bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in and Challenges for Intentional Injury in Vietnam
Authors: Le Linh Cu , Blum Robert W.
Published: June 2012

Objective. To describe the current situation of intentional injury among Vietnamese youth as well as risk and protective factors. Method. The Sample of Survey Assessment of Vietnamese Youth 2009 (SAVY2) involving 10 044 youth aged 14 to 25 in 2009 was used and compared with SAVY1 in this study. The data were analyzed using bivariate and multivariate statistical techniques. Results. Of the sample in 2009, 3% of the young people reported that they had been injured by a family member. The proportion who were intentionally injured by others outside their home was 7.6%. Youth who were most likely to hurt others included urban males, those who had ever been drunk, those who had been intentionally injured by others, and those who had weak family connectedness. Having suicidal thoughts (both sexes) is related to alcohol consumption. Conclusions. The rate of violent behaviors was low, but several risk and protective factors were found and confirmed.
Costs for Hospitalized Patients With Diabetes Mellitus in China
Authors: He Mingjuan , Ma Jingdong , Wang Daowen , Yu Xuefeng
Published: June 2012

Aim. To evaluate direct hospitalization costs attributable to diabetes and their determinants in a tertiary care hospital in mainland China between 2007 and 2008. Methods. A retrospective study of the hospitalization expenses for 489 inpatients with diabetes from June 2007 to July 2008 was conducted. All related cost components were defined and valued at the most detailed levels. Results. Median cost was 5307.8 RMB (range 3672.8-8193.2 RMB). The costs for biochemical tests (28%), pharmacy (26%), and therapies and supplies (21%) were the top 3, about 75% in total expenses. The expenses for the antihyperglycemic treatment alone accounted for 27.6% of total hospitalization expenses. Insulin treatment ( P < .001), complication number ( P < .001), length of hospitalization ( P < .001), diabetes duration ( P = .023), and hemoglobin A1C ( P = .040) were the main factors affecting costs. Conclusions. Antihyperglycemic treatment expenses represent a minority of total costs; major costs are due to treatment of complications.
Short Survival After Palliative Radiotherapy for Brain Metastases in Lung Cancer
Authors: Ampil Federico L. , Caldito Gloria , Mills Glenn , Marion Jay , Balandin Andrei , Ponugupati John
Published: June 2012

People with lung cancer (LCa) and symptomatic metastatic disease deserve palliative radiotherapy to promote a better quality of remaining life. On the other hand, in the case being described that of a LCa patient with brain and spinal metastases who died shortly after irradiation— could management consisting of hospice and/or supportive care have been a better choice? Prognostic factors were analyzed in this retrospective study of the early deaths of 20 LCa patients with brain metastases in order to assist in a more rational decision making regarding treatment.
Discursive Activity in the Boardroom
Authors: Fear William James
Published: June 2012

The board functions at one of the interfaces between the environment and the organization and must take account of competing external and internal discourses. This article explores the institutionalizing activity manifest in the written organizational texts of board meetings of Local Health Boards in Wales. The focus of attention is how the localized discourse (1000 Lives) of an international, industry level, institution (Patient Safety), contributes to institutionalization and deinstitutionalization as recorded in the minutes of the board meetings. The conclusion is that as the boards develop and record their emerging discourse they construct and reconstruct the social reality of their organization. The organizations are composed of fragmented and competing discourses with no finality to meaning making, and continual conflict among multiple meanings looking for interpretive control, which the board [re]arranges into a seemingly coherent, unified, and meaningful discourse.
Typologies of Cohabitation
Authors: Gold Joshua M.
Published: June 2012

This article will explore the current evolution in the practice of cohabitation. The intent of this literature- and web-based article is to acquaint counselors with three typologies of cohabitation. These categories can be utilized in the development of psychoeducational and remedial interventions and in the identification of areas of future research.
Certification and the State
Authors: Conway Frederick J.
Published: June 2012

Third-party certification is usually a nonstate market-driven governance system in contrast to regulation. A firewood certification program in Chile uses a market-driven approach to increase compliance with regulation. The firewood certification program is unusual in operating in local markets and certifying a basic fuel. The program seeks to formalize the firewood market by certifying dealers rather than producers. Certified firewood is produced under a forest service management plan and dried to reduce air pollution. Using interviews with market actors, program staff, and consumers, as well as document analysis, the research looked at three arenas in the relationship of the certification to the state: (1) the role of the state in program governance, (2) the role of coercion, and (3) the consequences of market formalization for program goals. The study found that public agencies constituted a majority of the local certification councils. The program encouraged regulatory agencies to use enforcement against dealers who did not comply with regulations. The focus on formalizing the firewood market included imposition of the value-added tax (VAT), which increased the price of certified wood and diminished the priority of other certification goals. Certification opened the market to new actors and greater capital penetration and integration.
Autism and Obstacles to Medical Diagnosis and Treatment
Authors: Smith Marcia Datlow , Graveline Patrick J. , Smith Jared Brian
Published: June 2012

Autism is a developmental disability that provides special challenges to families, schools, and adult support systems. An additional area that is affected by the symptoms of autism is medicine. The deficits associated with autism in the areas of communication and social skills, as well as the prevalence of challenging behavior can interfere with the diagnosis of illnesses and in some cases result in the provision of erroneous treatment. In this article, the authors present two case studies describing individuals with autism whose catastrophic illnesses were misdiagnosed due, at least partially, to their autism. Obstacles to medical diagnosis and treatment are discussed, and recommendations for future research are provided.
Microtribological and micromechanical properties of the skin stratum corneum
Authors: Tang Wei , Liu Songyong , Zhu Hua , Ge Shirong
Published: June 2012

The stratum corneum is the outermost layer of mammalian skin, serves as a penetration, dehydration, and protection barrier against various environmental hazards. In this article, the microtribological and dynamic micromechanical properties of stratum corneum are studied. The rat stratum corneum is chosen as the animal model. In the microtribological tests, it is found that the coefficient of friction of stratum corneum decreases with the increasing of normal load and a linear viscoelastic contact model of stratum corneum is developed. In the dynamic micromechanical tests, the results show that there are initial maxima in storage ( E′) and loss ( E″) moduli with both increasing of frequency and penetration depth. After the maxima, there are marked decreases in storage and loss moduli with increasing of frequency and penetration depth. It is suggested that this decrease is due to a water gradient across the stratum corneum. In addition, although the loss modulus is less than the storage modulus, there is a gradual increase in their ratio with increasing of displacement into stratum corneum. This indicates a shift toward more viscous behavior. This study provides key stratum corneum tribological and mechanical properties when moving on and penetrating into stratum corneum for the exploitation of drug delivery systems, artificial skin, textile, skin care production, and other studies related to stratum corneum.
Mind the gap: An analysis of how quality assurance processes influence programme assessment patterns
Authors: Jessop Tansy , McNab Nicole , Gubby Laura
Published: June 2012

This article explores the relationship between the lack of visible attention to formative assessment in degree specifications and its marginalization in practice. Degree specification documents form part of the quality apparatus emphasizing the accountability and certification duties of assessment. Ironically, a framework designed to assure quality may work to the exclusion of a pedagogic duty to students. This study draws on interview and documentary evidence from 14 programmes at a single UK university, supported by data from a national research project. The authors found that institutional quality frameworks focused programme leaders’ attention on summative assessment, usually atomized to the modular unit. The invisibility of formative assessment in documentation reinforced the tendency of modular programmes to have high summative demands, with optional, fragmented and infrequent formative assessment. Heavy workloads, modularity and pedagogic uncertainties compounded the problem. The article concludes with reflections about facilitating a more pervasive culture of formative assessment to improve student learning.
Students’ choices between typing and handwriting in examinations
Authors: Mogey Nora , Cowan John , Paterson Jessie , Purcell Mike
Published: June 2012

Keyboarding (typing) is a ubiquitous skill for most UK students, and most coursework essays must be word processed. However, few examinations, other than for students with disabilities, permit the use of a word processor. It is not known how students would respond given a free choice between handwriting and word processing in an essay examination. This study reports the findings when students were encouraged to choose between these methods of composition for an examination. Few opted to word process; the students’ reactions immediately after the examination were obtained. The demands of essay examinations compared with assignments are identified and discussed, and implications for future enquiries are considered.
Grade Point Averages
Authors: Uribe Patricia E. , Garcia Marco A.
Published: June 2012

This case exemplifies the unintended divisive cause and effect dynamic that can occur as a direct result of a seemingly innocuous school board policy modification. A change in school board policy at a local school district in Laredo, Texas, was designed to facilitate the fulfillment of a foreign language requirement for high school students. A by-product of this policy was that a “loophole” was created, which ultimately led to a strategic manipulation of the grade point average calculation procedure by a savvy, high-achieving student. This allowed said student to attain a class rank of Valedictorian as opposed to Salutatorian.
Learning From Others
Authors: Shafto Patrick , Goodman Noah D. , Frank Michael C.
Published: June 2012

From early childhood, human beings learn not only from collections of facts about the world but also from social contexts through observations of other people, communication, and explicit teaching. In these contexts, the data are the result of human actions—actions that come about because of people’s goals and intentions. To interpret the implications of others’ actions correctly, learners must understand the people generating the data. Most models of learning, however, assume that data are randomly collected facts about the world and cannot explain how social contexts influence learning. We provide a Bayesian analysis of learning from knowledgeable others, which formalizes how learners may use a person’s actions and goals to make inferences about the actor’s knowledge about the world. We illustrate this framework using two examples from causal learning and conclude by discussing the implications for cognition, social reasoning, and cognitive development.
Working Toward the Experimenter
Authors: Reicher Stephen D. , Haslam S. Alexander , Smith Joanne R.
Published: June 2012

The behavior of participants within Milgram’s obedience paradigm is commonly understood to arise from the propensity to cede responsibility to those in authority and hence to obey them. This parallels a belief that brutality in general arises from passive conformity to roles. However, recent historical and social psychological research suggests that agents of tyranny actively identify with their leaders and are motivated to display creative followership in working toward goals that they believe those leaders wish to see fulfilled. Such analysis provides the basis for reinterpreting the behavior of Milgram’s participants. It is supported by a range of material, including evidence that the willingness of participants to administer 450-volt shocks within the Milgram paradigm changes dramatically, but predictably, as a function of experimental variations that condition participants’ identification with either the experimenter and the scientific community that he represents or the learner and the general community that he represents. This reinterpretation also encourages us to see Milgram’s studies not as demonstrations of conformity or obedience, but as explorations of the power of social identity-based leadership to induce active and committed followership.
‘OK this is hard’: Doing emotions in social justice dialogue
Authors: Kuby Candace R.
Published: June 2012

In this article, I explore emotions in relation to social justice dialogue and share vignettes to illustrate how emotions are embodied, situated and fissured, drawing upon narrative, critical sociocultural and rhizomatic theories. Data comes from a practitioner inquiry while teaching 5- and 6-year-olds in a summer enrichment program in a relatively affluent, suburban community in the southern USA. The article draws upon Micciche’s notion of doing emotions, a view that sees emotion as a verb, something we do in relationship to one another. Analysis focuses on moments of emotional collisions that prompted dialogic conversations about social injustices. I initially thought emotional collisions were off task, but upon closer analysis realize these moments were the richest discussions. Situating teaching from a critical literacy stance, the data demonstrates how children are curious to explore injustices. It is beneficial for educators to embrace the emotional collisions as productive sites of social justice dialogue.
Hip-Hop and Procedural Justice
Authors: Steinmetz Kevin F. , Henderson Howard
Published: June 2012

Despite its popularity, hip-hop has remained one of the most woefully underexamined topics within criminal justice and criminology. Given the reality that hip-hop music represents lyrical expressions from criminal justice’s most overrepresented population; the aforementioned paucity is all the more perplexing. Utilizing a latent and manifest content analysis of a random sample of 200 hip-hop songs, drawn from platinum-selling albums between the years 2000 and 2010, the current study examined the manner and extent to which hip-hop artist’s portrayed the criminal justice system. The results demonstrated that law enforcement was the branch of the criminal justice system most likely to be mentioned by hip-hop artists (58.27% of mentionings) followed by corrections (33.81%) and courts (7.91%). Subthemes that emerged from hip-hop discussions of law enforcement and corrections are also discussed. Unfairness and powerlessness inductively emerged as the two general themes from the hip-hop criminal justice portrayals and are discussed within a procedural justice framework. Suggestions for future research and policy implications are put forth.
A systematic comparison of genome-scale clustering algorithms
Authors: Jay Jeremy J , Eblen John D , Zhang Yun , Benson Mikael , Perkins Andy D , Saxton Arnold M , Voy Brynn H , Chesler Elissa J , Langston Michael A
Published: June 2012

Background

A wealth of clustering algorithms has been applied to gene co-expression experiments. These algorithms cover a broad range of approaches, from conventional techniques such as k-means and hierarchical clustering, to graphical approaches such as k-clique communities, weighted gene co-expression networks (WGCNA) and paraclique. Comparison of these methods to evaluate their relative effectiveness provides guidance to algorithm selection, development and implementation. Most prior work on comparative clustering evaluation has focused on parametric methods. Graph theoretical methods are recent additions to the tool set for the global analysis and decomposition of microarray co-expression matrices that have not generally been included in earlier methodological comparisons. In the present study, a variety of parametric and graph theoretical clustering algorithms are compared using well-characterized transcriptomic data at a genome scale from Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Methods

For each clustering method under study, a variety of parameters were tested. Jaccard similarity was used to measure each cluster's agreement with every GO and KEGG annotation set, and the highest Jaccard score was assigned to the cluster. Clusters were grouped into small, medium, and large bins, and the Jaccard score of the top five scoring clusters in each bin were averaged and reported as the best average top 5 (BAT5) score for the particular method.

Results

Clusters produced by each method were evaluated based upon the positive match to known pathways. This produces a readily interpretable ranking of the relative effectiveness of clustering on the genes. Methods were also tested to determine whether they were able to identify clusters consistent with those identified by other clustering methods.

Conclusions

Validation of clusters against known gene classifications demonstrate that for this data, graph-based techniques outperform conventional clustering approaches, suggesting that further development and application of combinatorial strategies is warranted.
On the origin of Mycobacterium ulcerans, the causative agent of Buruli ulcer
Authors: Doig Kenneth D , Holt Kathryn E , Fyfe Janet AM , Lavender Caroline J , Eddyani Miriam , Portaels Françoise , Yeboah-Manu Dorothy , Pluschke Gerd , Seemann Torsten , Stinear Timothy P
Published: June 2012

Background

Mycobacterium ulcerans is an unusual bacterial pathogen with elusive origins. While closely related to the aquatic dwelling M. marinum, M. ulcerans has evolved the ability to produce the immunosuppressive polyketide toxin mycolactone and cause the neglected tropical disease Buruli ulcer. Other mycolactone-producing mycobacteria (MPM) have been identified in fish and frogs and given distinct species designations (M. pseudoshottsii, M. shinshuense, M. liflandii and M. marinum), however the evolution of M. ulcerans and its relationship to other MPM has not been defined. Here we report the comparative analysis of whole genome sequences from 30 MPM and five M. marinum.

Results

A high-resolution phylogeny based on genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) showed that M. ulcerans and all other MPM represent a single clonal group that evolved from a common M. marinum progenitor. The emergence of the MPM was driven by the acquisition of the pMUM plasmid encoding genes for the biosynthesis of mycolactones. This change was accompanied by the loss of at least 185 genes, with a significant overrepresentation of genes associated with cell wall functions. Cell wall associated genes also showed evidence of substantial adaptive selection, suggesting cell wall remodeling has been critical for the survival of MPM. Fine-grain analysis of the MPM complex revealed at least three distinct lineages, one of which comprised a highly clonal group, responsible for Buruli ulcer in Africa and Australia. This indicates relatively recent transfer of M. ulcerans between these continents, which represent the vast majority of the global Buruli ulcer burden. Our data provide SNPs and gene sequences that can differentiate M. ulcerans lineages, suitable for use in the diagnosis and surveillance of Buruli ulcer.

Conclusions

M. ulcerans and all mycolactone-producing mycobacteria are specialized variants of a common Mycobacterium marinum progenitor that have adapted to live in restricted environments. Examination of genes lost or retained and now under selective pressure suggests these environments might be aerobic, and extracellular, where slow growth, production of an immune suppressor, cell wall remodeling, loss or modification of cell wall antigens, and biofilm-forming ability provide a survival advantage. These insights will guide our efforts to find the elusive reservoir(s) of M. ulcerans and to understand transmission of Buruli ulcer.
Which patients with lower respiratory tract infections need inpatient treatment? Perceptions of physicians, nurses, patients and relatives
Authors: Baehni Claudia , Meier Sabine , Spreiter Pamela , Schild Ursula , Regez Katharina , Bossart Rita , Thomann Robert , Falconnier Claudine , Christ-Crain Mirjam , De Geest Sabina , Müller Beat , Schuetz Philipp ,   the ProHOSP study group
Published: June 2012

Background

Despite recommendations for outpatient management, low risk patients with lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) are often hospitalized. This survey analyzed perceptions of physicians, nurses, patients and relatives about feasibility of outpatient management and required duration of hospital stay.

Methods

We performed a prospective, observational questionnaire survey in hospitalized patients with LRTI as part of a multicenter trial. Treating physicians and nurses, patients and their relatives were asked on admission and before discharge about feasibility of outpatient treatment over 5 dimensions (medical, nursing, organizational factors, and patients' and relatives' preferences) using continuous scales.

Results

On admission, 12.6% of physicians, 15.1% of nurses, 18.0% of patients and 5.2% of relatives believed that outpatient treatment would be possible. Before hospital discharge, 31.1% of physicians, 32.2% of nurses, 11.6% of patients and 4.1% of relatives thought that earlier discharge would have been feasible. Medical factors were the most frequently perceived motives for inpatient management. These perceptions were similar in all LRTI subgroups and independent of disease severity and associated expected mortality risks as assessed by the Pneumonia Severity Index (PSI).

Conclusion

Independent of type and severity of respiratory tract infection, the misperceived high severity and expected mortality and morbidity were the predominant reasons why treating physicians, nurses, patients and their relatives unanimously believed that inpatient management was necessary. Better assessment and communication about true expected medical risks might contribute to a pathway to shorten in-hospital days and to introduce a more risk-targeted and individually tailored allocation of health-care resources.

Trial Registration

NCT00350987
Equine CTNNB1 and PECAM1 nucleotide structure and expression analyses in an experimental model of normal and pathological wound repair
Authors: Miragliotta Vincenzo , Ipiña Zoë , Lefebvre-Lavoie Josiane , Lussier Jacques G , Theoret Christine L
Published: June 2012

Background

Wound healing in horses is fraught with complications. Specifically, wounds on horse limbs often develop exuberant granulation tissue which behaves clinically like a benign tumor and resembles the human keloid in that the evolving scar is trapped in the proliferative phase of repair, leading to fibrosis. Clues gained from the study of over-scarring in horses should eventually lead to new insights into how to prevent unwanted scar formation in humans. cDNA fragments corresponding toCTNNB1(coding for β-catenin) andPECAM1, genes potentially contributing to the proliferative phase of repair, were previously identified in a mRNA expression study as being up-regulated in 7 day wound biopsies from horses. The aim of the present study was to clone full-length equineCTNNB1andPECAM1cDNAs and to study the spatio-temporal expression of mRNAs and corresponding proteins during repair of body and limb wounds in a horse model.

Results

The temporal pattern of the two genes was similar; except forCTNNB1in limb wounds, wounding caused up-regulation of mRNA which did not return to baseline by the end of the study. Relative over-expression of bothCTNNB1andPECAM1mRNA was noted in body wounds compared to limb wounds. Immunostaining for both β-catenin and PECAM1 was principally observed in endothelial cells and fibroblasts and was especially pronounced in wounds having developed exuberant granulation tissue.

Conclusion

This study is the first to characterize equine cDNA forCTNNB1andPECAM1and to document that these genes are expressed during wound repair in horses. It appears that β-catenin may be regulated in a post-transcriptional manner while PECAM1 might help thoracic wounds mount an efficient inflammatory response in contrast to what is observed in limb wounds. Furthermore, data from this study suggest that β-catenin and PECAM1 might interact to modulate endothelial cell and fibroblast proliferation during wound repair in the horse.
Surfactant-free ionic liquid-based nanofluids with remarkable thermal conductivity enhancement at very low loading of graphene
Authors: Wang Fuxian , Han Lijuan , Zhang Zhengguo , Fang Xiaoming , Shi Jingjing , Ma Wenshi
Published: June 2012

We report for the first time the preparation of highly stable graphene (GE)-based nanofluids with ionic liquid as base fluids (ionic liquid-based nanofluids (Ionanofluids)) without any surfactant and the subsequent investigations on their thermal conductivity, specific heat, and viscosity. The microstructure of the GE and MWCNTs are observed by transmission electron microscope. Thermal conductivity (TC), specific heat, and viscosity of these Ionanofluids were measured for different weight fractions and at varying temperatures, demonstrating that the Ionanofluids exhibit considerably higher TC and lower viscosity than that of their base fluids without significant specific heat decrease. An enhancement in TC by about 15.5% and 18.6% has been achieved at 25 °C and 65 °C respectively for the GE-based nanofluid at mass fraction of as low as 0.06%, which is larger than that of the MWCNT-dispersed nanofluid at the same loading. When the temperature rises, the TC and specific heat of the Ionanofluid increase clearly, while the viscosity decreases sharply. Moreover, the viscosity of the prepared Ionanofluids is lower than that of the base fluid. All these advantages of this new kind of Ionanofluid make it an ideal fluid for heat transfer and thermal storage.
Upregulation of CRABP1 in human neuroblastoma cells overproducing the Alzheimer-typical Aβ42reduces their differentiation potential
Authors: Uhrig Markus , Brechlin Peter , Jahn Olaf , Knyazev Yuri , Weninger Annette , Busia Laura , Honarnejad Kamran , Otto Markus , Hartmann Tobias
Published: June 2012

Background

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by neurodegeneration and changes in cellular processes, including neurogenesis. Proteolytic processing of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) plays a central role in AD. Owing to varying APP processing, several β-amyloid peptides (Aβ) are generated. In contrast to the form with 40 amino acids (Aβ40), the variant with 42 amino acids (Aβ42) is thought to be the pathogenic form triggering the pathological cascade in AD. While total-Aβ effects have been studied extensively, little is known about specific genome-wide effects triggered by Aβ42 or Aβ40 derived from their direct precursor C99.

Methods

A combined transcriptomics/proteomics analysis was performed to measure the effects of intracellularly generated Aβ peptides in human neuroblastoma cells. Data was validated by real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR) and a functional validation was carried out using RNA interference.

Results

Here we studied the transcriptomic and proteomic responses to increased or decreased Aβ42 and Aβ40 levels generated in human neuroblastoma cells. Genome-wide expression profiles (Affymetrix) and proteomic approaches were combined to analyze the cellular response to the changed Aβ42- and Aβ40-levels. The cells responded to this challenge with significant changes in their expression pattern. We identified several dysregulated genes and proteins, but only the cellular retinoic acid binding protein 1 (CRABP1) was up-regulated exclusively in cells expressing an increased Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio. This consequently reduced all-trans retinoic acid (RA)-induced differentiation, validated by CRABP1 knock down, which led to recovery of the cellular response to RA treatment and cellular sprouting under physiological RA concentrations. Importantly, this effect was specific to the AD typical increase in the Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio, whereas a decreased ratio did not result in up-regulation of CRABP1.

Conclusion

We conclude that increasing the Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio up-regulates CRABP1, which in turn reduces the differentiation potential of the human neuroblastoma cell line SH-SY5Y, but increases cell proliferation. This work might contribute to the better understanding of AD neurogenesis, currently a controversial topic.
Plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 regulates microglial motility and phagocytic activity
Authors: Jeon Hyejin , Kim Jong-Heon , Kim Jae-Hong , Lee Won-Ha , Lee Myung-Shik , Suk Kyoungho
Published: June 2012

Background

Plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) is the primary inhibitor of urokinase type plasminogen activators (uPA) and tissue type plasminogen activators (tPA), which mediate fibrinolysis. PAI-1 is also involved in the innate immunity by regulating cell migration and phagocytosis. However, little is known about the role of PAI-1 in the central nervous system.

Methods

In this study, we identified PAI-1 in the culture medium of mouse mixed glial cells by liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry. Secretion of PAI-1 from glial cultures was detected by ELISA and western blotting analysis. Cell migration was evaluated byin vitroscratch-wound healing assay or Boyden chamber assay and anin vivostab wound injury model. Phagocytic activity was measured by uptake of zymosan particles.

Results

The levels of PAI-1 mRNA and protein expression were increased by lipopolysaccharide and interferon-γ stimulation in both microglia and astrocytes. PAI-1 promoted the migration of microglial cells in culture via the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP) 1/Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)1 axis. PAI-1 also increased microglial migrationin vivowhen injected into mouse brain. PAI-1-mediated microglial migration was independent of protease inhibition, because an R346A mutant of PAI-1 with impaired PA inhibitory activity also promoted microglial migration. Moreover, PAI-1 was able to modulate microglial phagocytic activity. PAI-1 inhibited microglial engulfment of zymosan particles in a vitronectin- and Toll-like receptor 2/6-dependent manner.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that glia-derived PAI-1 may regulate microglial migration and phagocytosis in an autocrine or paracrine manner. This may have important implications in the regulation of brain microglial activities in health and disease.
Distinct effects of calorie restriction on adipose tissue cytokine and angiogenesis profiles in obese and lean mice
Authors: Kurki Eveliina , Shi Jin , Martonen Essi , Finckenberg Piet , Mervaala Eero
Published: June 2012

Background

Obesity associates with low-grade inflammation and adipose tissue remodeling. Using sensitive high-throughput protein arrays we here investigated adipose tissue cytokine and angiogenesis-related protein profiles from obese and lean mice, and in particular, the influence of calorie restriction (CR).

Methods

Tissue samples from visceral fat were harvested from obese mice fed with a high-fat diet (60% of energy), lean controls receiving low-fat control diet as well as from obese and lean mice kept under CR (energy intake 70% of ad libitum intake) for 50 days. Protein profiles were analyzed using mouse cytokine and angiogenesis protein array kits.

Results

In obese and lean mice, CR was associated with 11.3% and 15.6% reductions in body weight, as well as with 4.0% and 4.6% reductions in body fat percentage, respectively. Obesity induced adipose tissue cytokine expressions, the most highly upregulated cytokines being IL-1ra, IL-2, IL-16, MCP-1, MIG, RANTES, C5a, sICAM-1 and TIMP-1. CR increased sICAM-1 and TIMP-1 expression both in obese and lean mice. Overall, CR showed distinct effects on cytokine expressions; in obese mice CR largely decreased but in lean mice increased adipose tissue cytokine expressions. Obesity was also associated with increased expressions of angiogenesis-related proteins, in particular, angiogenin, endoglin, endostatin, endothelin-1, IGFBP-3, leptin, MMP-3, PAI-1, TIMP-4, CXCL16, platelet factor 4, DPPIV and coagulation factor III. CR increased endoglin, endostatin and platelet factor 4 expressions, and decreased IGFBP-3, NOV, MMP-9, CXCL16 and osteopontin expressions both in obese and lean mice. Interestingly, in obese mice, CR decreased leptin and TIMP-4 expressions, whereas in lean mice their expressions were increased. CR decreased MMP-3 and PAI-1 only in obese mice, whereas CR decreased FGF acidic, FGF basic and coagulation factor III, and increased angiogenin and DPPIV expression only in lean mice.

Conclusions

CR exerts distinct effects on adipocyte cytokine and angiogenesis profiles in obese and lean mice. Our study also underscores the importance of angiogenesis-related proteins and cytokines in adipose tissue remodeling and development of obesity.
Pain after earthquake
Authors: Angeletti Chiara , Guetti Cristiana , Papola Roberta , Petrucci Emiliano , Ursini Maria Laura , Ciccozzi Alessandra , Masi Francesca , Russo Maria Rosaria , Squarcione Salvatore , Paladini Antonella , Pergolizzi Joseph , Taylor Robert , Varrassi Giustino , Marinangeli Franco
Published: June 2012

Introduction

On 6 April 2009, at 03:32 local time, an Mw 6.3 earthquake hit the Abruzzi region of central Italy causing widespread damage in the City of L Aquila and its nearby villages. The earthquake caused 308 casualties and over 1,500 injuries, displaced more than 25,000 people and induced significant damage to more than 10,000 buildings in the L'Aquila region.

Objectives

This observational retrospective study evaluated the prevalence and drug treatment of pain in the five weeks following the L'Aquila earthquake (April 6, 2009).

Methods

958 triage documents were analysed for patients pain severity, pain type, and treatment efficacy.

Results

A third of pain patients reported pain with a prevalence of 34.6%. More than half of pain patients reported severe pain (58.8%). Analgesic agents were limited to available drugs: anti-inflammatory agents, paracetamol, and weak opioids. Reduction in verbal numerical pain scores within the first 24 hours after treatment was achieved with the medications at hand. Pain prevalence and characterization exhibited a biphasic pattern with acute pain syndromes owing to trauma occurring in the first 15 days after the earthquake; traumatic pain then decreased and re-surged at around week five, owing to rebuilding efforts. In the second through fourth week, reports of pain occurred mainly owing to relapses of chronic conditions.

Conclusions

This study indicates that pain is prevalent during natural disasters, may exhibit a discernible pattern over the weeks following the event, and current drug treatments in this region may be adequate for emergency situations.
Validation of ACR/EULAR definition of remission in rheumatoid arthritis from RA practice: the ESPOIR cohort
Authors: Zhang Bin , Combe Bernard , Rincheval Nathalie , Felson David T
Published: June 2012

Introduction

In development of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR)/European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) rheumatoid arthritis (RA) remission definitions using clinical trials data, one criterion used to compare different remission definitions was whether, compared with those not in remission, those in remission had evidence of later disease stability defined by x-ray and functional status. Validation of the RA remission criteria using observational study data is necessary before recommending their use in practice.

Methods

Using data from those who met RA criteria in the ESPOIR cohort, we matched each person in remission with a person not in remission and then carried out analyses comparing later stability of x-ray and health assessment questionnaire (HAQ) between the two groups. We compared the predictive validity of the same candidate definitions of remission evaluated in the ACR/EULAR process. To minimize potential bias and produce more stable results, we used a bootstrap resampling approach to select those not in remission, repeating the sample matching analysis process 500 times.

Results

Results were similar to those of clinical trials analyzed for the ACR/EULAR remission criteria. Specifically, the ACR/EULAR remission definitions using either an simple disease activity index (SDAI) ≤ 3.3, clinical disease activity index (CDAI) ≤ 2.8 or a definition of remission requiring tender joint count, swollen joint count, patient global assessment all ≤ 1 performed as well or better than other candidate definitions of remission in terms of predicting later x-ray and function stability.

Conclusions

ACR/EULAR definitions of remission developed for trials are similarly valid in observational studies in RA and could be used in practice.
Clinical validation of a new thermodilution system for the assessment of cardiac output and volumetric parameters
Authors: Kiefer Nicholas , Hofer Christoph K , Marx Gernot , Geisen Martin , Giraud Raphaël , Siegenthaler Nils , Hoeft Andreas , Bendjelid Karim , Rex Steffen
Published: June 2012

Introduction

Transpulmonary thermodilution is used to measure cardiac output (CO), global end-diastolic volume (GEDV) and extravascular lung water (EVLW). A system has been introduced (VolumeView/EV1000™ system, Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine CA, USA) that employs a novel algorithm for the mathematical analysis of the thermodilution curve. Our aim was to evaluate the agreement of this method with the established PiCCO™ method (Pulsion Medical Systems SE, Munich, Germany, clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT01405040)

Methods

Seventy-two critically ill patients with clinical indication for advanced hemodynamic monitoring were included in this prospective, multicenter, observational study. During a 72-hour observation period, 443 sets of thermodilution measurements were performed with the new system. These measurements were electronically recorded, converted into an analog resistance signal and then re-analyzed by a PiCCO2™ device (Pulsion Medical Systems SE).

Results

For CO, GEDV, and EVLW, the systems showed a high correlation (r2 = 0.981, 0.926 and 0.971, respectively), minimal bias (0.2 L/minute, 29.4 ml and 36.8 ml), and a low percentage error (9.7%, 11.5% and 12.2%). Changes in CO, GEDV and EVLW were tracked with a high concordance between the two systems, with a traditional concordance for CO, GEDV, and EVLW of 98.5%, 95.1%, and 97.7% and a polar plot concordance of 100%, 99.8% and 99.8% for CO, GEDV, and EVLW, respectively. Radial limits of agreement for CO, GEDV and EVLW were 0.31 ml/minute, 81 ml and 40 ml, respectively. The precision of GEDV measurements was significantly better using the VolumeView™ algorithm compared to the PiCCO™ algorithm (0.033 (0.03) versus 0.040 (0.03; median (interquartile range), P = 0.000049).

Conclusions

For CO, GEDV, and EVLW, the agreement of both the individual measurements as well as measurements of change showed the interchangeability of the two methods. For the VolumeView method, the higher precision may indicate a more robust GEDV algorithm.

Trial registration

clinicaltrials.gov NCT01405040.
Fluid overload and changes in serum creatinine after cardiac surgery: predictors of mortality and longer intensive care stay. A prospective cohort study
Authors: Stein Anna , de Souza Lucas Vieira , Belettini Cassian Rodrigues , Menegazzo Willian Roberto , Viégas Júlio Rosales , Costa Pereira Edemar Manuel , Eick Renato , Araújo Lilian , Consolim-Colombo Fernanda , Irigoyen Maria Cláudia
Published: June 2012

Introduction

Fluid overload is a clinical problem frequently related to cardiac and renal dysfunction. The aim of this study was to evaluate fluid overload and changes in serum creatinine as predictors of cardiovascular mortality and morbidity after cardiac surgery.

Methods

Patients submitted to heart surgery were prospectively enrolled in this study from September 2010 through August 2011. Clinical and laboratory data were collected from each patient at preoperative and trans-operative moments and fluid overload and creatinine levels were recorded daily after cardiac surgery during their ICU stay. Fluid overload was calculated according to the following formula: (Sum of daily fluid received (L) - total amount of fluid eliminated (L)/preoperative weight (kg) × 100). Preoperative demographic and risk indicators, intra-operative parameters and postoperative information were obtained from medical records. Patients were monitored from surgery until death or discharge from the ICU. We also evaluated the survival status at discharge from the ICU and the length of ICU stay (days) of each patient.

Results

A total of 502 patients were enrolled in this study. Both fluid overload and changes in serum creatinine correlated with mortality (odds ratio (OR) 1.59; confidence interval (CI): 95% 1.18 to 2.14, P = 0.002 and OR 2.91; CI: 95% 1.92 to 4.40, P <0.001, respectively). Fluid overload played a more important role in the length of intensive care stay than changes in serum creatinine. Fluid overload (%): b coefficient = 0.17; beta coefficient = 0.55, P <0.001); change in creatinine (mg/dL): b coefficient = 0.01; beta coefficient = 0.11, P = 0.003).

Conclusions

Although both fluid overload and changes in serum creatinine are prognostic markers after cardiac surgery, it seems that progressive fluid overload may be an earlier and more sensitive marker of renal dysfunction affecting heart function and, as such, it would allow earlier intervention and more effective control in post cardiac surgery patients.
The Black Arts Movement: Its Meaning and Potential
Authors: Baraka Amiri
Published: June 2012

This essay outlines the development and activities of the Black Arts Repertory Theater/School. Its members set up classes on history, politics, and drama; hosted plays, poetry readings, and new music concerts; and stalked through the community preaching about Blackness. Despite its trials, including fighting among members and criticism from the rest of the art world, the theater and school, along with the Black Arts Movement, has made a significant impact. The continuing task faced by revolutionary Black artists and intellectuals is to further the Cultural Revolution.
The Mask as Muse: The Influence of African Art on the Life and Career of Loïs Mailou Jones
Authors: Finley Cheryl
Published: June 2012

Throughout her life Loïs Mailou Jones admired African art and culture. But it was through the mask—its spiritual significance, theatrical expression, cultural importance, and emotive possibilities—that she found herself as an artist, designer, and educator. With a career buttressed by the two major movements in African American art of the twentieth century—the New Negro Arts movement and the Black Arts movement—Jones’s unique black perspective was often viewed through the mask, a symbol of classical African art and a signifier of black identity. For her, it acted as muse for a productive career that spanned more than fifty years.
The wiring of Grueneberg ganglion axons is dependent on neuropilin 1
Authors: Matsuo Tomohiko , Rossier Daniel Aharony , Kan Chenda , Rodriguez Ivan
Published: June 2012

The Grueneberg ganglion is a specialized olfactory sensor. In mice, its activation induces freezing behavior. The topographical map corresponding to the central projections of its sensory axons is poorly defined, as well as the guidance molecules involved in its establishment. We took a transgenic approach to label exclusively Grueneberg sensory neurons and their axonal projections. We observed that a stereotyped convergence map in a series of coalescent neuropil-rich structures is already present at birth. These structures are part of a peculiar and complex neuronal circuit, composed of a chain of glomeruli organized in a necklace pattern that entirely surrounds the trunk of the olfactory bulb. We found that the necklace chain is composed of two different sets of glomeruli: one exclusively innervated by Grueneberg ganglion neurons, the other by axonal inputs from the main olfactory neuroepithelium. Combining the transgenic Grueneberg reporter mouse with a conditional null genetic approach, we then show that the axonal wiring of Grueneberg neurons is dependent on neuropilin 1 expression. Neuropilin 1-deficient Grueneberg axonal projections lose their strict and characteristic avoidance of vomeronasal glomeruli, glomeruli that are innervated by secondary neurons expressing the repulsive guidance cue and main neuropilin 1 ligand Sema3a. Taken together, our observations represent a first step in the understanding of the circuitry and the coding strategy used by the Grueneberg system.
A differential requirement for SUMOylation in proliferating and non-proliferating cells during Drosophila development
Authors: Kanakousaki Kiriaki , Gibson Matthew C.
Published: June 2012

SUMOylation is a highly conserved post-translational modification shown to modulate target protein activity in a wide variety of cellular processes. Although the requirement for SUMO modification of specific substrates has received significant attention in vivo and in vitro, the developmental requirements for SUMOylation at the cell and tissue level remain poorly understood. Here, we show that in Drosophila melanogaster, both heterodimeric components of the SUMO E1-activating enzyme are zygotically required for mitotic progression but are dispensable for cell viability, homeostasis and DNA synthesis in non-dividing cells. Explaining the lack of more pleiotropic effects following a global block of SUMO conjugation, we further demonstrate that low levels of global substrate SUMOylation are detected in mutants lacking either or both E1 subunits. These results not only suggest that minimal SUMOylation persists in the absence of Aos1/Uba2, but also show that the process of cell division is selectively sensitive to reductions in global SUMOylation. Supporting this view, knockdown of SUMO or its E1 and E2 enzymes robustly disrupts proliferating cells in the developing eye, without any detectable effects on the development or differentiation of neighboring post-mitotic cells.
Spin Crossover and Light-induced Excited Spin-state Trapping Observed for an Iron(II) Complex Chelated with Tripodal Tetrakis(2-pyridyl)methane
Authors: Hirosawa Naoki , Oso Yuya , Ishida Takayuki
Published: June 2012

A novel iron(II) complex [Fe(py4C)2][Fe(py4C)(NCS)3]2 was synthesized, where py4C stands for tetrakis(2-pyridyl)methane. Spin crossover occurred at 161 K (T1/2). Light-induced excited spin-state trapping was observed when irradiated with 532 nm at 10 K, and the conversion was 89%. The relaxation took place at 58 K on heating.