bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Syndecan-4 Promotes Epithelial Tumor Cells Spreading and Regulates the Turnover of PKCα Activity under Mechanical Stimulation on the Elastomeric Substrates
Authors: Huang Chun-Ping , Cheng Chao-Min , Su Hong-Lin , Lin Yi-Wen
Published: July 2015

Background: Heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) at the cell surface play an important role in cell adhesion, spreading, formation of focal adhesion complexes (FACs), and sensing mechanical stress. Syndecans are members of the HSPGs family and are highly expressed in various tumor cells. Syndecan-4 (SDC4) is a unique member of syndecans that activates protein kinase C alpha (PKCα). However, syndecan-4 in tumor cells development is not clear when receiving mechanical stress. Aims: Here we investigate the role of syndecan-4 in tumor cells spreading and its downstream kinases under mechanical stimulation. Methods: Epithelial tumor cells were seeded onto elastomeric polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) membranes coated with poly-L-lysine (Pl), fibronectin (Fn), or anti-SDC4 antibody and stretched with a modified pressure-driven cell-stretching (PreCS) device. Results: When cells received mechanical stimulation, engagement of syndecan-4 promoted the phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) at tyrosine 397 and PKCα at serine 657. Furthermore, we analyzed the cell contractility marker—myosin light chain 2 (MLC2) in 30 min time courses. The levels of phosphorylated MLC2 at serine19 were augmented through ligations of syndecan-4 but not integrin binding motif (RGD) at 10 min mechanical stimulation and were suppressed at 30 min and this phenomenon was associated with the activity of PKCα. Conclusion: Our data demonstrate that syndecan-4 is essential for transmitting the mechanotransduction signals via activation of PKCα and is important for tumor cells spreading, assembly of actin cytoskeleton and cell contractility.
Investigating the Role of the Post-transcriptional Gene Regulator MiR-24-3p in the Proliferation, Migration and Apoptosis of Human Arterial Smooth Muscle Cells in Arteriosclerosis Obliterans
Authors: Zhu Xiao-feng , Shan Zhen , Ma Jie-yi , Wang Mian , Zhang Chun-xiang , Liu Rui-ming , Wu Wei-bin , Shi Ya-wei , Li Wen , Wang Shen-ming
Published: July 2015

Aims: To explore the expression of miR-24-3p in human arteries with arteriosclerosis obliterans (ASO) as well as the role of miR-24-3p in the pathogenesis of ASO. Methods: We used quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and in situ hybridization to monitor miR-24-3p expression in human arteries. To investigate the effect of miR-24-3p on human arterial smooth muscle cells (HASMCs), we applied cell counting and EdU assays to monitor proliferation and transwell and wound healing assays to investigate migration and flow cytometry to investigate apoptosis. Furthermore, we applied 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) luciferase assays to investigate the role of miR-24-3p in targeting platelet-derived growth factor receptor B (PDGFRB) and c-Myc. Results: MiR-24-3p was mainly located in the media of arteries and was downregulated in ASO arteries compared with normal arteries. Platelet-derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB) treatment reduced the expression of miR-24-3p in primary cultured HASMCs. MiR-24-3p mimic oligos inhibited the proliferation and migration, and promotes apoptosis of HASMCs. Our 3'-UTR luciferase assays confirmed that PDGFRB and c-Myc were targets of miR-24-3p. Conclusion: The results suggest that miR-24-3p regulates the proliferation and migration of HASMCs by targeting PDGFRB and c-Myc. The PDGF/miR-24-3p/PDGFRB and PDGF/miR-24-3p/c-Myc pathways may play critical roles in the pathogenesis of ASO. These findings highlight the potential for new therapeutic targets for ASO.
Clinical Outcomes of Manual Aspiration Thrombectomy in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction: An Updated Meta-Analysis
Authors: Briasoulis Alexandros , Palla Mohan , Afonso Luis
Published: July 2015

Background: Recent trials on manual aspiration thrombectomy (AT) in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction did not show any significant benefits of AT. Aims: The present meta-analysis was designed to systematically evaluate prospective randomized trials and assess the effects of AT on all-cause mortality, major cardiovascular events (MACE), target vessel revascularization, myocardial reinfarction, stroke and surrogate myocardial perfusion markers. Methods and Results: We conducted an EMBASE and MEDLINE search for studies in which patients were randomized to treatment with AT plus primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) versus PCI. We identified 16 prospective randomized trials which enrolled 10,437 controls that underwent conventional PCI and 10,385 patients who underwent PCI with AT with an average follow-up duration of 5.8 months. A significant reduction in MACE with AT was noted (OR 0.91; 95% CI 0.82-0.99; p = 0.04). In spite of improved TIMI 3 and myocardial blush grade 3 rates, AT did not significantly reduce all-cause mortality, target-vessel revascularization and myocardial infarction. Stroke rates were increased with AT. Conclusion: The results of this large meta-analysis of 20,822 patients suggest that adjunctive AT to PCI may be associated with improved myocardial reperfusion but limited benefits related to the clinical end-points.
Prevalence and Severity of Dementia in Nursing Home Residents
Authors: Helvik Anne-Sofie , Engedal Knut , Benth Jūratė Šaltytė , Selbæk Geir
Published: July 2015

Background/Aims: The aim of this study was to compare the presence and severity of dementia in two large cross-sectional samples of nursing home residents from 2004/2005 and 2010/2011. Methods: Demographic information as well as data on the type of nursing home unit, length of stay before assessment, physical health, regularly used prescribed drugs and Clinical Dementia Rating scale scores were used in the analyses. Logistic and linear regression models for hierarchical data were estimated. Results: The odds of the occurrence and of a greater severity of dementia were higher in 2010/2011 than in 2004/2005. Independent of the time of study, married men had more severe dementia than single men, and single women had more severe dementia than single men. Conclusion: The findings may reflect the increase in the need for more nursing home beds designed for people with dementia between 2004/2005 and 2010/2011.
Pretherapeutic Plasma Fibrinogen Level is an Independent Survival Predictor in Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Sasaki Takeshi , Onishi Takehisa
Published: July 2015

Background: Systematic inflammatory responses such as the elevated C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and lymphocyte-monocyte ratio have been found to have significant prognostic value in renal cell carcinoma (RCC). The purpose of this study was to identify the impact of pretherapeutic plasma fibrinogen levels on survival for RCC patients. Patients and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 126 RCC patients who were treated at our institution. The median follow-up period was 30.8 months. 116 patients underwent nephrectomy. Results: The 3-year overall survival rates in patients with non-metastatic or metastatic RCC were 91.9% and 14.3%, respectively (p < 0.001). Pretherapeutic plasma fibrinogen levels in the metastatic group were significantly higher than those in the non-metastatic group (p < 0.001). In the non-metastatic group, multivariate analysis revealed that the pathological T stage (p = 0.008), lactate dehydrogenase (p = 0.007) and fibrinogen (p = 0.036) were independent prognostic factors for survival. Overall survival rates in patients with low fibrinogen levels (< 399 mg/dl) were significantly higher than in those with high fibrinogen levels (≥ 399 mg/dl). Conclusion: Pretherapeutic high plasma fibrinogen levels are associated with disease progression in patients with RCC of all stages. We propose that pretherapeutic plasma fibrinogen levels may become a useful biomarker, and could be helpful for decision making in the management of RCC.
Asilo: direito de gentes. Escravos refugiados no Império Espanhol
Authors: Secreto Maria Verónica
Published: July 2015

No século XVIII os reis da Espanha estabeleceram, através de uma abundante legislação, uma política de asilo para os escravos que fugissem de outros domínios para os seus. Este artículo busca rastrear as origens dessa política e estabelecer sua relação com o princípio de “solo livre”. Afirmamos que a legislação espanhola em matéria de escravidão influenciou todo o mundo Atlântico e para além dele. Esta influência se deveu a que Espanha tinha um conjunto importante de leis vivas sobre o tratamento dos escravos, resultado de um longo contato entre “povos” que vinha desde os tempos visigodos.
Enfrentando os desafios do mar: a natação no Rio de Janeiro do Século XIX (anos 1850-1890)
Authors: Melo Victor Andrade de
Published: July 2015

Este estudo tem por objetivo discutir a conformação da prática da natação no Rio de Janeiro do século XIX, procurando desvendar suas distintas facetas, os diversos sentidos e significados a ela atribuídos, tendo em conta que o tema nos permite lançar um olhar para um conjunto de importantes dimensões da sociedade fluminense no período em tela. Para alcance do objetivo, fizemos uso de periódicos editados na cidade, tomando os devidos cuidados de entender o publicado como representações que devem ser prospectadas na sua materialidade. Adotamos como recorte temporal o século XIX (anos 1850-1890) não somente por ser o momento no qual o hábito de nadar e a natação esportiva começaram a se conformar na capital do país, mas também em função do quadro contextual em que o costume se delineava, um período marcado por grandes mudanças na cidade, inclusive relacionadas à adesão a ideias de modernidade.
Resenha do livro 'The economic consequences of the atlantic slave trade'
Authors: Alfonso Felipe Rodrigues
Published: July 2015

SOLOW, Barbara L. The economic consequences of the atlantic slave trade. Lanham; Boulder; Nova York; Toronto; Plymouth, UK: Lexington Books, 2014
Functional Characterization of Rare Variants Implicated in Susceptibility to Lone Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Hayashi Kenshi , Konno Tetsuo , Tada Hayato , Tani Satoyuki , Liu Li , Fujino Noboru , Nohara Atsushi , Hodatsu Akihiko , Tsuda Toyonobu , Tanaka Yoshihiro , Kawashiri Masa-aki , Ino Hidekazu , Makita Naomasa , Yamagishi Masakazu
Published: July 2015

Background—

Few rare variants in atrial fibrillation (AF)–associated genes have been functionally characterized to identify a causal relationship between these variants and development of AF. We here sought to determine the clinical effect of rare variants in AF-associated genes in patients with lone AF and characterized these variants electrophysiologically and bioinformatically.

Methods and Results—

We screened all coding regions in 12 AF-associated genes in 90 patients with lone AF, with an onset of 47±11 years (66 men; mean age, 56±13 years) by high-resolution melting curve analysis and DNA sequencing. The potassium and sodium currents were analyzed using whole-cell patch clamping. In addition to using 4 individual in silico prediction tools, we extended those predictions to an integrated tool (Combined Annotation Dependent Depletion). We identified 7 rare variants in
KCNA5
,
KCNQ1
,
KCNH2
,
SCN5A
, and
SCN1B
genes in 8 patients: 2 of 8 probands had a family history of AF. Electrophysiological studies revealed that 2 variants showed a loss-of-function, and 4 variants showed a gain-of-function. Five of 6 variants with electrophysiological abnormalities were predicted as pathogenic by Combined Annotation Dependent Depletion scores.

Conclusions—

In our cohort of patients with lone AF, 7 rare variants in cardiac ion channels were identified in 8 probands. A combination of electrophysiological studies and in silico predictions showed that these variants could contribute to the development of lone AF, although further in vivo study is necessary to confirm these results. More than half of AF-associated rare variants showed gain-of-function behavior, which may be targeted using genotype-specific pharmacological therapy.
Sphingosine 1-Phosphate Produced by Sphingosine Kinase 2 Intrinsically Controls Platelet Aggregation In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Urtz Nicole , Gaertner Florian , von Bruehl Marie-Luise , Chandraratne Sue , Rahimi Faridun , Zhang Lin , Orban Mathias , Barocke Verena , Beil Johannes , Schubert Irene , Lorenz Michael , Legate Kyle R. , Huwiler Andrea , Pfeilschifter Josef M. , Beerli Christian , Ledieu David , Persohn Elke , Billich Andreas , Baumruker Thomas , Mederos y Schnitzler Michael , Massberg Steffen
Published: July 2015

Rationale:

Platelets are known to play a crucial role in hemostasis. Sphingosine kinases (Sphk) 1 and 2 catalyze the conversion of sphingosine to the bioactive metabolite sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P). Although platelets are able to secrete S1P on activation, little is known about a potential intrinsic effect of S1P on platelet function.

Objective:

To investigate the role of Sphk1- and Sphk2-derived S1P in the regulation of platelet function.

Methods and Results:

We found a 100-fold reduction in intracellular S1P levels in platelets derived from Sphk2
−/−
mutants compared with Sphk1
−/−
or wild-type mice, as analyzed by mass spectrometry. Sphk2
−/−
platelets also failed to secrete S1P on stimulation. Blood from Sphk2-deficient mice showed decreased aggregation after protease-activated receptor 4-peptide and adenosine diphosphate stimulation in vitro, as assessed by whole blood impedance aggregometry. We revealed that S1P controls platelet aggregation via the sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor 1 through modulation of protease-activated receptor 4-peptide and adenosine diphosphate–induced platelet activation. Finally, we show by intravital microscopy that defective platelet aggregation in Sphk2-deficient mice translates into reduced arterial thrombus stability in vivo.

Conclusions:

We demonstrate that Sphk2 is the major Sphk isoform responsible for the generation of S1P in platelets and plays a pivotal intrinsic role in the control of platelet activation. Correspondingly, Sphk2-deficient mice are protected from arterial thrombosis after vascular injury, but have normal bleeding times. Targeting this pathway could therefore present a new therapeutic strategy to prevent thrombosis.
Monocyte Count and 30-Day Case Fatality in Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Walsh Kyle B. , Sekar Padmini , Langefeld Carl D. , Moomaw Charles J. , Elkind Mitchell S.V. , Boehme Amelia K. , James Michael L. , Osborne Jennifer , Sheth Kevin N. , Woo Daniel , Adeoye Opeolu
Published: July 2015

Background and Purpose—

Monocytes may contribute to secondary injury after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). We tested the association of absolute monocyte count with 30-day ICH case fatality in a multiethnic cohort.

Methods—

Ethnic/Racial Variations of Intracerebral Hemorrhage (ERICH) study is a prospective, multicenter, case–control study of ICH among white, black, and Hispanic patients. In 240 adults with nontraumatic ICH within 24 hours of symptom onset, we evaluated the influence of ICH score and complete blood count components on 30-day case fatality using generalized linear models.

Results—

Mean age was 62.8 years (SD, 14 years); 61.7% were men, 33.3% black, and 29.6% Hispanic. Median ICH volume was 9.9 mL (interquartile range, 4.4–26.7). After adjusting for patient age and initial hemoglobin, higher total white blood cell count (
P
=0.0011), driven by higher absolute neutrophil count (
P
=0.002), was associated with larger ICH volume, whereas absolute monocyte count was not (
P
=0.15). After adjusting for age, Glasgow Coma Scale, ICH volume, location, and the presence or absence of intraventricular hemorrhage, baseline absolute monocyte count was independently associated with higher 30-day case-fatality (odds ratio, 5.39; 95% confidence interval, 1.87–15.49;
P
=0.0018), whereas absolute neutrophil count (odds ratio, 1.04; 0.46–2.32;
P
=0.93) and white blood cell count (odds ratio, 1.62; 0.58–4.54;
P
=0.36) were not.

Conclusions—

These data support an independent association between higher admission absolute monocyte count and 30-day case-fatality in ICH. Inquiry into monocyte-mediated pathways of inflammation and apoptosis may elucidate the basis for the observed association and may be targets for ICH neuroprotection.
The glandulous Specklinia: morphological convergence versus phylogenetic divergence
Authors: Karremans Adam , Bogarín Diego , Pupulin Franco , Luer Carlyle , Gravendeel Barbara
Published: July 2015

The present paper focuses on the systematics of the Specklinia glandulosa species complex. Traditionally, S. glandulosa has been considered a widely distributed and variable species, ranging from Mexico to the Guiana Shield. Here it is treated as one of at least six different, albeit closely related, species. Of these species, S. pertenuis and S. vittariifolia, are recognized as distinct species and removed from the synonymy of S. glandulosa, and S. alajuelensis and S. gersonii are described and illustrated as new to science. Specklinia chontalensis is described and illustrated from living, Costa Rican material. Specklinia alajuelensis is compared with S. glandulosa and S. vittariifolia, from which it differs in its broader leaves, multi-flowered, lax inflorescence that surpasses the leaves, and smaller petals and sepals. Specklinia gersonii is compared with S. glandulosa, from which it differs in the smaller leaves, and the smaller, orange flowers.
Checklist of nematode parasites of amphibians from Argentina
Authors: GONZÁLEZ CYNTHYA ELIZABETH , INÉS HAMANN MONIKA
Published: July 2015

This review includes information about 47 taxa of nematode parasites reported from 34 species of Argentinean amphibians, all belonging to order Anura (33 native species and 1 introduced species). Thirty four nematode species have been reported as adults and 13 species were reported as larvae (10 taxa) or juveniles (3 taxa). Two species, Cosmocerca parva and C. podicipinus (Cosmocercidae), collected as adults, are the most commonly occurring adult nematodes in Argentinean amphibians; each of them parasitize 14 amphibian species. The bufonid Rhinella schneideri and the leptodactylid Leptodactylus bufonius present the highest species richness of parasitic nematodes (9 species); followed by Rhinella fernandezae, R. arenarum and Leptodactylus chaquensis, each of which is parasitized by 8 nematode species. Mean species richenss was highest for the family Bufonidae (4.5±3.4; range: 1-9); followed by the Leptodactylidae (3.5±2.8; range: 1-9). Data on hosts, geographical distribution, site of infection, location of deposited materials, and information about life cycles are provided. This is the first compilation of information on nematode parasites of amphibians in Argentina.
External morphology and oral cavity of the tadpole of Trachycephalus atlas Bokermann, 1966 (Amphibia, Anura, Hylidae)
Authors: BARRETO GILVANA SANTOS , RAMOS JULIANA CONCEIÇÃO , MERCÊS EDNEI DE ALMEIDA , NAPOLI MARCELO FELGUEIRAS , GARDA ADRIAN ANTONIO , JUNCÁ FLORA ACUÑA
Published: July 2015

The Neotropical genus Trachycephalus Tschudi currently comprises 14 species distributed in lowlands of Mexico, Central and South America east of the Andes, south until northern Argentina (Frost 2014) and throughout Brazil (IUCN 2014). Seven species of the genus have tadpoles formerly described: T. coriaceus (Peters) (Schiesari & Moreira 1996; Lescure et al. 1996), T. cunauaru Gordo, Toledo, Suárez, Kawashita-Ribeiro, Ávila, Morais & Nunes (Grillitsch 1992 as Phrynohyas resinifictrix according to Gordo et al. 2013), T. jordani (Stejneger & Test) (McDiarmid & Altig 1989-1990), T. mesophaeus (Hensel) (Lutz 1973; Carvalho-e-Silva et al. 2002; Prado et al. 2003), T. nigromaculatus Tschudi (Wogel et al. 2000), T. resinifictrix (Goeldi) (Hero 1990; Schiesari et al. 1996), and T. typhonius (Linnaeus) (Pyburn 1967; Duellman 1970; Schiesari et al. 1996). The oral cavity is described only for T. cunauaru (Grillitsch 1992), T. resinifictrix (Schiesari et al. 1996), and T. typhonius (Schiesari et al. 1996; Fabrezi & Vera 1997).
Cambarus (Jugicambarus) pauleyi, a new species of crayfish (Decapoda: Cambaridae) endemic to southcentral West Virginia, USA, with a re-description of Cambarus (J.) dubius
Authors: LOUGHMAN ZACHARY J. , THOMA ROGER F. , FETZNER JAMES W. JR. , STOCKER G. WHITNEY
Published: July 2015

Cambarus (Jugicambarus) dubius Faxon, 1884 is a polychromatic montane burrowing crayfish with a long, turbulent taxonomic history since its original description by Walter Faxon in 1884. Over the years, many distinct color phases have been identified, with the majority of these being confined to a specific geographic or physiographic region in the central and southern Appalachians. Previous investigations of this species (e.g., Dewees 1972) were unable to discover consistent morphological differences among the various groups, and thus were unable to clarify what has long been considered a species complex. Due to lingering taxonomic issues, we herein re-describe, delimit and restrict the concept of C. dubius. We also describe a new species, Cambarus (Jugicambarus) pauleyi, from the same complex, which can be identified through the use of geographic distribution, coloration, and distinct morphological characters. Cambarus dubius sensu stricto, as defined here, is restricted to the “typical form” which has an overall orang-ish color pattern on the dorsal and lateral sides, with cream ventrally. The distribution of C. dubius s.s. is limited to the central and northern portions of the Allegheny Mountains and high elevations of the Appalachian Plateau in central West Virginia, western Maryland, and southcentral Pennsylvania. In contrast, C. pauleyi is endemic to high elevation wetlands (>700 m) in the Meadow and Greenbrier River basins in Greenbrier and Monroe counties, West Virginia. Cambarus pauleyi can be differentiated from C. dubius s.s. by 1) its blue dorsal coloration compared to the orange coloration of C. dubius s.s., 2) its large (palm depth/(palm length) ratio, and 3) its smaller (rostral width)/(rostral length) ratio. Cambarus pauleyi can be separated from other peripatric populations of C. dubius sensu lato that occur in the Meadow and Greenbrier River drainage by its 1) blue coloration compared to the orange and black coloration of the latter, 2) the smaller (palm depth)/(palm length) ratio in C. pauleyi, and 3) the deeply excavated rostrum of C. dubius compared to the moderately excavated rostrum of C. pauleyi. Cambarus pauleyi can be easily differentiated from both taxa by the presence of two subpalmer tubercles. Both C. dubius s.s and peripatric C. dubius lack subpalmer tubercles. Cambarus pauleyi has an extremely narrow geographic distribution and has possibly experienced a significant range reduction due to the conversion of wetlands into pastures, and should be considered “Endangered” according to American Fisheries Society listing criteria (Taylor et al. 2007).
Family Structure Transitions and Child Development
Authors: Lee Dohoon , McLanahan Sara
Published: July 2015

A growing literature documents the importance of family instability for child wellbeing. In this article, we use longitudinal data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study to examine the impacts of family instability on children’s cognitive and socioemotional development in early and middle childhood. We extend existing research in several ways: (1) by distinguishing between the number and types of family structure changes; (2) by accounting for time-varying as well as time-constant confounding; and (3) by assessing racial/ethnic and gender differences in family instability effects. Our results indicate that family instability has a causal effect on children’s development, but the effect depends on the type of change, the outcome assessed, and the population examined. Generally speaking, transitions out of a two-parent family are more negative for children’s development than transitions into a two-parent family. The effect of family instability is more pronounced for children’s socioemotional development than for their cognitive achievement. For socioemotional development, transitions out of a two-parent family are more negative for white children, whereas transitions into a two-parent family are more negative for Hispanic children. These findings suggest that future research should pay more attention to the type of family structure transition and to population heterogeneity.
Logit-Based Analysis of Drivers’ Crossing Behavior at Unsignalized Intersections in China
Authors: Lu Guangquan , Liu Miaomiao , Wang Yunpeng , Wan Huasen , Tian Daxin
Published: July 2015

Objective:

This study aims to investigate the crossing behavior of straight-moving drivers when they encounter other straight-moving drivers at unsignalized intersections in China.

Background:

In China, when two vehicle drivers encounter at an unsignalized intersection, neither driver completely stops his or her vehicle in most cases. Instead, one driver gradually approaches the intersection and dynamically decides to either yield or preempt by gaming with the other vehicle. This process increases the probability of accidents.

Method:

A total of 305 crossing cases were collected at an unsignalized intersection in Kunming City. Motion parameters were extracted from the video detection program designed by our research group. Based on a logistic regression method, we analyzed decision making moment of straight-moving drivers under crossing conditions, established crossing behavior models, and identified the main factors that affected drivers’ decisions. In all, 68 cases observed at a separate intersection were used to validate the established models.

Results:

For crossing processes at unsignalized intersections in China, straight-moving drivers from the right side completed preemptive/yielding decisions at 1.3 s before reaching the crossing point. However, the majority of straight-moving drivers from the left side completed decisions at 1.1 s before reaching the crossing point. The most important parameter that influenced the drivers’ decisions was the difference between the speeds of the two vehicles.

Conclusion:

An effective method for preventing traffic conflict between two straight-moving drivers is to control the speeds of the vehicles before they enter the intersection.

Application:

This study explores crossing behavior of straight-moving drivers and provides significant insights for controlling driver behavior.
Estimation of the elastic constants of highly porous cellular plastics reinforced with fibres embedded in foam struts
Authors: Lagzdiņš A , Zilaucs A , Beverte I , Andersons J
Published: July 2015

In order to enhance the mechanical properties of polymer foams, fillers of different materials and sizes are being applied. Fibrous fillers shorter than the characteristic foam cell dimensions have the potential of efficient reinforcement, due to their high aspect ratio, without detrimentally interfering with foam structure. A theoretical model is developed for evaluation of the effect of filler on foam stiffness. The elastic response of rigid polymer foams filled with short fibres, of length commensurable with that of foam struts, is modelled by using the orientational averaging technique. Explicit expressions for components of the stiffness tensor of composite foams are derived in terms of elasticity characteristics of the polymer and reinforcing fibres, fibre content, foam density, and parameters of the orientational distribution of foam struts. The model is applied to describing the foam stiffness as a function of fibre loading of polyurethane foams filled with milled carbon fibres.
Oral Citrulline Mitigates Inflammation and Jejunal Damage via the Inactivation of Neuronal Nitric Oxide Synthase and Nuclear Factor–κB in Intestinal Ischemia and Reperfusion
Authors: Lai Chun‐Hong , Lee Chien‐Hsing , Hung Ching‐Yi , Lo Hui‐Chen
Published: July 2015

Background: Intestinal ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) is a life‐threatening emergency accompanied by inflammation and organ damage. We compared the mechanisms and the effects of arginine, citrulline, and glutamine on inflammation and intestinal damage. Materials and Methods: Male Wistar rats underwent 60 minutes of superior mesenteric artery occlusion and either 3 (I/R3) or 24 (I/R24) hours of reperfusion and were orally administered vehicle, arginine, citrulline, or glutamine 15 minutes before reperfusion and at 3, 9, and 21 hours of reperfusion. Results: I/R3 rats experienced jejunal damage and apoptosis, and I/R24 rats had liver dysfunction compared with normal rats (one‐way ANOVA, P < .05). Arginine and citrulline administrations improved jejunal morphology, and citrulline and glutamine administrations alleviated the loss of jejunal mass in I/R3 rats. I/R3‐increased circulating nitrate/nitrite (NOx), tumor necrosis factor–α, and interleukin‐6 were significantly decreased by citrulline, glutamine and citrulline, and arginine, glutamine, and citrulline, respectively. These amino acids decreased plasma NOx and interferon‐γ in I/R24, decreased jejunal neuronal nitric oxide synthase (NOS) protein in I/R3 rats, and alleviated jejunal apoptosis in I/R3 and I/R24 rats. In addition, the jejunal phosphorylated to total nuclear factor–κB (NF‐κB) ratio was decreased by arginine and citrulline in I/R24 rats. Conclusion: Oral administration of arginine, citrulline, and glutamine may alleviate systemic inflammation, jejunal apoptosis, and neuronal NOS in intestinal I/R. Citrulline may further attenuate jejunal damage by preserving jejunal mass, partially via the inactivation of NOS and the NF‐κB pathway. In conclusion, oral citrulline may have more benefits than arginine and glutamine in mitigating intestinal ischemia and reperfusion‐induced adverse effects.
Combined treatment with endovenous laser ablation and compression therapy of incompetent perforating veins for treatment of recalcitrant venous ulcers
Authors: Seren Mustafa , Dumantepe Mert , Fazliogullari Osman , Kucukaksu Suha
Published: July 2015

Objective

Patients with healed venous ulcers often experience recurrence of ulceration, despite the use of long-term compression therapy. This study examines the effect of closing incompetent perforating veins (IPVs) on ulcer recurrence rates in patients with progressive lipodermatosclerosis and impending ulceration.

Methods

Patients with nonhealing venous ulcers of >2 months’ duration underwent duplex ultrasound to assess their lower extremity venous system for incompetence of superficial, perforating, and deep veins. Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) of perforating veins was performed on patients with CEAP 6 disease with increasing hyperpigmentation, lipodermatosclerosis, and/or progressive malleolar pain. A minimum of 2 months of compressive therapy was attempted before endovenous ablation of IPVs. Demographic data, risk factors, CEAP classification, procedural details, and postoperative status were all recorded.

Results

Forty ulcers with 46 associated IPVs were treated with EVLA in 36 patients with CEAP 6 recalcitrant venous ulcers. Treated incompetent perforator veins were located in the medial ankle (85.7%), calf (10.7%), and lateral ankle (3.5%). Endovenous laser ablation was successful in 76% (35/46) with the first laser treatment of incompetent perforator veins and 15.2% (7/46) additional ablation procedures were performed. Of the 46 treated IPVs, 42 (91.3%) were occluded on the duplex examination at 12 months. The average energy administrated per perforating vein treated was 162 joule. Two patients reported localized paresthesia, which subsided spontaneously, but no deep venous thrombosis or skin burn was observed.

Conclusion

Especially in the case of liposclerotic or ulcerated skin in the affected region, PAP of IPVs is highly effective, safe, and appears to be feasible. Patients with active venous ulcers appear to benefit from EVLA of incompetent perforators in order to reduce the risk of ulcer recurrence.
A variational approach to simultaneous multi-object tracking and classification
Authors: Romero-Cano Victor , Agamennoni Gabriel , Nieto Juan
Published: July 2015

Object tracking and classification serve as basic components for the different perception tasks of autonomous robots. They provide the robot with the capability of class-aware tracking and richer features for decision-making processes. The joint estimation of class assignments, dynamic states and data associations results in a computationally intractable problem. Therefore, the vast majority of the literature tackles tracking and classification independently. The work presented here proposes a probabilistic model and an inference procedure that render the problem tractable through a structured variational approximation. The framework presented is very generic, and can be used for various tracking applications. It can handle objects with different dynamics, such as cars and pedestrians and it can seamlessly integrate multi-modal features, for example object dynamics and appearance. The method is evaluated and compared with state-of-the-art techniques using the publicly available KITTI dataset.
Role of high sensitivity C-reactive protein and other risk factors in intracranial and extracranial artery occlusion in patients with ischaemic stroke
Authors: Xie Dan , Deng Li , Liu Xiao-dong , Li Ji-mei , Zhang Yong-bo
Published: July 2015

Objective

A retrospective case–control study to identify stroke-associated risk factors and quantify serum C-reactive protein in patients with ischaemic stroke, with or without intracranial and/or extracranial artery occlusion (IEAO).

Methods

Patients with ischaemic stroke and internal carotid artery occlusion (ICAO), middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO), ICAO + MCAO, or no IEAO (control patients) were retrospectively recruited. Data regarding stroke-associated risk factors were retrieved from medical records. High sensitivity (hs)-CRP was quantified within 3 days of hospital admission.

Results

Patients with ICAO ( n = 89), MCAO ( n = 74) and ICAO + MCAO ( n = 29) had significantly higher serum hs-CRP concentrations, and were significantly more likely to have coronary heart disease, a history of stroke, and more than three stroke-associated risk factors than control patients ( n = 84).

Conclusions

Coronary heart disease and a history of stroke are risk factors for ischaemic stroke with IEAO. Hs-CRP may be used as a marker for IEAO.
Continuous Video Electroencephalographic (EEG) Monitoring for Electrographic Seizure Diagnosis in Neonates: A Single-Center Study
Authors: Wietstock S. O. , Bonifacio S. L. , Sullivan J. E. , Nash K. B. , Glass H. C.
Published: July 2015

The objective of this study was to determine the diagnostic yield of continuous video electroencephalographic (EEG) monitoring in critically ill neonates in the setting of a novel, university-based Neonatal Neurocritical Care Service. Patient demographic characteristics, indication for seizure monitoring, and presence of electrographic seizures were obtained by chart review. Among 595 patients cared for by the Neonatal Neurocritical Care Service, 400 (67%) received continuous video EEG. The median duration of continuous video EEG monitoring was 49 (interquartile range = 22-87) hours. Electrographic seizures were captured in 105 of 400 (26% of monitored patients) and of those, 25 of 105 (24%) had no clinical correlate. In addition, 52 of 400 subjects (13%) were monitored due to paroxysmal events concerning for seizures, but never had electrographic seizures. Continuous video EEG monitoring helped confirm or rule out ongoing seizures in more than one-third of the cases. This finding helps to support the use of continuous video EEG in critically ill neonates.
Examination of the Perceptions of Registered Nurses Regarding the Use of Healing Touch in the Acute Care Setting
Authors: Anderson Joel G. , Ann Friesen Mary , Fabian Jennifer , Swengros Diane , Herbst Anna , Mangione Lucrezia
Published: July 2015

Given the current transformation of traditional health care to provide more integrative and complementary modalities, health systems are implementing new programs and services to meet consumer and provider needs. One such integrative modality, Healing Touch, with a foundation in holistic nursing, is a gentle therapy that uses touch to promote health and well-being by balancing the human energy system. This article describes the perceptions of registered nurses regarding the implementation of a Healing Touch training program at a multihospital health system. Five themes were identified: benefit to the patient, benefit to the nurse, holism beyond task orientation, integrating Healing Touch into acute care, and barriers and challenges. Nurses recognize the importance of creating caring-healing relationships and a holistic approach to care. Training in Healing Touch provides one avenue for nurses and health care providers to provide compassionate care.
Community-Based Long-Term Care Services
Authors: Liu Chang , Eom Kirsten , Matchar David B. , Chong Wayne F. , Chan Angelique W. M.
Published: July 2015

Objective: This study examines the relationship between caregivers’ perception of community-based long-term care (CBLTC) services and the service use. Method: We used first two waves of the longitudinal data set of 1,416 dyads of care recipients and their caregivers in Singapore. Four perceived attributes of LTC services—service quality, convenience, social connectedness, and affordability—were measured on a 5-point scale. Results: Among the four perceived attributes, perceived affordability was significantly associated with future utilization for all types of CBLTC services. Perceived service quality and convenience was significantly associated with center-based LTC services use. Discussion: Caregivers are critically involved in the decision of using CBLTC services, and their perception of service characteristics is significantly associated with the uptake of CBLTC services. It is important to incorporate both care recipients’ and caregivers’ needs and preferences when designing and promoting integrated health care delivery models.
The potential risks of probiotics among HIV-infected persons: Bacteraemia due to Lactobacillus acidophilus and review of the literature
Authors: Haghighat Leila , Crum-Cianflone Nancy F
Published: July 2015

Lactobacillus sp. are commensal organisms that are increasingly reported to cause invasive infections among immunosuppressed persons. However, few data exist regarding the occurrence and risk factors of these infections among HIV-infected persons. Further, the safety of products that contain lactobacilli (e.g. probiotics) in certain populations, including those with HIV/AIDS, is unclear. We report a case of Lactobacillus acidophilus bacteraemia in a patient with AIDS temporally related to excessive consumption of probiotic-enriched yogurt, and provide a comprehensive review of the literature of Lactobacillus sp. infections among HIV-infected persons.
Biomechanical Comparison of External Fixation and Compression Screws for Transverse Tarsal Joint Arthrodesis
Authors: Latt L. Daniel , Glisson Richard R. , Adams Samuel B. , Schuh Reinhard , Narron John A. , Easley Mark E.
Published: July 2015

Background:

Transverse tarsal joint arthrodesis is commonly performed in the operative treatment of hindfoot arthritis and acquired flatfoot deformity. While fixation is typically achieved using screws, failure to obtain and maintain joint compression sometimes occurs, potentially leading to nonunion. External fixation is an alternate method of achieving arthrodesis site compression and has the advantage of allowing postoperative compression adjustment when necessary. However, its performance relative to standard screw fixation has not been quantified in this application. We hypothesized that external fixation could provide transverse tarsal joint compression exceeding that possible with screw fixation.

Methods:

Transverse tarsal joint fixation was performed sequentially, first with a circular external fixator and then with compression screws, on 9 fresh-frozen cadaveric legs. The external fixator was attached in abutting rings fixed to the tibia and the hindfoot and a third anterior ring parallel to the hindfoot ring using transverse wires and half-pins in the tibial diaphysis, calcaneus, and metatarsals. Screw fixation comprised two 4.3 mm headless compression screws traversing the talonavicular joint and 1 across the calcaneocuboid joint. Compressive forces generated during incremental fixator foot ring displacement to 20 mm and incremental screw tightening were measured using a custom-fabricated instrumented miniature external fixator spanning the transverse tarsal joint.

Results:

The maximum compressive force generated by the external fixator averaged 186% of that produced by the screws (range, 104%-391%). Fixator compression surpassed that obtainable with screws at 12 mm of ring displacement and decreased when the tibial ring was detached. No correlation was found between bone density and the compressive force achievable by either fusion method.

Conclusion:

The compression across the transverse tarsal joint that can be obtained with a circular external fixator including a tibial ring exceeds that which can be obtained with 3 headless compression screws. Screw and external fixator performance did not correlate with bone mineral density. This study supports the use of external fixation as an alternative method of generating compression to help stimulate fusion across the transverse tarsal joints.

Clinical Relevance:

The findings provide biomechanical evidence to support the use of external fixation as a viable option in transverse tarsal joint fusion cases in which screw fixation has failed or is anticipated to be inadequate due to suboptimal bone quality.
Stability analysis of rotor whirl under nonlinear internal friction by a general averaging approach
Authors: Sorge Francesco
Published: July 2015

The two main sources of internal friction in a rotor-shaft system are the shaft structural hysteresis and the possible shrink-fit release of the assembly. The internal friction tends to destabilize the over-critical rotor running, but a remedy against this effect may be provided by a proper combination of some external damping in the supports and an anisotropic arrangement of the support stiffness, or at most by the support damping alone, depending on the system geometry. The present analysis reported here considers a general asymmetric rotor-shaft system, where the rotor is perfectly rigid and is constrained by viscous–flexible supports having different stiffnesses on two orthogonal planes. The internal friction is modelled by nonlinear Coulombian forces, which counteract the translational motion of the rotor relative to a frame rotating with the shaft ends. The nonlinear equations of motion are dealt with using an averaging approach based on the Krylov-Bogoliubov method with some adaptation to address the multi-degree-of-freedom nature of the problem. Stable limit cycles may be attained by the overcritical whirling motions, whose amplitudes are inversely proportional to the external dissipation applied by the supports. A noteworthy result is that the stiffness anisotropy of the supports is recognized as beneficial in reducing the natural whirl amplitudes, albeit mainly in the symmetric configuration of the rotor at the mid span and, to a rather lesser extent, in the asymmetric configuration, which then requires a stronger damping action in the supports.
Impact of Exposure to Childhood Maltreatment on Transitions to Alcohol Dependence in Women and Men
Authors: Oberleitner Lindsay M. S. , Smith Philip H. , Weinberger Andrea H. , Mazure Carolyn M. , McKee Sherry A.
Published: July 2015

Background:

Childhood maltreatment decreases age of first use and speeds the transition from first use to dependence (i.e., telescoping) for alcohol use, however, it is currently unknown whether this influence is the same for men and women.

Method:

Analyses were conducted with the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions ( n = 34,653). Outcome variables included age of alcohol initiation and time to onset of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition alcohol dependence. Predictor variables included gender and childhood maltreatment. Linear and Poisson regression analyses were conducted.

Results:

Results demonstrated that in regard to age of drinking initiation, individuals who experienced childhood maltreatment initiated 1 year earlier than those without maltreatment, however, there was no interaction of this relationship with gender. Regarding the time to dependence, it was found that women who experienced childhood maltreatment demonstrated telescoping (shorter time between onset and dependence) compared to women without maltreatment and men (both with and without maltreatment).

Conclusion:

Women with a history of childhood maltreatment are particularly vulnerable to an accelerated time from initiation of alcohol use until dependence, a pattern indicative of increased negative alcohol-related outcomes. Findings highlight the need for development of gender-specific prevention efforts and behavioral treatments to aid in early intervention of problematic alcohol use in women.
Explaining the effects of symptom attribution by carers on help-seeking for individuals living with dementia
Authors: Feldman Lisa , Wilcock Jane , Thuné-Boyle Ingela , Iliffe Steve
Published: July 2015

This study investigated the effects of carer attributions on help-seeking behaviour for people with dementia using interviews with 84 carers recruited through general practice. Memory loss was the most commonly reported first symptom but psychological and behavioural symptoms were also common at onset. In over a third of individuals help-seeking was delayed for a mean of 25 months (range 6–69, SD 19.3). Help-seeking between those who attributed symptoms to dementia, or to unknown causes, and those who attributed symptoms to personality, ageing, life events or other illnesses was statistically significant ( p < 0.001). No statistically significant associations between help-seeking and patient or carer characteristics were found. There is a need to raise public awareness about the range of symptoms suggestive of dementia. Assumptions that age and other conditions may be the likely cause of an individual’s cognitive decline needs to be challenged by practitioners. Attribution of symptoms to characteristics other than dementia delays help-seeking.
Rhythms of gentrification: eventfulness and slow violence in a happening neighbourhood
Authors: Kern Leslie
Published: July 2015

Gentrification involves the transformation of neighbourhood social spaces in ways that remake place in line with the needs and desires of new residents and capital investors. While spatial transformations have been well documented in the gentrification literature, temporality has rarely been foregrounded, although social space is also altered by privileging new rhythms and tempos of everyday life. Using a case study of Toronto’s gentrifying Junction neighbourhood, this article explores the restructuring of everyday neighbourhood rhythms around consumption-oriented and place-making events that draw on a collage of ideas about the timespace of ‘authentic’ urban street life. I argue that the reorganization of neighbourhood social life through the creation and privileging of specific temporal landscapes functions as a means of excluding, marginalizing or rendering invisible certain community members and their needs. The inability of some to participate in the new temporalities of the neighbourhood becomes a barrier to recognition and representation, one that both hides and enables the ongoing ‘slow violence’ of gentrification.