bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neighbourhood Attachment in Ethnically Diverse Areas: The Role of Interethnic Ties
Authors: Górny Agata , Toruńczyk-Ruiz Sabina
Published: July 2013

This article examines the relationship between ethnic diversity in the neighbourhood and attachment to it, while addressing the role of interethnic relations—both within and beyond the neighbourhood—and differentiating between native and migrant residents. The analyses rely on data from an international research project conducted in 2009/10 among residents of ethnically diverse areas in six European cities: Bilbao, Lisbon, Rotterdam, Thessalonica, Vienna and Warsaw. The obtained results confirm earlier findings as regards the general negative association between ethnic diversity and neighbourhood attachment, but more importantly, reveal that having interethnic relations moderates this relationship differently for natives and migrants. Ethnic diversity does not erode neighbourhood attachment for natives who have ties with people of other ethnicities, or for migrants with mono-ethnic ties. This pattern is explained by the different meaning that a diverse setting has for natives and for migrants. Possible implications of these findings are also discussed.
The Uninvited Healer: Houses, Healing and Prophets in Matthew 8.1-22
Authors: Wilson Walter T.
Published: July 2013

The account of the healing of Peter’s mother-in-law (Mt. 8.14-15; cf. Mk 1.29-31) has been rewritten and recontextualized by Matthew so as to recall speciﬁc stories about Elisha, speciﬁcally, the prophet’s raising of the Sunammite woman’s son (2 Kgs 4.18-37) and the prophet’s call by Elijah (1 Kgs 19.19-21). This editorial activity enhances the Gospel’s characterization of Jesus as a prophet, its characterization of those he heals as disciples, and its characterization of the Christian household as a center of ritual healing.
Building Trust in Multi-stakeholder Partnerships: Critical Emotional Incidents and Practices of Engagement
Authors: Sloan Pamela , Oliver David
Published: July 2013

This paper explores trust-building in multi-stakeholder partnerships. Through an analysis of the development of one multi-stakeholder partnership between a multinational corporation, two levels of government, and local indigenous peoples, we found that trust-building is a dynamic process in which emotionality plays a key role. Critical emotional incidents can unexpectedly punctuate the partnership process, serving as turning points in the development of trust. We also found that the practices used by the partners to navigate these incidents transformed negative emotions into positive ones. We theorize on the role that critical emotional incidents and emotional engagement practices play in multi-stakeholder partnerships.
Flap Selection and Functional Outcomes in Total Glossectomy with Laryngeal Preservation
Authors: Rihani Jordan , Lee Michael R. , Lee Thomas , Ducic Yadranko
Published: July 2013

Objective

Reconstruction of total glossectomy defects has been revolutionized by the popularity of free flap use in the head and neck. Challenging defects can be addressed with a variety of different free and pedicled flaps. The purpose of this study is to review our method of flap selection in cases of total glossectomy defects with laryngeal preservation, with an emphasis on the variations of these defects and patient body habitus.

Study Design

Case series with chart review.

Setting

Tertiary care referral center.

Subjects and Methods

All patients undergoing total glossectomy with laryngeal preservation (TGLP) by the senior author (YD) from September 1997 to May 2012. Objective data regarding patient demographics, existing defect, method of reconstruction, adjuvant treatment, operative details, outcomes, and complications were recorded. Both means and frequency of prolonged tracheostomy or gastrostomy tube were used to assess outcomes.

Results

One hundred and three patients were identified. Ninety‐four met inclusion criteria. All patients were T3 or T4 stage tumors. Mean follow‐up was 3.4 years. Fifty‐nine patients (62%) underwent free flap reconstruction while the remaining 35 (37%) were treated with a pedicled pectoralis myocutaneous flap. Tracheostomy decannulation and gastrostomy tube removal rates were 84% and 29%, respectively. No patients were converted to total laryngectomy.

Conclusion

Optimal reconstruction of TGLP defects may be accomplished with either pedicled or free‐tissue flap reconstruction. Selecting an ideal flap for reconstruction of total glossectomy defects should be patient specific and based on matching donor flap bulk. This treatment approach demonstrates high tracheostomy and gastric tube independence.
Superior neurologic recovery after 15 minutes of normothermic cardiac arrest using an extracorporeal life support system for optimized blood pressure and flow
Authors: Trummer G , Foerster K , Buckberg GD , Benk C , Mader I , Heilmann C , Liakopoulos O , Beyersdorf F
Published: July 2013

Objective:

Sudden cardiac arrest is one of the leading causes of death. Conventional CPR techniques after cardiac arrest provide circulation with reduced and varying blood flow and pressure. We hypothesize that using pressure- and flow-controlled reperfusion of the whole body improves neurological recovery and survival after 15 min of normothermic cardiac arrest.

Methods:

Pigs were randomized in two experimental groups and exposed to 15 min of ventricular fibrillation (VF). After this period, the animals in the control group received conventional CPR with open chest compression (n=6), while circulation in the treatment group (n=6) was established with an extracorporeal life support system (ECLS) to control blood pressure and flow. Follow-up included the assessment of neurological recovery and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for up to 7 days.

Results:

Five of the six animals in the control group died, one animal was resuscitated successfully. In the treatment group, 1/6 could not be separated from ECLS. Five out of the six pigs survived and were transferred to the animal facility. One animal was unable to walk and had to be sacrificed 30 hours after ECLS. The remaining 4 animals of the treatment group and the surviving pig from the control group showed complete neurological recovery. Brain MRI revealed no pathological changes.

Conclusion:

We were able to demonstrate a significant improvement in survival after 15 minutes of normothermic cardiac arrest. These results support our hypothesis that using an ECLS for pressure- and flow-controlled circulation after circulatory arrest is superior to conventional CPR.
Radiation exposure of the radiologist’s eye lens during CT-guided interventions
Authors: Heusch Philipp , Kröpil Patric , Buchbender Christian , Aissa Joel , Lanzman Rotem S , Heusner Till A , Ewen Klaus , Antoch Gerald , Fürst Günther
Published: July 2013

Background

In the past decade the number of computed tomography (CT)-guided procedures performed by interventional radiologists have increased, leading to a significantly higher radiation exposure of the interventionalist’s eye lens. Because of growing concern that there is a stochastic effect for the development of lens opacification, eye lens dose reduction for operators and patients should be of maximal interest.

Purpose

To determine the interventionalist’s equivalent eye lens dose during CT-guided interventions and to relate the results to the maximum of the recommended equivalent dose limit.

Material and Methods

During 89 CT-guided interventions (e.g. biopsies, drainage procedures, etc.) measurements of eye lens’ radiation doses were obtained from a dedicated dosimeter system for scattered radiation. The sensor of the personal dosimeter system was clipped onto the side of the lead glasses which was located nearest to the CT gantry. After the procedure, radiation dose (µSv), dose rate (µSv/min) and the total exposure time (s) were recorded.

Results

For all 89 interventions, the median total exposure lens dose was 3.3 µSv (range, 0.03–218.9 µSv) for a median exposure time of 26.2 s (range, 1.1–94.0 s). The median dose rate was 13.9 µSv/min (range, 1.1–335.5 µSv/min).

Conclusion

Estimating 50–200 CT-guided interventions per year performed by one interventionalist, the median dose of the eye lens of the interventional radiologist does not exceed the maximum of the ICRP-recommended equivalent eye lens dose limit of 20 mSv per year.
Citizenship and democracy beyond the nation-state?
Authors: Gülalp Haldun
Published: July 2013

This article surveys the evolution of the field of citizenship and democracy beyond the stages identified by T.H. Marshall, through globalization and the weakening of the welfare function of the nation-state. Globalization has led to two distinct issue areas: the rise of identity claims as part of democratic demands and the regulation of human rights by supranational institutions. This article critically examines the pros and cons of the notion of group rights as a response to multiculturalist demands and considers the context within which a “global democracy” may be envisioned. This article concludes with a brief discussion of several pressing questions raised in the recent literature with regard to these two areas.
Education and empire, old and new: HR 3077 and the resurgence of the US university
Authors: Paik A Naomi
Published: July 2013

This essay examines HR 3077, the 2003 International Studies in Higher Act, which sought to tie federal funding for university-based area studies programs to the interests of the US security state. While locating it in the post-9/11 context, the essay situates HR 3077 in a broader frame that elucidates the shifting but always intimate relationship between education and imperialism. It discusses how knowledge production has long been tied to imperialist endeavors and examines the origins and development of US area studies during the Cold War and its critical turn in the late 1960s. The article closely reads HR 3077 and the neoconservative literature that grounds it to trace wide-ranging efforts to foreclose intellectual freedom and critiques of the US state. It argues that HR 3077 marks only one example of a troubling movement to arrest critical public discourse, one that subjects invested in maintaining vigorous democratic publics must contest.
Fabrication and characterization of Al6063/SiC composites
Authors: Kamboj Abhishek , Kumar Sudhir , Singh Hari
Published: July 2013

In this study, three samples of aluminum alloy with 5%, 10% and 15% SiC composites were fabricated using stir casting process. These samples were investigated using scanning electron microscope equipped with energy dispersive X-ray analysis system, X-ray diffraction analysis and differential thermal analysis techniques. Mechanical properties like hardness, ultimate tensile strength and impact strength of these samples were also investigated. The results revealed that a full homogeneous dispersion of SiC particles in aluminum matrix was obtained without addition of any wetting agent. The peak in the X-ray traces corresponds to the presence of aluminum and SiC and the absence of any significant reactive constituents. The differential thermal analysis curve showed an endothermic peak in aluminum matrix between 648 °C and 650 °C with a nil degradation of material. It was concluded from this study that improvement in mechanical properties of three samples has been achieved. Sample 3 with 15% SiC shows a maximum hardness value (Vickers hardness number) of 120, ultimate tensile strength of 190 MPa and impact strength of 18 J.
Comparison of risk factors for prevalent sexually transmitted infections based on attendees at two genitourinary medicine clinics in Ireland
Authors: Shiely Frances , Hayes Kevin , Horgan Mary
Published: July 2013

Little has changed in sexually transmitted infection (STI) epidemiology in Ireland since 2000. Three STIs comprise approximately 90% of notifications; ano-genital warts, Chlamydia trachomatis and non-specific urethritis. Our objective was to compare the risk factors for prevalent STIs in attendees at two genitourinary medicine clinics and examine the incidence of coinfection. Diagnostic, demographic and behavioural information on attendees at two clinics in southwest Ireland were collected from January 1999 to July 2009. Risk factors associated with first episodes of ano-genital warts, genital herpes simplex viral infection, non-specific urethritis and C. trachomatis were investigated. In all, 22,705 STI patients (mean age 27 years) received 26,824 diagnoses; 1628 had more than one infection. Ano-genital warts was most likely to be diagnosed with a coinfection. Having multiple partners was positively associated with a diagnosis of bacterial infection but not viral infection. Our large cohort outlines those at risk in the region, showing age and gender influences the risk and type of infection. Smoking, alcohol and drug use is also common, all regarded as markers of risk-taking behaviour. The younger the age, the higher the risk of acquiring infection, regardless of infection type. Prevention strategies that target youth, bacterial STIs and high-risk behaviour, including sexual, alcohol and drugs, may be effective in reducing STI incidence in Ireland.
A case study of electro-hydraulic loading and testing technology for composite insulators based on iterative learning control
Authors: Wang Shou-Kun , Wang Jun-Zheng , Zhao Jiang-bo
Published: July 2013

In order to simulate the vibrating condition of composite insulators in breeze, and carry out its fatigue test under loading and vibrating conditions, the electro-hydraulic loading and testing technology for the composite insulators is researched in this study. A compound electro-hydraulic loading system is first designed, including two subsystems, the static proportional loading system and the dynamic servo loading system. Then, the working principle based on this system is analyzed, and the mathematic model of electro-hydraulic servo system is also built, proved to be an inertial element with high gain. The control method based on proportional–derivative-type iterative learning control has been applied to such a dynamic servo loading system, to achieve the high-precision control for dynamic load force with repetitive regularity. Both mathematic simulation and actual experiments have been designed and carried out, and their results proved that the load principle and the control method are feasible and applicable and have the ability of achieving high-precision control effects. Based on this discussed electro-hydraulic technology, an actual electro-hydraulic loading and testing system for different kinds of composite insulators has been researched and developed, with the advanced technology indices of six loading channels, 20 kN maximum dynamic force, 0.3 kN force control precision and 100 Hz maximum vibrating frequency.
SLE disease per se contributes to deterioration in bone mineral density, microstructure and bone strength
Authors: Tang XL , Griffith JF , Qin L , Hung VW , Kwok AW , Zhu TY , Kun EW , Leung PC , Li EK , Tam L-S
Published: July 2013

Objective

The objective of this report is to assess the effect of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) disease itself on deterioration of bone mineral density (BMD), microstructure and bone strength.

Method

Thirty age-matched SLE patients on long-term glucocorticoids (GC) (SLE/GC), 30 SLE patients without GC (SLE/non-GC) and 60 healthy controls were examined. Areal BMD (aBMD) was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Bone geometry, volumetric BMD (vBMD), and architectural parameters at the nondominant distal radius were assessed by high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT). Bone strength was estimated by HR-pQCT-based micro-finite element analysis.

Results

Adjusted for menopausal status and adjusted calcium level, when compared with controls, SLE/non-GC patients had significantly lower aBMD at femoral neck and total hip, and diminished radial total vBMD, cortical area, vBMD and thickness, respectively, by 8.3%, 8%, 2.7% and 9.2%, as well as significant compromised bone strength (stiffness, failure load and apparent modulus) by 8.3%, 9.1% and 9.5%, respectively. Similar alterations were also found in SLE/GC patients when compared to controls. In the premenopausal subgroup analysis, when compared with controls, total hip aBMD and radial cortical area were significantly lower in SLE/non-GC patients, and cortical area and thickness were significantly deficit in SLE/GC patients. However, no significant difference in any bone variables was present between SLE/GC and SLE/non-GC patients in the entire cohort or in the premenopausal subgroup.

Conclusion

SLE disease per se contributes to the deterioration in bone density, cortical microstructure and bone strength. This might help to explain the considerably higher fracture risk seen in SLE patients.
Physicochemical and immunological studies on mitochondrial DNA modified by peroxynitrite: implications of neo-epitopes of mitochondrial DNA in the etiopathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Al-Shobaili HA , Rasheed Z
Published: July 2013

Background and objective

Recent evidence has demonstrated that mitochondria possess their own nitric oxide synthase (mtNOS) and can produce endogenous reactive-nitrogen-species (RNS) including peroxynitrite (ONOO–). This study was undertaken to investigate the role of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) damage by ONOO– in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) autoimmunity.

Methods

MtDNA was isolated from fresh goat liver and modified by ONOO–, generated by synergistic action of nitric oxide (NO) and superoxide (O–2) donors. Modifications occurring in mtDNA were characterized by physicochemical techniques. SLE patients ( n = 50) with varying disease activity according to the SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) and healthy controls ( n = 34) were evaluated for antibodies to native and ONOO–-modified mtDNA by immunoassays. Gel retardation assays were performed to cross-examine the immunoassay results using affinity-purified SLE immunoglobulin G (IgG). Nitrosative stress in SLE patients was studied by measuring nitrotyrosine and inducible NO synthase (iNOS).

Results

The ONOO– caused extensive damage to mtDNA as evident by ultraviolet (UV) hyperchromicity and loss of florescence intensity. Thermal melting studies, agarose gel electrophoresis and nuclease S1 digestibility clearly indicate structural perturbation in mtDNA by ONOO–. Quenching studies with specific NO or O–2 quenchers confirmed that the damaging agent was ONOO–. SLE autoantibodies exhibited enhanced binding with ONOO–-mtDNA as compared to their native analog. Interestingly, not only was there an increased number of subjects positive for ONOO–-mtDNA, but also the levels of anti-ONOO–-mtDNA antibodies were statistically significantly higher among SLE patients whose SLEDAI scores were ≥ 20 as compared with SLE patients with lower SLEDAI scores (SLEDAI < 20). Normal healthy controls showed negligible binding with either antigen. Furthermore, SLE patients had higher levels of nitrotyrosine and iNOS compared with their respective healthy controls.

Conclusions

Our novel results provide an important insight into the immunological basis of anti-DNA autoantibody generation in SLE. Our data conclude that modification of mtDNA by ONOO– causes structural perturbations, resulting in the generation of neo-epitopes, and making it a potential immunogen in SLE. The mtDNA modified by ONOO– may be useful in evaluating the progression of SLE and in elucidating the mechanisms of disease pathogenesis.
(Im)Mobile bodies: Contemporary semi-professional dancers’ experiences with injuries
Authors: Markula Pirkko
Published: July 2013

The purpose of this research was to examine semi-professional contemporary dancers’ experiences with injuries. Similar to athletes, dancers are often injured. Much of the previous research on dance injuries, however, has focused on ballet where the professional requirements and high technical level create demanding work conditions. Semi-professional contemporary dance differs from this context due to its technique and work environment. In this study, I investigate how contemporary dancers experience injuries. From a Deleuzian perspective, I examine the connections between the body, injury, and the dancing identity within the culture of contemporary dance. The empirical material from semi-structured interviews revealed that while most participants suffered injuries, they generally ignored their injuries and continued to dance as, they argued, their passion for contemporary dance overrode the need for caring for their injuries. Consequently, the cultural environment for amateur dance facilitated injury experiences similar to professional dance.
Repetitions and Contrasts
Authors: Scott Sheila
Published: July 2013

In this article, an approach to unit plans using essential questions is described within the context of general music education and illustrated in the unit Repetition and Contrasts: Understanding Music Through Form. This unit is founded on the essential question: As musicians, how do we use form to organize and understand music? Learning guideposts provide direction and impetus for the essential questions on which the unit is founded. Learning guideposts detailed for this unit include content and materials, processes, culminating project/performance, and propensities. Summaries of lessons illustrate how the ideas presented in this framework transfer to daily instruction. Student assessment is embedded within lessons from multiple perspectives denoted as assessment for learning, assessment as learning, and assessment of learning.
Elevated Expression of Notch1 Is Associated With Metastasis of Human Malignancies
Authors: Zhu He , Zhou Xinchun , Redfield Samantha , He Zhi , Lewin Jack , Miele Lucio
Published: July 2013

The expression level of Notch1 has been studied in many primary tumor types, but has not been widely investigated in metastatic lesions from human malignancies. Using immunohistochemistry (IHC), the expression level of Notch1 was evaluated and compared between primary and metastatic tumors in 12 different cancers. The mean IHC score of Notch1 was significantly increased in metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC; 5.4 ± 0.7) and in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC; 5.0 ± 2.3) compared with primary HCC (3.1 ± 0.7, P = .035) and RCC (1.3 ± 0.6, P = .049), respectively. Similarly, the expression level of Notch1 showed an increasing trend in the metastatic malignancies in the larynx, prostate, and stomach compared with corresponding primary malignancies ( P values are .055, .072, and .074, respectively). The results demonstrate elevated expression of Notch1 in some metastatic tumors, suggesting that Notch1 may play an important role in the development or maintenance of metastatic lesions, and targeting of Notch1 might be a therapeutic approach against tumor metastasis.
Nonlinear vibration analysis of piezo-actuated flat thin membrane
Authors: Gajbhiye Sachin C , Upadhyay Sanjay H , Harsha Suraj P
Published: July 2013

Minimal mass (ultra lightweight) and high packaging efficiency (stowage volume) are the most important factors associated with space technology and hence they become more attractive traits for getting larger bandwidth satellites on-orbit. Nowadays, maintaining the surface shape of pre-tension membranes to instrument precision has become a more challenging problem. Hence, membrane reflectors are receiving increasing attention for mission architectures that need extremely large in-space deployable antennas. This paper presents the finite-element investigation of a rectangular, flat thin membrane using polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) piezo-actuated material as an actuator/sensor. The passive effect of PVDF on the dynamics of an inflatable space-based rectangular shaped structure has been studied and trends in natural frequencies for various patch areas and thickness have been explored. Investigation shows that rather than using the various numbers of patches to the practical system for controlling their vibration behavior, the single patch with the appropriate thickness can easily control the desired vibration behavior. It can therefore be concluded that the discrete sensor/actuators devices are to be preferred to realize lower weight and effective control authority for the modest values of actuator voltages for active vibration control of practical structures.
Linking Contemporary Research on Youth, Literacy, and Popular Culture With Literacy Teacher Education
Authors: Petrone Robert
Published: July 2013

The aim of this article is to expand the dialogue about how contemporary scholarship on the intersections between youth, literacy, and popular culture might inform literacy teacher education. Specifically, this article is designed to (a) orient literacy teacher educators who may be somewhat unfamiliar with this particular line of scholarship to a few of its major concepts and K-12 classroom implications and (b) propose several ways this line of scholarship might open up possibilities for literacy teacher educators to help pre-service literacy teachers develop culturally responsive teaching practices. To address these goals, this article first provides an introduction to several common ways popular culture has been theorized. From this introduction, the article explains the following three concepts within contemporary scholarship that investigates youth engagement with popular culture: (a) popular culture as a site of identity formation for youth; (b) popular culture as a context for literacy development; and (c) popular culture as a vehicle for sociopolitical critique and action. In addition, this article illustrates pedagogical implications these concepts have for K-12 literacy education, including how literacy instructors adopt ethnographic stances toward youth engagement with popular culture to reposition youth and ascertain their popular culture funds of knowledge, bridge standard literacy curricula to students’ popular culture funds of knowledge, and develop literacy curricula to facilitate students’ sociopolitical critique and action. Finally, this article explores how this line of scholarship may open up spaces within literacy teacher education for K-12 pre-service literacy teachers to grapple with the politics of literacy pedagogy.
Bourdieu and the bomb: Power, language and the doxic battle over the value of nuclear weapons
Authors: Senn Martin , Elhardt Christoph
Published: July 2013

Building on Bourdieu’s social theory, this article shows how powerful agents are able to challenge deeply engrained assumptions about the value of nuclear weapons. To illustrate the value of a Bourdieu-inspired analysis in the field of nuclear weapons, we apply his thinking tools of field, symbolic capital and doxa to the recent plea for nuclear disarmament by the US elder statesmen Shultz, Perry, Kissinger and Nunn. We analyse how the four revitalized the topic of nuclear disarmament, moving it from the fringes of peace research and grass-roots advocacy to the mainstream of academic research and politics. We argue that the historical context, the high symbolic capital of Shultz and his colleagues, and an appealing narrative that draws on commonplace understandings made their plea resonate with security elites.
Endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated apoptosis in imatinib-resistant leukemic K562-r cells triggered by AMN107 combined with arsenic trioxide
Authors: Xia Yuan , Fang Hai , Zhang Ji , Du Yanzhi
Published: July 2013

The first tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) imatinib mesylate (imatinib) targets the kinase domain of BCR-ABL and induces apoptosis in newly diagnosed chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML). However, resistant and relapse are common problems in imatinib-treated patients. Although second-generation TKI such as AMN107 appears to improve the treatment of CML, TKI resistance and relapse are also frequently occurred in the patients. To test whether arsenic trioxide (ATO) could potentiate the efficacy of AMN107 in imatinib-resistant cells, we conducted a series of assays in TKI-resistant K562-r cells treated with AMN107 and ATO. Based on a time-course cDNA microarray analysis, we found many genes typically involved in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress signalling were significantly up-regulated, implicating the occurrence of ER stress-mediated apoptosis in K562-r cells treated with the combination of ATO and AMN107. Such implication was also supported by the data showing the activation of members in the JNK pathway, which are known to be characteristic markers bridging ER-stress and apoptosis. Partial knock-down of the JNK activities alleviated the effects of apoptosis ( p < 0.05) triggered by combining AMN107 with ATO. In conclusion, this study for the first time demonstrates a synergistic effect of AMN107 with ATO, allowing insights into the possible mechanisms underlying imatinib-induced resistance in CML. Our data also suggest that combination of AMN107 with ATO may represent a new strategy for the treatment of imatinib-resistant CML patients.
Protection of Vascular Endothelial Cells Injured by Angiotensin II and Hypoxia In Vitro by Ginkgo biloba (Ginaton)
Authors: Han Lei , Li Minggao
Published: July 2013

The objective of this study was to explore the protective effect and the possible mechanism of Ginkgo biloba extract (Ginaton) on human vascular endothelial cells (VECs) injured by angiotensin II (Ang-II) and hypoxia. The human aortic VECs were divided into different groups to observe the changes in endothelin (ET), calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i), and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). The results showed that Ginaton had inhibited ET secretion induced by hypoxia and Ang-II ( P < .01). the protection offered by Ginaton at mid (10 mg/mL) and low (5 mg/mL) concentrations was obviously better than that offered at high concentration (25 mg/mL). The [Ca2+]i increased and MMP decreased significantly in both hypoxia group and Ang-II group ( P < .01); however, the changes in [Ca2+]i and MMP could be meliorated by Ginaton. This study suggested that Ginaton could effectively protect VECs against injury, and the dose used clinically would rather be low than too high for getting better results.
Impact of Meteorological Conditions on Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Rupture
Authors: Schuld Jochen , Kollmar Otto , Schuld Simone , Schommer Kai , Richter Sven
Published: July 2013

Objective:

To examine the influence of local meteorological conditions on the onset of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA).

Methods:

A review of 6551 consecutive days with a total of 191 ruptured AAA was performed between January, 1994 and December, 2011. Days with and without ruptured AAA were compared considering local meteorological data. A systematic review of the literature was performed.

Results:

Atmospheric pressure, cloudiness, relative humidity, precipitation, and water vapor pressure were comparable at event and nonevent days. The 4-day variance of atmospheric pressure prior to event days was significantly higher compared to nonevent days. Maximal and average temperature and water vapor pressure were significant lower at event days. Binary regression analysis identified a higher 4-day variance in atmospheric pressure as an independent factor for ruptures.

Conclusions:

Further studies—collected at different geographic and climate areas—are necessary to prove that meteorological conditions may trigger the incidence of ruptured AAA.
Assisted Bicycle Training Delays Functional Deterioration in Boys With Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Authors: Jansen Merel , van Alfen Nens , Geurts Alexander C. H. , de Groot Imelda J. M.
Published: July 2013

Background. Physical training might delay the functional deterioration caused by disuse in boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). The “No Use Is Disuse” study is the first explorative, randomized controlled trial in boys with DMD to examine whether assisted bicycle training is feasible, safe, and beneficial. Methods. Ambulatory and recently wheelchair-dependent boys with DMD were allocated to the intervention or control group. The intervention group received assisted bicycle training of the legs and arms during 24 weeks. The control group received the same training after a waiting period of 24 weeks. The primary study outcomes were the Motor Function Measure (MFM) and the Assisted 6-Minute Cycling Test (A6MCT). Group differences were examined by an analysis of covariance. Results. Thirty boys (mean age 10.5 ± 2.6 years, 18 ambulant and 12 wheelchair-dependent) were allocated to the intervention (n = 17) or the control (n = 13) group. All boys in the intervention group (except one) completed the training. After 24 weeks, the total MFM score remained stable in the intervention group, whereas it had significantly decreased in the control group (Δ = 4.9, 95% confidence interval = 2.2-7.6). No significant group differences were found for the A6MCT. No serious adverse events were observed. Conclusions. Our results suggest that assisted bicycle training of the legs and arms is feasible and safe for both ambulant and wheelchair-dependent children and may decline the deterioration due to disuse. Progressive deterioration, however, may compromise the design of trials for DMD.
Death After Closed Adolescent Knee Injury and Popliteal Artery Occlusion
Authors: Reid Jeremy J. , Kremen Thomas J. , Oppenheim William L.
Published: July 2013

A healthy adolescent male soccer player sustained a radiograph-negative, effusion-negative physeal injury of the proximal tibia from a ground-level fall with traumatic occlusion of the popliteal artery. Orthopaedic evaluation and arteriography were delayed for 72 hours after the injury. He arrived at a tertiary referral center in multisystem organ failure secondary to lower extremity ischemic necrosis, septic pulmonary thromboembolism, and systemic shock. Emergent medical evaluation, a high index of suspicion, and a careful neurovascular examination are imperative after every closed knee injury in the young athlete.
True polyandry and pseudopolyandry: why does a monandrous fly remate?
Authors: Fisher David N , Doff Rowan J , Price Tom A R
Published: July 2013

Background

The rate of female remating can have important impacts on a species, from affecting conflict and cooperation within families, to population viability and gene flow. However, determining the level of polyandry in a species can be difficult, with information on the mating system of many species being based on a single experiment, or completely absent. Here we investigate the mating system of the fruit flyDrosophila subobscura. Reports from England, Spain and Canada suggestD. subobscurais entirely monandrous, with no females remating. However, work in Greece suggests that 23% of females remate. We examine the willingness of femaleD. subobscurato remate in the laboratory in a range of conditions, using flies from both Greece and England. We make a distinction between pseudopolyandry, where a female remates after an ineffective first mating that is incapable of fertilising her eggs, and true polyandry, where a female remates even though she has received suitable sperm from a previous mating.

Results

We find a low rate of true polyandry by females (4%), with no difference between populations. The rate of true polyandry is affected by temperature, but not starvation. Pseudopolyandry is three times as common as true polyandry, and most females showing pseudopolyandry mated at their first opportunity after their first failed mating. However, despite the lack of differences in polyandry between the populations, we do find differences in the way males respond to exposure to other males prior to mating. In line with previous work, English flies responded to one or more rivals by increasing their copulation duration, a response previously thought to be driven by sperm competition. Greek males only show increased copulation duration when exposed to four or more rival males. This suggests that the response to rivals inD. subobscurais not related to sperm competition, because sperm competition is rare, and there is no correlation of response to rivals and mating system across the populations.

Conclusions

These results illustrate the difficulties in determining the mating system of a species, even one that is well known and an excellent laboratory species, with results being highly dependent on the conditions used to assay the behaviour, and the population used.
Economic analysis of complementary, alternative, and integrative medicine: considerations raised by an expert panel
Authors: Coulter Ian D , Herman Patricia M , Nataraj Shanthi
Published: July 2013

Background

An international panel of experts was convened to examine the challenges faced in conducting economic analyses of Complementary, Alternative and Integrative Medicine (CAIM).

Methods

A one and a half-day panel of experts was convened in early 2011 to discuss what was needed to bring about robust economic analysis of CAIM. The goals of the expert panel were to review the current state of the science of economic evaluations in health, and to discuss the issues involved in applying these methods to CAIM, recognizing its unique characteristics. The panel proceedings were audiotaped and a thematic analysis was conducted independently by two researchers. The results were then discussed and differences resolved. This manuscript summarizes the discussions held by the panel members on each theme.

Results

The panel identified seven major themes regarding economic evaluation that are particularly salient to determining the economics of CAIM: standardization (in order to compare CAIM with conventional therapies, the same basic economic evaluation methods and framework must be used); identifying the question being asked, the audience targeted for the results and whose perspective is being used (e.g., the patient perspective is especially relevant to CAIM because of the high level of self-referral and out-of-pocket payment); the analytic methods to be used (e.g., the importance of treatment description and fidelity); the outcomes to be measured (e.g., it is important to consider a broad range of outcomes, particularly for CAIM therapies, which often treat the whole person rather than a specific symptom or disease); costs (e.g., again because of treating the whole person, the impact of CAIM on overall healthcare costs, rather than only disease-specific costs, should be measured); implementation (e.g., highlighting studies where CAIM allows cost savings may help offset its image as an “add on” cost); and generalizability (e.g., proper reporting can enable study results to be useful beyond the study sample).

Conclusions

The business case for CAIM depends on economic analysis and standard methods for conducting such economic evaluations exist. The challenge for CAIM lies in appropriately applying these methods. The deliberations of this panel provide a list of factors to be considered in meeting that challenge.
Metabolic engineering of Bacillus subtilis for growth on overflow metabolites
Authors: Kabisch Johannes , Pratzka Isabel , Meyer Hanna , Albrecht Dirk , Lalk Michael , Ehrenreich Armin , Schweder Thomas
Published: July 2013

Background

The genome of the important industrial host Bacillus subtilis does not encode the glyoxylate shunt, which is necessary to utilize overflow metabolites, like acetate or acetoin, as carbon source. In this study, the operon encoding the isocitrate lyase (aceB) and malate synthase (aceA) from Bacillus licheniformis was transferred into the chromosome of B. subtilis. The resulting strain was examined in respect to growth characteristics and qualities as an expression host.

Results

Our results show that the modified B. subtilis strain is able to grow on the C2 compound acetate. A combined transcript, protein and metabolite analysis indicated a functional expression of the native glyoxylate shunt of B. lichenifomis in B. subtilis. This metabolically engineered strain revealed better growth behavior and an improved activity of an acetoin-controlled expression system.

Conclusions

The glyoxylate shunt of B. licheniformis can be functionally transferred to B. subtilis. This novel strain offers improved properties for industrial applications, such as growth on additional carbon sources and a greater robustness towards excess glucose feeding.
Hospital admissions for vitamin D related conditions and subsequent immune-mediated disease: record-linkage studies
Authors: Ramagopalan Sreeram V , Goldacre Raph , Disanto Giulio , Giovannoni Gavin , Goldacre Michael J
Published: July 2013

Background

Previous studies have suggested that there may be an association between vitamin D deficiency and the risk of developing immune-mediated diseases.

Methods

We analyzed a database of linked statistical records of hospital admissions and death registrations for the whole of England (from 1999 to 2011). Rate ratios for immune-mediated disease were determined, comparing vitamin D deficient cohorts (individuals admitted for vitamin D deficiency or markers of vitamin D deficiency) with comparison cohorts.

Results

After hospital admission for either vitamin D deficiency, osteomalacia or rickets, there were significantly elevated rates of Addison’s disease, ankylosing spondylitis, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, chronic active hepatitis, celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, diabetes mellitus, pemphigoid, pernicious anemia, primary biliary cirrhosis, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren’s syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus, thyrotoxicosis, and significantly reduced risks for asthma and myxoedema.

Conclusions

This study shows that patients with vitamin D deficiency may have an increased risk of developing some immune-mediated diseases, although we cannot rule out reverse causality or confounding. Further study of these associations is warranted and these data may aid further public health studies.
Diel leaf growth of soybean: a novel method to analyze two-dimensional leaf expansion in high temporal resolution based on a marker tracking approach (Martrack Leaf)
Authors: Mielewczik Michael , Friedli Michael , Kirchgessner Norbert , Walter Achim
Published: July 2013

Background

We present a novel method for quantitative analysis of dicot leaf expansion at high temporal resolution. Image sequences of growing leaves were assessed using a marker tracking algorithm. An important feature of the method is the attachment of dark beads that serve as artificial landmarks to the leaf margin. The beads are mechanically constricted to the focal plane of a camera. Leaf expansion is approximated by the increase in area of the polygon defined by the centers of mass of the beads surrounding the leaf. Fluctuating illumination conditions often pose serious problems for tracking natural structures of a leaf; this problem is circumvented here by the use of the beads.

Results

The new method has been used to assess leaf growth in environmental situations with different illumination conditions that are typical in agricultural and biological experiments: Constant illumination via fluorescent light tubes in a climate chamber, a mix of natural and artificial illumination in a greenhouse and natural illumination of the situation on typical summer days in the field. Typical features of diel (24h) soybean leaf growth patterns were revealed in all three conditions, thereby demonstrating the general applicability of the method. Algorithms are provided to the entire community interested in using such approaches.

Conclusions

The implementation Martrack Leaf presented here is a robust method to investigate diel leaf growth rhythms both under natural and artificial illumination conditions. It will be beneficial for the further elucidation of genotype x environment x management interactions affecting leaf growth processes.
Study on the heavy metal bioconcentrations of the Shadegan international wetland mosquitofish, Gambusia affinis, by inductively coupled plasma technique
Authors: Nasirian Hassan , Mahvi Amir Hossein , Hosseini Mostafa , Vazirianzadeh Babak , Sadeghi Sayyed Mohammad Taghi , Nazmara Shahrokh
Published: July 2013

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the levels of heavy metal bioconcentration of the mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) in Shadegan international wetland. Sampling including the water, waterbed sediment and mosquitofish was carried out from the selected sampling sites during October and November 2011, and analyzed by the ICP-OES. Results show that the water has poor qualitative condition, according to EPA and WHO water quality standards. The level of the water Cr in the selected sites in both months and the levels of Fe, Mn and Zn during October in the SW1 site were higher than the instrumental detection limits indicating that the water was contaminated with these metals in the mentioned sites and months. The levels of the waterbed sediment As, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb and Zn, and mosquitofish Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, Co and Cd were much higher than the instrumental detection limits, indicating that the waterbed sediment and mosquitofish were contaminated with them during October and November in the selected sites. Statistical assessments reveal that there is a significant difference between the mentioned contaminated water, waterbed sediment and mosquitofish heavy metals (all P-values < 0.05). In overall, it is considered that the contaminated heavy metals can be accumulated in the waterbed sediment and bioconcentrated in the wildlife tissues, then finally can be entered in the marine food chains and biomagnified there after long periods. In conclusion, this paper confirmed that the G. affinis can be used as a bioindicator of heavy metal pollution in marine ecosystems such as wetlands.
Effect of pH on in vitro biocompatibility of orthodontic miniscrew implants
Authors: Galeotti Angela , Uomo Roberto , Spagnuolo Gianrico , Paduano Sergio , Cimino Roberta , Valletta Rosa , D’Antò Vincenzo
Published: July 2013

Background

Although the clinical use of miniscrews has been investigated on a large scale, little is known about their biocompatibility. Since low pH can affect corrosion resistance, the aim of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxic effect of orthodontic miniscrews in different pH conditions.

Methods

Four orthodontic miniscrews of stainless steel and grade IV and grade V titanium were immersed in a pH 7 and pH 4 saline solution for 1, 7, 14, 21, 28, and 84 days. Human osteogenic sarcoma cells (U2OS), permanent human keratinocytes (HaCat), and primary human gingival fibroblasts (HGF) were exposed to eluates, and the mitochondrial dehydrogenase activity was measured after 24 h to assess the cytoxicity. The results were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test (P < 0.05).

Results

When exposed to pH 7-conditioned eluates, the cell lines showed an even greater viability than untreated cells. On the contrary, the results revealed a statistically significant decrease in U2OS, HaCat, and HGF viability after exposure to eluates obtained at pH 4. Among the cell lines tested, HGF showed the most significant decrease of mitochondrial activity. Interestingly, grade V titanium miniscrews caused highest toxic effects when immersed at pH 4.

Conclusions

The results suggested that at pH 7, all the miniscrews are biocompatible while the eluates obtained at pH 4 showed significant cytotoxicity response. Moreover, different cell lines can produce different responses to miniscrew eluates.