bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Filling the gaps: opportunities for community pharmacies to help increase healthcare access for young people in New Zealand
Authors: Horsfield Emma , Sheridan Janie , Kelly Fiona , Robinson Elizabeth , Clark Terryann , Ameratunga Shanthi
Published: August 2013

Objectives

To investigate whether there is potential for community pharmacies to help increase healthcare access and address unmet health needs of young people in New Zealand.

Methods

A descriptive secondary analysis of the Youth'07 health and wellbeing survey data was undertaken alongside discussion meetings with a youth advisory group.

Key findings

Seventeen per cent (n = 1485) of all students had been unable to access care when required in the previous 12 months. Of these students, 86.0% cited barriers to accessing health care that are unlikely to be barriers in a community pharmacy setting (e.g. not being able to get an appointment). Thirty per cent (n = 2475) of students had experienced difficulty accessing health care in the past 12 months for various health issues, with over half of these (n = 1326) citing a health issue for which community pharmacies could provide services (e.g. minor health issues, smoking cessation).

Conclusions

Although young people are generally considered to be fit and healthy, many have health needs that are currently unmet by traditional health services. Community pharmacies offer services that are relevant to youth health and are readily accessible to young people, indicating potential to help address unmet health needs and improve healthcare access. Further research is needed to explore how community pharmacy models of care might be provided in an appropriate and acceptable manner for youth.
Factors affecting unmet healthcare needs of older people in Korea
Authors: Ahn Y.H. , Kim N.H. , Kim C.B. , Ham O.K.
Published: August 2013

Background

Despite the fact that the National Health Insurance programmes have ensured universal coverage for Koreans, disparities in access to health care and unmet healthcare needs still exist in Korea.

Aim

The purpose of this study was to analyse factors affecting unmet healthcare needs of older people in Korea.

Methods

This study had a cross‐sectional, descriptive design using secondary data taken from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Survey conducted in 2007–2009. A complex sampling design was used, and the participants included a nationally representative sample of 3943 people older than 64 years. Socio‐demographic variables, subjective health, existence of chronic diseases, quality of life and unmet healthcare needs were included in the study instruments. Logistic regression analyses were performed in order to examine the relationship between unmet healthcare needs and independent variables.

Results

According to the results, 29.4% of older women and 14.0% of older men had not visited clinics or hospitals when they needed to obtain healthcare services (unmet healthcare needs) during the past 12 months. Older women [odds ratio (OR) = 1.831, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.428–2.347] and those with poor subjective health (OR = 1.708, 95% CI = 1.371–2.126) and arthritis (OR = 1.278, 95% CI = 1.029–1.586) were more likely to have unmet healthcare needs than their counterparts.

Conclusions

Efforts to decrease unmet healthcare needs, targeting high‐risk groups (especially for older women), are needed in order to prevent disability, decrease mortality and promote the quality of life of older people.
COMMUNITY CARE OF THE AGED A Preventive Health Perspective
Authors: Devlin G. , Devlin Glenda
Published: August 2013

This paper suggests a model for the analysis and planning of aged care services from 3 preventive health perspective. The model considers the aged person's needs, factors affecting how these needs will be met, service provisionl and the consequences to the aged individual and society of this provision. Use of this model to analyse present services points to the need for an ‘Office of the Aged’ at Commonwealth government level to take responsibility for need determination, goal setting, organisation and evaluation of services.
Cerebral ischaemia and matrix metalloproteinase‐9 modulate the angiogenic function of early and late outgrowth endothelial progenitor cells
Authors: Morancho Anna , Hernández‐Guillamon Mar , Boada Cristina , Barceló Verónica , Giralt Dolors , Ortega Laura , Montaner Joan , Rosell Anna
Published: August 2013

The enhancement of endogenous angiogenesis after stroke will be critical in neurorepair therapies where endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) might be key players. Our aim was to determine the influence of cerebral ischaemia and the role of matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9) on the angiogenic function of EPCs. Permanent focal cerebral ischaemia was induced by middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion in MMP‐9/knockout (MMP‐9/KO) and wild‐type (WT) mice. EPCs were obtained for cell counting after ischaemia (6 and 24 hrs) and in control animals. Matrigel™ assays and time‐lapse imaging were conducted to monitor angiogenic function of WT and MMP9‐deficient EPCs or after treatment with MMP‐9 inhibitors. Focal cerebral ischaemia increased the number of early EPCs, while MMP‐9 deficiency decreased their number in non‐ischaemic mice and delayed their release after ischaemia. Late outgrowth endothelial cells (OECs) from ischaemic mice shaped more vessel structures than controls, while MMP‐9 deficiency reduced the angiogenic abilities of OECs to form vascular networks, in vitro. Treatment with the MMP inhibitor GM6001 and the specific MMP‐9 inhibitor I also decreased the number of vessel structures shaped by both human and mouse WT OECs, while exogenous MMP‐9 could not revert the impaired angiogenic function in MMP‐9/KO OECs. Finally, time‐lapse imaging showed that the extension of vascular networks was influenced by cerebral ischaemia and MMP‐9 deficiency early during the vascular network formation followed by a dynamic vessel remodelling. We conclude that focal cerebral ischaemia triggers the angiogenic responses of EPCs, while MMP‐9 plays a key role in the formation of vascular networks by EPCs.
Granulomatous lesions in a wild mullet population from the eastern Ligurian Sea (Italy): mycobacteriosis vs. pseudotuberculosis
Authors: Varello K , Prearo M , Serracca L , Meloni D , Rossini I , Righetti M , Pezzolato M , Fioravanti M L , Ercolini C , Bozzetta E
Published: August 2013

Mycobacterium spp. and Photobacterium damselae subsp. piscicida are recognized as the most frequent causative agents of granulomatous lesions in fish. Although frequent episodes of mycobacterial infections have been reported in wild fish worldwide, only sporadic cases have been documented to date in Italy. To investigate for the presence of lesions referable to mycobacteriosis and to identify the mycobacterial species involved, a total of 159 wild mullets were fished from the eastern coast of the Ligurian Sea, killed and necropsied. Liver and spleen samples were collected from all fish for histopathological and microbiological analyses. Molecular investigations for identification of Photobacterium damselae subsp. piscicida were performed. Gross examination revealed granulomatous lesions in one animal; microscopically, 42.14% of fish displayed granulomas with various histological features, 19.50% resulted positive at Ziehl–Neelsen staining, and were confirmed as mycobacterial lesions by culture. The identified colonies were characterized as M. fortuitum, M. abscessus, M. flavescens, M. chelonae, M. septicum and M. nonchromogenicum. In all, 35% of animals resulted positive for Photobacterium damselae subsp. piscicida. These data suggest widespread mycobacterial infection also by Photobacterium damselae subsp. piscicida infections in wild fish. Moreover, the pathogenicity of some mycobacterial species, previously considered as saprophytic, was demonstrated.
Advances in regeneration of dental pulp – a literature review
Authors: Ajay Sharma Lavanya , Sharma Ajay , Dias George J.
Published: August 2013

This review summarizes the biological response of dentin–pulp complexes to a variety of stimuli and responses to current treatment therapies and reviews the role of tissue engineering and its application in regenerative endodontics. An electronic search was undertaken based on keywords using Medline/PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Ovid database resources up to March 2012 to identify appropriate articles, supplemented by a manual search using reference lists from relevant articles. Inclusion criteria were mainly based on different combinations of keywords and restricted to articles published in English language only. Biological approaches based on tissue engineering principles were found to offer the possibility of restoring natural tooth vitality, with distinct evidence that regeneration of lost dental tissues is possible. Studies to formulate an ideal restorative material with regenerative properties, however, are still under way. Further research with supporting clinical studies is required to identify the most effective and safe treatment therapy.
Declining Effects of Oil Price Shocks
Authors: KATAYAMA MUNECHIKA
Published: August 2013

In recent years, output responses to oil price shocks have not only been weaker, but have also reached their trough earlier. This paper builds a model that incorporates a realistic structure of U.S. petroleum consumption and explores three possible explanations for the changes. The possible factors considered are (i) deregulation in the transportation industry, (ii) improved energy efficiency, and (iii) a lower degree of persistence of oil price shocks. Under realistic parameter values, the three factors play an important role quantitatively, accounting for half of the reduction in the largest impact on output of an oil price shock over time.
Asymmetric Labor Market Institutions in the EMU and the Volatility of Inflation and Unemployment Differentials
Authors: ABBRITTI MIRKO , MUELLER ANDREAS I.
Published: August 2013

How does the asymmetry of labor market institutions affect the adjustment of a currency union to shocks? To answer this question, this paper sets up a dynamic currency union model with monopolistic competition and sticky prices, hiring frictions, and real wage rigidities. In our analysis, we focus on the differentials in inflation and unemployment between countries, as they directly reflect how the currency union responds to shocks. We highlight the following three results. First, we show that it is important to distinguish between different labor market rigidities as they have opposite effects on inflation and unemployment differentials. Second, we find that asymmetries in labor market structures tend to increase the volatility of both inflation and unemployment differentials. Finally, we show that it is important to take into account the interaction between different types of labor market rigidities. Overall, our results suggest that asymmetries in labor market structures worsen the adjustment of a currency union to shocks.
Evaluation of obstetrical factors related to Sheehan syndrome
Authors: Matsuwaki Takahiro , Khan Khaleque Newaz , Inoue Tsuneo , Yoshida Atsushi , Masuzaki Hideaki
Published: August 2013

Aim

To evaluate factors related to the occurrence of Sheehan syndrome.

Methods

The obstetrical disseminated intravascular coagulation score, total volume of hemorrhage, shock index, level of consciousness at the time of shock occurrence and pituitary magnetic resonance imaging findings were evaluated in nine women who showed massive hemorrhage during delivery. These clinical outcomes were analyzed in all these patients who were prospectively followed‐up to identify any possible occurrence of Sheehan syndrome.

Results

Compared to six women with non‐Sheehan syndrome, three women who were diagnosed with Sheehan syndrome showed significant elevation of the obstetrical disseminated intravascular coagulation score, decrease in the level of consciousness during shock and remarkable pituitary gland atrophic change with an empty sella turcica detected by pituitary magnetic resonance imaging. The volume of hemorrhage during delivery and shock index were not significantly different between these two groups of women.

Conclusion

Careful attention and follow‐up should be paid to women with post‐partum massive hemorrhage for early detection and management of women with Sheehan syndrome.
Spontaneous uterine rupture at 32 weeks of gestation after previous uterine artery embolization
Authors: Takeda Jun , Makino Shintaro , Ota Atsuyuki , Tawada Tetsuo , Mitsuhashi Naoki , Takeda Satoru
Published: August 2013

Uterine artery embolization (UAE) is a common treatment for post‐partum hemorrhage and uterine fibroids. However, the effects of UAE on subsequent pregnancies have not been established. Here, we present a case of spontaneous uterine rupture after previous UAE. A 31‐year‐old woman underwent UAE for a cervical ectopic pregnancy. Contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at days 5 and 25 post‐UAE suggested a regionally decreased blood supply in the mid‐posterior wall of the uterine fundus. During a subsequent pregnancy at age 35 years, she underwent an emergency cesarean delivery due to spontaneous uterine rupture at the mid‐posterior wall of the uterus at 32 weeks of gestation. Obstetricians should be attentive to the possibility of spontaneous uterine rupture in pregnant women who have previously undergone UAE. Detection of ischemic uterine muscle on MRI may predict potential for uterine rupture in a subsequent pregnancy.
Quantification of hepatic FOXP3+ T‐lymphocytes in HIV/hepatitis C coinfection
Authors: Williams S. K. , Donaldson E. , Van der Kleij T. , Dixon L. , Fisher M. , Tibble J. , Gilleece Y. , Klenerman P. , Banham A. H. , Howard M. , Webster D. P.
Published: August 2013

Coinfection with HIV adversely impacts every stage of hepatitis C (HCV) infection. Liver damage in HCV infection results from host antiviral responses rather than direct viral pathogenesis. Despite depressed cellular immunity, coinfected patients show accelerated hepatic fibrosis compared with HCV monoinfected patients. This paradox is poorly understood. T‐regulatory (Treg) cells (CD4+ and FOXP3+) are hypothesized to limit hepatic damage in HCV. Our hypothesis was that reduced frequency of hepatic Treg in HIV/HCV coinfection compared with HCV monoinfection may explain poorer outcomes. We quantified FOXP3+, CD4+, CD8+ and CD20+ cells in liver biopsies of 35 male subjects matched by age and ISHAK fibrosis score, 12 HIV monoinfected, 11 HCV monoinfected and 12 HIV/HCV coinfected. Cell counts were performed using indirect immunohistochemical staining and light microscopy. HIV/HCV coinfected subjects had fewer hepatic FOXP3+ (P = 0.031) and CD4+ cells (P = 0.001) than HCV monoinfected subjects. Coinfected subjects had more hepatic CD8+ cells compared with HCV monoinfected (P = 0.023), and a lower ratio of FOXP3+ to CD8+ cells (0.08 vs 0.27, P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed number of CD4+ cells controlled for differences in number of FOXP3+ cells. Fewer hepatic FOXP3+ and CD4+ cells in HIV/HCV coinfection compared with HCV monoinfection suggests lower Treg activity, driven by an overall loss of CD4+ cells. Higher number of CD8+ cells in HIV/HCV coinfection suggests higher cytotoxic activity. This may explain poorer outcomes in HIV/HCV coinfected patients and suggests a potential mechanism by which highly active antiretroviral therapy may benefit these patients.
EU Climate Change Litigation, the Role of the European Courts, and the Importance of Legal Culture
Authors: Bogojević Sanja
Published: August 2013

The purpose of this article is to show it is only in light of legal culture that climate change jurisprudence in the European Union can be explained. Examining the case law concerning the EU Emissions Trading Scheme, this article demonstrates that climate change proceedings in the European Union raise questions that stand at the heart of the EU legal order; that is, they demand that the boundaries of the EU's regulatory competences are drawn. In effect, the EU courts focus on ensuring that EU climate change laws are in accord with the rule of law or, in the context of EU law, the borders of the EU's environmental regulatory powers. As such, this article shows that attention needs to be given to the interaction between climate change laws and the constitutional role of the EU judiciary. These interactions are considered here together with the contingency of EU climate change litigation on EU legal culture.
Dairy intensification, mothers and children: an exploration of infant and young child feeding practices among rural dairy farmers in Kenya
Authors: Wyatt Amanda J. , Yount Kathryn M. , Null Clair , Ramakrishnan Usha , Webb Girard Aimee
Published: August 2013

Agricultural strategies such as dairy intensification have potential to improve human nutrition through increased household food security. Increasing dairy productivity could also adversely affect infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices because of increased maternal stress, demands on maternal time, and beliefs about the timing and appropriate types of complementary foods. Yet, few studies have looked rigorously at how interventions can affect young children (0–60 months). The study explores, within the context of rural dairy farming in Kenya, the relationship between level of household dairy production and selected IYCF practices using a mixed‐methods approach. Six focus group discussions with women involved in dairy farming investigated their attitudes towards breastfeeding, introduction of complementary foods and child diets. Ninety‐two households involved in three levels of dairy production with at least one child 0–60 months participated in a household survey. Quantitative results indicated that women from higher dairy producing households were more likely to introduce cow's milk to infants before they reached 6 months than women from households not producing any dairy. Themes from the focus group discussions demonstrated that women were familiar with exclusive breastfeeding recommendations, but indicated a preference for mixed feeding of infants. Evidence from this study can inform nutrition education programmes targeted to farmers participating in dairy interventions in rural, low‐income settings to minimise potential harm to the nutritional status of children.
Stock and Mobility of Researchers and Industrial Leadership
Authors: Fatas‐Villafranca Francisco , Jarne Gloria , Sanchez‐Choliz Julio
Published: August 2013

We propose an evolutionary model which shows the relevance of the stock and mobility of researchers in explaining industrial leadership and catch‐up. Likewise, it shows how leading firms and nations may benefit from their competitors' investments in scientific training. On the other hand, international knowledge diffusion may jeopardize apparently solid leadership positions. Thus, under certain conditions, technological convergence at a worldwide level mitigates the migrant‐sending role of emergent nations. In fact, taking advantage of knowledge diffusion to make the transition from migrant‐sending to migrant‐receiving nation proves to be a source of leadership in the model.
Identification and characterization of an archaeal ketopantoate reductase and its involvement in regulation of coenzyme A biosynthesis
Authors: Tomita Hiroya , Imanaka Tadayuki , Atomi Haruyuki
Published: August 2013

Coenzyme A (CoA) biosynthesis in bacteria and eukaryotes is regulated primarily by feedback inhibition towards pantothenate kinase (PanK). As most archaea utilize a modified route for CoA biosynthesis and do not harbour PanK, the mechanisms governing regulation of CoA biosynthesis are unknown. Here we performed genetic and biochemical studies on the ketopantoate reductase (KPR) from the hyperthermophilic archaeon Thermococcus kodakarensis. KPR catalyses the second step in CoA biosynthesis, the reduction of 2‐oxopantoate to pantoate. Gene disruption of TK1968, whose product was 20–29% identical to previously characterized KPRs from bacteria/eukaryotes, resulted in a strain with growth defects that were complemented by addition of pantoate. The TK1968 protein (Tk‐KPR) displayed reductase activity specific for 2‐oxopantoate and preferred NADH as the electron donor, distinct to the bacterial/eukaryotic NADPH‐dependent enzymes. Tk‐KPR activity decreased dramatically in the presence of CoA and KPR activity in cell‐free extracts was also inhibited by CoA. Kinetic studies indicated that CoA inhibits KPR by competing with NADH. Inhibition of ketopantoate hydroxymethyltransferase, the first enzyme of the pathway, by CoA was not observed. Our results suggest that CoA biosynthesis in T. kodakarensis is regulated by feedback inhibition of KPR, providing a feasible regulation mechanism of CoA biosynthesis in archaea.
Stably bridging a great divide: localization of the SpoIIQ landmark protein in Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Søgaard‐Andersen Lotte
Published: August 2013

Many bacterial proteins involved in fundamental processes such as cell shape maintenance, cell cycle regulation, differentiation, division and motility localize dynamically to specific subcellular regions. However, the mechanisms underlying dynamic protein localization are incompletely understood. Using the SpoIIQ protein in Bacillus subtilis as a case study, two reports present important novel insights into how a protein finds its right place at the right time and remains stably bound. During sporulation, SpoIIQ localizes in clusters in the forespore membrane at the interface that separates the forespore and mother cell and functions as a landmark protein for SpoIIIAH in the mother cell membrane. The extracellular domains of SpoIIQ and SpoIIIAH interact directly effectively bridging the gap between the two membranes. Here, SpoIIQ localization is shown to depend on two pathways, one involves SpoIIIAH, the second involves two peptidoglycan‐degrading enzymes SpoIIP and SpoIID; and, SpoIIQ is only delocalized in the absence of all three proteins. Importantly, in the absence of SpoIIIAH, SpoIIQ apparently localizes normally. However, FRAP experiments demonstrated that SpoIIQ is not stably maintained in the clusters in this mutant. Thus, a second targeting pathway can mask significant changes in the localization of a protein.
Poplar calcineurin B‐like proteins PtCBL10A and PtCBL10B regulate shoot salt tolerance through interaction with PtSOS2 in the vacuolar membrane
Authors: TANG REN‐JIE , YANG YANG , YANG LEI , LIU HUA , WANG CUI‐TING , YU MENG‐MENG , GAO XIAO‐SHU , ZHANG HONG‐XIA
Published: August 2013

The molecular basis of salt tolerance in woody plants is not well understood. In this work, we characterized two poplar CBL10 homologues that function in shoot salt tolerance. Our results suggest that the calcium sensors PtCBL10s and PtSOS3 play different regulatory roles in salt stress adaptation in poplar. We also provide a feasible way for the genetic engineering of salt‐tolerant trees.
Housing Market and Current Account Imbalances in the International Economy
Authors: Punzi Maria Teresa
Published: August 2013

This paper presents a two‐sector, two‐country model showing that inflation in the housing market, a low personal savings rate, and a construction investment boom can contribute to a large current account deficit. In the model, demand by a group of households in the domestic country is constrained by the availability of collateral. This implies more procyclical debt capacity because constrained households can borrow against the increase in the value of their houses during an expansion. A higher degree of financial liberalization and development helps constrained households reach higher loan‐to‐value ratios, thus relaxing their borrowing constraints. The resulting higher net worth and lower need for savings imply a worsening current account.
Export Subsidies and Exchange Rate Pass‐through
Authors: Orbay Hakan , Orbay Benan Zeki
Published: August 2013

This paper investigates effects of exchange rate on optimal trade policies and market prices within a standard export subsidy model. Shifts in exchange rate change relative efficiencies of firms in different countries. We show that depreciation of own currency increases subsidy levels when marginal cost is constant. Import dependency weakens this relationship, decreasing sensitivity of subsidy levels to depreciation. In general, subsidies reduce exchange rate pass‐through. Additionally, perverse exchange rate pass‐through effect arises with sufficiently intensive subsidies.
Democracy and Economic Growth in an Interdependent World
Authors: Diebolt Claude , Mishra Tapas , Ouattara Bazoumana , Parhi Mamata
Published: August 2013

We model dynamic interdependence in cross‐country economic growth processes by allowing it to vary according to democratic distance among economies. Stochastic distributional dynamics and temporal effects of democracy on economic growth are studied, and spatial variation in economic growth is explored. Among important results, democratic poverty trap is found to exist indicating the possibility of persistence of (un)stable democratic equilibria at different levels of democracy. Our cross‐sectional regression evinces that democracy has exerted significant growth‐enhancing effect and that the democratic distribution has steadily shifted locus from low‐level to high‐level equilibrium. Our spatial analysis of democracy‐economic growth nexus provide evidence of significant dynamic spatial autocorrelation and complementarity among countries' growth processes. Finally, it is demonstrated that the relevance of geographical proximity in facilitating interdependence in economic growth is overshadowed by relational proximity.
A Multidimensional Exploration of the Foundations of Community Attachment among Seasonal and Year‐Round Residents
Authors: Jennings Brian M. , Krannich Richard S.
Published: August 2013

Utah is a popular second‐home destination because of its unique landscapes offering numerous natural amenities. This research utilized data from a mail survey of residents in six Utah counties and had two objectives: (1) to test a multidimensional conceptualization of community attachment and (2) to determine if the foundations of community attachment, based on those conceptual dimensions, are different for year‐round and seasonal residents. The study utilized structural equation models, which allow the use of latent variables, to complete those objectives. Results revealed that a multidimensional conceptualization of community attachment is appropriate. The conceptual dimensions (social bonds, participation, and sentiments) used in this research all proved to be important elements of the higher order construct “community attachment” for both year‐round and seasonal residents. For year‐round residents, community attachment is best predicted by the social bonds dimension, while for seasonal residents the participation dimension is most important. However, all three of the dimensions of attachment used herein are important among both residence categories, indicating that future research on this topic would be best served by using a multidimensional conceptualization of community attachment.
PGE2 Contributes to In vitro MSC‐Mediated Inhibition of Non‐Specific and Antigen‐Specific T Cell Proliferation in MS Patients
Authors: Zafranskaya M. , Nizheharodava D. , Yurkevich M. , Ivanchik G. , Demidchik Y. , Kozhukh H. , Fedulov A.
Published: August 2013

Current theories of multiple sclerosis (MS) induction and progression place autoreactive T cells in the focus of the pathogenesis. Mesenchymal/stromal stem cells (MSC) have become a promising alternative approach for pathogenic therapy of MS due to their immunomodulatory properties, underlying mechanisms of which are intensive study. The objective of the research was to investigate the contribution of PGE2 to MSC‐mediated suppression in patients with MS using in vitro model of mitogen‐ and myelin‐stimulated T cell cocultivation with autologous/allogeneic MSC. We have showed that PGE2 production depends on cell‐to‐cell contact of MSC and lymphocytes. The antigenic stimulation did not affect PGE2 production following cocultivation of MSC and PBMC, and it is the presence of MSC in cell culture that significantly increases PGE2 production irrespective of antigenic cultivation conditions. Simultaneously, PGE2 synthesis correlated with indexes of MSC‐mediated suppression of mitogen‐ and myelin‐stimulated T cell proliferation in patients with MS. No significant differences in PGE2 production by autologous and allogeneic MSC have been established. These results have demonstrated that in patients with MS, PGE2 is one of the possible factors of MSC immunosuppression. The interrelation between PGE2 concentrations and T cell proliferation suppression mediated by MSC may explain one of the immune mechanisms of cell therapy, which is crucial for the further proper use of MSC in MS research and pathogenic treatment.
Sialic Acid Linkage in Glycosphingolipids Is a Molecular Correlate for Trafficking and Delivery of Extracellular Cargo
Authors: Ravindran Madhu Sudhan , Tanner Lukas Bahati , Wenk Markus R.
Published: August 2013

Trafficking of extracellular cargoes are highly dynamic, but ordered processes at the molecular and structural level. Here, we describe the role of host cell surface glycosphingolipids as molecular correlates for recognition and trafficking of viruses and bacterial toxins. We propose that the position of sialic acid attachment in the glycosphingolipid structure correlates with the intracellular trafficking route of extracellular cargoes. Our study provides a testable hypothesis for future investigations into a wide range of intracellular trafficking events.
Endogenous fibrinolytic potential in tissue‐plasminogen activator‐modified thromboelastography analysis is significantly decreased in dogs suffering from diseases predisposing to thrombosis
Authors: Spodsberg Eva H. , Wiinberg Bo , Jessen Lisbeth R. , Marschner Clara B. , Kristensen Annemarie T.
Published: August 2013

Background

In people, studies have shown that resistance to fibrinolysis could be a contributing factor to thrombosis. Tissue‐plasminogen‐activated (t‐PA) thromboelastography (TEG) has been used to evaluate endogenous fibrinolytic potential. In dogs, TEG has been used for the diagnosis of various hemostatic disorders, but studies evaluating fibrinolysis are limited. Investigations into the potential of t‐PA‐modified TEG to monitor endogenous fibrinolytic potential are lacking in both healthy dogs and dogs with diseases predisposing to development of thrombosis.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to compare 3 t‐PA‐modified TEG assays and compare the endogenous fibrinolytic potential in dogs suffering from diseases associated with thrombosis with a group of healthy dogs.

Methods

Three different TEG assays, such as native, tissue factor‐activated, and kaolin‐activated, were modified with t‐PA and used to compare whole blood samples from 16 healthy control dogs and 20 diseased dogs.

Results

Thromboelastography lysis variables were significantly affected by addition of t‐PA in all 3 assays. Lysis results in diseased dogs were comparable to those in healthy dogs prior to addition of t‐PA. After addition of t‐PA, lysis results were significantly decreased in the diseased group compared with healthy dogs. The lowest median lysis levels were found in dogs with systemic inflammation and protein‐losing disorders.

Conclusion

Addition of t‐PA activates fibrinolysis in TEG of blood from both healthy dogs and dogs with diseases predisposing to thrombosis. The significantly decreased fibrinolysis in diseased dogs suggests that this may be a potential prothrombotic risk factor in dogs.
Manufacturing porcine islets: culture at 22 °C has no advantage above culture at 37 °C: a gene expression evaluation
Authors: Mueller Kate R. , Martins Kyra V. , Murtaugh Michael P. , Schuurman Henk‐Jan , Papas Klearchos K.
Published: August 2013

Background

The manufacturing process of islets includes a culture step which was originally introduced to ease the logistics of procedures in preparing the graft and transplant recipient. It has been suggested that culture at room temperature has an advantage over culture at 37 °C, in part by reducing immunogenicity via preferential elimination of contaminating cells (such as passenger leukocytes) within islets. We investigated this using islets isolated from pancreata of adult pigs.

Methods

Porcine islets were isolated from three donors and cultured at 37 °C for 1 day, and then under three different conditions: 37 °C for 6 days (condition A); 22 °C for 6 days (condition B); or 22 °C for 5 days followed by 37 °C for 1 day (condition C). Recovery was assessed by DNA measurement, viability by oxygen consumption rate normalized for DNA (OCR/DNA), and gene expression by RT–PCR for a series of 9 lymphocyte markers, 11 lymphokines and chemokines, and 14 apoptotic and stress markers.

Results

Post‐culture islet recoveries were similar for the three culture conditions. Average OCR/DNA values were 129–159 nmol/min·mgDNA before culture, and 259–291, 204–212, and 207–228 nmol/min·mgDNA, respectively, for culture under conditions A, B, and C, respectively. Irrespective of culture condition, examined gene expression in all three series of lymphocyte markers, lymphokines and chemokines, and apoptotic and stress markers manifested a statistically significant decrease upon culture for 7 days. This decrease was most dramatic for condition A: in particular, most of lymphocyte markers showed a >10‐fold reduction and also six markers in the lymphokine and chemokine series; these reductions are consistent with the elimination of immune cells present within islets during culture. The reduction was less for apoptotic and stress markers. For culture under condition B, the reduction in gene expression was less, and culture under condition C resulted in gene expression levels similar to those under condition A: this indicates that 24 h at 37 °C is sufficient to re‐equilibrate gene expression levels from those in islets cultured at 22 °C to those in islets cultured at 37 °C. Results were consistent among the preparations from the three donors.

Conclusions

Culture of porcine islets at 37 °C provides benefits over culture at 22 °C with respect to OCR/DNA outcomes and reduced expression of genes encoding lymphocyte markers, lymphokines and chemokines, and markers for apoptosis and stress.
Performance Evaluation of Nonuniformly Fouled Axial Compressor Stages by Means of Computational Fluid Dynamics Analyses
Authors: Aldi Nicola , Morini Mirko , Pinelli Michele , Spina Pier Ruggero , Suman Alessio , Venturini Mauro
Published: August 2013

In this paper, three-dimensional numerical simulations are carried out to evaluate the effect of fouling on an axial compressor stage. A numerical model of the NASA Stage 37, validated in previous papers of the same authors against experimental data available from literature, is used as a case study. The occurrence of fouling is simulated by imposing different spanwise distributions of surface roughness, in order to analyze its effect on compressor performance. To this aim, both the stage performance maps of the fouled compressor and the spanwise distribution of work and losses are analyzed and discussed. Moreover, the definition of an averaged roughness parameter is suggested, to characterize the different roughness distributions.The results show that the drop of overall performance can actually be predicted by means of the numerical model. Moreover, detailed information about fluid-dynamic phenomena can be analyzed on the basis of the actual distribution of surface roughness on rotor blades.
An Investigation on Dynamic Characteristics of a Gas Turbine Rotor Using an Improved Transfer Matrix Method
Authors: Meng Cheng , Su Ming , Wang Shaobo
Published: August 2013

This paper presents an investigation on dynamic characteristics of a rod-fastened rotor. Based on the framework of a traditional Riccati transfer matrix method (TMM), an improved Riccati TMM considering contact effects brought by a face tooth is developed. A correction coefficient for equivalent stiffness imported from a three-dimensional (3D) finite element contact case analysis is defined to evaluate the contact effects, and then the dynamic model of the rod-fastened rotor including bearing support is established. A computer program is further developed to obtain the dynamic characteristics such as critical speeds of lateral vibration, mode shapes, and an unbalance response. The improved TMM is applied to investigate the dynamic characteristics of a real central tie rod rotor of the class-F gas turbine for verification of its effectiveness, and the calculated critical speeds are in good agreement with test measurement results, implying that the method is accurate and the dynamic model is reliable. This approach can also be applied to analyze other combined rotors with a homogeneous structure.
Growth and characterization of InAs quantum dots on InP nanowires with zinc blende structure
Authors: Yan Xin , Zhang Xia , Li Junshuai , Cui Jiangong , Wang Sijia , Fan Shuyu , Huang Yongqing , Ren Xiaomin
Published: August 2013

InAs quantum dots (QDs) are grown epitaxially on the {112} side facets of InP nanowires (NWs) by metal organic chemical vapor deposition. The QDs typically have a large size and consist of some specific facets. The QDs exhibit mainly zinc blende structure with stacking faults, which is consistent with the adjacent NW. No QDs are observed on the wurtzite (WZ) part of NW, which is attributed to a lower surface energy of WZ facet. The random distribution of the QDs indicates that the In adatoms may mainly come from the vapor rather than the substrate.
Burgers, Brains, and Blasphemy
Fatal Flaws
How a Misfolded Protein Baffled Scientists and Changed the Way We Look at the Brain

by Jay Ingram

Yale University Press, New Haven, CT, 2013. 292 pp. $30, £20. ISBN 9780300189896.
Authors: McDonald Jessica J.
Published: August 2013

In this account of prions and various diseases to which they have been linked, Ingram spotlights researchers who have developed the field.
Long Noncoding RNAs Xist in Three Dimensions
Authors: Dimond Andrew , Fraser Peter
Published: August 2013

The three-dimensional organization of the mammalian genome spatially guides the binding of an RNA to loci for silencing gene expression.

[Also see Research Article by

Engreitz
et al.

]
Budget Woes Threaten Long-Term Heart Studies
Authors: Kaiser Jocelyn
Published: August 2013

By cutting the budget of the famed Framingham Heart Study and suspending clinical exams its participants receive, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute may be signaling that the era of such large, costly long-term studies is drawing to a close.
Senator's Demands Freeze NSF Political Science Grants
Authors: Mervis Jeffrey
Published: August 2013

The National Science Foundation is struggling to implement language from Senator Tom Coburn (R–OK) that restricts its ability to fund political science research.
New Team, Old Hands
Authors: Malakoff David , Mervis Jeffrey
Published: August 2013

President Obama is hoping that experienced managers will help him overcome Washington gridlock and leave a legacy of accomplishments in science.
Pluto, the Last Planetary First
Authors: Kerr Richard A.
Published: August 2013

The New Horizons spacecraft will finally reveal much of Pluto's true nature; scientists are feverishly speculating about what they'll find.
The Crab That Roared
Authors: Bhattacharje Yudhijit
Published: August 2013

The Crab nebula was famous for its rock-steady output of radiation. So when it began spewing gamma rays, at first researchers couldn't believe their instruments.
The War Against Weeds Down Under
Authors: Stokstad Erik
Published: August 2013

For decades, Australia's wheat farmers have had the worst weed problem in the world. Now, nonchemical weapons are helping to turn the tide.
Regulating Genomics: Time for a Broader Vision
Authors: Vayena Effy , Prainsack Barbara
Published: August 2013

Regulators must consider the potential benefits of using genomic information to advance clinical medicine.
Casting Infection as Cancer’s Best Friend
Authors: Nusinovich Yevgeniya A.
Published: August 2013

Infection in cancer patients may increase the risk of metastasis.
Characterization and Optimization of the Glucan Particle-Based Vaccine Platform
Authors: Huang Haibin , Ostroff Gary R. , Lee Chrono K. , Specht Charles A. , Levitz Stuart M.
Published: August 2013

Glucan particles (GPs) are hollow porousSaccharomyces cerevisiaecell walls that are treated so that they are composed primarily of β-1,3-d-glucans. Our previous studies showed that GPs can serve as an effective vaccine platform. Here, we characterize CD4+T-cell and antibody responses in immunized mice as a function of antigen (ovalbumin) encapsulation, antigen dose, particle numbers, time, immunization schedule, and trapping methods. Although we found that GPs served as an effective adjuvant when admixed with free antigens for IgG1 antibody production, stronger CD4+T-cell and IgG2c antibody responses were stimulated when antigens were encapsulated inside GPs, suggesting that the GP platform acts as both an adjuvant and a delivery system. Vigorous T-cell and antibody responses were stimulated even at submicrogram antigen doses, as long as the number of GPs was kept at 5 × 107particles per immunization. One prime and one boost were sufficient to elicit robust immune responses. In addition, strong antigen-specific antibody and T-cell responses prevailed up to 20 months following the last immunization, including those of gamma interferon (IFN-γ), interleukin 17A (IL-17A), and dual IFN-γ/IL-17A-secreting CD4+T cells. Finally, robust immune responses were observed using generally recognized as safe (GRAS) materials (alginate and calcium, with or without chitosan) to trap antigens within GPs. Thus, these studies demonstrate that antigens encapsulated into GPs make an effective vaccine platform that combines adjuvanticity and antigen delivery to elicit strong durable immune responses at relatively low antigen doses using translationally relevant formulations.
In Vitro
Activity of Amikacin against Isolates of Mycobacterium avium Complex with Proposed MIC Breakpoints and Finding of a 16S rRNA Gene Mutation in Treated Isolates
Authors: Brown-Elliott Barbara A. , Iakhiaeva Elena , Griffith David E. , Woods Gail L. , Stout Jason E. , Wolfe Cameron R. , Turenne Christine Y. , Wallace Richard J.
Published: August 2013

Amikacin is a major drug used for the treatment of
Mycobacterium avium
complex (MAC) disease, but standard laboratory guidelines for susceptibility testing are not available. This study presents
in vitro
amikacin MICs for 462 consecutive clinical isolates of the MAC using a broth microdilution assay. Approximately 50% of isolates had amikacin MICs of 8 μg/ml, and 86% had MICs of ≤16 μg/ml. Of the eight isolates (1.7%) with MICs of 64 μg/ml, five had an MIC of 32 μg/ml on repeat testing. Ten isolates (2.1%) had an initial amikacin MIC of >64 μg/ml, of which seven (1.5%) had MICs of >64 μg/ml on repeat testing. These seven isolates had a 16S rRNA gene A1408G mutation and included
M. avium
,
Mycobacterium intracellulare
, and
Mycobacterium chimaera
. Clinical data were available for five of these seven isolates, all of which had received prolonged (>6 months) prior therapy, with four that were known to be treated with amikacin. The 16S mutation was not detected in isolates with MICs of ≤64 μg/ml. We recommend primary testing of amikacin against isolates of the MAC and propose MIC guidelines for breakpoints that are identical to the CLSI guidelines for
Mycobacterium abscessus
: ≤16 μg/ml for susceptible, 32 μg/ml for intermediate, and ≥64 μg/ml for resistant. If considered and approved by the CLSI, this will be only the second drug recommended for primary susceptibility testing against the MAC and should facilitate its use for both intravenous and inhaled drug therapies.
Assessment of New Culture Method for Detection of Borrelia Species from Serum of Lyme Disease Patients
Authors: Johnson Barbara J. B. , Pilgard Mark A. , Russell Theresa M.
Published: August 2013

A novel method of culturing spirochetes from the serum of U.S. Lyme disease patients was recently reported by Sapi and colleagues to have 94% sensitivity and 100% specificity for
Borrelia
species as assessed by microscopy and DNA sequence analysis of the
pyrG
gene (E. Sapi, N. Pabbati, A. Datar, E. M. Davies, A. Rattelle, and B. A. Kuo, Int. J. Med. Sci. 10:362–376, 2013). The majority of the spirochetes described were related by
pyrG
sequences to species of
Borrelia
previously undetected in North American patients without a reported history of travel to Europe or Asia. To better understand these unexpected findings, we determined
pyrG
sequences of the laboratory reference strains used by the investigators for method development and testing of culture medium. Eighty percent (41/51) of the reported patient-derived
pyrG
sequences were identical to one of the laboratory strains, and an additional 12% (6/51) differed by only a single nucleotide across a 603-bp region of the
pyrG
gene. Thus, false positivity due to laboratory contamination of patient samples cannot be ruled out, and further validation of the proposed novel culture method is required.
In SituEvolution of Virus-Specific Cytotoxic T Cell Responses in the Lung
Authors: Frey Stefanie , Pircher Hanspeter , Follo Marie , Collins Peter , Krempl Christine , Ehl Stephan
Published: August 2013

Cytotoxic T cells (CTL) play a critical role in the clearance of respiratory viral infections, but they also contribute to disease manifestations. In this study, we infected mice with a genetically modified pneumonia virus of mice (PVM) that allowed visualization of virus-specific CTL and infected cellsin situ. The first virus-specific T cells entered the lung via blood vessels in the scattered foci of PVM-infected cells, which densely clustered around the bronchi at day 7 after infection. At this time, overall pulmonary virus load was maximal, but the mice showed no overt signs of disease. On days 8 to 9, T cells gained access to the infected bronchial epithelium and to the lung interstitium, which was associated with a reduction in the number of virus-infected cells within the initial clusters but could not prevent further virus spread throughout the lung tissue. Interestingly, recruitment of virus-specific CTL throughout the parenchyma was still ongoing on day 10, when the virus infection was already largely controlled. This also represented the peak of clinical disease. Thus, disease was associated with an exuberant T cell infiltration late in the course of the infection, which may be required to completely eliminate virus at residual foci of infection. PVM-induced immunopathology may thus result from the need to generate widespread T cell infiltrates to complete the elimination of virus-infected cells in a large organ like the lung. This experimental model provides the first insights into the spatiotemporal evolution of pulmonary antiviral T cell immunityin vivo.