bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Erosive wear performance of boron-doped diamond films on different substrates
Authors: Wang Xinchang , Cui Yuxiao , Zhang Jianguo , Shen Bin , Sun Fanghong
Published: October 2013

Diamond films have been considered as good candidate protective coatings on varieties of substrates in order to improve their erosive wear performance. In the present study, boron-doped diamond films with thicknesses of about 6–7 µm are first deposited on five different substrates using the hot filament chemical vapor deposition method, including SiC, WC-Co, Ta, Ti, and Si substrates. The residual stress and adhesive strength of the five boron-doped diamond films are estimated, respectively, by means of material properties of substrates and the diamond, Raman spectra, and static indentation results. Erosion tests are conducted on all the boron-doped diamond coated samples in an air–sand erosion rig with angular SiC sands as erodents. The results exhibit that the formation of ring cracks on the boron-doped diamond film in the erosion process has a strong link to the total residual stress. The higher residual compressive stress in the Ti-based boron-doped diamond film can slow down the formation of ring cracks to some extent. Nevertheless, the erosive wear performance, which is mainly evaluated based on the erosion rate and film removal, is much related to the film–substrate adhesion. As a result, the Ti-based boron-doped diamond film is quickly worn and removed because of the poorest adhesion. On the contrary, both the SiC- and Si-based boron-doped diamond films with favorable adhesion perform much better erosion resistance. Moreover, comparative erosion tests on thicker SiC- and WC-Co-based boron-doped diamond films (21–23 µm) and their applications on nozzles can both further manifest the same kind of relationship, the SiC-based boron-doped diamond film presenting longer steady erosive stage and slower film removal than the WC-Co-based one.
Patient focused Internet-based approaches to cardiovascular rehabilitation – a systematic review
Authors: Munro Julie , Angus Neil , Leslie Stephen J
Published: October 2013

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) has been shown to improve health behaviours and risk factors and the evidence suggests that home CR is as effective as hospital-based CR. Telemedicine offers the potential for more patients to engage in CR. We reviewed the evidence for patient focused Internet-based approaches to cardiovascular rehabilitation. Searches were performed in PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register. In total, nine studies involving 830 patients with heart disease that compared Internet-based cardiac rehabilitation to usual care were identified. The quality of trials was assessed using the Jadad scale. Outcome data were pooled under four subheadings: compliance; physical activity outcomes; clinical outcomes; psychosocial outcomes. Compliance rates were high but dropped over time in all studies. Physical activity measures were generally improved, as were clinical outcomes. Changes in psychosocial measures were positive, with two studies noting no change. No interventions noted a negative effect on outcomes. Despite the relatively small number of trials and the limited outcome measures, the results appeared to be positive with regard to patient outcomes and patient feedback. However, none had progressed to a clinical service.
Late modernity: Human rights under pressure?
Authors: Kälin Walter
Published: October 2013

Human rights as a product of modernity are hugely successful in terms of number of treaties and ratifications, activities of international human rights bodies, expansion into new areas such as relations between private actors, and real progress achieved in areas such as the abolition of the death penalty. At the same time, several contemporary developments may, in the long term, erode the concept of human rights as developed since the Age of Enlightenment and undermine support for it. Three challenges are in the foreground: (1) the decline of state power, in particular the phenomenon of fragile states and the negative impact of weak state institutions on human rights such as the prohibition of torture; (2) the utilitarian challenge to the validity of core human rights guarantees, particularly in the context of the war on terror; and (3) the loss of empathy as a precondition for recognizing the rights of others even if they are our enemies.
Atrocity and Aporiae
Authors: Adelman Rebecca A.
Published: October 2013

In this article, I consider the practice of teaching with or about the Abu Ghraib images, and argue that such pedagogy is inherently founded on ethical and visual aporiae: dilemmas that are irresolvable but nonetheless demand solutions. These aporiae originate in the inseparability of the torture from its being photographed, as the images are documentary evidence of that violence, but also instruments of it. Because the idea of “transparency” underestimates the complexities of the visual questions posed by Abu Ghraib and misleadingly implies that they can be satisfactorily and permanently answered, I suggest that the first step for any ethical teaching on Abu Ghraib is to query transparency itself and dispense with its concomitant pedagogical emphasis on cultivating “visual literacy” in our students and empowering them to critically decode images. Because our students are already so much more powerful than the subjects of the Abu Ghraib photos, I argue instead for an emphasis on self-reflexivity, visual epistemologies, and the politics of spectatorship. This shift has the potential to illuminate our enmeshment in state visualities and our vexed relationships to the tortured prisoners themselves, rather than forcibly rendering them visible and transparent once again, this time in the name of education.
Construction of adipose scaffold for bone repair with gene engineering bone cells
Authors: Li Weiming , Fan Jingzhang , Chen Feng , Yang Weiliang , Su Jian , Bi Zhenggang
Published: October 2013

The bone defect repairing is still a challenge in orthopedics. As the gene engineering bones have been used in the bone repairing clinic, the scaffold construction is a critical fact to be considered. This study aims to construct optimal scaffolds using adipose tissue in the bone repair together with the gene engineering osteocytes. Rat adipose stem cells (ASC) were prepared; the cells were transduced with the OCT-4 gene carrying lentiviral vectors (OCT-4-Lv). Artificial bone defects were created in the rat femoral bone. The bone defects were filled up with adipose scaffolds and shaped by using surrounding muscles and supported with orthopedic splints. ASCs with or without transducing the OCT-4-Lv were injected into the adipose scaffolds. The rats were sacrificed 12 weeks after the surgery. After receiving the OCT-4-Lv, the expressions of OCT-4, RUNX2 and osteocalcin were detected in the ASCs. X-ray examination showed that rats received the OCT-4-Lv transduced ASCs together with the adipose pad had new bone formation in the defect area; none of the control rats showed any new bone formation in situ. The results were supported by histological assessment. Using adipose scaffold and OCT-4-modified ASC transplantation can repair bone defects.
Clinician’s Road Map to Wavelet EEG as an Alzheimer’s disease Biomarker
Authors: Kanda Paulo Afonso Medeiros , Trambaiolli Lucas R. , Lorena Ana C. , Fraga Francisco J. , Basile Luis Fernando I. , Nitrini Ricardo , Anghinah Renato
Published: October 2013

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is considered the main cause of dementia in Western countries. Consequently, there is a need for an accurate, universal, specific and cost-effective biomarker for early AD diagnosis, to follow disease progression and therapy response. This article describes a new diagnostic approach to quantitative electroencephalogram (QEEG) diagnosis of mild and moderate AD. The data set used in this study was composed of EEG signals recorded from 2 groups: (S1) 74 normal subjects, 33 females and 41 males (mean age 67 years, standard deviation = 8) and (S2) 88 probable AD patients (NINCDS-ADRDA criteria), 55 females and 33 males (mean age 74.7 years, standard deviation = 7.8) with mild to moderate symptoms ( DSM-IV-TR). Attention is given to sample size and the use of state of the art open source tools (LetsWave and WEKA) to process the EEG data. This innovative technique consists in associating Morlet wavelet filter with a support vector machine technique. A total of 111 EEG features (attributes) were obtained for 162 probands. The results were accuracy of 92.72% and area under the curve of 0.92 (percentage split test). Most important, comparing a single patient versus the total data set resulted in accuracy of 84.56% (leave-one-patient-out test). Particular emphasis was on clinical diagnosis and feasibility of implementation of this low-cost procedure, because programming knowledge is not required. Consequently, this new method can be useful to support AD diagnosis in resource-limited settings.
Change in the Characteristics of EEG Color Noise in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Vyšata Oldřich , Procházka Aleš , Mareš Jan , Rusina Robert , Pazdera Ladislav , Vališ Martin , Kukal Jaromír
Published: October 2013

Neurophysiological experiments support the hypothesis of the presence of critical dynamics of brain activity. This is also manifested by power law of electroencephalography (EEG) power spectra, which can be described by the relation 1/ fα. This dependence is a result of internal interactions between parts of the brain and is probably required for optimal processing of information. In Alzheimer’s disease, changes in the functional organization of the brain occur, which may be manifested by changes in the α coefficient. We compared the average values ​​of α for 19 electrodes in the resting EEG record in 110 patients with moderate to severe Alzheimer’s disease (Mini-Mental State Examination [MMSE] score = 10-19) with 110 healthy controls. Statistically, the most significant differences are present in the prefrontal areas. In addition to the prefrontal and frontal areas, the largest separation value in the evaluation of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves was recorded in the temporal area. The coefficient alpha has few false-positive results in the optimal operating point of the ROC curve, and is thereby highly specific for Alzheimer’s disease.
In-Office Imaging Capabilities Among Procedure-Based Specialty Practices
Authors: Hollingsworth John M. , Sakshaug Joseph W. , Zhang Yun , Hollenbeck Brent K.
Published: October 2013

Background. Stark law’s in-office ancillary services exception permits physicians to furnish designated health services in the office, including advanced imaging. Objectives. To determine whether arrangements tailored to fit this loophole spur utilization. Research design. Cross-sectional. Subjects. Procedure-based specialty clinics participating in the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey. Measures. Using restricted data files (2006-2008), we identified specialty practices with on-site advanced imaging capabilities (ie, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and/or positron emission tomography). We then characterized these practices and the physicians who worked in them over a variety of factors. Finally, we performed multivariable regression to evaluate the association between imaging use and the availability of in-office imaging. Results. Fourteen percent of practices performed advanced imaging on site. While this proportion remained stable over the study period for most specialties, it rose significantly among orthopedic surgery clinics from 13.6% to 31.3% ( P = .023 for the temporal trend). The availability of advanced imaging varied by practice organization and size. For instance, 32.6% of large single-specialty groups provided in-office imaging as compared to only 10.1% of solo/partnership practices. While less than a quarter of specialty visits were made to practices that offered advanced imaging, these locations generated a third of all advanced imaging studies. In fact, 1 in 11 visits (9.0%; 95% confidence interval = 6.8% to 11.6%; P = .030) to them resulted in advanced imaging. Conclusions. The availability of in-office advanced imaging is associated with increased imaging use.
Pharmacological Management of the Obese Patient
Authors: Schumacher Donald
Published: October 2013

Being obese goes beyond moral failure or a character flaw. Obesity has the defining characteristics of a chronic disease for which there is no cure. Treatment may require lifelong treatment which may include pharmacotherapy. Experience with long term use of obesity drugs is limited but evidence suggests that pharmacotherapy can improve patient outcomes and patient outlook. With current obesity drugs, weight loss is usually modest but clinically significant satisfying the FDA threshold for drug effectiveness. This weight loss is associated with clinically significant improvements in many obesity co morbidities and risk factors and could eliminate some risk factors with continued use. When used in conjunction with a comprehensive program for weight management, obesity drugs can reduce appetite or hunger, increase satiety, provide improved control over aberrant eating behaviors and modify food seeking behaviors. Pharmacotherapy can enhance weight loss and compliance during the periods of weight loss and in maintaining that weight loss, increasing physical activity and may enhance a focus on making life long changes.

This article will discuss mechanisms of action of obesity drugs, theories of altered body defense of body weight, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved obesity drugs, and off-label use of FDA approved drugs. The value of over-the counter (OTC) medications and diet supplements, as well as fat substitutes in the treatment of obesity drugs will be explored. Obesity drugs awaiting FDA approval and compounds under development will be reviewed. The section on approaches to drug management will include clinical considerations for; who should receive pharmacotherapy and when, length of treatment and drug discontinuation, weight regain and the role of pharmacotherapy.
Health in arts: are arts settings better than sports settings for promoting anti-smoking messages?
Authors: Davies Christina , Knuiman Matthew , Pikora Terri , Rosenberg Michael
Published: October 2013

Aim:

Tobacco smoking is a leading cause of preventable mortality and morbidity. Since 1991, the Western Australian Health Promotion Foundation (Healthway) has sponsored the arts and sport in exchange for cigarette smoke-free events, smoke-free policies and the promotion of anti-smoking messages (e.g. Quit, Smoke Free or Smarter than Smoking). As health promoters often look for innovative and effective settings to advocate health, and as the approach of sponsoring the arts to promote health to the general population is uncommon, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of ‘health in arts’ by measuring the cognitive impact (message awareness, comprehension, acceptance and intention) of promoting anti-smoking messages at arts events, and comparing findings to sports events, a more traditional health promotion setting.

Method:

A secondary analysis of the 2004–2009 Healthway Sponsorship Monitor data was conducted. A total of 12 arts events ( n = 592 respondents) and 9 sports events ( n = 420 respondents) sponsored by Healthway to promote an anti-smoking message were evaluated. The study was cross-sectional in design. Participants were residents of Western Australia aged 15 years or above and attended events as part of an audience or as a spectator. Descriptive and regression analyses were conducted.

Results:

After adjustment for demographic variables, smoking status and clustering, arts events were found to be as effective in promoting anti-smoking message awareness, comprehension and acceptance and twice as effective on intention to act ( p = .03) compared with sports events.

Conclusion:

This study provides evidence of the effectiveness of arts sponsorship to promote health to the general population, that is, health in arts. Promoting an anti-smoking message in arts settings was as, or more, effective than in sports settings. Results suggest that the arts should be utilised to communicate and reinforce anti-smoking messages to the general population. The suitability of the arts to promote other types of health messages should be investigated further.
Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors in metastatic renal cell cancer: latest results and clinical implications
Authors: Aslam Shahzeena , Eisen Tim
Published: October 2013

Metastatic renal cell cancer (mRCC) accounts for 25–30% of patients with renal cell cancer at presentation. In addition to this, a significant proportion of patients with localized disease at presentation will develop metastatic disease. With the introduction of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), the treatment of mRCC has been radically altered. Several newer generation vascular endothelial growth factor receptor TKIs have been tested in the clinical setting over recent years, resulting in the availability of more drugs. We review the latest results from clinical trials and the implications these have on the management of patients with mRCC.
Influence of losartan on the hypoglycemic activity of glimepiride in normal and diabetic rats
Authors: Murthy T.E.G.K. , Kommineni Manogna K. , Mayuren Candasamy
Published: October 2013

Background:

The influence of losartan on the hypoglycemic effect of glimepiride was studied in normal and diabetic rats.

Method:

Losartan and glimepiride were studied at a dose of 4.5 and 0.09 mg/kg and in normal and diabetic rats, respectively. The blood samples were collected at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 16 hours and analyzed for glucose levels using a glucometer.

Results:

Glimepiride exhibited a maximum reduction of blood glucose levels at the 4th hour in normal and diabetic rats. The maximum hypoglycemic effect was observed at the 6th hour in normal rats treated with losartan. In normal rats, losartan did not have any significant effect on the hypoglycemic activity of glimepiride in either the single- or multiple-dose interaction study. In the case of diabetic rats, losartan did not have any significant effect on the hypoglycemic activity of glimepiride in the single-dose interaction study, but a significant change was observed in the multiple-dose study of diabetic rats. Hence, the interaction was found to be pharmacodynamic.

Conclusions:

The study indicates that chronic losartan pretreatment elevates the hypoglycemic effect of glimepiride by a possible rise in insulin sensitivity and improving insulin homeostasis or may be due to the inhibition of CYP2C9. The study also suggests that caution may be recommended concerning combined use of losartan and an oral hypoglycemic agent, glimepiride.
The genetic basis of myelodysplasia and its clinical relevance
Authors: Cazzola Mario , Della Porta Matteo G. , Malcovati Luca
Published: October 2013

Myelodysplasia is a diagnostic feature of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDSs) but is also found in other myeloid neoplasms. Its molecular basis has been recently elucidated by means of massive parallel sequencing studies. About 90% of MDS patients carry ≥1 oncogenic mutations, and two thirds of them are found in individuals with a normal karyotype. Driver mutant genes include those of RNA splicing (SF3B1, SRSF2, U2AF1, and ZRSR2), DNA methylation (TET2, DNMT3A, and IDH1/2), chromatin modification (ASXL1 and EZH2), transcription regulation (RUNX1), DNA repair (TP53), signal transduction (CBL, NRAS, and KRAS), and cohesin complex (STAG2). Only 4 to 6 genes are consistently mutated in ≥10% MDS patients, whereas a long tail of ∼50 genes are mutated less frequently. At presentation, most patients typically have 2 or 3 driver oncogenic mutations and hundreds of background mutations. MDS driver genes are also frequently mutated in other myeloid neoplasms. Reliable genotype/phenotype relationships include the association of the SF3B1 mutation with refractory anemia with ring sideroblasts, TET2/SRSF2 comutation with chronic myelomonocytic leukemia, and activating CSF3R mutation with chronic neutrophilic leukemia. Although both founding and subclonal driver mutations have been shown to have prognostic significance, prospective clinical trials that include the molecular characterization of the patient’s genome are now needed.
Conditional over-expression of RAGE by embryonic alveolar epithelium compromises the respiratory membrane and impairs endothelial cell differentiation
Authors: Winden Duane R , Ferguson Nicholas T , Bukey Benjamin R , Geyer Alexander J , Wright Alex J , Jergensen Zac R , Robinson Adam B , Stogsdill Jeffrey A , Reynolds Paul R
Published: October 2013

Background

Receptors for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE) are cell surface receptors prominently expressed by lung epithelium. Previous research demonstrated that over-expression of RAGE by murine alveolar epithelial cells during embryogenesis caused severe lung hypoplasia and neonatal lethality. However, the effects of RAGE over-expression on adjacent matrix and endothelial cells remained unknown.

Methods

RAGE transgenic (TG) mice were generated that conditionally over-expressed RAGE in alveolar type II cells when fed doxycycline (dox) from conception to E18.5. To evaluate effects on the basement membrane, immunostaining and immunoblotting were performed for collagen IV and MMP-9, a matrix metalloprotease capable of degrading basement membranes. To assess changes in vasculature, immunostaining, immunoblotting and qRT-PCR were performed for Pecam-1, a platelet endothelial cell adhesion marker also known as CD31. Lastly, to characterize potential regulatory mechanisms of endothelial cell differentiation, immunoblotting and qRT-PCR for FoxM1, a key endothelium-specific transcription factor of the Forkhead Box (Fox) family, were completed.

Results

Qualitative immunostaining for collagen IV was less in RAGE TG mice compared to controls and immunoblotting revealed decreased collagen IV in the RAGE TG mouse lung. Additionally, elevated MMP-9 detected via immunostaining and immunoblotting implicated MMP-9 as a possible down stream effector in matrix destabilization mediated by RAGE signaling. Lastly, Pecam-1 assessment revealed a decrease in the prevalence of microvascular endothelial cells coincident with FoxM1 abrogation in RAGE TG mice compared to controls.

Conclusions

RAGE over-expression by alveolar epithelium weakened the basement membrane and associated matrix via increased MMP-9 activity. Furthermore, over-expression of RAGE inhibited FoxM1, suggesting that anomalous transcriptional control contributes to decreased endothelial cell prevalence in the TG mouse lung.
Partner support in a cohort of African American families and its influence on pregnancy outcomes and prenatal health behaviors
Authors: Straughen Jennifer K , Caldwell Cleopatra H , Young Alford A , Misra Dawn P
Published: October 2013

Background

We examined how two indicators of partner involvement, relationship type and paternal support, influenced the risk of pregnancy outcomes (preterm birth, low birth weight) and health behaviors (prenatal care, drug use, and smoking) among African American women.

Methods

Interview and medical record data were obtained from a study of 713 adult African American women delivering singletons between March 2001 and July 2004. Women were enrolled prenatally if they received care at one of three Johns Hopkins Medical Institution (JHMI) prenatal clinics or post-partum if they delivered at JHMI with late, no or intermittent prenatal care. Relationship type was classified as married, unmarried/cohabitating, or unmarried/non-cohabitating. Partner support was assessed using an 8-item scale and was dichotomized at the median. Differences in partner support by pregnancy outcome and health behaviors were assessed using linear regression. To assess measures of partner support as predictors of adverse pregnancy outcomes and health behaviors, Poisson regression was used to generate crude and adjusted prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

There were no statistically significant differences in pregnancy outcomes or health behaviors by relationship type or when partner support was examined as a continuous or categorical variable. Modeled as a dichotomous variable, partner support was not associated with the risk of preterm birth (PR = 0.81, 95% CI = 0.56, 1.56), low birth weight (PR = 0.77, 96% CI = 0.48, 1.26), or health behaviors.

Conclusions

Paternal involvement was not associated with pregnancy outcomes or maternal health behaviors. Attention to measurement issues and other factors relevant for African American women are discussed.
Independent associations of socioeconomic factors with disability and pain in adults with knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Cleveland Rebecca J , Luong My-Linh N , Knight Joshua B , Schoster Britta , Renner Jordan B , Jordan Joanne M , Callahan Leigh F
Published: October 2013

Background

The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between function, pain and stiffness outcomes with individual and community socioeconomic status (SES) measures among individuals with radiographic knee osteoarthritis (rOA).

Methods

Cross-sectional data from the Johnston County Osteoarthritis Project were analyzed for adults age 45 and older with knee rOA (n = 782) and a subset with both radiographic and symptomatic knee OA (n = 471). Function, pain and stiffness were measured using the Western Ontario and McMasters Universities Index of Osteoarthritis (WOMAC). Individual SES measures included educational attainment (<12 years, ≥12 years) and occupation type (managerial, non-managerial), while community SES was measured using Census block group poverty rate (<12%, 12-25%, ≥25%). SES measures were individually and simultaneously examined in linear regression models adjusting for age, gender, race, body mass index (BMI), occupational physical activity score (PAS), comorbidity count, and presence of hip symptoms.

Results

In analyses among all individuals with rOA, models which included individual SES measures were observed to show that occupation was significantly associated with WOMAC Function (β =2.91, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 0.68-5.14), WOMAC Pain (β =0.93, 95% CI = 0.26-1.59) and WOMAC Total scores (β =4.05, 95% CI = 1.04-7.05), and education was significantly associated with WOMAC Function (β =3.57, 95% CI = 1.25-5.90) and WOMAC Total (β =4.56, 95% CI = 1.41-7.70) scores. In multivariable models including all SES measures simultaneously, most associations were attenuated. However, statistically significant results for education remained between WOMAC Function (β =2.83, 95% CI = 0.38-5.28) and WOMAC Total (β =3.48, 95% CI = 0.18-6.78), as well as for the association between occupation and WOMAC Pain (β =0.78, 95% CI = 0.08-1.48). In rOA subgroup analyses restricted to those with symptoms, we observed a significant increase in WOMAC Pain (β =1.36, 95% CI = 0.07-2.66) among individuals living in a block group with poverty rates greater than 25%, an association that remained when all SES measures were considered simultaneously (β =1.35, 95% CI = 0.06-2.64).

Conclusions

Lower individual and community SES are both associated with worse function and pain among adults with knee rOA.
Plasma levels of advanced glycation endproducts are associated with type 1 diabetes and coronary artery calcification
Authors: van Eupen Marcelle GA , Schram Miranda T , Colhoun Helen M , Scheijen Jean LJM , Stehouwer Coen DA , Schalkwijk Casper G
Published: October 2013

Background

Advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs) may play a role in the development of coronary artery calcification (CAC) in type 1 diabetes (T1DM). We studied plasma AGEs in association with T1DM and CAC, and whether or not the latter association could be explained by low-grade inflammation (LGI) or endothelial dysfunction (ED).

Methods

We studied 165 individuals with and 169 without T1DM. CAC was quantified in a CAC score based on CT-scanning. Plasma levels of protein-bound pentosidine, Nϵ-(carboxymethyl)lysine (CML) and Nϵ-(carboxyethyl)lysine (CEL) were measured with HPLC/UPLC with fluorescence detection or tandem-mass spectrometry. Tetrahydropyrimidine (THP) was measured with ELISA, as were HsCRP, and sVCAM-1 and vWF, as markers for LGI and ED, respectively. Associations were analyzed with ANCOVA and adjusted for age, sex, BMI, waist-to-hip ratio, smoking, blood pressure, lipid profile, eGFR and T1DM.

Results

Individuals with T1DM had higher plasma levels of pentosidine, CML and THP compared with controls; means (95% CI) were 0.69 (0.65-0.73) vs. 0.51 (0.48-0.54) nmol/mmol LYS, p < 0.001; 105 (102–107) vs. 93 (90–95) nmol/mmol LYS, p < 0.001; and 126 (118–134) vs. 113 (106–120) U/mL, p = 0.03, respectively. Levels of pentosidine were higher in individuals with T1DM with a moderate to high compared with a low CAC score, means (95% CI) were 0.81 (0.70-0.93) vs. 0.67 (0.63-0.71) nmol/mmol LYS, p = 0.03, respectively. This difference was not attenuated by adjustment for LGI or ED.

Conclusions

We found a positive association between pentosidine and CAC in T1DM. These results may indicate that AGEs are possibly involved in the development of CAC in individuals with T1DM.
Charge transport mechanisms and memory effects in amorphous TaN
x
thin films
Authors: Spyropoulos-Antonakakis Nikolaos , Sarantopoulou Evangelia , Drazic Goran , Kollia Zoe , Christofilos Dimitrios , Kourouklis Gerasimos , Palles Dimitrios , Cefalas Alkiviadis Constantinos
Published: October 2013

Amorphous semiconducting materials have unique electrical properties that may be beneficial in nanoelectronics, such as low leakage current, charge memory effects, and hysteresis functionality. However, electrical characteristics between different or neighboring regions in the same amorphous nanostructure may differ greatly. In this work, the bulk and surface local charge carrier transport properties of a-TaN
x
amorphous thin films deposited in two different substrates are investigated by conductive atomic force microscopy. The nitride films are grown either on Au (100) or Si [100] substrates by pulsed laser deposition at 157 nm in nitrogen environment. For the a-TaN
x
films deposited on Au, it is found that they display a negligible leakage current until a high bias voltage is reached. On the contrary, a much lower threshold voltage for the leakage current and a lower total resistance is observed for the a-TaN
x
film deposited on the Si substrate. Furthermore, I-V characteristics of the a-TaN
x
film deposited on Au show significant hysteresis effects for both polarities of bias voltage, while for the film deposited on Si hysteresis, effects appear only for positive bias voltage, suggesting that with the usage of the appropriate substrate, the a-TaN
x
nanodomains may have potential use as charge memory devices.
Glatiramer acetate treatment effects on gene expression in monocytes of multiple sclerosis patients
Authors: Thamilarasan Madhan , Hecker Michael , Goertsches Robert Hermann , Paap Brigitte Katrin , Schröder Ina , Koczan Dirk , Thiesen Hans-Jürgen , Zettl Uwe Klaus
Published: October 2013

Background

Glatiramer acetate (GA) is a mixture of synthetic peptides used in the treatment of patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of GA therapy on the gene expression of monocytes.

Methods

Monocytes were isolated from the peripheral blood of eight RRMS patients. The blood was obtained longitudinally before the start of GA therapy as well as after one day, one week, one month and two months. Gene expression was measured at the mRNA level by microarrays.

Results

More than 400 genes were identified as up-regulated or down-regulated in the course of therapy, and we analyzed their biological functions and regulatory interactions. Many of those genes are known to regulate lymphocyte activation and proliferation, but only a subset of genes was repeatedly differentially expressed at different time points during treatment.

Conclusions

Overall, the observed gene regulatory effects of GA on monocytes were modest and not stable over time. However, our study revealed several genes that are worthy of investigation in future studies on the molecular mechanisms of GA therapy.
Walking speed related joint kinetic alterations in trans-tibial amputees: impact of hydraulic 'ankle’ damping
Authors: De Asha Alan R , Munjal Ramesh , Kulkarni Jai , Buckley John G
Published: October 2013

Background

Passive prosthetic devices are set up to provide optimal function at customary walking speed and thus may function less effectively at other speeds. This partly explains why joint kinetic adaptations become more apparent in lower-limb amputees when walking at speeds other than customary. The present study determined whether a trans-tibial prosthesis incorporating a dynamic-response foot that was attached to the shank via an articulating hydraulic device (hy A-F) lessened speed-related adaptations in joint kinetics compared to when the foot was attached via a rigid, non-articulating attachment (rig F).

Methods

Eight active unilateral trans-tibial amputees completed walking trials at their customary walking speed, and at speeds they deemed to be slow-comfortable and fast-comfortable whilst using each type of foot attachment. Moments and powers at the distal end of the prosthetic shank and at the intact joints of both limbs were compared between attachment conditions.

Results

There was no change in the amount of intact-limb ankle work across speed or attachment conditions. As speed level increased there was an increase on both limbs in the amount of hip and knee joint work done, and increases on the prosthetic side were greater when using the hy A-F. However, because all walking speed levels were higher when using the hy A-F, the intact-limb ankle and combined joints work per meter travelled were significantly lower; particularly so at the customary speed level. This was the case despite the hy A-F dissipating more energy during stance. In addition, the amount of eccentric work done per meter travelled became increased at the residual knee when using the hy A-F, with increases again greatest at customary speed.

Conclusions

Findings indicate that a trans-tibial prosthesis incorporating a dynamic-response foot reduced speed-related changes in compensatory intact-limb joint kinetics when the foot was attached via an articulating hydraulic device compared to rigid attachment. As differences between attachment conditions were greatest at customary speed, findings indicate a hydraulic ankle-foot device is most effectual at the speed it is set-up for.
Zerumbone, a tropical ginger sesquiterpene, ameliorates streptozotocin-induced diabetic nephropathy in rats by reducing the hyperglycemia-induced inflammatory response
Authors: Tzeng Thing-Fong , Liou Shorong-Shii , Chang Chia Ju , Liu I-Min
Published: October 2013

Background

Zerumbone is one of the pungent constituents of Zingiber zerumbet (L) Smith (Zingiberaceae family). The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of zerumbone in rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetic nephropathy (DN).

Methods

Diabetic rats were treated orally with zerumbone (20 or 40 mg/kg/day) for 8 weeks. Changes in renal function-related parameters in plasma and urine were analyzed at the end of the study. Kidneys were isolated for pathology histology, immunohistochemistry, and Western blot analyses.

Results

Diabetic rats exhibited renal dysfunction, as evidenced by reduced creatinine clearance, increased blood glucose, blood urea nitrogen and proteinuria, along with marked elevation in the ratio of kidney weight to body weight, that were reversed by zerumbone. Zerumbone treatment was found to markedly improve histological architecture in the diabetic kidney. Hyperglycemia induced p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase activation, leading to increased infiltration of macrophages and increased levels of interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α. All of the above abnormalities were reversed by zerumbone treatment, which also decreased the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, transforming growth factor-β1 and fibronectin in the diabetic kidneys.

Conclusions

The beneficial effect of zerumbone in rats with DN is at least in part through antihyperglycemia which was accompanied by inhibition of macrophage infiltration via reducing p38 mediated inflammatory response.
An Intra-tendonous ganglion cyst causing impingement between the anterior cruciate ligament and anterior root of the medial meniscus: a case report
Authors: Guolong Mei , Zhi Gao , Yong Hu
Published: October 2013

Background

There are several reports of symptomatic ganglion cysts near the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), and lateral and medial meniscus, but symptomatic ganglia arising from the anterior horn of the medial meniscus to the ACL have not been reported. Here we report the arthroscopic resection of a ganglion cyst arising from the anterior horn of the medial meniscus with a meniscal tear to the ACL.

Case presentation

A 43-year-old female presented with a 10-year history of continuous aching pain in the right knee, but without any history of trauma. Clinical examination revealed right-sided knee pain in the medial joint line, exacerbated by end range flexion and extension, a −10°-100° active range of movement, and a −5°-110° passive range of movement。McMurray’s, patellar compression, and compression rotation tests were positive. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and arthroscopic examination revealed a cyst related to the ACL and medial meniscus. Histological examination confirmed the cyst to be a ganglion cyst.

Conclusions

We present a new type of ganglion cyst, this is the first reported case of an ganglion cyst impinged between the ACL and the medial meniscus. It is hoped that this study will provide a better understanding of the condition and lead to better diagnosis and treatment.
Use of the kidney injury molecule-1 as a biomarker for early detection of renal tubular dysfunction in a population chronically exposed to cadmium in the environment
Authors: Ruangyuttikarn Werawan , Panyamoon Amnart , Nambunmee Kowit , Honda Ryumon , Swaddiwudhipong Witaya , Nishijo Muneko
Published: October 2013

Cadmium (Cd) has been found as an environmental pollutant in Mae Sot district, Tak province, Thailand. Prolong exposure to high levels of Cd of the resident increases high risk of Cd toxicity especially to kidney which is the primary target of Cd. In order to investigate the early effect of Cd induced renal dysfunction, a kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), a novel biomarker of renal tubular dysfunction, was measured using an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The method was validated and used to quantify the KIM-1 concentrations in the urine of 700 subjects (260 men, 440 women) who lived in the Cd contaminated area. The KIM-1 concentrations were compared to the concentrations of two conventional renal tubular dysfunction biomarkers, N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) and β2-microglobulin (β2-MG). Urinary KIM-1 was correlated with urinary and blood Cd as well as NAG. After adjustment of age and smoking, urinary KIM-1 was correlated with blood Cd more than urinary NAG did. Clear dose response relationships of urinary KIM-1 with urinary Cd were shown in both men and women. These results indicate that the urinary KIM-1 might be more sensitive biomarker than urinary NAG and β2-MG for an early detection of renal tubular dysfunction. It is useful as a tool to detect renal effect of toxicity due to chronic Cd exposure at high level.
The progressive ankylosis gene product ANK regulates extracellular ATP levels in primary articular chondrocytes
Authors: Rosenthal Ann K , Gohr Claudia M , Mitton-Fitzgerald Elizabeth , Lutz Megan K , Dubyak George R , Ryan Lawrence M
Published: October 2013

Introduction

Extracellular ATP (eATP) is released by articular chondrocytes under physiological and pathological conditions. High eATP levels cause pathologic calcification, damage cartilage, and mediate pain. We recently showed that stable over-expression of the progressive ankylosis gene product, ANK, increased chondrocyte eATP levels, but the mechanisms of this effect remained unexplored. The purpose of this work was to further investigate mechanisms of eATP efflux in primary articular chondrocytes and to better define the role of ANK in this process.

Methods

We measured eATP levels using a bioluminescence-based assay in adult porcine articular chondrocyte media with or without a 10 minute exposure to hypotonic stress. siRNAs for known ATP membrane transporters and pharmacologic inhibitors of ATP egress pathways were used to identify participants involved in chondrocyte eATP release.

Results

eATP levels increased after exposure to hypotonic media in a calcium-dependent manner in monolayer and 3-dimensional agarose gel cultures (p < 0.001). A potent transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) agonist mimicked the effects of hypotonic media. ANK siRNA suppressed basal (p < 0.01) and hypotonically-stressed (p < 0.001) ATP levels. This effect was not mediated by altered extracellular pyrophosphate (ePPi) levels, and was mimicked by the ANK inhibitor, probenecid (p < 0.001). The P2X7/4 receptor inhibitor Brilliant Blue G also suppressed eATP efflux induced by hypotonic media (p < 0.001), while ivermectin, a P2X4 receptor stimulant, increased eATP levels (p < 0.001). Pharmacologic inhibitors of hemichannels, maxianion channels and other volume-sensitive eATP efflux pathways did not suppress eATP levels.

Conclusions

These findings implicate ANK and P2X7/4 receptors in chondrocyte eATP efflux. Understanding the mechanisms of eATP efflux may result in novel therapies for calcium crystal arthritis and osteoarthritis.
Christchurch Women's Hospital: Analysis of Measured Earthquake Data during the 2011–2012 Christchurch Earthquakes
Authors: Sridhar Akshay , Kuang Adam , Garven Joseph , Gutschmidt Stefanie , Chase J. Geoffrey , Gavin Henri P. , Nigbor Robert L. , Rodgers Geoffrey W. , MacRae Gregory A.
Published: October 2013

A network of acceleration and displacement sensors installed in the Christchurch Women's Hospital (CWH) in July 2011 captured an extensive range of earthquake signals, allowing for a unique opportunity to analyze the performance of the New Zealand South Island's only base-isolated structure. Key characteristics of a range of earthquake signals, including frequency spectra and response patterns, are identified, with particular focus on the swarm of earthquakes on 23 December 2011, including four earthquake events greater than magnitude 5.0 on the Richter scale. The findings indicate that the response of the isolators and the superstructure was essentially elastic for the events analyzed during this period. Accelerations measured above and below the isolators were similar, indicating that the behavior of the devices resembled that of rigid blocks. No significant rocking or torsional motion of the building was observed.
Location of transient ectodermal progenitor potential in mouse development
Authors: Li Lingyu , Liu Chang , Biechele Steffen , Zhu Qingqing , Song Lu , Lanner Fredrik , Jing Naihe , Rossant Janet
Published: October 2013

Ectoderm is one of the three classic germ layers in the early mouse embryo, with the capacity to develop into both the central nervous system and epidermis. Because it is a transient phase of development with few molecular markers, the early ectoderm is the least understood germ layer in mouse embryonic development. In this work, we studied the differentiation potential of isolated ectoderm tissue in response to BMP signaling at various developmental stages (E6.5, E7.0 and E7.5), and identified a transient region in the anterior-proximal side of the embryo at E7.0 that possesses the ability to become neural or epidermal ectoderm in response to the absence or presence of BMP4, respectively. Furthermore, we demonstrated that inhibition of Nodal signaling could direct the pluripotent E6.5 epiblast cells towards ectoderm lineages during differentiation in explants in vitro. Our work not only improves our understanding of ectodermal layer development in early embryos, but also provides a framework for regenerative differentiation towards ectodermal tissues.
Knockdown of col22a1 gene in zebrafish induces a muscular dystrophy by disruption of the myotendinous junction
Authors: Charvet Benjamin , Guiraud Alexandre , Malbouyres Marilyne , Zwolanek Daniela , Guillon Emilie , Bretaud Sandrine , Monnot Catherine , Schulze Jörg , Bader Hannah L. , Allard Bruno , Koch Manuel , Ruggiero Florence
Published: October 2013

The myotendinous junction (MTJ) is the major site of force transfer in skeletal muscle, and defects in its structure correlate with a subset of muscular dystrophies. Col22a1 encodes the MTJ component collagen XXII, the function of which remains unknown. Here, we have cloned and characterized the zebrafish col22a1 gene and conducted morpholino-based loss-of-function studies in developing embryos. We showed that col22a1 transcripts localize at muscle ends when the MTJ forms and that COLXXII protein integrates the junctional extracellular matrix. Knockdown of COLXXII expression resulted in muscular dystrophy-like phenotype, including swimming impairment, curvature of embryo trunk/tail, strong reduction of twitch-contraction amplitude and contraction-induced muscle fiber detachment, and provoked significant activation of the survival factor Akt. Electron microscopy and immunofluorescence studies revealed that absence of COLXXII caused a strong reduction of MTJ folds and defects in myoseptal structure. These defects resulted in reduced contractile force and susceptibility of junctional extracellular matrix to rupture when subjected to repeated mechanical stress. Co-injection of sub-phenotypic doses of morpholinos against col22a1 and genes of the major muscle linkage systems showed a synergistic gene interaction between col22a1 and itga7 (α7β1 integrin) that was not observed with dag1 (dystroglycan). Finally, pertinent to a conserved role in humans, the dystrophic phenotype was rescued by microinjection of recombinant human COLXXII. Our findings indicate that COLXXII contributes to the stabilization of myotendinous junctions and strengthens skeletal muscle attachments during contractile activity.