bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A surge in anti-dsDNA titer predicts a severe lupus flare within six months
Authors: Pan N , Amigues I , Lyman S , Duculan R , Aziz F , Crow MK , Kirou KA
Published: December 2013

Objective

Rising anti-double-stranded (ds) DNA titers have been shown by some, but not all, studies to be predictive of disease flares in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We hypothesized that a rapid and substantial rise in anti-dsDNA titer (anti-dsDNA surge) would be a good predictor of a clinically important SLE flare.

Methods

A matched case-control study was conducted in an academic rheumatology practice setting. Our primary endpoint was the occurrence of a severe SELENA-SLEDAI (SS) flare within six months of an anti-dsDNA surge, and secondary endpoints were mild/moderate SS flares, as well as BILAG A and B renal flares. Cases were identified as those patients whose disease course included a surge of anti-dsDNA, defined as an increase of anti-dsDNA titer by the Crithidia luciliae immunofluorescence (CLIF) assay from 0 to 3+/4+, or from 1+ to 4+, within a period of less than 12 months. The date of the anti-dsDNA surge was defined as Day 0. Two control SLE patients were identified for each case and were matched for age, sex, race, and visit date closest to case Day 0, but without an anti-dsDNA surge. Logistic regression models were used to detect associations between anti-dsDNA surges and severe SS flares.

Result

A higher proportion of cases, compared to controls, experienced a severe SS flare within six months of Day 0 (OR 6.3 (95% confidence intervals 2.0–19.9), p = 0.02). Associations with all flares and hospitalizations for flares were also observed. However, an anti-dsDNA surge was not predictive of a renal flare.

Conclusion

An anti-dsDNA surge predicts the subsequent development of a severe SS flare within six months. Physicians should closely monitor such patients and treat promptly at the first sign of clinical activity.
Improved diagnostic performance of a commercial Anaplasma antibody competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using recombinant major surface protein 5–glutathione S-transferase fusion protein as antigen
Authors: Chung Chungwon , Wilson Carey , Bandaranayaka-Mudiyanselage Chandima-Bandara , Kang Eunah , Adams D. Scott , Kappmeyer Lowell S. , Knowles Donald P. , McElwain Terry F. , Evermann James F. , Ueti Massaro W. , Scoles Glen A. , Lee Stephen S. , McGuire Travis C.
Published: December 2013

The current study tested the hypothesis that removal of maltose binding protein (MBP) from recombinant antigen used for plate coating would improve the specificity of a commercial Anaplasma antibody competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA). The number of 358 sera with significant MBP antibody binding (≥30%I) in Anaplasma-negative herds was 139 (38.8%) when tested using the recombinant major surface protein 5 (rMSP5)-MBP cELISA without MBP adsorption. All but 8 of the MBP binders were rendered negative (<30%I) using the commercial rMSP5-MBP cELISA with MBP adsorption, resulting in 97.8% specificity. This specificity was higher than some previous reports, so to improve the specificity of the commercial cELISA, a new recombinant antigen designated rMSP5–glutathione S-transferase (GST) was developed, eliminating MBP from the antigen and obviating the need for MBP adsorption. Using the rMSP5-GST cELISA, only 1 of 358 Anaplasma-negative sera, which included the 139 sera with significant (≥30%I) MBP binding in the rMSP5-MBP cELISA without MBP adsorption, was positive. This resulted in an improved diagnostic specificity of 99.7%. The rMSP5-GST cELISA without MBP adsorption had comparable analytical sensitivity to the rMSP5-MBP cELISA with MBP adsorption and had 100% diagnostic sensitivity when tested with 135 positive sera defined by nested polymerase chain reaction. Further, the rMSP5-GST cELISA resolved 103 false-positive reactions from selected sera with possible false-positive reactions obtained using the rMSP5-MBP cELISA with MBP adsorption and improved the resolution of 29 of 31 other sera. In summary, the rMSP5-GST cELISA was a faster and simpler assay with higher specificity, comparable sensitivity, and improved resolution in comparison with the rMSP5-MBP cELISA with MBP adsorption.
Discordance in HIV-Positive Patient and Health Care Provider Perspectives on Death, Dying, and End-of-Life Care
Authors: Mosack Katie E. , Wandrey Rachael L.
Published: December 2013

The purpose of this study was to investigate how HIV-positive patients and infectious disease health care providers think about death, dying, and end-of-life care (EOLC) planning. We conducted separate in-depth qualitative interviews with 47 patients and 11 providers. Interview data were transcribed and analyzed using a secondary comparative method. Patients and providers demonstrated profound differences in their perspectives on patient empowerment and attributions of control related to disease progression, imminence of death, and EOLC decision making. Notably, patients described fears related to life-extending interventions that generally went unaddressed within the clinical context. We argue for the routinization of EOLC discussions and suggest novel research approaches to improve patient empowerment and medical engagement.
Kidney Volume Correlates With Tumor Diameter in Renal Cell Carcinoma and Is Associated With Histological Poor Prognostic Features
Authors: Hayes Brian D. , Finn Stephen P.
Published: December 2013

We aimed to correlate kidney volume (KV) in renal cell carcinoma nephrectomy specimens with tumor diameter (TD), macroscopic growth pattern, and histological features associated with poor prognosis. Histopathology reports, macroscopic specimen photographs, and selected glass slides were retrospectively reviewed. KV was approximated to the volume of an ellipsoid. A total of 273 specimens were identified with median KV 245 cm3. Kidneys larger than this contained larger tumors (7.5 vs 4.5 cm). KV was significantly greater in tumors of high grade, involving perinephric fat, exhibiting venous invasion, and involving renal sinus. There was a robust linear correlation between KV and TD ( r = 0.602) and a weaker correlation between kidney diameter (KD) and TD ( r = 0.53). In pT1 tumors, KV ( r = 0.40) also correlated better with TD than did KD ( r = 0.27). By multiple regression analysis, both TD and venous invasion independently predicted both KD ( R2 = 38.27%) and KV ( R2 = 51.97%). KV and KD correlate well with TD and histopathological features of aggressiveness, although KD correlates better overall and in the pT1 subset.
Globalization and Sustainable Development: Case Study on International Transport and Sustainable Development
Authors: Köhler Jonathan
Published: December 2013

This article assesses the potential contribution for international shipping and long-haul aviation to contribute to sustainable development (SD). The trade literature shows that newly industrializing countries are benefitting from international trade for export-led growth. However, the least developed countries with limited access to international trade networks do not participate in the new global production networks. The World Trade Organization/General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade and Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change regimes do not have the development of more sustainable transport systems as a priority. In this sense, international transport remains on the fringes of the environment and development policy fields. Three transition pathways to SD have been developed: (a) information and telecommunications technologies leading to particip.ation of least developed countries in global production networks, (b) changes in social preferences toward a high priority for the environment, leading to an extensive growth in fair-trade networks and sustainable production and consumption, and (c) SD from economic growth in newly industrializing countries, with an increased priority placed on solving environmental problems.
Morbidity and Complications Following Percutaneous Calcaneal Autograft Bone Harvest
Authors: O’Malley Martin J. , Sayres Stephanie C. , Saleem Omar , Levine David , Roberts Matthew , Deland Jonathan T. , Ellis Scott
Published: December 2013

Background:

Autogenous bone grafting is commonly used as an adjuvant in foot and ankle procedures. The iliac crest and tibia are common sources of autogenous bone graft but require a separate operative site and have been reported to have significant morbidity including pain, fractures, and prolonged hospitalization. Bone grafting from the posterolateral calcaneus offers advantages such as a single operative field, ability to be done under an ankle block, and a theoretical low complication rate. We report our morbidity and complications of percutaneous calcaneal autograft bone harvest in patients undergoing foot operations.

Methods:

Between 2006 and 2010, 6 foot and ankle surgeons performed a calcaneal bone graft on 393 patients undergoing foot procedures. Outcomes were measured through the use of a 4-question survey evaluating pain, subjective sensitivity at the incision site, numbness at the incision site, and limitation of shoe wear at a minimum of 1 year following the operation. Patient records were also examined for any additional complications that may have been reported.

Results:

Of the 393 patients eligible for this study, 210 patients responded at an average of 2.8 years (range, 1.2-5.8 years) after the operation (minimum 1 year). Of those, 181 patients (86.2%) reported no problems. Minor complications included 6 patients (2.9%) who experienced only incisional nerve sensitivity, 4 patients (1.9%) with only incisional pain, 4 patients (1.9%) who reported some degree of incisional numbness only, 2 patients (1.0%) who reported only shoe wear limitations, and 10 patients (4.8%) who had a combination of symptoms. Three patients (1.4%) had more significant complications, which consisted of a pathological fracture through the graft site, a calcaneal stress fracture, and 1 patient with permanent numbness along the distribution of the sural nerve.

Conclusion:

Calcaneal bone graft was an easily accessible source of local autogenous bone graft for foot and ankle procedures. Despite the simplicity of the procedure, minor complications are not infrequent, with 13.8% of patients reporting some residual symptoms along the lateral border of the calcaneus when bone graft was obtained through an oblique incision.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, case series.
Long-Term Results of Debridement and Primary Repair of Peroneal Tendon Tears
Authors: Demetracopoulos Constantine A. , Vineyard Joseph C. , Kiesau Carter D. , Nunley James A.
Published: December 2013

Background:

Peroneal tendon tears are relatively common; however, there are few reports on the long-term success of operative treatment. The purpose of this study was to review the long-term clinical and patient-reported outcomes of a cohort of patients with peroneal tendon tears treated with debridement and primary repair.

Methods:

Patients who underwent debridement and primary repair of tears of the peroneus longus and brevis from 1994 to 2008 were included in the study. A chart review was performed to determine patient demographics, postoperative complications, and return to sport. Clinical outcomes scores used to assess patients preoperatively and at most recent follow-up included a visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, the SF-12 Health Survey, and the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) questionnaire.

Results:

We identified 34 patients with a tear of one or both peroneal tendons treated operatively by a single surgeon. Eighteen patients participated in the follow-up survey with an average follow-up time of 6.5 years (range, 2-14 years). There was significant improvement in mean VAS pain scores at the time of final follow-up ( P < .001) from a mean of 39 (range, 0-80) preoperatively to a mean of 10 (range, 0-52) postoperatively. In addition, there was a significant increase in the LEFS score from a mean of 45 (range, 23-70) preoperatively to a mean of 71 (range, 24-80) postoperatively ( P < .001). Of the 18 patients who responded, 17 returned to full sporting activity without limitation. There were no reoperations or operative failures during this time interval.

Conclusions:

Our study found excellent long-term functional outcomes for patients with tears of the peroneal tendons treated with debridement and primary operative repair. Moreover, we observed that the majority of patients returned to their previous level of activity without the need for reoperation or revision of the repair.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, case series.
Molecular study on selected vector-borne infections in urban stray colony cats in northern Italy
Authors: Spada Eva , Proverbio Daniela , Galluzzo Paola , Della Pepa Alessandra , Perego Roberta , Bagnagatti De Giorgi Giada , Ferro Elisabetta
Published: December 2013

Feline vector-borne diseases can be caused by a range of pathogens transmitted by arthropods. Many of these infections have zoonotic implications, and stray cats are potential sentinels for human and pet health. This study investigated the prevalence of selected vector-borne infections in stray colony cats in Milan. Blood samples from 260 stray cats were evaluated, using conventional polymerase chain reaction tests (cPCRs), for the presence of DNA associated with Rickettsia species, Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Ehrlichia species. Positive cPCR results occurred in 127/260 subjects (48.9%; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 40.7–58.1), with a prevalence of 31.9% (83/260, 95% CI = 25.4–39.6) for Rickettsia species, 17.7% (46/260, 95% CI= 13.0–23.6) for A phagocytophilum, and 5.4% (14/260, 95% CI = 2.9–9.0) for Ehrlichia species. There was no statistical association between a positive PCR test for vector-borne infections surveyed and colony location, age, gender, body condition score or complete blood count abnormalities, nor feline immunodeficiency virus, feline leukaemia virus or Toxoplasma gondii status. The only variable linked to positive PCR results was detection of signs of ocular infection and PCR positivity for Rickettsia species ( P = 0.04, odds ratio [OR] = 2.2, 95% CI = 1.1–4.4, P = 0.02). There is a significant prevalence of vector-borne infections with zoonotic potential in urban stray cats in Milan. Thus, dogs and pet cats with outdoor access should be monitored and treated for ectoparasites on a regular basis to minimise risks of disease and the potential transmission of zoonotic agents to people.
Locating Hinemihi’s People
Authors: Sully Dean , Raymond Rosanna , Hoete Anthony
Published: December 2013

The care of taonga (Maori treasures) outside the Maori community takes place within varying degrees of inter-cultural engagement, in which encounters with the past can be seen to be negotiated through the changing nature of personal and institutional relationships in the present. The desire to develop Hinemihi, the historic Maori meeting house at Clandon Park, as a functioning marae (ceremonial gathering place) has provided a challenge to conventional heritage conservation practice. A response to the conservation of Hinemihi has been to adapt practices developed by the Pouhere Taonga / New Zealand Historic Places Trust for the conservation of historic marae. The success of this approach relies on the formation of an active and sustainable marae community. Therefore, a series of community-based events have been delivered to nurture the developing relationships between Hinemihi and her people as an essential element of the conservation project. This has questioned the central role of Maori in the long-term care of Hinemihi. As a result, the formation of ‘Hinemihi’s People’ is an attempt to develop a sustainable conservation community for Hinemihi at Clandon Park that reflects a spatially and temporally grounded reality, based on lived experiences.
Workplace violence: Extending the boundaries of criminology
Authors: Schindeler Emily
Published: December 2013

There is a growing body of research concerned with the prevalence, antecedents and impacts of interpersonal workplace violence which causes significant psycho-social injuries. Contributions have been made by sociologists, psychologists, organizational behaviourists and management functionalists. However there has been a paucity of attention by criminological theorists or empiricists despite the well-documented costs for victims, bystanders, employers and the public purse. Drawing from key themes within existing literature, this article applies constructive criminology principles and normalization theory to extend the understanding of interpersonal violence within the workplace and challenges to prevention. This is not an argument for greater application of criminal law but rather an argument that such violence and consequent psycho-social injuries be recognized as a source of victimization and a matter of justice.
‘No one wins. One side just loses more slowly’: The Wire and drug policy
Authors: Wakeman Stephen
Published: December 2013

This article presents a cultural analysis of HBO’s drama series, The Wire. It is argued here that, as a cultural text, The Wire forms a site of both containment and resistance, of hegemony and change with recourse to the regulation of illicit drug markets. In this sense The Wire constitutes an important cultural paradigm of drug policy debates, one that has significant heuristic implications regarding both the present consequences and future directions of illicit drug policy. Ultimately, it is demonstrated below that through its representations of the tensions and antagonisms characteristic of drug control systems, The Wire reveals larger predicaments of governance faced by neoliberal democracies today.
The development of a new multi-faceted model of social wellbeing: Does income level make a difference?
Authors: Povey Jenny , Boreham Paul , Tomaszewski Wojtek
Published: December 2013

Recent research has suggested that income, while playing a part in quality of life, may have only a limited impact on a multi-faceted concept such as social wellbeing. Using data from an Australian household survey (Living in Queensland Survey), a composite Wellbeing Index was created that covered objective circumstances, with known associations to wellbeing, evaluated from the individual’s subjective viewpoint. The importance attributed to each dimension added to the robustness of the measure. The measure was then used to explore the impact of income on wellbeing using various specifications of income. The results indicate that while income is a statistically significant predictor, its effect on wellbeing is small compared with other socio-demographic variables such as health, marital status, employment status and age. The study contributes to the contemporary debate on social wellbeing and adds new evidence to a body of research that has been mainly based on European and American data.
A knowledge revolution: Transnational feminist contributions to international development agendas and policies, 1965–1995
Authors: Quataert Jean H
Published: December 2013

The article traces the impact of feminist activists and development experts from around the world who, from the 1960s to the 1990s, pushed for greater attention to women’s life situations in the emerging and increasingly contentious international debates about economic growth. Increasingly well-positioned within UN commissions, bureaus, and development agencies, these women used the statistical facts about policy impacts to redefine economic development agendas along feminist lines. This information ‘from below’ produced a ‘knowledge revolution’ that circulated widely within the UN system with far-reaching consequences for feminist advocacy. The new knowledge deepened understandings of rights claims even as its meanings, over time, led to competing responses among feminists to the continuing challenges of global inequality. The article is based on extensive published primary sources and relevant secondary interdisciplinary literature.
User acceptance studies for LED office lighting: Preference, naturalness and colourfulness
Authors: Dangol R , Islam MS , Hyvärinen M , Bhushal P , Puolakka M , Halonen L
Published: December 2013

Two mock-up office rooms, one with a spectrally tuneable LED lighting system and the other with a fluorescent lamp (FL) lighting system were built for user acceptance studies for office lighting. One room was illuminated with six LED luminaires and the other with six FL luminaires. Each LED luminaire has 480 LEDs (20 different LED types and 24 of each type). Each FL luminaire has eight fluorescent lamps, four with a correlated colour temperature of 4000 K and four of 6500 K. User acceptance studies in the office environments were conducted with 40 observers, each observer having 16 sessions (six LED spectral power distributions (SPDs) + two FL SPDs and two illuminances (500 lux and 300 lux)). The observers performed office-related tasks while being totally immersed in one of these lighting conditions. The objective of this study was to verify previous results obtained in small-scale booth experiments and to further study peoples’ preferences for LED office lighting. The small-scale experiments showed that LEDs with a higher value of reference-based colour metrics (such as colour quality scale (CQS) colour preference scale) and with a higher value of area-based or volume-based metrics (such as CQS gamut area scale or gamut area index) were preferred by the observers. The office room study of the present work validated the findings of the earlier experiments but now in an office lighting environment. Furthermore, the observers preferred 4000 K to 6500 K at a light level of 500 lux and the light level of 500 lux over 300 lux. It was also found that the simplest LED SPD with three peaks has similar colour quality characteristics to complex LED SPDs with several peaks.
Increasing Nutritional Adherence in an African American Woman With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Steers Mary E. , Renn Brenna N. , Feliciano Leilani
Published: December 2013

Chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are increasingly common and costly, imparting debilitating economic and health effects. This case presents the use of an individualized behavioral intervention for diabetes management in a 61-year-old African American woman with T2DM. The intervention was delivered over five home-based treatment sessions and two follow-up probes that focused on nutrition. At the end of treatment, the participant exhibited improved nutrition and dietary habits (i.e., increased intake of fruits and vegetables; eating more, smaller meals throughout the day), which maintained through follow-up. In addition, she demonstrated generalization of treatment effects, as evidenced by the application of treatment strategies to other areas of her health (i.e., exercise and blood glucose testing). This case study highlights how psychological treatment emphasizing behavioral techniques can be effectively applied to manage medical conditions and mitigate future complications and comorbidities.
Small bowel stricture characterization and outcomes of dilatation by double-balloon enteroscopy: a single-centre experience
Authors: Gill Raghubinder S. , Kaffes Arthur J.
Published: December 2013

Background:

There is little data on the role of balloon enteroscopy and small bowel strictures. We aim to characterize the diagnostic role of double balloon enteroscopy (DBE) in small bowel strictures and document the outcomes of dilatation.

Methods:

This is a retrospective review from a single tertiary referral centre DBE database from July 2004 to September 2012. All patients with suspected strictures in the small bowel undergoing DBE were included. The position of the small bowel strictures considered for dilatation was determined by diagnostic imaging, i.e. CT enterography, MR enterography or capsule endoscopy in the workup before DBE. Endpoints included stricture description, dilatation parameters and response to treatment. Main outcome measurements were the safety and efficacy of DBE and dilatation.

Results:

From our DBE database of 594 patients, a total of 32 patients underwent 44 DBE procedures for suspected or known strictures. Stricture aetiology included Crohn’s disease (CD), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), surgical, Beçhets disease and one unknown. A total of 17 patients did not undergo dilatation as the strictures were ulcerated, nonobstructing or of uncertain aetiology. From the total of 25 dilatations in 15 patients that were attempted, 8/15 (53%) patients had 1 dilatation, 5 patients had 2 dilatations, 1 had 3 dilatations and 1 had 4 dilatations. The mean dilatation diameter was 14 mm. Three patients underwent surgery post-dilatation (2 for perforation). Mean follow up was 16 months.

Conclusion:

DBE is a useful method in determining the need for dilatation by assessing for active ulceration. Dilatation is effective in the 10–18 mm range, however perforation does occur.
Freiberg’s Infraction
Authors: Talusan Paul G. , Diaz-Collado Pablo J. , Reach John S.
Published: December 2013

Freiberg’s infraction is a condition of cartilage degeneration of the lesser metatarsal heads. Adolescent females are the “textbook” patients but both males and females may present with this condition later in life. The second and third metatarsals are the most commonly affected, while involvement of the fourth and fifth is rare. The incidence is higher in females than in males. The pathophysiology is unknown, but studies suggest a combination of vascular compromise, genetic predisposition, and altered biomechanics. Diagnosis is made clinically and imaging is used to confirm. Early in the process, radiographs are normal however bone scans may demonstrate a photopenic center with a hyperactive collar and magnetic resonance imaging can reveal hypointensity of the metatarsal head. As Freiberg’s infraction progresses, radiographs show a flattened and fragmented metatarsal head. Nonoperative treatment is based on decreasing foot pressure and unloading the affected metatarsal. Spontaneous healing with remodeling may occur in early stages of the disease. Operative options are dorsal closing wedge osteotomies, osteochondral transplant, and resection arthroplasty. Currently, we do not understand this disease sufficiently to prevent its occurrence. Outcomes of nonoperative and operative management are good to excellent and most patients are able to return to previous activity.

Levels of Evidence: Therapeutic, Level IV
Prevalence and Risk Factors for Hypertension in Adansi South, Ghana
Authors: Duah Amos F. , Werts Niya , Hutton-Rogers Laurencia , Amankwa David , Otupiri Easmon
Published: December 2013

Hypertension continues to emerge globally as one of the most dangerous cardiovascular disease risk factors. The toll of hypertension as a chronic disease on population health and the resultant impact on the often already stressed medical systems of developing nations is a serious concern. Shifting existing paradigm and resources from communicable to chronic disease prevention continues to be a formidable task. This article presents the results of a cross-section analysis of Adansi South, Ghana, residents ( N = 539) 5 years and older to investigate the blood pressure status and select hypertension risk factors across all age groups. Approximately a third of Adansi South respondents (27.1%) were identified as hypertensive. While the largest percent of the hypertensive subset was in the 40 to 59 age group, of concern was the emerging pattern among young and adolescent respondents who were either identified as hypertensive and/or having modifiable risk factors for hypertension like elevated body mass index (BMI). A rationale for expanding adolescent health education and health promotion is offered, and alternative methods for deploying health promotion activities in resource-limited areas are proposed and discussed.
Reflexivity in External Religious Leaders’ Summit Communication Sequences (2005-2012) to G8 Political Leaders
Authors: Steiner Sherrie
Published: December 2013

Religious governance influence in international relations is underresearched. Using reflexivity as primary governance indicator, this case study examines the external communicational sequences of the only multifaith summits (2005-2012) whose purpose is communication to, and dialogue with, G8 and G20 political leaders about global responsibilities to empirically discern, independent of religious leaders’ self-identification, whether the quality of dialogue is indicative of governance behavior or unreflexive acts of international value struggle. Reflexivity is operationalized as historically embedded in social relations using methodological cosmopolitanism. Findings indicate that religious leaders use cultural capital to blur (not reify) social boundaries that inhibit international collaboration, and offer no evidence of unreflexive dialogue. Leaders use social capital to socially (re)construct boundaries for cosmopolitan responsibility to include the interests of the vulnerable that are impacted by, but excluded from, G8 and G20 decisions. This work contributes to the “empirical mapping” of religious governance in international relations with implications for their consideration as dialogue partners for global governance.
International Non-Governmental Organizations in Latin America and Social Capital
Authors: Pillai Vijayan K. , Wei Fang-Hsun , Maleku Arati
Published: December 2013

International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGOs) in developing countries promote interests of the poor, provide social services, and stimulate community engagement. The exponential growth of INGOs during the last four decades was accompanied by major financial scandals and corruption charges leading to an increase in research on the impact of INGOs on community well-being in developing countries. Due to sparse empirical studies that evaluate the role and functions of INGOs, the question of the impact of INGOs on community well-being has remained largely rhetorical. Our study attempts to provide preliminary evidence on the impact of socio-economic programs carried out by an International Governmental Organization (INGO), Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA), in four Latin American countries. Results from the quasi-experimental study suggest that communities with ADRA programs have a higher level of social capital than communities without them. While the results reported here may not be generalized to all INGOs, our study is unique in providing a valuable empirical approach toward examining the role of INGOs in developing countries.
Idiopathic Cam Morphology Is Not Caused by Subclinical Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis
Authors: Monazzam Shafagh , Bomar James D. , Pennock Andrew T.
Published: December 2013

Background:

Cam impingement as a known sequelae of slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) has led to speculation that subclinical SCFEs may be the causative factor in idiopathic cam morphology; alternatively, others have implicated an abnormal extension of the growth plate as a causative factor.

Hypothesis/Purpose:

To investigate the growth plate tilt angle in 4 patient cohorts: normal patients, patients with idiopathic cam morphology (CamIP), patients with cam morphology secondary to known SCFE (CamSCFE), and patients with incidental findings of an asymptomatic cam (Camasymp).

Study Design:

Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A database of 192 computed tomography scans of abdomens/pelvises of patients (ages, 5-19 years) with no known orthopaedic issues, reformatted to neutral tilt, inclination, and rotation, were utilized for the normal cohort, the Camasymp cohort, and to create an age- and sex-matched control cohort. In addition, a retrospective review of all patients treated for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) with preoperative advance imaging was conducted, and patients were separated to CamIP and CamSCFE cohorts. The alpha angle and tilt angle were measured on each hip. Statistical analysis was performed.

Results:

The mean tilt angle among the normal patients was 12.1°, with 1.9% of the variation in tilt angle being explained by age; each additional year of age decreased the tilt angle by 0.27° ( P = .008). The tilt angle for the CamSCFE cohort (mean, 44.5°) was found to be significantly greater than both the CamIP cohort (mean, 5.9°; P < .001) and the control cohort (mean, 12.8°; P < .001). The tilt angle for the CamIP cohort was found to be significantly less than the control cohort ( P = .003). The alpha angle and tilt angle were positively correlated in the CamIP cohort, but no correlation was found in the other cohorts. The mean tilt angle of the 18 hips in the Camasymp cohort was 13.9° ± 11.5° (range, –12° to 37°), with 12 hips (67%) in the tilt angle range of CamIP cohort and 6 in the tilt angle range of CamSCFE.

Conclusion:

The proximal femoral growth plate normally has a posterior tilt that becomes more anterior through maturation. Idiopathic cam morphology has a drastically different growth plate tilt angle than cam morphology secondary to SCFE, suggesting that a majority of idiopathic cam morphology is not the result of subclinical SCFEs.
L-arginine abolishes the hypothalamic serotonergic activation induced by central interleukin-1β administration to normal rats
Authors: Iuras Anderson , Telles Mônica M , Andrade Iracema S , Santos Gianni MS , Oyama Lila M , Nascimento Cláudia MO , Silveira Vera LF , Ribeiro Eliane B
Published: December 2013

IL-1β-induced anorexia may depend on interactions of the cytokine with neuropeptides and neurotransmitters of the central nervous system control of energy balance and serotonin is likely to be one catabolic mediator targeted by IL-1β. In the complex interplay involved in feeding modulation, nitric oxide has been ascribed a stimulatory action, which could be of significance in counteracting IL-1β effects.

The present study aims to explore the participation of the nitric oxide and the serotonin systems on the central mechanisms induced by IL-1β and the relevance of their putative interactions to IL-1β hypophagia in normal rats.

Serotonin levels were determined in microdialysates of the ventromedial hypothalamus after a single intracerebroventricular injection of 10 ng of IL-1β , with or without the pre-injection of 20 μg of the nitric oxide precursor L-arginine. IL-1β significantly stimulated hypothalamic serotonin extracellular levels, with a peak variation of 130 ±37% above baseline. IL- 1β also reduced the 4-h and the 24-h food intakes (by 23% and 58%, respectively). The IL-1β-induced serotonergic activation was abolished by the pre-injection of L-arginine while the hypophagic effect was unaffected.

The data showed that one central effect of IL-1β is serotonergic stimulation in the ventromedial hypothalamus, an action inhibited by nitric oxide activity. It is suggested that, although serotonin participates in IL-1β anorexia, other mechanisms recruited by IL-1β in normal rats are able to override the absence of the serotonergic hypophagic influence.
Synchronous development of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and hepatocellular carcinoma in different sites of the liver with chronic B-viral hepatitis: two case reports
Authors: Jung Kyu Sik , Chun Kyeong Hyeon , Choi Gi Hong , Jeon Hyae Min , Shin Hye Sun , Park Young Nyun , Park Jun Yong
Published: December 2013

Background

Synchronous development of primary hepatocellular carcinoma and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma has been reported rarely. In literature review, there have been only 35 reported cases of synchronous hepatocellular carcinoma and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, and most of these tumors developed in patients with hepatitis C-related liver cirrhosis. Here, we present synchronous development of hepatocellular carcinoma and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma in two patients with chronic B-viral hepatitis.

Case presentation

Two patients with chronic hepatitis B were referred to our hospital due to a hepatic mass. Patient 1 had a 6.4 cm multinodular hepatic mass in the left lobe and a small nodule in the right lobe. Patient 2 had a 4.3 cm hypervascular mass in the right lobe and a 1.1 cm nodule in the left lobe. The pre-operative diagnosis of both cases was hepatocellular carcinoma with metastatic nodule, however, surgical resection pathology revealed that hepatocellular carcinoma and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma existed independently in the other side of the liver in both cases. Additionally, the background liver histology of both cases was hepatitis B-related chronic hepatitis without cirrhotic change.

Conclusion

Our cases suggest that hepatitis B virus infection can also predispose to development of double liver cancers.
Therapeutic effects of sesame oil on monosodium urate crystal-induced acute inflammatory response in rats
Authors: Hsu Dur-Zong , Chen Si-Jin , Chu Pei-Yi , Liu Ming-Yie
Published: December 2013

Sesame oil has been used in traditional Taiwanese medicine to relieve the inflammatory pain in people with joint inflammation, toothache, scrapes, and cuts. However, scientific evidence related to the effectiveness or action mechanism of sesame oil on relief of pain and inflammation has not been examined experimentally. Here, we investigated the therapeutic effect of sesame oil on monosodium urate monohydrate (MSU) crystal-induced acute inflammatory response in rats. Air pouch, a pseudosynovial cavity, was established by injecting 24 mL of filtered sterile air subcutaneously in the backs of the rats. At day 0, inflammation in air pouch was induced by injecting MSU crystal (5 mg/rat, suspended in sterilized phosphate buffered saline, pH 7.4), while sesame oil (0, 1, 2, or 4 mL/kg, orally) was given 6 h after MSU crystal injection. Parameters in lavage and skin tissue from the air pouches were assessed 6 h after sesame oil was given. Sesame oil decreased MSU crystal-induced total cell counts, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6 levels in lavage and pouch tissue. Sesame oil significantly decreased leukocyte and neutrophil counts in lavage compared with MSU crystal alone group. Sesame oil decreased activated mast cell counts in skin tissue in MSU crystal-treated rats. Sesame oil significantly decreased nuclear factor (NF)-κB activity and IL-4 level in isolated mast cells from rats treated with MSU crystal. Furthermore, sesame oil decreased lavage complement proteins C3a and C5a levels in MSU crystal-treated rats. In conclusion, sesame oil shows a potent therapeutic effect against MSU crystal-induced acute inflammatory response in rats.
Digital image processing techniques for detecting, quantifying and classifying plant diseases
Authors: Arnal Barbedo Jayme Garcia
Published: December 2013

This paper presents a survey on methods that use digital image processing techniques to detect, quantify and classify plant diseases from digital images in the visible spectrum. Although disease symptoms can manifest in any part of the plant, only methods that explore visible symptoms in leaves and stems were considered. This was done for two main reasons: to limit the length of the paper and because methods dealing with roots, seeds and fruits have some peculiarities that would warrant a specific survey. The selected proposals are divided into three classes according to their objective: detection, severity quantification, and classification. Each of those classes, in turn, are subdivided according to the main technical solution used in the algorithm. This paper is expected to be useful to researchers working both on vegetable pathology and pattern recognition, providing a comprehensive and accessible overview of this important field of research.
Technical Advance: Monitoring the trafficking of neutrophil granulocytes and monocytes during the course of tissue inflammation by noninvasive 19F MRI
Authors: Temme Sebastian , Jacoby Christoph , Ding Zhaoping , Bönner Florian , Borg Nadine , Schrader Jürgen , Flögel Ulrich
Published: December 2013

Inflammation results in the recruitment of neutrophils and monocytes, which is crucial for the healing process. In the present study, we used 19F MRI to monitor in vivo the infiltration of neutrophils and monocytes from the onset of inflammation to the resolution and healing phase. Matrigel, with or without LPS, was s.c.-implanted into C57BL/6 mice. This resulted in a focal inflammation lasting over a period of 20 days, with constantly decreasing LPS levels in doped matrigel plugs. After i.v. administration of 19F containing contrast agent, 19F MRI revealed a zonular 19F signal in the periphery of LPS containing matrigel plugs, which was not observed in control plugs. Analysis of the 19F signal over the observation period demonstrated the strongest 19F signal after 24 h, which decreased to nearly zero after 20 days. The 19F signal was mirrored by the amount of leukocytes in the matrigel, with neutrophils dominating at early time-points and macrophages at later time-points. Both populations were shown to take up the 19F contrast agent. In conclusion, 19F MRI, in combination with the matrigel/LPS model, permits the noninvasive analysis of neutrophil and monocyte infiltration over the complete course of inflammation in vivo.
Characterization of endocannabinoid-mediated induction of myeloid-derived suppressor cells involving mast cells and MCP-1
Authors: Jackson Austin R , Hegde Venkatesh L , Nagarkatti Prakash S , Nagarkatti Mitzi
Published: December 2013

Endocannabinoids are lipid-signaling molecules found in the nervous system; however, their precise role in the periphery is unclear. In the current study, we observed that a single i.p. administration of AEA caused rapid induction of MDSCs. The MDSCs contained a mixture of granulocytic and monocytic subtypes and expressed Arg-1 and iNOS. The MDSCs suppressed T cell proliferation in vitro and used iNOS to mediate their effect. Moreover, adoptive transfer of MDSCs led to suppression of mBSA-induced DTH. Through the use of pharmacological inhibition, as well as genetic knockout mice, we found that the induction of MDSCs by AEA was CB1-dependent. The induction of MDSCs by AEA was reduced significantly in mast cell-deficient mice, while maintained in LPS-insensitive mice, showing that the induction of MDSCs by AEA was dependent, at least in part, on mast cells and independent of TLR4. Chemokine analysis of AEA- treated WT mice showed an early spike of MCP-1, which was decreased in KitW/W−sh mice, showing a role of mast cells in the secretion of MCP-1 in response to AEA. Also, use of antibodies against MCP-1 or mice deficient in MCP-1 confirmed the role played by MCP-1. Interestingly, MCP-1 played a significant role in the induction of monocytic but not granulocytic MDSCs. Our studies demonstrate for the first time that endocannaboinids activate CB1 on mast cells to induce MCP-1, which facilitates recruitment of monocytic MDSCs.
Negative role of inducible PD-1 on survival of activated dendritic cells
Authors: Park Seong Jeong , Namkoong Hong , Doh Junsang , Choi Jong-Cheol , Yang Bo-Gie , Park Yunji , Chul Sung Young
Published: December 2013

PD-1 is a well-established negative regulator of T cell responses by inhibiting proliferation and cytokine production of T cells via interaction with its ligands, B7-H1 (PD-L1) and B7-DC (PD-L2), expressed on non-T cells. Recently, PD-1 was found to be expressed in innate cells, including activated DCs, and plays roles in suppressing production of inflammatory cytokines. In this study, we demonstrate that PD-1 KO DCs exhibited prolonged longevity compared with WT DCs in the dLNs after transfer of DCs into hind footpads. Interestingly, upon LPS stimulation, WT DCs increased the expression of PD-1 and started to undergo apoptosis. DCs, in spleen of LPS-injected PD-1 KO mice, were more resistant to LPS-mediated apoptosis in vivo than WT controls. Moreover, treatment of blocking anti-PD-1 mAb during DC maturation resulted in enhanced DC survival, suggesting that PD-1:PD-L interactions are involved in DC apoptosis. As a result, PD-1-deficient DCs augmented T cell responses in terms of antigen-specific IFN-γ production and proliferation of CD4 and CD8 T cells to a greater degree than WT DCs. Moreover, PD-1 KO DCs exhibited increased MAPK1 and CD40–CD40L signaling, suggesting a possible mechanism for enhanced DC survival in the absence of PD-1 expression. Taken together, our findings further extend the function of PD-1, which plays an important role in apoptosis of activated DCs and provides important implications for PD-1-mediated immune regulation.
The double bromodomain protein Brd2 promotes B cell expansion and mitogenesis
Authors: Belkina Anna C , Blanton Wanda P , Nikolajczyk Barbara S , Denis Gerald V
Published: December 2013

Bromodomain-containing transcriptional regulators represent new epigenetic targets in different hematologic malignancies. However, bromodomain-mediated mechanisms that couple histone acetylation to transcription in lymphopoiesis and govern mature lymphocyte mitogenesis are poorly understood. Brd2, a transcriptional coregulator that contains dual bromodomains and an extraterminal domain (the BET family), couples chromatin to cell-cycle progression. We reported previously the first functional characterization of a BET protein as an effector of mammalian mitogenic signal transduction: Eμ-Brd2 Tg mice develop “activated B cell” diffuse large B cell lymphoma. No other animal models exist for genetic or lentiviral expression of BET proteins, hampering testing of novel anti-BET anticancer drugs, such as JQ1. We transduced HSCs with Brd2 lentivirus and reconstituted recipient mice to test the hypothesis that Brd2 regulates hematopoiesis in BM and mitogenesis in the periphery. Forced expression of Brd2 provides an expansion advantage to the donor-derived B cell compartment in BM and increases mature B cell mitogenic responsiveness in vitro. Brd2 binds the cyclin A promoter in B cells, shown by ChIP, and increases cyclin A mRNA and protein levels, and S-phase progression in vitro in mitogen-stimulated primary B cells, but not T cells, reinforcing results from Eμ-Brd2 mice. The small molecule BET inhibitor JQ1 reduces B cell mitogenesis, consistent with the interpretation that BET inhibitors are antiproliferative. Brd2-specific knockdown experiments show that Brd2 is also required for hematopoiesis. We conclude that Brd2 plays a critical, independent role in regulation of mitogenic response genes, particularly cyclin A, in B cells.
Hydrodynamics of intertidal oyster reefs: The influence of boundary layer flow processes on sediment and oxygen exchange
Authors: Reidenbach Matthew A. , Berg Peter , Hume Andrew , Hansen Jennifer C. R. , Whitman Elizabeth R.
Published: December 2013

Lay Abstract

The Eastern oyster,Crassostrea virginica, often forms intertidal reefs composed of dense assemblages of oysters. Because of their suspension feeding, oysters clear large quantities of particulate matter from the water column, removing not only phytoplankton but also suspended sediment. In addition, because of their metabolic requirements, oysters can utilize substantial quantities of oxygen. An intertidal oyster reef was monitored to quantify processes affecting flow, suspended sediment deposition and erosion, and the exchange of oxygen to and from the reef. At the center of the reef, the flux of oxygen was measured using an eddy‐correlation technique, while sediment uptake was computed from the difference between upstream and downstream suspended sediment concentrations across the reef. While the reef was submerged, oxygen uptake increased linearly with velocity, ranging between 100 and 600 mmol m − 2 d − 1. Sediment deposition to the reef also increased linearly for velocities between 0 and 10 cm s − 1. However, for velocities >15 cm s − 1, sediment uptake by the reef decreased, and at flows >25 cm s − 1there was net erosion from the reef due to the resuspension of sediment. Overall, results show that oysters have a net positive effect on water clarity and that water velocities exert a strong influence on the exchange of oxygen and sediment to and from the reef surface.