bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Telehealth for improved glycaemic control in patients with poorly controlled diabetes after acute hospitalization – a preliminary study in Singapore
Authors: Wai Leng Chow , Jundong Jiang , Li Wei Cho , Joo Pin Foo , Kwong Ming Fock , Chen Richard
Published: July 2014

We evaluated a disease management and education programme delivered via telephone support (TS) to patients with poorly controlled diabetes (HbA1c >7%). All eligible patients were invited to participate in the programme, which involved education on lifestyle modification and disease management delivered via three scheduled monthly calls by trained nurses. Patients who declined or could not be contacted acted as the controls (usual care, UC). A per protocol analysis was conducted using a mixed effect model for two subgroups with different baseline HbA1c levels (i.e. baseline HbA1c <8.0% and HbA1c ≥8.0%). A total of 2646 patients with diabetes were eligible for enrolment. Of these, 1391 participants had HbA1c measurements available. The study comprised 633 patients (46%) who completed the programme (TS), 598 (43%) who were not contactable or refused to participate at the first telephone call (UC) and 160 patients who dropped out. In the patients with HbA1c ≥8%, TS reduced the adjusted mean HbA1c by 0.38% ( P = 0.022) but the reduction in diabetes-related admissions (4.2% lower adjusted mean admission rate) was not significant. In patients with HbA1c <8%, TS had no additional effect on glycaemic control or diabetes-related admission. Telephone support appeared effective in improving glycaemic control in patients with poor diabetes control.
Task-modality and L1 use in EFL oral interaction
Authors: Azkarai Agurtzane , del Pilar García Mayo María
Published: July 2014

This study examines whether task-modality (speaking vs. speaking+writing) influences first language (L1) use in task-based English as a foreign language (EFL) learner–learner interaction. Research on the topic has shown that different task-modality triggers different learning opportunities with collaborative speaking tasks drawing learners’ attention to meaning and tasks that also incorporate a written component drawing attention more to formal linguistic aspects. Research has also shown that a balanced L1 use might be positive in learner–learner interaction, as it helps learners maintain their interest in the task and acts as a strategy to make difficult tasks more manageable. This article analyses L1 use and the functions it served during the oral interaction of 44 EFL Spanish learners while they completed four collaborative tasks: two speaking tasks (picture placement and picture differences) and two speaking+writing tasks (dictogloss and text editing). Findings point to a clear impact of task-modality on L1 use, as speaking+writing tasks made learners fall back on their L1 more frequently. L1 functions were also task dependent with grammar deliberations more frequent in speaking+writing tasks and vocabulary searches in speaking tasks.
The association between economic recession and public support for increased tobacco taxation in 27 European countries
Authors: Filippidis Filippos T , Agaku Israel T , Vardavas Constantine I , Majeed Azeem
Published: July 2014

Background: Increased taxation on tobacco products is an effective method of reducing tobacco use. This study assessed population support among respondents aged ≥15 years, from 27 European Union (EU) countries for increased taxation and other tobacco control measures during the 2009–2012 period. Methods: Nationally representative data were obtained from the 2009 (n=26,788) and 2012 (n=26,751) cross-sectional Eurobarometer surveys. Estimates were compared using chi-square statistics. The effect of the relative change in gross domestic product (GDP) on the change in support for increased taxation during 2009–2012 was calculated using the Pearson correlation coefficient and linear regression models. Results: Between 2009 and 2012, population support for increased taxes on tobacco products declined (56.1% to 53.2%; p<0.001). However, support for other tobacco control measures increased significantly. After adjusting for baseline GDP per capita (2009), a 10% increase in GDP per capita was associated with 4.5% increase in support of tax increases. When Latvia and Lithuania were excluded from the analyses (because of their marked deviation from the general trend), there was a strong correlation between the change in GDP and support for increased taxes (ρ=0.64; p<0.001). Also, after adjusting for baseline GDP, support for higher taxes on tobacco increased by 7.0% for every 10% increase in GDP between 2009 and 2012. Conclusions: Population support for tax increases declined in the EU between 2009 and 2012, especially in countries with declines in GDP. Nonetheless, public support for other tobacco control measures remains high, thus indicating a viable environment for more comprehensive tobacco control.
The physical environments and microbiological contamination in three different fitness centres and the participants’ expectations: Measurement and analysis
Authors: Onchang Rattapon , Panyakapo Mallika
Published: July 2014

In this study, a range of environmental and microbiological factors were measured at three different fitness centres in a tropical environment with contrasting ventilation regimes, including an air-conditioned indoor facility, an indoor facility with natural ventilation and an outdoor, open-air facility. A parallel questionnaire survey of the attitudes of the exercisers toward their fitness centre’s environment and hygiene was also conducted. Measurement results indicate that airborne inhalable particulate matter (PM10), air speed (AS), temperature and relative humidity (RH) were statistically different among the three fitness centres. There were also significant differences in the bacteria and fungi levels, in the air and on equipment surfaces, in the three centres. A strong negative association between AS and PM10 (R2 = –0.98) was observed at the air-conditioned indoor fitness centre. When the results of all three fitness centres were combined, the airborne microorganisms (bacteria and fungi) were positively correlated to AS and RH, while those on equipment surfaces were negatively correlated. Temperature was found to be significantly correlated to an increase in the numbers of all types of microorganisms studied, except on-equipment-surface fungi. The attitudinal survey indicated that the participants were less stressed during exercises in the air-conditioned fitness centre.
Mothers’ perceptions of support in the workplace: A sense of entitlement or resignation?
Authors: Walters Peter , Whitehouse Gillian
Published: July 2014

This article investigates mothers’ ‘sense of entitlement’ to workplace supports for family responsibilities. While ‘family-friendly’ workplace provisions have become more prevalent alongside the increasing labour force engagement of mothers, the notion of an ‘ideal worker’ unencumbered by family responsibilities continues to inform practice in many workplaces. Potential indicators of, and pressures for, change include employees’ sense of entitlement to provisions that challenge ideal-worker norms. Using a justice-based approach, our research sought accounts of a sense of entitlement to family-supportive arrangements among mothers working in relatively high-status occupations in Australia. We found a sense of injustice over the absence of family-supportive arrangements, but also a sense of resignation to barriers encountered and a tendency to interpret these as personal problems. Our findings suggest that considerable change is needed before effective work/family supports become part of Australian working parents’ normal expectations, and raise questions about the interventions needed to achieve such an outcome.
Psychological characteristics, eating behavior, and quality of life assessment of obese patients undergoing weight loss interventions
Authors: Miras A. D. , Al-Najim W. , Jackson S. N. , McGirr J. , Cotter L. , Tharakan G. , Vusirikala A. , le Roux C. W. , Prechtl C. G. , Scholtz S.
Published: July 2014

Background and Aims:

Bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment for obesity. However, not all patients have similar weight loss following surgery and many researchers have attributed this to different pre-operative psychological, eating behavior, or quality-of-life factors. The aim of this study was to determine whether there are any differences in these factors between patients electing to have bariatric surgery compared to less invasive non-surgical weight loss treatments, between patients choosing a particular bariatric surgery procedure, and to identify whether these factors predict weight loss after bariatric surgery.

Material and Methods:

This was a prospective study of 90 patients undergoing gastric bypass, vertical sleeve gastrectomy, or adjustable gastric banding and 36 patients undergoing pharmacotherapy or lifestyle interventions. All patients completed seven multi-factorial psychological, eating behavior, and quality-of-life questionnaires prior to choosing their weight loss treatment. Questionnaire scores, baseline body mass index, and percent weight loss at 1 year after surgical interventions were recorded.

Results and Conclusions:

Surgical patients were younger, had a higher body mass index, and obesity had a higher impact on their quality of life than on non-surgical patients, but they did not differ in the majority of eating behavior and psychological parameters studied. Patients opting for adjustable gastric banding surgery were more anxious, depressed, and had more problems with energy levels than those choosing vertical sleeve gastrectomy, and more work problems compared to those undergoing gastric bypass. Weight loss after bariatric surgery was predicted by pre-operative scores of dietary restraint, disinhibition, and pre-surgery energy levels. The results of this study generate a number of hypotheses that can be explored in future studies and accelerate the development of personalized weight loss treatments.
Facebook time: Technological and institutional affordances for media memories
Authors: Kaun Anne , Stiernstedt Fredrik
Published: July 2014

People are spending increasingly more time on social media platforms, with Facebook being the biggest and most successful. Historically, media technologies have for long been considered of importance for the structuration and the experience of time in general. In this article, we investigate the technological affordances of Facebook for the temporal experiences of its users. Relying on a case study of a Facebook page dedicated to media memories, we link user experiences to technological and institutional affordances. By doing so, we seek to answer the question of how a business model and an infrastructure that largely build on immediacy and newness are experienced and negotiated by users that engage in a multiplicity of durations and time layers in their everyday lives. Drawing on a platform analysis, in-depth interviews and a survey among the users of the page “DT64—Das Jugendradio der DDR,” we develop the concept of “social media time” while considering notions of the archive, flow, and narrative, which contribute to shedding light on how specific media technologies afford specific temporalities. We conclude by discussing the consequences for the users and society at large.
Contested landscapes: the moral geographies of light pollution in Britain
Authors: Dunnett Oliver
Published: July 2014

This paper considers the concept of light pollution and its connections to moral geographies of landscape in Britain. The paper aims to provide a greater understanding of light pollution in the present day, where the issue connects to policy debates about energy efficiency, crime, health, ecology and night time aesthetics, whilst also engaging with new areas of research in cultural geography. The main sources of investigation are the Campaign to Protect Rural England and the British Astronomical Association’s Campaign for Dark Skies (est. 1990). Using interviews, archival and textual analysis, the paper examines this anti-light-pollution lobby, looking at the lead-up to the formation of the Campaign as well as its ongoing influence. A moral geography of light pollution is identified, drawing on two interconnected discourses – a notion of the ‘astronomical sublime’ and the problem of urbanization. Whilst the former is often invoked, both through visual and linguistic means, by anti-light pollution campaigners, the latter is characterized as a threat to clear night skies, echoing earlier protests against urban sprawl. Complementing a growing area of research, the geographies of light and darkness, this paper considers the light pollution lobby as a way of investigating the fundamental relationship between humankind and the cosmos in the modern age.
Analyzing the Impact of U.S. Antiabortion Legislation in the Post-CaseyEra: A Reassessment
Authors: New Michael J.
Published: July 2014

Marshall Medoff and Christopher Dennis identify some errors in National Abortion Rights Action League's (NARAL) data on the effective start dates of various state-level antiabortion laws. However, they misunderstand the purpose of my 2011State Politics and Policy Quarterlyarticle which was to measure the impact of a range of antiabortion laws—not analyze competing theories as to why the abortion rate has fallen in the United States. Furthermore, their analysis contains a number of critical measurement, and methodological and estimation errors. When these errors are corrected, the empirical results add to the substantial body of peer-reviewed research which finds that public funding restrictions, parental involvement laws, and properly designed informed consent laws all reduce the incidence of abortion.
The Redistricting Cycle, Partisan Tides, and Party Strategy in State Legislative Elections
Authors: Makse Todd
Published: July 2014

State legislative elections are increasingly shaped by two factors that influence the prospects of winning a majority: the redistricting cycle and partisan tide elections. Winning control of the redistricting process offers the prospect of shaping elections for the next decade, making majority status significantly more valuable than it otherwise might be. Partisan tides, on the contrary, can dramatically alter perceptions of which seats are safe or vulnerable and of whether majority status is obtainable or not. In this article, I examine how the proximity of redistricting and the presence of partisan tides are reflected in the strategies of the party organizations that contest state legislative elections. Using party finance data from 29 states during the period from 1996 to 2010, I find that parties' majority-seeking behavior is more intense in states with legislative redistricting, when redistricting is imminent, and when partisan tides favor the minority party.
Who Do Voters Blame for Policy Failure? Information and the Partisan Assignment of Blame
Authors: Lyons Jeffrey , Jaeger William P.
Published: July 2014

How do people assign blame in the wake of significant government failures? If the role of the citizenry in a representative democracy is to discipline elected officials for failing to meet collective expectations, then this question is of paramount importance. Much research suggests that the base tendency of citizens is to simply blame the other party—a normatively concerning outcome. However, some argue that information, especially that from expert and nonpartisan sources, may push citizens to overlook their party affiliation and assign blame in a more performance-based fashion. Using an experimental design, we test this possibility, manipulating whether there is unified or divided government, the partisanship of key actors, and the nature of expert information that participants receive during a hypothetical budget crisis at the state level. We find strong evidence that party weighs heavily on individuals' minds when assigning blame, as expected. More importantly, we find that nonpartisan expert information about the situation does not live up to its potential to sway partisans from their priors. Rather, unbiased information appears to be used as a weapon—ignored when it challenges partisan expectations and used to magnify blame of the other party when it conforms with them.
Rehabilitative Training Promotes Rapid Motor Recovery but Delayed Motor Map Reorganization in a Rat Cortical Ischemic Infarct Model
Authors: Nishibe Mariko , Urban Edward T. R. , Barbay Scott , Nudo Randolph J.
Published: July 2014

Background. In preclinical stroke models, improvement in motor performance is associated with reorganization of cortical motor maps. However, the temporal relationship between performance gains and map plasticity is not clear. Objective. This study was designed to assess the effects of rehabilitative training on the temporal dynamics of behavioral and neurophysiological endpoints in a rat model of focal cortical infarct. Methods. Eight days after an ischemic infarct in primary motor cortex, adult rats received either rehabilitative training or were allowed to recover spontaneously. Motor performance and movement quality of the paretic forelimb was assessed on a skilled reach task. Intracortical microstimulation mapping procedures were conducted to assess the topography of spared forelimb representations either at the end of training (post-lesion day 18) or at the end of a 3-week follow-up period (post-lesion day 38). Results. Rats receiving rehabilitative training demonstrated more rapid improvement in motor performance and movement quality during the training period that persisted through the follow-up period. Motor maps in both groups were unusually small on post-lesion day 18. On post-lesion day 38, forelimb motor maps in the rehabilitative training group were significantly enlarged compared with the no-rehab group, and within the range of normal maps. Conclusions. Postinfarct rehabilitative training rapidly improves motor performance and movement quality after an ischemic infarct in motor cortex. However, training-induced motor improvements are not reflected in spared motor maps until substantially later, suggesting that early motor training after stroke can help shape the evolving poststroke neural network.
Drugs That Negatively Affect Sleep
Authors: Lenz Thomas L.
Published: July 2014

Getting adequate sleep is a healthy lifestyle activity that is important for the body to function optimally both physically and mentally. Unfortunately, 70 million Americans suffer from chronic sleep loss or sleep disorders. Secondary causes of sleep disorders are often overlooked and can occur from the consumption of social or medicinal drugs. Common social drugs that can disrupt sleep include alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine. Certain medications can also have side-effects that can induce sleep disruptions. This article briefly reviews common social drugs and prescription medications that can negatively impact sleep.
Postprandial lower limb pain: An unusual presentation of visceral arteries occlusion
Authors: Patelis Nikolaos , Papoutsis Konstantinos , Liakopoulos Dimitrios , Koutsoumpelis Andreas , Bakogiannis Christos , Georgopoulos Sotirios
Published: July 2014

This case report describes an atypical and unique presentation of mesenteric arteries occlusive disease. The patient presented with typical symptoms of chronic mesenteric ischemia, as well as with an atypical new symptom; postprandial buttock and lower limbs pain. Pain followed the time curve of the postprandial abdominal discomfort, starting 30 min after meals and gradually resolving within 2 h. The patient had been tolerating the signs of chronic mesenteric ischemia quite well by adjusting the quantity of food per meal to relieve symptoms. Angiography showed that the celiac artery, the superior mesenteric artery, and distal aorta were occluded, leaving the inferior mesenteric artery as the only feeding vessel of all abdominal viscera and both the lower limbs. Since an English medical literature search returned only one marginally similar case, we consider this case of iliac arteries’ “steal syndrome” from the inferior mesenteric artery unique.
Site-specific predictors of successful recruitment to a perinatal clinical trial
Authors: Levett Kate M , Roberts Christine L , Simpson Judy M , Morris Jonathan M
Published: July 2014

Background:

With large collaborations needed to reach sample size requirements for relatively rare events, a major challenge for multi-centre clinical trials is efficiency of recruitment at individual sites. We used data from an international, multi-centre, randomised trial of preterm prelabour rupture of membranes to assess any impact on recruitment following the introduction of a new Clinical Trial Agreement and to identify site-specific predictors of recruitment to the trial for the purpose of targeting future recruitment sites and strategies.

Methods:

The outcome measure was recruitment rate per 10,000 births, and according to this, an average recruitment rate was determined. Factors that were considered potentially predictive of recruitment above the average rate were classified according to three broad themes: ‘ethics and regulatory requirements’, ‘characteristics of site investigators’ and the ‘research culture’ at the collaborating site. Data were analysed using contingency tables and logistic regression modelling.

Results:

At 31 January 2009, following the introduction of the Clinical Trial Agreement, 39 centres had obtained ethics approval to commence recruitment, and 38 centres had enrolled at least one woman. Time to first recruit ranged from 25 days to 584 days. Recruitment rates ranged from 0.18 to 6.0 per 10,000 births (mean 1.71/10,000 births) per month. Factors most associated with above-average recruitment rate were the following: implementation of a clearly defined ‘system’ of recruitment, engagement of other staff, time from ethics approval to first recruit and provision of a dedicated trial coordinator.

Conclusion:

A delay of greater than 3 months in approval of the new Clinical Trial Agreement had an effect which extended into the third year of the trial. Characteristics that were indicative of the presence of a ‘system’ were the best predictors of recruitment. It may be more effective to limit recruitment sites and focus resources on those sites where investigators are engaged with trial processes and have adequate resources and structures to support them.
Laying the Base for the Future
Authors: Renzulli Joseph S. , Callahan Carolyn M. , Gubbins E. Jean
Published: July 2014

The passage of the Jacob K. Javits Gifted and Talented Students Education Act in 1988 was truly a watershed moment in the field of gifted education. The National Research Center on the Gifted and Talented (NRC/GT) represented one part of the overall agenda of research and services supported by the Javits Act. How the Javits Act came to be and the rationale and decisions that formed the underlying framework for Javits are the foci of the first part of this article. The second part of this article provides a brief overview of the NRC/GT organization and mission. Multiple research teams associated with the NRC/GT implemented quantitative and qualitative research studies, invited outstanding scholars in the field to contribute to our research series, and carried out leadership duties assigned to the Center, which have been complementary additions to many contributions made by the other Javits projects over the past several decades.
The Effects of a Semi-Rigid Brace or Taping on Talocrural and Subtalar Kinematics in Chronic Ankle Instability
Authors: Kobayashi Takumi , Saka Masayuki , Suzuki Eiichi , Yamazaki Naohito , Suzukawa Makoto , Akaike Atsushi , Shimizu Kuniaki , Gamada Kazuyoshi
Published: July 2014

Background. A semi-rigid brace or taping is often used to prevent giving-ways in the joint with chronic ankle instability (CAI). However, it remains unknown whether the application of a semi-rigid brace or taping modifies abnormal kinematics in CAI joints. The objective of this study was to determine if the application of a semi-rigid brace or taping of the ankle normalizes abnormal weight-bearing kinematics in CAI joints during ankle internal rotation in plantar flexion. Methods. A total of 14 male patients with unilateral CAI (mean age 21.1 ± 2.5 years) were enrolled. Three-dimensional bone models created from the computed tomography images were matched to the fluoroscopic images to compute the 6 degrees-of-freedom talocrural, subtalar, and ankle joint complex (AJC) kinematics for the healthy and contralateral CAI joints, as well as for CAI joints with a brace or taping. Selected outcome measures were talocrural anterior translation, talocrural internal rotation, and subtalar internal rotation. Results. There was no significant difference in talocrural anterior translation and internal rotation induced by applying either a semi-rigid brace or taping ( P > .05). For subtalar internal rotation, there was a tendency toward restoration of normal kinematics in CAI joints after applying a semi-rigid brace or taping. However, the difference was not significant ( P > .05). Discussion. Application of a semi-rigid brace or taping had limited effects on the CAI joint during weight-bearing ankle internal rotation in plantar flexion. Further studies using a variety of testing conditions should be conducted in the future.

Levels of Evidence: Therapeutic, Level IV: Cross-Sectional Case Series
Acute Compartment Syndrome After Medial Gastrocnemius Tear
Authors: Sit Yan Kit , Lui Tun Hing
Published: July 2014

Acute compartment syndrome after medial gastrocnemius tear is very rare. It can involve the superficial posterior compartment alone or progress to involve all the 4 compartments of the lower legs. Those patients with high pain tolerance and minor trauma can lead to delayed presentation. Immediate fasciotomy is the treatment of choice.

Levels of Evidence: Therapeutic Level IV, Case Study
The Relationship Between Initial Physical Examination Findings and Failure on Objective Validity Testing During Neuropsychological Evaluation After Pediatric Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Provance Aaron J. , Terhune E. Bailey , Cooley Christine , Carry Patrick M. , Connery Amy K. , Engelman Glenn H. , Kirkwood Michael W.
Published: July 2014

Background:

The symptomatology after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is complex as symptoms are subjective and nonspecific. It is important to differentiate symptoms as neurologically based or caused by noninjury factors. Symptom exaggeration has been found to influence postinjury presentation, and objective validity tests are used to help differentiate these cases. This study examines how concussed patients seen for initial medical workup may present with noncredible effort during follow-up neuropsychological examination and identifies physical findings during evaluation that best predict noncredible performance.

Hypothesis:

A portion of pediatric patients will demonstrate noncredible effort during neuropsychological testing after mTBI, predicted by failure of certain vestibular and cognitive tests during initial examination.

Study Design:

Retrospective cohort.

Level of Evidence:

Level 4.

Methods:

Participants (n = 80) underwent evaluation by a sports medicine physician ≤3 months from injury, were subsequently seen for a neuropsychological examination, and completed the Medical Symptom Validity Test (MSVT). Variables included results of a mental status examination (orientation), serial 7s examination, Romberg test, and heel-to-toe walking test. The primary outcome variable of interest was pass/fail of the MSVT.

Results:

Of the participants, 51% were male and 49% were female. Eighteen of 80 (23%) failed the MSVT. Based on univariable logistic regression analysis, the outcomes of the Romberg test ( P = 0.0037) and heel-to-toe walking test( P = 0.0066) were identified as significant independent predictors of MSVT failure. In a multivariable model, outcome of Romberg test was the only significant predictor of MSVT failure. The probability of MSVT failure was 66.7% (95% CI, 33.3% to 88.9%) when a subject failed the Romberg test.

Conclusion:

A meaningful percentage of pediatric subjects present evidence of noncredible performance during neuropsychological examination after mTBI. Initial examination findings in some cases may represent symptom exaggeration.
Strategies for osteochondral repair: Focus on scaffolds
Authors: Seo Seog-Jin , Mahapatra Chinmaya , Singh Rajendra K , Knowles Jonathan C , Kim Hae-Won
Published: July 2014

Interest in osteochondral repair has been increasing with the growing number of sports-related injuries, accident traumas, and congenital diseases and disorders. Although therapeutic interventions are entering an advanced stage, current surgical procedures are still in their infancy. Unlike other tissues, the osteochondral zone shows a high level of gradient and interfacial tissue organization between bone and cartilage, and thus has unique characteristics related to the ability to resist mechanical compression and restoration. Among the possible therapies, tissue engineering of osteochondral tissues has shown considerable promise where multiple approaches of utilizing cells, scaffolds, and signaling molecules have been pursued. This review focuses particularly on the importance of scaffold design and its role in the success of osteochondral tissue engineering. Biphasic and gradient composition with proper pore configurations are the basic design consideration for scaffolds. Surface modification is an essential technique to improve the scaffold function associated with cell regulation or delivery of signaling molecules. The use of functional scaffolds with a controllable delivery strategy of multiple signaling molecules is also considered a promising therapeutic approach. In this review, we updated the recent advances in scaffolding approaches for osteochondral tissue engineering.
Dynamic cell culture on calcium phosphate microcarriers for bone tissue engineering applications
Authors: Perez Roman A , Riccardi Kiara , Altankov George , Ginebra Maria-Pau
Published: July 2014

Developing appropriate cell culturing techniques to populate scaffolds has become a great challenge in tissue engineering. This work describes the use of spinner flask dynamic cell cultures to populate hydroxyapatite microcarriers for bone tissue engineering. The microcarriers were obtained through the emulsion of a self-setting aqueous α-tricalcium phosphate slurry in oil. After setting, hydroxyapatite microcarriers were obtained. The incorporation of gelatin in the liquid phase of the α-tricalcium phosphate slurry allowed obtaining hybrid gelatin/hydroxyapatite-microcarriers. Initial cell attachment on the microcarriers was strongly influenced by the speed of the dynamic culture, achieving higher attachment at low speed (40 r/min) as compared to high speed (80 r/min). Under moderate culture speeds (40 r/min), the number of cells present in the culture as well as the number of microcarrier-containing cells considerably increased after 3 days, particularly in the gelatin-containing microcarriers. At longer culture times in dynamic culture, hydroxyapatite-containing microcarriers formed aggregates containing viable and extracellular matrix proteins, with a significantly higher number of cells compared to static cultures.
Standpoints of Traditional Persian Physicians on Geriatric Nutrition
Authors: Emami Morteza , Nazarinia Mohammad Ali , Rezaeizadeh Hussein , Zarshenas Mohammad M.
Published: July 2014

The present article aimed to compile information on the nutritional management for geriatric people. Popular textbooks of Persian medicine from 10th to 18th century were studied to derive relative viewpoints and considerations. The temperament, which is defined as the combination of 4 main elements (fire, air, water, and soil) and 4 humors made subsequently (black bile, yellow bile, phlegm, and blood), changes during age periods. Imbalance in proportional amounts of humors in elderly should be corrected with food and medicaments having opposite nature to the current condition. Traditional foods included mostly well-cooked soups, pottages, and porridges containing fresh sheep or chicken meat. Mono-ingredient foods were also administered according to their medical properties. Nutritional recommendations were also concerned with geriatrics’ physiological conditions such as constipation, sleep disorders, and memory deficits. Many of traditional geriatric nutritional requirements are relevant in the present day. However, there are still notes that may be beneficial for consideration.
Validation of a Janus role of methotrexate-based PEGylated chitosan nanoparticles in vitro
Authors: Luo Fanghong , Li Yang , Jia Mengmeng , Cui Fei , Wu Hongjie , Yu Fei , Lin Jinyan , Yang Xiangrui , Hou Zhenqing , Zhang Qiqing
Published: July 2014

Recently, methotrexate (MTX) has been used to target to folate (FA) receptor-overexpressing cancer cells for targeted drug delivery. However, the systematic evaluation of MTX as a Janus-like agent has not been reported before. Here, we explored the validity of using MTX playing an early-phase cancer-specific targeting ligand cooperated with a late-phase therapeutic anticancer agent based on the PEGylated chitosan (CS) nanoparticles (NPs) as drug carriers. Some advantages of these nanoscaled drug delivery systems are as follows: (1) the NPs can ensure minimal premature release of MTX at off-target site to reduce the side effects to normal tissue; (2) MTX can function as a targeting ligand at target site prior to cellular uptake; and (3) once internalized by the target cell, the NPs can function as a prodrug formulation, releasing biologically active MTX inside the cells. The (MTX + PEG)-CS-NPs presented a sustained/proteases-mediated drug release. More importantly, compared with the PEG-CS-NPs and (FA + PEG)-CS-NPs, the (MTX + PEG)-CS-NPs showed a greater cellular uptake. Furthermore, the (MTX + PEG)-CS-NPs demonstrated a superior cytotoxicity compare to the free MTX. Our findings therefore validated that the MTX-loaded PEGylated CS-NPs can simultaneously target and treat FA receptor-overexpressing cancer cells.
Complex oscillation of a second-order linear differential equation with entire coefficients of "Equation missing" order
Authors: Shen Xia , Tu Jin , Xu Hong Yan
Published: July 2014

In this paper, the authors investigate the interaction between the growth, zeros of solutions with the coefficients of second-order linear differential equations in terms of

[
p
,
q
]
−
φ

order and obtain some results in general form.

MSC:30D35, 34A20.
Frictional properties of the shallow Nankai Trough accretionary sediments dependent on the content of clay minerals
Authors: Takahashi Miki , Azuma Shuhei , Ito Hidenori , Kanagawa Kyuichi , Inoue Atsuyuki
Published: July 2014

We conducted triaxial friction experiments on the shallow Nankai Trough accretionary sediments at confining pressures, pore water pressures, temperatures close to their in situ conditions, and axial displacement rates (V
axial) changed stepwise among 0.1, 1, and 10µm/s. The results revealed that their frictional properties change systematically according to the content of clay minerals, smectite in particular. The steady-state friction coefficient (μ
ss) at V
axial = 1µm/s decreases with increasing clay mineral content, shown in weight percent, from 0.82 for a sandstone sample (6 wt%), through 0.71 for a tuff sample (≈17 wt%), and 0.53 to 0.56 for siltstone samples (29 to 34 wt%), to 0.25 for a claystone sample (42 wt%). Slip-dependent frictional behavior changes accordingly from slip hardening for the sandstone sample, through quasi steady-state slip for the tuff and siltstone samples, to distinct slip weakening for the claystone sample. Although all samples exhibit velocity-strengthening behavior upon stepwise changes in sliding velocity, the ratio of the (a − b) value to the velocity dependence of steady-state friction (∆μ
ss/∆lnV
sliding) decreases with increasing clay mineral content, which implies that the friction component decreases while the flow component increases accordingly. Thus, faulting in the shallow Nankai Trough accretionary prism is likely controlled by the clay mineral content, in particular the smectite content, in the sediments as well as in the fault zones.
Targeting IL-6 by both passive or active immunization strategies prevents bleomycin-induced skin fibrosis
Authors: Desallais Lucille , Avouac Jérôme , Fréchet Maxime , Elhai Muriel , Ratsimandresy Rojo , Montes Matthieu , Mouhsine Hadley , Do Hervé , Zagury Jean-François , Allanore Yannick
Published: July 2014

Introduction

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a pleiotropic cytokine for which preliminary data have suggested that it might contribute to systemic sclerosis (SSc). Our aims were to investigate, firstly, IL-6 expression in patients with SSc and, secondly, the efficacy of both passive and active immunization against IL-6 to reduce skin fibrosis in complementary mouse models of SSc.

Methods

Human serum levels and skin expression of IL-6 were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunohistochemistry, respectively. We first evaluated the antifibrotic properties of the monoclonal anti-IL-6R antibody, MR16-1, in the bleomycin-induced dermal fibrosis mouse model, reflecting early and inflammatory stages of SSc. Then, we assessed the efficacy of MR16-1 in tight skin-1 (Tsk-1) mice, an inflammation-independent model of skin fibrosis. Additionally, we have developed an innovative strategy using an anti-IL-6 peptide-based active immunization. Infiltrating leukocytes, T cells, and B cells were quantified, and IL-6 levels were measured in the serum and lesional skin of mice after passive or active immunization.

Results

Serum and skin levels of IL-6 were significantly increased in patients with early SSc. Treatment with MR16-1 led in the bleomycin mouse model to a 25% (P = 0.02) and 30% (P = 0.007) reduction of dermal thickness and hydroxyproline content, respectively. MR16-1 demonstrated no efficacy in Tsk-1 mice. Thereafter, mice were immunized against a small peptide derived from murine IL-6 and this strategy led in the bleomycin model to a 20% (P = 0.02) and 25% (P = 0.005) decrease of dermal thickness and hydroxyproline content, respectively. Passive and active immunization led to decreased T-cell infiltration in the lesional skin of mice challenged with bleomycin. Upon bleomycin injections, serum and skin IL-6 levels were increased after treatment with MR16-1 and were significantly reduced after anti-IL-6 active immunization.

Conclusions

Our results support the relevance of targeting IL-6 in patients with early SSc since IL-6 is overexpressed in early stages of the disease. Targeting IL-6 by both passive and active immunization strategies prevented the development of bleomycin-induced dermal fibrosis in mice. Our results highlight the therapeutic potential of active immunization against IL-6, which is a seductive alternative to passive immunization.
Practice patterns in the management of patients with differentiated thyroid cancer in Ontario Canada 2000-2008
Authors: Hall Stephen F , Irish Jonathan C , Groome Patti A , Urbach David R
Published: July 2014

Background

The extent of treatment for differentiated thyroid cancer remains controversial. The objective of this study was to describe the variations in practice prior to diagnosis and for the first year after diagnosis, including the investigations, the extent of surgery and the use of RAI 131, for all patients with thyroid cancer (TC) treated Jan 1 2000 to Dec 2008 across Ontario Canada.

Method

Population-based study of all patients who had a therapeutic surgical procedure for TC based on the data holdings of the Institute of Clinical Investigative Sciences (ICES) linking the Ontario Cancer Registry to the Ontario Health Insurance Plan and to the Canadian Institutes of Health Information. The analysis includes comparisons between health care utilization/geographic regions and between treating specialties. The study population was 12957 patients.

Results

There was a 112% increase in case detection over 9 years. Overall the initial (index) surgery was less-than-total thyroidectomy (LTT) in 37.6% and 63.4% of the patients who had total thyroidectomy (TT) as an index surgery went on to adjuvant RAI, however there was wide variation in all aspects of patient care across the province, between Local Health Networks and between surgical specialties.

Conclusion

In Ontario, there was wide variation for most aspects of the management of TC and, as the incidence of TC is increasing at least 7% per year in females, these data provide a foundation for future discussions, the provision of health care services and research.
Generalized Lyubeznik numbers
Authors: Núñez-Betancourt Luis , Witt Emily E.
Published: July 2014

Given a local ring containing a field, we define and investigate a family of invariants that includes the Lyubeznik numbers but captures finer information. These generalized Lyubeznik numbers are defined in terms of D-modules and are proved well defined using a generalization of the classical version of Kashiwara’s equivalence for smooth varieties; we also give a definition for finitely generated K-algebras. These new invariants are indicators of F-singularities in characteristic p > 0 and have close connections with characteristic cycle multiplicities in characteristic zero. We characterize the generalized Lyubeznik numbers associated to monomial ideals and compute examples of those associated to determinantal ideals.
Denuding Surveillance at the Carceral Boundary
Authors: Garces Chris
Published: July 2014

To keep drugs and weapons out and to generate security clearance, Ecuador’s prison administrations now demand the visual, digital, or physical strip searching of all adult citizens who establish contact with incarcerated subjects. The prison system may normalize such denuding and voyeuristic surveillance, but prison officers deny any sexual content in these procedures while satisfying their professional gatekeeping tasks—the maintenance of carceral boundaries effectively blurring any formal distinctions between voyeuristic desire and bureaucratic duty. The state’s securitization of the prison in an age of inmate-threat neutralization and administrative segregation expands the carceral boundary of denuding surveillance to include non-incarcerated subjects. Rampant “security sexualization” and its disavowal, I suggest, form a spectral aspect of prison governance currently on the rise across Ecuador and in a cross-hemispheric context.
Power, Control, and Symbiosis in Brazilian Prisons
Authors: King Roy D. , Valensia Bruna
Published: July 2014

The potential for the corruption of the authority of guards by prisoners, either individually or as members of gangs, is well documented in the Anglo-American literature. What distinguishes the situation of prison gang culture in Brazil are its origins in economic deprivation and political suppression, the extent of its apparent power within large numbers of institutions, and its integration with criminal culture in the outside world. Novitiate prisoners, who may initially have no connection to gangs outside prison and whose incarceration may be prolonged through the inefficiencies of the judicial process, may be recruited as gang members or followers, if not by intimidation then by the promise of informal provision of material facilities where state provision is almost totally lacking. In this article, we seek to analyze the symbiotic relationships between prisoners, their guards, and those responsible for running Brazilian prisons, which have institutionalized a sharing, in some cases the relinquishing, of de facto control of what goes on inside prisons and permitted the growth of some of the most powerful prison gangs to be found anywhere in the world. This article is based upon research conducted by the authors in six prisons in the city and state of São Paulo.
Sumud: A Palestinian Philosophy of Confrontation in Colonial Prisons
Authors: Meari Lena
Published: July 2014

This article investigates Palestinian-Zionist colonial relations from the perspective of the interrogation encounter between Palestinian munadilin (strugglers) in prison and their interrogators from the Israeli security agency during the past forty years of Zionist settler colonization in Palestine. The interrogation site constitutes a condensation point for reading the colonial relations. Each interrogation encounter reflects a singular relation and simultaneously encodes the collective history of past, present, and future colonial relations. The interrogation encounter is a revealing ethnographic site for analyzing the dialectic of the colonial relations and how Palestinians have simultaneously carved out a space for a form of subjectivity and politics that breaks with the predicament of the colonial dialectic through the cultivation of sumud, or “steadfastness.” In the context of colonized Palestine, sumud has come to embody a whole range of significations, sensibilities, affections, attachments, aspirations, and practices. It is a form of subjectivity and politics that embodies the possibility of escaping hegemonic configurations of colonial liberal politics. To practice sumud in the interrogation means to refuse to confess in order to protect one’s comrades, political organization, and community, as well as the Palestinian revolution more broadly. However, sumud is not a definable practice. For there are as many ways to practice sumud as there are Palestinians-in-sumud; the significance of sumud lies in its nonconceptualized features. Sumud is a form of what Gilles Deleuze might term “singular revolutionary becoming,” a creative way of restructuring the self that assumes an absolute difference as immanent to the self, a “difference-in-itself,” and not merely in relation to an outside other, as presupposed by the Hegelian dialectic. The article explicates the complex web of relations that sumud incarnates. Through ethnographic cases, it discusses the form of nonrecognitive politics made possible through sumud.