on intrinsic brain organisation in depressed adolescents, initiated a chain of thought that led me to my focus for this editorial. A development that provides perhaps the most compelling recent example of the transformative power of individual inspiration in the field of cognitive neuroscience – a development which is also beginning to have profound implications for models of childhood mental disorders.
Health as a clinic‐epidemiological concept
Authors: Azevedo Marco Antonio
Published: November 2014

I propose a clinic‐epidemiological concept of health as the best description of what physicians actually think about health within medical practice. Its aim is to be an alternative to the best approach in the philosophy of medicine about health, Christopher Boorse's biostatistical theory. Contrary to Boorse's ‘theoretical’ approach, I propose to take health as a practical clinical concept. In the first two parts of the paper, I will present my complaints against Boorse's view that health is a theoretical concept, a ‘species normal functional ability’. I will claim that Boorse's view is actually a view on normal physiology. My claim is that health is best described as the state of absence of chronic diseases or disabilities (clinic‐epidemiologically associated with a morbimortality index higher than the risk of death, disease and disabilities for individuals of the same population group or reference class free of that chronic clinical conditions). Health, therefore, is not the mere absence of disease. Diseases that do not increase patients' morbimortality and disability indexes are not incompatible with health; after all, clinical health is compatible with appropriate health care and medical treatments.
What environmental transmission electron microscopy measures and how this links to diffusivity: thermodynamics versus kinetics
Authors: WALTHER T.
Published: November 2014

Environmental or in situ electron microscopy means the observation of material in its native environment, which can be gaseous or liquid, as compared to more traditional post‐mortem electron microscopy carried out under (ultra) high vacuum conditions. Experiments can be performed on bulk samples in scanning electron microscopes or on thinned samples in transmission (scanning) electron microscopes. In the latter, the movement, in real time and in situ, of nanoparticles, clusters or even single atoms on the surfaces of thinned material or within a liquid can be observed.

It is argued here that due to the changes that a specimen typically undergoes during in situ observation, electron irradiation effects are difficult to evaluate and so thermodynamic parameters, such as activation energies for diffusion and segregation, which are governed by movements of only a minority of atoms in the specimen, cannot be reliably determined because of the potentially high energy transfer by the irradiating electron beam to some atoms in the sample. In order to measure diffusivities reliably, radiation effects and surface diffusion need to be excluded or kept minimal so as not to disturb the measurements, which can be checked by repeating experiments and comparing results as function of time and dose for the same position, at different positions or for different specimen thicknesses.

Kinetic measurements of nucleation and growth phenomena, such as Ostwald ripening, are possibly influenced to a far lesser degree by irradiation effects, as a majority of atoms actively participate in these processes and if a small fraction of them will get extra energy from the irradiation process then their influence on the overall kinetics may be rather minor.
Unpacking the Dialectic: Alternative Views on the Discourse–Materiality Relationship
Authors: Putnam Linda L.
Published: November 2014

This paper extends the issues raised in this forum by highlighting assumptions and characteristics of the discourse–materiality relationship that appears in five explanatory frameworks, including the Foucauldian approach and the materiality–performativity perspective presented in the previous two papers. It argues for preserving the dialectical relationship between the two by holding the tensions between them in continual interplay. Using a dialectic lens, it overviews how each of the frameworks treats the point of entry, nature of the relationship, and management of these tensions.
Simultaneous immunolocalization of desmoglein 3 and IgG4 in oral pemphigus vulgaris: IgG4 predominant autoantibodies in its pathogenesis
Authors: Abé Tatsuya , Maruyama Satoshi , Babkair Hamzah , Yamazaki Manabu , Cheng Jun , Saku Takashi
Published: November 2014

Background

Oral pemphigus vulgaris (PV), an autoimmune blistering disease, is mainly mediated by autoantibodies against desmoglein (Dsg) 3. However, no attention has been paid to IgG subclasses of the autoantibodies against Dsg3 in the diagnostic procedure for PV. Thus, our aim in this study was to investigate whether Dsg3 and any of IgG subclasses are immunohistochemically colocalized in tissue sections of PV oral mucosa.

Materials and Methods

Serial sections cut from formalin‐fixed paraffin blocks of biopsy specimens of 9 PV cases and those of normal buccal mucosa surgically removed for fibro‐epithelial polyps were comparatively examined for immunohistochemical localizations for Dsg3, IgG4, and IgG.

Results

Dsg3 was demonstrated in a dot‐like pattern on the cell border and in the cytoplasm of the whole epithelial layer in both normal and PV specimens, while its staining was irregular among floating epithelial sheets of PV. IgG4 was also demonstrated in a punctuated fashion on the cell border among floating epithelial sheets, which was nearly identical to the immunohistochemical profile of Dsg3. In addition to being detected in the epithelial part, IgG4 signals were prominently localized in plasma cells scattered in the granulation tissue, where ratios of IgG4‐positive (+) plasma cells to IgG+ cells were extraordinarily higher (mean 28%) than those in normal mucosa.

Discussion

These findings confirmed for the first time that autoantibodies against Dsg3 are mainly composed of IgG4 in oral PV and that the combined immunohistochemistry for Dsg3 and IgG4 can be a valuable aid in confirming a histopathological diagnosis of PV.
The Thompson–Lyons transfer lemma for fusion systems
Authors: Lynd Justin
Published: November 2014

A generalization of the Thompson transfer lemma and its various extensions, most recently due to Lyons, is proved in the context of saturated fusion systems. A strengthening of Alperin's fusion theorem is also given in this setting, following Alperin's own ‘up and down’ fusion.
Elastic Energy of Surfaces and Residually Stressed Solids: An Energy Approach for the Mechanics of Nanostructures
Authors: Gao Xiang , Fang Daining
Published: November 2014

The surface energy plays a significant role in solids and structures at the small scales, and an explicit expression for surface energy is prerequisite for studying the nanostructures via energy methods. In this study, a general formula for surface energy at finite deformation is constructed, which has simple forms and clearly physical meanings. Next, the strain energy formulas both for isotropic and anisotropic surfaces under small deformation are derived. It is demonstrated that the surface elastic energy is also dependent on the nonlinear Green strain due to the impact of residual surface stress. Then, the strain energy formula for residually stressed elastic solids is given. These results are instrumental to the energy approach for nanomechanics. Finally, the proposed results are applied to investigate the elastic stability and natural frequency of nanowires. A deep analysis of these two examples reveals two length scales characterizing the significance of surface energy. One is the critical length of nanostructures for self-buckling; the other reflects the competition between residual surface stress and surface elasticity, indicating that the surface effect does not always strengthen the stiffness of nanostructures. These results are conducive to shed light on the importance of the residual surface stress and the initial stress in the bulk solids.
Cutaneous vasculitis overlap with acute generalised exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP)
Authors: Murad Aizuri , Murphy Annette
Published: November 2014

A man in his 40s developed a severe cutaneous adverse reaction following treatment of septic arthritis with flucloxacillin. The eruption had overlap features of cutaneous vasculitis and acute generalised exanthematous pustulosis which was complicated by renal and liver impairment. This case heightens the variation in presentation of a severe drug eruption.
Solitary thoracic osteochondroma presenting as Brown-Séquard syndrome
Authors: Ramdasi Raghvendra Vijayrao , Mahore Amit
Published: November 2014

We discuss a rare case of solitary osteochondroma arising from D2–D3 vertebrae presenting as Brown-Séquard syndrome (BSS) in a 28-year-old man following a fall. MRI revealed cord compression by an extradural ventrolateral tumour projecting into the spinal canal at D2–D3 level. Intraoperatively, it was found to be a bony tumour arising from the left of the D2 and D3 vertebral bodies, left pedicles and adjacent articular facets. The neurological deficits of the patient improved after the surgery.
Rubeosis iridis in patients with diabetes: not forgetting oculoischaemic syndrome as a differential
Authors: Niestrata-Ortiz Magdalena , Li Ji-Peng Olivia , Davies Nigel
Published: November 2014

This case illustrates an oculoischaemic syndrome presenting with iris neovascularisation in a patient with established diabetic retinopathy. It highlights the importance of considering the differential diagnosis of rubeosis in all patients, including those with an underlying vascular pathology. Moreover, it urges clinicians to consider the sequelae of a compromised vascular system, such as the iatrogenic central retinal artery occlusion as a result of intravitreal injections. Early diagnosis not only informs correct ophthalmic treatment, but is crucial in preventing ischaemic stroke and, therefore, reducing the risk of systemic morbidity and mortality.
Effects of a brief high-fat diet and acute exercise on the mTORC1 and IKK/NF-κB pathways in rat skeletal muscle
Authors: Castorena Carlos M. , Arias Edward B. , Sharma Naveen , Cartee Gregory D.
Published: November 2014

One exercise session can improve subsequent insulin-stimulated glucose uptake by skeletal muscle in healthy and insulin-resistant individuals. Our first aim was to determine whether a brief (2 weeks) high-fat diet (HFD) that caused muscle insulin resistance would activate the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) and/or inhibitor of κB kinase/nuclear factor κB (IKK/NF-κB) pathways, which are potentially linked to induction of insulin resistance. Our second aim was to determine whether acute exercise that improved insulin-stimulated glucose uptake by muscles would attenuate activation of these pathways. We compared HFD-fed rats with rats fed a low-fat diet (LFD). Some animals from each diet group were sedentary and others were studied 3 h postexercise, when insulin-stimulated glucose uptake was increased. The results did not provide evidence that brief HFD activated either the mTORC1 (including phosphorylation of mTORSer2448, TSC2Ser939, p70S6KThr412, and RPS6Ser235/236) or the IKK/NF-κB (including abundance of IκBα or phosphorylation of NF-κBSer536, IKKα/βSer177/181, and IκBSer32) pathway in insulin-resistant muscles. Exercise did not oppose the activation of either pathway, as evidenced by no attenuation of phosphorylation of key proteins in the IKK/NF-κB pathway (NF-κBSer536, IKKα/βSer177/181, and IκBSer32), unaltered IκBα abundance, and no attenuation of phosphorylation of key proteins in the mTORC1 pathway (mTORSer2448, TSC2Ser939, and RPS6Ser235/236). Instead, exercise induced greater phosphorylation of 2 proteins of the mTORC1 pathway (PRAS40Thr246and p70S6KThr412) in insulin-stimulated muscles, regardless of diet. Insulin resistance induced by a brief HFD was not attributable to greater activation of the mTORC1 or the IKK/NF-κB pathway in muscle, and exercise-induced improvement in insulin sensitivity was not attributable to attenuated activation of these pathways in muscle.
The CBS/CSE system: a potential therapeutic target in NAFLD?
Authors: Sarna Lindsei K. , Siow Yaw L. , O Karmin
Published: November 2014

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a broad spectrum liver disorder diagnosed in patients without a history of alcohol abuse. NAFLD is growing at alarming rates worldwide. Its pathogenesis is complex and incompletely understood. The cystathionine-β-synthase (CBS) and cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE) system regulates homocysteine and cysteine metabolism and contributes to endogenous hydrogen sulfide (H2S) biosynthesis. This review summarizes our current understanding of the hepatic CBS/CSE system, and for the first time, positions this system as a potential therapeutic target in NAFLD. As will be discussed, the CBS/CSE system is highly expressed and active in the liver. Its dysregulation, presenting as alterations in circulating homocysteine and (or) H2S levels, has been reported in NAFLD patients and in NAFLD-associated co-morbidities such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. Intricate links between the CBS/CSE system and a number of metabolic and stress related molecular mediators have also emerged. Various dysfunctions in the hepatic CBS/CSE system have been reported in animal models representative of each NAFLD spectrum. It is anticipated that a newfound appreciation for the hepatic CBS/CSE system will emerge that will improve our understanding of NAFLD pathogenesis, and give rise to new prospective targets for management of this disorder.
How important are environmental factors for the population structure of co-occurring scorpion species in a tropical forest?
Authors: Lira A.F.A. , Rego F.N.A.A. , Albuquerque C.M.R.
Published: November 2014

Understanding scorpion responses to environmental disturbances in forest remnants is important because, as generalist predators, they exert pressure on a wide variety of arthropod populations that contribute to forest health. In this study, we investigate the drivers of scorpion Tityus pusillus Pocock, 1893 and Ananteris mauryi Lourenço, 1982 abundance in 11 Brazilian Atlantic Forest remnants. Six environmental factors (litter dry mass, remnant area, leaf litter depth, diameter at breast height of tree, canopy openness, and tree density) were assessed. Field surveys were conducted at night using ultraviolet lamps. From a sample of 1125 captured specimens, approximately 90% were T. pusillus and 7% were A. mauryi. The abundance of T. pusillus, but not A. mauryi, was positively correlated with litter dry mass. Other variables had no effect on the abundance of either species. These results suggest differences in the response of the species to environmental factors on a smaller scale. Behavior difference in foraging between T. pusillus (sit-and-wait) and A. mauryi (wandering) and microhabitat selection may also contribute to explain the influence of litter dry mass on the abundance of T. pusillus but not on the abundance of A. mauryi.
Codynamics of Four Variables Involved in Dengue Transmission and Its Control by Community Intervention: A System of Four Difference Equations
Authors: Awerbuch-Friedlander T. , Levins Richard , Predescu M.
Published: November 2014

In the case of Dengue transmission and control, the interaction of nature and society is captured by a system of difference equations. For the purpose of studying the dynamics of these interactions, four variables involved in a Dengue epidemic, proportion of infected people (P), number of mosquitoes involved in transmission (M), mosquito habitats (H), and population awareness (A), are linked in a system of difference equations:Pn+1=aPn+1-e-iMn1-Pn,Mn+1=lMne-An+bHn1-e-Mn,Hn+1=cHn/(1+pAn)+1/(1+qAn), andAn+1=rAn+fPn,n=0,1,…. The constraints have socioecological meaning. The initial conditions are such that0≤P0≤1,  (M0,H0,A0)≥(0,0,0), the parametersl,a,c,r∈(0,1), and the parametersf,  i,  b, andpare positive. The paper is concerned with the analysis of solutions of the above system forp=q. We studied the global asymptotic stability of the degenerate equilibrium. We also propose extensions of the above model and some open problems. We explored the role of memory in community awareness by numerical simulations. When the memory parameter is large, the proportion of infected people decreases and stabilizes at zero. Below a critical point we observe periodic oscillations.
Rapid and Sensitive PCR-Dipstick DNA Chromatography for Multiplex Analysis of the Oral Microbiota
Authors: Tian Lingyang , Sato Takuichi , Niwa Kousuke , Kawase Mitsuo , Tanner Anne C. R. , Takahashi Nobuhiro
Published: November 2014

A complex of species has been associated with dental caries under the ecological hypothesis. This study aimed to develop a rapid, sensitive PCR-dipstick DNA chromatography assay that could be read by eye for multiplex and semiquantitative analysis of plaque bacteria. Parallel oligonucleotides were immobilized on a dipstick strip for multiplex analysis of target DNA sequences of the caries-associated bacteria,Streptococcus mutans,Streptococcus sobrinus,Scardovia wiggsiae,Actinomycesspecies, andVeillonella parvula. Streptavidin-coated blue-colored latex microspheres were to generate signal. Target DNA amplicons with an oligonucleotide-tagged terminus and a biotinylated terminus were coupled with latex beads through a streptavidin-biotin interaction and then hybridized with complementary oligonucleotides on the strip. The accumulation of captured latex beads on the test and control lines produced blue bands, enabling visual detection with the naked eye. The PCR-dipstick DNA chromatography detected quantities as low as 100 pg of DNA amplicons and demonstrated 10- to 1000-fold higher sensitivity than PCR-agarose gel electrophoresis, depending on the target bacterial species. Semiquantification of bacteria was performed by obtaining a series of chromatograms using serial 10-fold dilution of PCR-amplified DNA extracted from dental plaque samples. The assay time was less than 3 h. The semiquantification procedure revealed the relative amounts of each test species in dental plaque samples, indicating that this disposable device has great potential in analysis of microbial composition in the oral cavity and intestinal tract, as well as in point-of-care diagnosis of microbiota-associated diseases.
IL-1βand TNFαPromote Monocyte Viability through the Induction of GM-CSF Expression by Rheumatoid Arthritis Synovial Fibroblasts
Authors: Darrieutort-Laffite Christelle , Boutet Marie-Astrid , Chatelais Mathias , Brion Régis , Blanchard Frédéric , Heymann Dominique , Le Goff Benoit
Published: November 2014

Background. Macrophages and synovial fibroblasts (SF) are two major cells implicated in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). SF could be a source of cytokines and growth factors driving macrophages survival and activation. Here, we studied the effect of SF on monocyte viability and phenotype.Methods. SF were isolated from synovial tissue of RA patients and CD14+ cells were isolated from peripheral blood of healthy donors. SF conditioned media were collected after 24 hours of culture with or without stimulation with TNFαor IL-1β. Macrophages polarisation was studied by flow cytometry.Results. Conditioned medium from SF significantly increased monocytes viability by 60% compared to CD14+ cells cultured in medium alone(P<0.001). This effect was enhanced using conditioned media from IL-1βand TNFαstimulated SF. GM-CSF but not M-CSF nor IL34 blocking antibodies was able to significantly decrease monocyte viability by 30% when added to the conditioned media from IL-1βand TNFαstimulated SF(P<0.001). Finally, monocyte cultured in presence of SF conditioned media did not exhibit a specific M1 or M2 phenotype.Conclusion. Overall, rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts stimulated with proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1βand TNFα) promote monocyte viability via GM-CSF but do not induce a specific macrophage polarization.
Monte Carlo Simulation of the Echo Signals from Low-Flying Targets for Airborne Radar
Authors: Man Mingyuan , Lei Zhenya , Xie Yongjun , Chen Botao , Wang Qing
Published: November 2014

A demonstrated hybrid method based on the combination of half-space physical optics method (PO), graphical-electromagnetic computing (GRECO), and Monte Carlo method on echo signals from low-flying targets based on actual environment for airborne radar is presented in this paper. The half-space physical optics method , combined with the graphical-electromagnetic computing (GRECO) method to eliminate the shadow regions quickly and rebuild the target automatically, is employed to calculate the radar cross section (RCS) of the conductive targets in half space fast and accurately. The direct echo is computed based on the radar equation. The reflected paths from sea or ground surface cause multipath effects. In order to accurately obtain the echo signals, the phase factors are modified for fluctuations in multipath, and the statistical average value of the echo signals is obtained using the Monte Carlo method. A typical simulation is performed, and the numerical results show the accuracy of the proposed method.
Further Application ofH-Differentiability to Generalized Complementarity Problems Based on Generalized Fisher-Burmeister Functions
Authors: Gu Wei-Zhe , Tawhid Mohamed A.
Published: November 2014

We study nonsmooth generalized complementarity problems based on the generalized Fisher-Burmeister function and its generalizations, denoted by GCP(f,g) wherefandgareH-differentiable. We describeH-differentials of some GCP functions based on the generalized Fisher-Burmeister function and its generalizations, and their merit functions. Under appropriate conditions on theH-differentials offandg, we show that a local/global minimum of a merit function (or a “stationary point” of a merit function) is coincident with the solution of the given generalized complementarity problem. When specializing GCP(f,g)to the nonlinear complementarity problems, our results not only give new results but also extend/unify various similar results proved forC1, semismooth, and locally Lipschitzian.
A Comprehensive Review of Contemporary Role of Local Treatment of the Primary Tumor and/or the Metastases in Metastatic Prostate Cancer
Authors: Aoun Fouad , Peltier Alexandre , van Velthoven Roland
Published: November 2014

To provide an overview of the currently available literature regarding local control of primary tumor and oligometastases in metastatic prostate cancer and salvage lymph node dissection of clinical lymph node relapse after curative treatment of prostate cancer.Evidence Acquisition. A systematic literature search was conducted in 2014 to identify abstracts, original articles, review articles, research articles, and editorials relevant to the local control in metastatic prostate cancer.Evidence Synthesis. Local control of primary tumor in metastatic prostate cancer remains experimental with low level of evidence. The concept is supported by a growing body of genetic and molecular research as well as analogy with other cancers. There is only one retrospective observational population based study showing prolonged survival. To eradicate oligometastases, several options exist with excellent local control rates. Stereotactic body radiotherapy is safe, well tolerated, and efficacious treatment for lymph node and bone lesions. Both biochemical and clinical progression are slowed down with a median time to initiate ADT of 2 years. Salvage lymph node dissection is feasible in patients with clinical lymph node relapse after local curable treatment.Conclusion. Despite encouraging oncologic midterm results, a complete cure remains elusive in metastatic prostate cancer patients. Further advances in imaging are crucial in order to rapidly evolve beyond the proof of concept.
An Adaptive Approach to Solutions of Fredholm Integral Equations of the Second Kind
Authors: Korkmaz Nebiye , Güney Zekeriya
Published: November 2014

As an approach to approximate solutions of Fredholm integral equations of the second kind, adaptive hp-refinement is used firstly together with Galerkin method and with Sloan iteration method which is applied to Galerkin method solution. The linear hat functions and modified integrated Legendre polynomials are used as basis functions for the approximations. The most appropriate refinement is determined by an optimization problem given by Demkowicz, 2007. During the calculationsL2-projections of approximate solutions on four different meshes which could occur between coarse mesh and fine mesh are calculated. Depending on the error values, these procedures could be repeated consecutively or different meshes could be used in order to decrease the error values.
New Results in the Startpoint Theory for Quasipseudometric Spaces
Authors: Gaba Yaé Ulrich
Published: November 2014

We give two generalizations of Theorem 35 proved by Gaba (2014). More precisely, we change the structure of the contractive condition; namely, we introduce a function Φ instead of a simple constant c.
Influence of Adiposity-Related Genetic Markers in a Population of Saudi Arabians Where Other Variables Influencing Obesity May Be Reduced
Authors: Alharbi Khalid K. , Richardson Tom G. , Khan Imran Ali , Syed Rabbani , Mohammed Abdul Khader , Boustred Christopher R. , Gaunt Tom R. , Tamimi Waleed , Al-Daghri Nasser M. , Day Ian N. M.
Published: November 2014

Large scale studies in Europeans have clearly identified common polymorphism affecting BMI and obesity. We undertook a genotype study to examine the impact of variants, known to influence obesity, in a sample from the Saudi Arabian population, notable for its profound combination of low mean physical activity indices and high energy intake. Anthropometry measures and genotypes were obtained for 367 Saudis, taken from King Saud University and Biomarker Screening Project in Riyadh (Riyadh Cohort). We observed large effect sizes with obesity for rs10767664 (BDNF) (OR = 1.923,P=0.00072) and rs3751812 (FTO) (OR = 1.523,P=0.016) in our sample and, using weighted genetic risk scores, we found strong evidence of a cumulative effect using 11 SNPs taken predominantly from loci principally affecting appetite (OR = 2.57,P=0.00092). We used conditional analyses to discern which of our three highly correlatedFTOSNPs were responsible for the observed signal, although we were unable to determine with confidence which best marked the causal site. Our analysis indicates that markers located in loci known to influence fat mass through increased appetite affect obesity in Saudi Arabians to an extent possibly greater than in Europeans. Larger scale studies will be necessary to obtain a precise comparison.
Clinical Relevance of the Advanced Microbiologic and Biochemical Investigations in Periodontal Diagnosis: A Critical Analysis
Authors: Grover Vishakha , Kapoor Anoop , Malhotra Ranjan , Kaur Gagandeep
Published: November 2014

New approaches to periodontal diagnosis, including advanced microbiologic, biochemical, and genetic tests, have been shown to provide the clinician with the information not available by traditional means. The purpose of a diagnostic test is to confirm, exclude, classify, or monitor disease to guide treatment. Their clinical value depends on whether the information they provide leads to improved patient outcomes. This can be assessed by randomized trials, which compare patient outcomes from the new diagnostic test versus the old test strategy. Being nonmandatory for marketing approval, such trials are not always feasible because of large sample sizes requirements. So, many diagnostic tests enter the practice without being critically analysed for any additional benefits. Effective diagnosis is just as essential as the selection of effective treatments for the success of periodontal therapy. So, the current paper aims to focus on the practical utility of this rapidly emerging plethora of periodontal diagnostic tools, emphasizing the critical issues surrounding the clinical application of microbiologic and biochemical investigations, employed for periodontal diagnosis.