bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Public Sector Corruption and Natural Hazards
Authors: Escaleras Monica , Register Charles
Published: October 2015

Public sector corruption has been shown to increase death rates and damages from natural disasters. We consider whether natural hazards can lead to rising levels of public sector corruption. This might seem unlikely since natural hazards are predetermined, naturally occurring events. However, when the distinction between hazards and disasters is considered, it becomes clear that corruption may well increase the likelihood that any new hazard will become a disaster, increasing the existing level of corruption within a given country. Based on standard estimation techniques, we find a statistically significant, positive relation between predetermined natural hazards and public sector corruption.
Prevent the blue, be true to you: Authenticity buffers the negative impact of loneliness on alcohol-related problems, physical symptoms, and depressive and anxiety symptoms
Authors: Bryan Jennifer L , Baker Zachary G , Tou Reese YW
Published: October 2015

This study investigated authenticity as a moderator of the association between loneliness and depressive symptoms, anxiety, physical symptoms, and alcohol-related problems. It was expected that loneliness and health outcomes would be negatively related and that relationship would be weaker among those higher in authenticity. Significant interactions emerged between authenticity and loneliness for each outcome such that authenticity mitigated the relationship between higher loneliness and negative health outcomes. Results suggest that authenticity may be an underutilized resource for lonely individuals and warrants future investigation. The potential implications are diverse and could be incorporated in college adjustment and health promotion programs.
Signs of change in media representation of women in Israeli politics: Leading and peripheral women contenders
Authors: Lachover Einat
Published: October 2015

The study seeks to examine gender portrayal of Israeli women politicians, and specifically that of candidates for Israel’s parliament on televised news and in print in the elections of 2013. The study is based on an interpretive analysis of all news items wherein the women candidates are mentioned during the month preceding the elections. This study joins recent studies that point to a change in how women politicians are portrayed in the media. Leading contenders succeed in influencing their coverage, and commensurately usually enjoy nonstereotypically gendered portrayal. Moreover, they occasionally seek to make use of hegemonic cultural norms to benefit what they perceive as structuring their positive gendered portrayal. In contrast, the coverage of peripheral contenders suffers from traditional patterns of sidelining. It emerges that peripheral contenders who gain relatively high exposure are portrayed as exceptional based either on their extraordinary other-ness or on the newsworthiness of their campaigns.
Context-informed, counter-hegemonic qualitative research: Insights from an Israeli/Palestinian research team studying loss
Authors: Shalhoub-Kevorkian Nadera , Roer-Strier Dorit
Published: October 2015

Theorizing social work qualitative methodologies have always been closely related to the context of the studied subjects. This paper offers the framework of context-informed, counter-hegemonic qualitative research for theorizing research in conflict zones. Based on a case study of a group of Jewish and Palestinian social work researchers who examined together the effect of the loss of home on families during an ongoing political conflict, this paper explores the impact of participating in a research team on the researcher’s perceptions and study of otherness and otherization in the context of asymmetries of power. Analysis of the group dynamics discovered: (1) a growing ability to see and acknowledge the other, accompanied by a growing willingness to be attentive; (2) a growing ability to empathically listen to and hear the experiences of suffering of the other; (3) overcoming silencing by allowing voices of dissent, pain and resilience; and (4) creating a liminal space of “safe haven” for the researchers. The paper explores the development of context-informed group reflexivity leading to emancipatory consciousness and academic activism.
Term Limits and Collaboration Across the Aisle: An Analysis of Bipartisan Cosponsorship in Term Limited and Non-Term Limited State Legislatures
Authors: Swift Clint S. , VanderMolen Kathryn A.
Published: October 2015

As members of democratic institutions, state legislators must frequently collaborate with each other to achieve their varied goals. Given the increased attention to questions of polarization and gridlock, scholars should be particularly interested in understanding legislator decisions to collaborate across party lines. This article is primarily concerned with how institutional arrangements—specifically term limits—structure legislators' decisions to cosponsor bills with partisan opponents. Using data on bill cosponsorship from 41 states (82 chambers), we demonstrate that term limits reduce bipartisan cosponsorship even when controlling for average legislative tenure. We argue that term limits accomplish this by altering the incentives that legislators face. In addition, we demonstrate that the effect of term limits depends on the level of legislative professionalization. When professionalization is high, the negative effect of term limits on bipartisan cosponsorship is particularly pronounced.
Sulforaphane attenuates the development of atherosclerosis and improves endothelial dysfunction in hypercholesterolemic rabbits
Authors: Shehatou George SG , Suddek Ghada M
Published: October 2015

The aim of the present work was to explore possible protective effects of sulforaphane (SFN) against atherosclerosis development and endothelial dysfunction in hypercholesterolemic rabbits. Rabbits were assigned to three groups of five: group I fed normal chow diet for four weeks, group II fed 1% high cholesterol diet (HCD) and group III fed HCD + SFN (0.25 mg/kg/day). Blood samples were collected for measurement of serum triglycerides (TGs), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and C-reactive protein (CRP). Aortic malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and total nitrite/nitrate (NOx) were measured. Vascular reactivity and intima/media (I/M) ratio were analyzed. Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) activation in aortic endothelial cells was identified immunohistochemically. HCD induced significant increases in serum TGs, TC, LDL-C, LDH, and CRP, and aortic MDA and SOD. Moreover, HCD caused significant reductions in serum HDL-C, aortic GSH and NOx. SFN administration significantly decreased HCD-induced elevations in serum TC, LDL-C, CRP, and LDH. while significantly increased HDL-C and GSH levels and normalized aortic SOD and NOx. Additionally, SFN significantly improved rabbit aortic endothelium-dependent relaxation to acetylcholine. Moreover, SFN significantly reduced the elevation in I/M ratio. This effect was confirmed by aortic histopathologic examination. The expression of NF-κB in aortic tissue showed a marked reduction upon treatment with SFN. In conclusion, this study reveals that SFN has the ability to ameliorate HCD-induced atherosclerotic lesions progression and vascular dysfunction, possibly via its lipid-lowering and antioxidant effects and suppression of NF-κB-mediated inflammation.
Beneficial effects of previous exercise training on renal changes in streptozotocin-induced diabetic female rats
Authors: Amaral Liliany S de Brito , Silva Fernanda A , Correia Vicente B , Andrade Clara EF , Dutra Bárbara A , Oliveira Márcio V , Magalhães Amélia CM de , Volpini Rildo A , Seguro Antonio C , Coimbra Terezila M , Soares Telma de J
Published: October 2015

This study evaluated the effects of aerobic exercise performed both previously and after the induction of diabetes mellitus on changes of renal function and structure in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Female wistar rats were divided into five groups: sedentary control (C + Se); trained control (C + Ex); sedentary diabetic (D + Se); trained diabetic (D + Ex) and previously trained diabetic (D + PEx). The previous exercise consisted of treadmill running for four weeks before the induction of diabetes mellitus. After induction of diabetes mellitus with streptozotocin, the D + PEx, D + Ex and C + Ex groups were submitted to eight weeks of aerobic exercise. At the end of the training protocol, we evaluate the serum glucose, insulin and 17β-estradiol levels, renal function and structure, proteinuria, and fibronectin, collagen IV and transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) renal expressions. Induction of diabetes mellitus reduced the insulin and did not alter 17β-estradiol levels, and exercise did not affect any of these parameters. Previous exercise training attenuated the loss of body weight, the blood glucose, the increase of glomerular filtration rate and prevented the proteinuria in the D + PEx group compared to D + Se group. Previous exercise also reduced glomerular hypertrophy, tubular and glomerular injury, as well as the expressions of fibronectin and collagen IV. These expressions were associated with reduced expression of TGF-β1. In conclusion, our study shows that regular aerobic exercise especially performed previously to induction of diabetes mellitus improved metabolic control and has renoprotective action on the diabetic kidney.
Orbital Atherectomy Plaque Modification Assessment of the Femoropopliteal Artery Via Intravascular Ultrasound (TRUTH Study)
Authors: Babaev Anvar , Zavlunova Susanna , Attubato Michael J. , Martinsen Brad J. , Mintz Gary S. , Maehara Akiko
Published: October 2015

Objective:

The Tissue Removal Assessment with Ultrasound of the SFA and Popliteal (TRUTH) study assessed the performance of the orbital atherectomy system (OAS) to treat femoropopliteal arteries, including determining its effect on plaque removal.

Methods:

Patients with symptomatic femoropopliteal peripheral arterial disease were treated with the OAS followed by adjunctive balloon angioplasty (BA). Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) images were collected pre- and post-OAS and post-OAS BA. Patients were followed through 12 months post-procedure.

Results:

Twenty-nine lesions were treated with OAS-BA in 25 patients. The mean maximum balloon inflation pressure was 5.2 ± 1.2 atm. Virtual histology IVUS (VH-IVUS) analysis revealed at the maximum calcium ablation site that calcium reduction was responsible for 86% of the lumen area increase. The minimum lumen area increased from 4.0 mm2 to 9.1 mm2 (<.0001), and the percentage of area stenosis decreased from 76.9% to 43.0% (<.0001) after OAS-BA. At 12 months, the target lesion revascularization rate was 8.2%, and ankle–brachial index and Rutherford classification improved significantly from baseline through follow-up.

Conclusion:

The VH-IVUS analysis reveals that OAS modifies the calcified component of the plaque burden. It is hypothesized that calcium modification by OAS changes the lesion compliance, allowing for low pressure adjunctive BA. The clinical outcomes were favorable through 12-month follow-up.
Mechanical thrombectomy in patients with acute basilar occlusion using stent retrievers
Authors: Carneiro Angelo António Silva , Rodrigues João Tiago Lopes , Pereira José Pedro Rocha , Alves José Viriato , Xavier João Abel Marques
Published: October 2015

Background

Early arterial recanalisation with stent retrievers (SR) has been recently demonstrated to improve clinical outcome of patients with large-vessel occlusion of the anterior circulation. However, the benefit of SR thrombectomy in the setting of acute basilar artery occlusion (BAO) has not been proven yet. This study evaluated a series of consecutive patients with BAO treated with SR, focusing on the efficacy, safety and clinical results.

Methods

We analysed 24 consecutive patients with acute BAO who were treated with SR mechanical thrombectomy. Good clinical outcome at three months was defined as mRS ≤ 2. Data from patients with good outcome were compared to that from patients with poor outcome.

Results

Sufficient recanalisation (TICI 2 b or 3) was achieved in 63% (15/24) of patients. At three months, 33% (8/24) of patients had died; good clinical outcome was obtained in 21% (5/24). Age (46 vs. 60 years old, p = 0.05) and time from symptoms onset to recanalisation (370 vs. 521 minutes, p = 0.048) was significantly lower in patients with good outcome as compared to patients with poor outcome. There were three cases (12.5%) of periprocedural complications, all of them related to arterial wall dissection/perforation.

Conclusions

SR thrombectomy might be an efficient and safe treatment for patients with acute BAO occlusion and might help improve outcome.
Pharmacomechanical thrombolysis with a rotator thrombolysis device in iliofemoral deep venous thrombosis
Authors: Karahan Oguz , Kutas H Barıs , Gurbuz Orcun , Tezcan Orhan , Caliskan Ahmet , Yavuz Celal , Demirtas Sinan , Mavitas Binali
Published: October 2015

Objective

Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is a life-threatening and morbid pathology. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of an early thrombolysis procedure using a rotator thrombolysis device.

Methods

Sixty-seven patients with acute proximal DVT were enrolled in the study. Patients’ data were recorded retrospectively. Initially, an infrarenal retrievable vena cava filter was placed through the femoral vein. Then, a rotator thrombolysis device and a thrombolytic agent injection were applied to the occluded segments of the deep veins by puncturing the popliteal vein.

Results

The identified reasons were trauma (43.3%), pregnancy (20.9%), undiagnosed (11.9%), major surgical operation (10.5%), immobilization (7.5%), and malignancy (5.9%). Immediate total recanalization was conducted in all patients, and the leg diameters returned to normal ranges in the early postoperative period. Hospital mortality or severe complications were not detected.

Conclusion

New thrombolytic devices seem to reduce in-hospital mortality risks and may potentially decrease post-thrombotic morbidity.
Impact of a nurse-led feeding protocol in a pediatric intensive care unit
Authors: Ang Bixia , Han Wee Meng , Wong Judith Ju-Ming , Lee Ang Noi , Chan Yoke Hwee , Lee Jan Hau
Published: October 2015

Background:

To determine effectiveness of a nurse-led, volume-based feeding protocol in our pediatric intensive care unit (PICU), we evaluated patients’ nutrition adequacy pre- and post-protocol implementation.

Methods:

We conducted an observational study of patients admitted for more than three days in the PICU during pre- and post-feeding protocol periods. We recorded energy and protein intake and feed interruptions in patients started on enteral nutrition over the first seven days of admission. We excluded patients with septic shock requiring more than two inotropes, post-cardiac and post-gastrointestinal surgeries. To determine nutrition adequacy, actual energy and protein intakes were compared with calculated requirements, expressed as percentages.

Results:

We had a total of 40 patients (20 in the pre- and post-protocol groups, respectively) with median age of 9.4 (interquartile range (IQR) 2.8, 57) months. Median time to feed initiation was similar between groups (20.0 (IQR 17.0, 37.5) vs. 21.5 (IQR 10.5, 27.0) hours, p = 0.516). There was no difference in median energy (55 (IQR 12, 102) vs. 59 (IQR 25, 85) %, p = 0.645) and protein intake (53 (IQR 16, 124) vs. 73 (IQR 22, 137) %, p = 0.069) over the seven-day period between groups; the proportion of patients meeting their energy (10 vs. 35%, p = 0.127) and protein goal (15 vs. 30%, p = 0.451) by day three also did not differ significantly pre- and post-protocol implementation. The most common reasons for feed interruption were intubation/extubation and radiological procedures.

Conclusion:

Our current feeding protocol did not improve nutrient adequacy. The effectiveness of a more aggressive protocol in units where enteral nutrition is initiated within 24 hours should be investigated.
Genomic analysis of germ line and somatic variants in familial myelodysplasia/acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Churpek Jane E. , Pyrtel Khateriaa , Kanchi Krishna-Latha , Shao Jin , Koboldt Daniel , Miller Christopher A. , Shen Dong , Fulton Robert , O’Laughlin Michelle , Fronick Catrina , Pusic Iskra , Uy Geoffrey L. , Braunstein Evan M. , Levis Mark , Ross Julie , Elliott Kevin , Heath Sharon , Jiang Allan , Westervelt Peter , DiPersio John F. , Link Daniel C. , Walter Matthew J. , Welch John , Wilson Richard , Ley Timothy J. , Godley Lucy A. , Graubert Timothy A.
Published: October 2015

Key Points

Known pathogenic germ line variants in 12 genes can explain nearly 30% of families with inherited predisposition to MDS/AML. Asymptomatic carriers of germ line RUNX1 mutations develop detectable clonal hematopoiesis with a cumulative risk of >80% by age 50 years.
Impact of traditional culture on Camellia reticulata in Yunnan, China
Authors: Xin Tong , de Riek Jan , Guo Huijun , Jarvis Devra , Ma Lijuan , Long Chunlin
Published: October 2015

Background

Cha-hua (Camellia reticulata) is one of China’s traditional ornamental flowers developed by the local people of Yunnan Province. Today, more than 500 cultivars and hybrids are recognized. Many ancient camellia trees still survive and are managed by local peopl. A few records on cha-hua culture exist, but no studies expound the interaction between C. reticulata and traditional culture of ethnic groups. The contribution of traditional culture of different nationalities and regions to the diversity of Camellia reticulate is discussed.

Methods

Ethnobotanical surveys were conducted throughout Central and Western Yunnan to investigate and document the traditional culture related to Camellia reticulata. Five sites were selected to carry out the field investigation. Information was collected using participatory observation, semi-structured interviews, key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and participatory rural appraisal (PRA).

Results

Most of the ancient camellia trees were preserved or saved in the courtyards of old buildings and cultural or religious sites. Religion-associated culture plays an important role in C. reticulata protection. In every site we investigated, we found extensive traditional culture on C. reticulata and its management. These traditional cultures have not only protected the germplasm resources of C. reticulata, but also improved the diversity of Camellia cultivars.

Conclusions

There are abundant and diverse genetic resources of cha-hua, Camellia reticulata in Yunnan. Cha-hua is not only an ornamental flower but also has been endowed with rich spiritual connotation. The influence of traditional culture had improved the introduction and domestication of wild plants, breeding and selection of different varieties, and the propagation and dissemination of the tree in Yunnan. However, either some ancient cha-hua trees or their associated traditional culture are facing various threats. The old cha-hua trees and the ethnic camellia culture should be respected and protected since they have made great contributions in the history, and will make more contributions in the future.
Fluid balance and mortality in critically ill patients with acute kidney injury: a multicenter prospective epidemiological study
Authors: Wang Na , Jiang Li , Zhu Bo , Wen Ying , Xi Xiu-Ming ,   The Beijing Acute Kidney Injury Trial (BAKIT) Workgroup
Published: October 2015

Introduction

Early and aggressive volume resuscitation is fundamental in the treatment of hemodynamic instability in critically ill patients and improves patient survival. However, one important consequence of fluid administration is the risk of developing fluid overload (FO), which is associated with increased mortality in patients with acute kidney injury (AKI). We evaluated the impact of fluid balance on mortality in intensive care unit (ICU) patients with AKI.

Methods

The data were extracted from the Beijing Acute Kidney Injury Trial. This trial was a prospective, observational, multicenter study conducted in 30 ICUs among 28 tertiary hospitals in Beijing, China, from 1 March to 31 August 2012. In total, 3107 patients were admitted consecutively, and 2526 patients were included in this study. The data from the first 3 sequential days were analyzed. The AKI severity was classified according to the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes guidelines. The daily fluid balance was recorded, and the cumulative fluid balance was registered at 24, 48, and 72 h. A multivariate analysis was performed with Cox regression to determine the impact of fluid balance on mortality in patients with AKI.

Results

Among the 2526 patients included, 1172 developed AKI during the first 3 days. The mortality was 25.7 % in the AKI group and 10.1 % in the non-AKI group (P < 0.001). The daily fluid balance was higher, and the cumulative fluid balance was significantly greater, in the AKI group than in the non-AKI group. FO was an independent risk factor for the incidence of AKI (odds ratio 4.508, 95 % confidence interval 2.900 to 7.008, P < 0.001) and increased the severity of AKI. Non-surviving patients with AKI had higher cumulative fluid balance during the first 3 days (2.77 [0.86–5.01] L versus 0.93 [−0.80 to 2.93] L, P < 0.001) than survivors did. Multivariate analysis revealed that the cumulative fluid balance during the first 3 days was an independent risk factor for 28-day mortality.

Conclusions

In this multicenter ICU study, the fluid balance was greater in patients with AKI than in patients without AKI. FO was an independent risk factor for the incidence of AKI and increased the severity of AKI. A higher cumulative fluid balance was an important factor associated with 28-day mortality following AKI.
Milk fat globule epidermal growth factor-factor 8-derived peptide attenuates organ injury and improves survival in sepsis
Authors: Yang Weng-Lang , Sharma Archna , Zhang Fangming , Matsuo Shingo , Wang Zhimin , Wang Haichao , Wang Ping
Published: October 2015

Introduction

Sepsis involves overwhelming inflammatory responses with subsequent immune-suppression that can lead to multiple organ dysfunction and ultimately death. Milk fat globule epidermal growth factor-factor 8 (MFG-E8) is a secretory protein found to have multiple biological activities against autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. MFG-E8 contains an Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) motif involved in cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions. In sepsis, excessive neutrophils migration through endothelial cells and matrix to sites of inflammation results in organ damage. We hypothesized that MFG-E8-derived short peptides (MSP) flanking its RGD motif could provide protection against organ injury in sepsis.

Methods

The differentiated human neutrophil-like HL-60 cells (dHL60) were incubated with a series of peptides flanking the RGD motif of human MFG-E8 for a cell adhesion assay to fibronectin or human pulmonary artery endothelial cells (PAECs). For the induction of sepsis, male C57BL/6 mice (20–25 g) were subjected to cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Peptide MSP68 (1 mg/kg body weight) or normal saline (vehicle) was injected intravenously at 2 h after CLP. Blood and tissue samples were collected at 20 h after CLP for various measurements.

Results

After screening, peptide MSP68 (VRGDV) had the highest inhibition of dHL-60 cell adhesion to fibronectin by 55.8 % and to PAEC by 67.7 %. MSP68 treatment significantly decreased plasma levels of organ injury marker AST by 37.1 % and the proinflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α by 61.9 % and 22.1 %, respectively after CLP. MSP68 improved the integrity of microscopic architectures, decreased IL-6 levels in the lungs by 85.1 %, and reduced apoptosis. MSP68 treatment also significantly reduced the total number of neutrophil infiltration by 61.9 % and 48.3 % as well as MPO activity by 40.8 % and 47.3 % in the lungs and liver, respectively, after CLP. Moreover, the number of bacteria translocated to mesenteric lymph nodes was decreased by 57 % with MSP68 treatment. Finally, the 10-day survival rate was increased from 26 % in the vehicle group to 58 % in the MSP68-treated group.

Conclusions

MSP68 effectively inhibits excessive neutrophils infiltrating to organs, leading to moderate attenuation of organ injury and significantly improved survival in septic mice. Thus, MSP68 may be a potential therapeutic agent for treating sepsis.
Compression or expansion of dementia in Germany? An observational study of short-term trends in incidence and death rates of dementia between 2006/07 and 2009/10 based on German health insurance data
Authors: Doblhammer Gabriele , Fink Anne , Zylla Stephanie , Willekens Frans
Published: October 2015

Introduction

There have been recent reports about a decline in dementia incidence, but only little is known about trends in the mortality of patients with dementia. Only the simultaneous analysis of both trends can inform whether the reported decline in dementia has led to a compression of dementia into higher ages.

Methods

We used health claims data from the largest public health insurer in Germany over the two time periods 2004/07 and 2007/10. Dementia was defined according to the International Classification of Disease 10th revision (ICD-10) numbers G30, G31.0, G31.82, G23.1, F00, F01, F02, F03 and F05.1 or by a prescription of cholinesterase inhibitors or memantine or both. In the two time periods, we observed 502,065 person-years of exposure and 10,881 incident dementia cases and 10,013 person-years of exposure among the newly demented and 3049 deaths. We estimated the relative risks of the two time periods applying proportional hazard models and calculated years with or without dementia using the illness-death model.

Results

Dementia incidence was significantly higher in 2006/07 than in 2009/10, whereas mortality with dementia tended to be lower in the first period, albeit statistically significant among women only. Mortality without dementia tended to be higher in the first period for men and remained stable for women. Combining these trends, we found that at age 65 remaining life years with dementia were compressed by a yearly 0.4 months for men and 1.4 months for women. At the same time, remaining life years without dementia increased by a yearly 1.4 months for men and 1.1 months for women.

Conclusions

This study provides evidence that the increase in dementia-free life years went together with an absolute compression of life years with dementia. This positive trend was particularly strong among women. Results were controlled for trends in multi-morbidity and care need, suggesting that the postponement in dementia incidence is not simply caused by a delay in diagnosis.
Association between dental amalgam fillings and Alzheimer’s disease: a population-based cross-sectional study in Taiwan
Authors: Sun Yi-Hua , Nfor Oswald Ndi , Huang Jing-Yang , Liaw Yung-Po
Published: October 2015

Introduction

The potential effects of amalgam fillings on the development of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are not well understood. The aim of the study was to evaluate the association between dental amalgam fillings and Alzheimer’s disease in Taiwanese population aged 65 and older.

Methods

Data were retrieved from the Longitudinal Health Insurance Database (LHID 2005 and 2010). The study enrolled 1,943,702 beneficiaries from the LHID database. After excluding death cases and individuals aged 65 and under, 207,587 enrollees were finally involved in the study. Dental amalgam fillings are coded as 89001C, 89002C, 89003C, 89101C, 89102C, or 89103C in the national health insurance research database (NHIRD). Alzheimer’s disease was diagnosed using the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) codes 331.0.

Results

Individuals exposed to amalgam fillings had higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease (odds ratio, OR = 1.105, 95 % confidence interval, CI = 1.025-1.190) than their non-exposed counterparts. Further analysis showed that the odds ratio of Ahlzheimer's disease was 1.07 (95 % CI = 0.962-1.196) in men and 1.132 (95 % CI = 1.022-1.254) in women.

Conclusions

Women who were exposed to amalgam fillings were 1.132 times more likely to have Alzheimer’s disease than were their non-exposed counterparts.
Host lung immunity is severely compromised during tropical pulmonary eosinophilia: role of lung eosinophils and macrophages
Authors: Sharma Pankaj , Sharma Aditi , Vishwakarma Achchhe Lal , Agnihotri Promod Kumar , Sharma Sharad , Srivastava Mrigank
Published: October 2015

Eosinophils play a central role in the pathogenesis of tropical pulmonary eosinophilia, a rare, but fatal, manifestation of filariasis. However, no exhaustive study has been done to identify the genes and proteins of eosinophils involved in the pathogenesis of tropical pulmonary eosinophilia. In the present study, we established a mouse model of tropical pulmonary eosinophilia that mimicked filarial manifestations of human tropical pulmonary eosinophilia pathogenesis and used flow cytometry-assisted cell sorting and real-time RT-PCR to study the gene expression profile of flow-sorted, lung eosinophils and lung macrophages during tropical pulmonary eosinophilia pathogenesis. Our results show that tropical pulmonary eosinophilia mice exhibited increased levels of IL-4, IL-5, CCL5, and CCL11 in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and lung parenchyma along with elevated titers of IgE and IgG subtypes in the serum. Alveolar macrophages from tropical pulmonary eosinophilia mice displayed decreased phagocytosis, attenuated nitric oxide production, and reduced T-cell proliferation capacity, and FACS-sorted lung eosinophils from tropical pulmonary eosinophilia mice upregulated transcript levels of ficolin A and anti-apoptotic gene Bcl2, but proapoptotic genes Bim and Bax were downregulated. Similarly, flow-sorted lung macrophages upregulated transcript levels of TLR-2, TLR-6, arginase-1, Ym-1, and FIZZ-1 but downregulated nitric oxide synthase-2 levels, signifying their alternative activation. Taken together, we show that the pathogenesis of tropical pulmonary eosinophilia is marked by functional impairment of alveolar macrophages, alternative activation of lung macrophages, and upregulation of anti-apoptotic genes by eosinophils. These events combine together to cause severe lung inflammation and compromised lung immunity. Therapeutic interventions that can boost host immune response in the lungs might thus provide relief to patients with tropical pulmonary eosinophilia.
The Healthy Activity Program lay counsellor delivered treatment for severe depression in India: Systematic development and randomised evaluation
Authors: Chowdhary Neerja , Anand Arpita , Dimidjian Sona , Shinde Sachin , Weobong Benedict , Balaji Madhumitha , Hollon Steven D. , Rahman Atif , Wilson G. Terence , Verdeli Helena , Araya Ricardo , King Michael , Jordans Mark J. D. , Fairburn Christopher , Kirkwood Betty , Patel Vikram
Published: October 2015

Background

Reducing the global treatment gap for mental disorders requires treatments that are economical, effective and culturally appropriate.

Aims

To describe a systematic approach to the development of a brief psychological treatment for patients with severe depression delivered by lay counsellors in primary healthcare.

Method

The treatment was developed in three stages using a variety of methods: (a) identifying potential strategies; (b) developing a theoretical framework; and (c) evaluating the acceptability, feasibility and effectiveness of the psychological treatment.

Results

The Healthy Activity Program (HAP) is delivered over 6–8 sessions and consists of behavioral activation as the core psychological framework with added emphasis on strategies such as problem-solving and activation of social networks. Key elements to improve acceptability and feasibility are also included. In an intention-to-treat analysis of a pilot randomised controlled trial (55 participants), the prevalence of depression (Beck Depression Inventory II ⩾19) after 2 months was lower in the HAP than the control arm (adjusted risk ratio = 0.55, 95% CI 0.32–0.94, P = 0.01).

Conclusions

Our systematic approach to the development of psychological treatments could be extended to other mental disorders. HAP is an acceptable and effective brief psychological treatment for severe depression delivered by lay counsellors in primary care.
Long-Acting PASylated Leptin Ameliorates Obesity by Promoting Satiety and Preventing Hypometabolism in Leptin-Deficient Lepob/ob Mice
Authors: Bolze Florian , Morath Volker , Bast Andrea , Rink Nadine , Schlapschy Martin , Mocek Sabine , Skerra Arne , Klingenspor Martin
Published: October 2015

Body weight loss of Lepob/ob mice in response to leptin is larger than expected from the reduction in energy intake alone, suggesting a thermogenic action of unknown magnitude. We exploited the superior pharmacological properties of a novel long-acting leptin prepared via PASylation to study the contribution of its anorexigenic and thermogenic effects. PASylation, the genetic fusion of leptin with a conformationally disordered polypeptide comprising 600 Pro/Ala/Ser (PAS) residues, provides a superior way to increase the hydrodynamic volume of the fusion protein, thus retarding kidney filtration and extending plasma half-life. Here a single PAS(600)-leptin injection (300 pmol/g) resulted in a maximal weight reduction of 21% 6 days after application. The negative energy balance of 300 kJ/(4 d) was driven by a decrease in energy intake, whereas energy expenditure remained stable. Mice that were food restricted to the same extent showed an energy deficit of only 220 kJ/(4 d) owing to recurring torpor bouts. Therefore, the anorexigenic effect of PAS(600)-leptin contributes 75% to weight loss, whereas the thermogenic action accounts for 25% by preventing hypometabolism. In a second experiment, just four injections of PAS(600)-leptin (100 pmol/g) administered in 5- to 6-day intervals rectified the Lepob/ob phenotype. In total, 16 nmol of PAS(600)-leptin per mouse triggered a weight loss of 43% within 20 days and normalized hypothermia and glucose homeostasis as well as hepatic steatosis. The beneficial properties of PAS(600)-leptin are substantiated by a comparison with previous studies in which approximately 400 nmol (∼25-fold) unmodified leptin was mandatory to achieve similar improvements.
Pixelated Flesh
Authors: Fuggle Sophie
Published: October 2015

The pixel and the technique of pixelating faces belong to a politics of fear and a digital aesthetics of truth that shapes public perceptions of criminality and the threat of otherness. This article draws on Paul Virilio’s account of the pixel in The Lost Dimension to analyze its specific role and operation in relation to contemporary representations of incarceration. In particular, the article considers the figure of the incarcerated informant. The incarcerated criminal or informant plays a complex role as both subversive other and purveyor of truth and as such constitutes an important example of the ways pixelation functions as a visible signifier of a dangerous truth while blurring, erasing, and ultimately dehumanizing those “speaking” this truth. The discussion forms part of a larger analysis of the production, framing, and circulation of images of otherness, identifying Virilio as key to debates around the violence of the screen.
Epigenetic regulator Lid maintains germline stem cells through regulating JAK-STAT signaling pathway activity
Authors: Tarayrah Lama , Li Yuping , Gan Qiang , Chen Xin
Published: October 2015

Signaling pathways and epigenetic mechanisms have both been shown to play essential roles in regulating stem cell activity. While the role of either mechanism in this regulation is well established in multiple stem cell lineages, how the two mechanisms interact to regulate stem cell activity is not as well understood. Here we report that in the Drosophila testis, an H3K4me3-specific histone demethylase encoded by little imaginal discs (lid) maintains germline stem cell (GSC) mitotic index and prevents GSC premature differentiation. Lid is required in germ cells for proper expression of the Stat92E transcription factor, the downstream effector of the Janus kinase signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK-STAT) signaling pathway. Our findings support a germ cell autonomous role for the JAK-STAT pathway in maintaining GSCs and place Lid as an upstream regulator of this pathway. Our study provides new insights into the biological functions of a histone demethylase in vivo and sheds light on the interaction between epigenetic mechanisms and signaling pathways in regulating stem cell activities.
Cleanliness is next to godliness: mechanisms for staying clean
Authors: Amador Guillermo J. , Hu David L.
Published: October 2015

Getting dirty is a fundamental problem, and one for which there are few solutions, especially across the enormous range of animal size. How do both a honeybee and a squirrel get clean? In this Review, we discuss two broad types of cleaning, considered from the viewpoint of energetics. Non-renewable cleaning strategies rely upon the organism as an energy source. Examples include grooming motions, wet-dog shaking or the secretion of chemicals. Renewable cleaning strategies depend on environmental sources of energy, such as the use of eyelashes to redirect incoming wind and so reduce deposition onto the eye. Both strategies take advantage of body hair to facilitate cleaning, and honeybees and squirrels, for example, each have around 3 million hairs. This hair mat increases the area on which particles can land by a factor of 100, but also suspends particles above the body, reducing their adhesion and facilitating removal. We hope that the strategies outlined here will inspire energy-efficient cleaning strategies in synthetic systems.
The rectal complex and Malpighian tubules of the cabbage looper (Trichoplusia ni): regional variations in Na+ and K+ transport and cation reabsorption by secondary cells
Authors: O'Donnell Michael J. , Ruiz-Sanchez Esau
Published: October 2015

In larvae of most Lepidoptera the distal ends of the Malpighian tubules are closely applied to the rectal epithelia and are ensheathed within the perinephric membrane, thus forming the rectal complex. The cryptonephric Malpighian tubules within the rectal complex are bathed in fluid within a functional compartment, the perinephric space, which is separate from the haemolymph. In this study, the scanning ion-selective electrode technique (SIET) was used to measure transport of Na+ and K+ across the rectal complex and across multiple regions of the Malpighian tubules of larvae of the cabbage looper Trichoplusia ni. Measurements were made in an intact preparation in which connections of the tubules upstream to the rectal complex and downstream to the urinary bladder and gut remained intact. SIET measurements revealed reabsorption of Na+ and K+ across the intact rectal complex and into the bath (haemolymph), with K+ fluxes approximately twice as large as those of Na+. Analyses of fluxes in larvae with empty guts, found in recently moulted larvae, versus those with full guts highlighted differences in the rates of K+ or Na+ transport within tubule regions that appeared morphologically homogeneous, such as the rectal lead. The distal rectal lead of larvae with empty guts reabsorbed K+, whereas the same region secreted K+ in tubules of larvae with full guts. SIET measurements of the ileac plexus also indicated a novel role for secondary (type II) cells in cation reabsorption. Secondary cells reabsorb K+, whereas the adjacent principal (type I) cells secrete K+. Na+ is reabsorbed by both principal and secondary cells, but the rate of reabsorption by the secondary cells is approximately twice the rate in the adjacent principal cells.
Comparative morphology of pretarsus of the family Dolichopodidae (Diptera)
Authors: Chursina Mariya A. , Negrobov Oleg P.
Published: October 2015

Forty six species belonging to 24 genera of family Dolichopodidae were investigated to study pretarsus morphology. Length measurements of the fifth tarsal segment, pulvilli, claws and empodium and width measurements of apical part of the fifth segment and claw at the base were performed, and 10 ratios were selected. Researching of morphometric characteristics of Dolichopodidae pretarsus allows the proposal of new taxonomic characteristics.
Making the case for the welfare state
Authors: Taylor-Gooby Peter
Published: October 2015

The UK welfare state is under attack from harsh spending cuts, focused particularly on women, children, low-paid people and claimers of working age, and a restructuring programme. This paper examines why it is hard to make a case for generous state welfare that is both inclusive and electorally attractive. It discusses the way the issues are understood, the trilemma that pro-welfare policy-making faces, proposals for new directions in policy and a reform programme that might help build a more inclusive welfare discourse. A more inclusive society requires policies that reframe the way people think about work, reward and welfare.
Contextual influences on the role of evidence in health policy development: what can we learn from six policies in India and Nigeria?
Authors: Mirzoev Tolib , Das Mahua , Ebenso Bassey , Uzochukwu Benjamin , Rawat Bindiya , Blok Lucie , Russo Giuliano , Thepthien Bang-on , Huss Reinhard
Published: October 2015

This study explored macro, meso and micro-level influences on the role of evidence in the development of six health policies in India and Nigeria. Macro-level influences included adoption of international agreements, movement towards evidence-informed policymaking, committed country leadership and resource environment. At meso level, national actors drove policy processes with support from the international actors. Micro-level influences included individual values, interests and evidence preferences. Factors at three levels are interrelated. Greater understanding of contextual influences can provide a platform for adapting to, or managing, these influences to improve the evidence-informed nature of health policymaking.
Long‐Acting Reversible Contraceptives for Incarcerated Women: Feasibility and Safety of On‐Site Provision
Authors: Sufrin Carolyn , Oxnard Tianyi , Goldenson Joe , Simonson Kristin , Jackson Andrea
Published: October 2015

CONTEXT

Many incarcerated women have an unmet need for contraception. Providing access to long‐acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) methods—IUDs and implants—before release is one strategy to meet this need and potentially prepare them for reentry to the community, but the safety and feasibility of providing these methods in this setting have not been described.

METHODS

A retrospective descriptive study of all LARC insertions at the San Francisco County Jail in 2009–2014 was conducted. Data from community clinic and jail clinic databases were assessed to examine baseline characteristics of LARC initiators, complications from insertion, method continuation, and pregnancy and reincarceration rates. Correlates of method discontinuation were assessed in multivariate logistic regression analyses.

RESULTS

Eighty‐seven LARC devices were inserted during the study period—53 IUDs and 34 implants. There were no cases of pelvic inflammatory disease or other insertion complications in IUD users and no serious complications in implant users. Median duration of known use was 11.4 months for IUDs and 12.9 months for implants. Women who discontinued a LARC method most commonly cited a desire to get pregnant (32%). Black women were more likely than whites to discontinue use (odds ratio, 4.4).

CONCLUSIONS

It is safe and feasible to provide LARC methods to incarcerated women. Correctional facilities should consider increasing access to all available contraceptives, including LARC methods, in a noncoercive manner as a strategy to reduce reproductive health disparities among marginalized women at high risk of unplanned pregnancies.
Does the Customer Matter Most? Exploring Strategic Frontline Employees’ Influence of Customers, the Internal Business Team, and External Business Partners
Authors: Plouffe Christopher R. , Bolander Willy , Cote Joseph A. , Hochstein Bryan
Published: October 2015

Marketing relationships have evolved from simple dyadic transactions between the firm and its customers into scenarios in which the firm's frontline employees are required to manage a portfolio of stakeholder relationships. The authors begin by characterizing the “strategic” frontline employee (SFLE) as a focal marketing employee who, in the execution of his or her work, must influence a variety of stakeholder target groups, including (1) customers, (2) the internal business team, and (3) external business partners. The authors leverage data from SFLEs at two firms to explore the similarities and differences in SFLE influence tactic effectiveness across the three stakeholder groups. They find that the effectiveness of influence tactics in driving performance differs across stakeholder target types and, somewhat surprisingly, that the SFLE's influence of both the internal business team and external business partners has a greater effect on his or her performance than does influence directed at customers. The authors close with a discussion of the implications for theory and practice.
Selected Properties Of Thermally Sprayed Oxide Ceramic Coatings
Authors: Czupryński A.
Published: October 2015

The article presents the results of the study on exploitation properties of flame sprayed ceramic coatings produced by oxide ceramic material in the form of powder on the aluminum oxide Al2O3 matrix with 3% titanium oxide TiO2 addition and also on the zirconium oxide (ZrO2) matrix with 30% calcium oxide (CaO) on the substrate of unalloyed structural steel of S235JR grade. As a primer powder, metallic powder on the base of Ni-Al-Mo has been applied. Plates with dimensions of 5×200×300 mm and also front surfaces of ∅40×50 mm cylinders have been flame sprayed. Spraying of primer coating has been done using RotoTec 80 torch and external specific coating has been done with CastoDyn DS 8000 torch. Investigations of coating properties are based on metallography tests, phase composition research, measurement of microhardness, coating adhesion to the ground research (acc. to EN 582:1996 standard), abrasive wear resistance (acc. to ASTM G65 standard) and erosion wear resistance (acc. to ASTM G76-95 standard) and thermal stroke study. Performed tests have shown that the flame spraying with 97%Al2O3 powder containing 3% TiO2 and also by the powder based on zirconium oxide (ZrO2) containing 30% calcium oxide (CaO) performed in a wide range of technological parameters allow to obtain high quality ceramic coatings with thickness up to ca. 500 μm on a steel substrate. The primer coating sprayed with the Ni-Al-Mo powder to the steel substrate and external coatings sprayed has the of mechanical bonding character. The coatings are characterized by high adhesion to the substrate and also high erosion and abrasive wear resistance and the resistance for cyclic thermal stroke.