bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A 13-Weeks Mindfulness Based Pain Management Program Improves Psychological Distress in Patients with Chronic Pain Compared with Waiting List Controls
Authors: Andersen Tonny Elmose , Vægter Henrik Bjarke
Published: July 2016

Background:

Eradication of pain is seldom an option in chronic pain management. Hence, mindfulness meditation has become popular in pain management.

Objective:

This pilot study compared the effect of a 13-weeks cognitive behavioural therapy program with integrated mindfulness meditation (CBTm) in patients with chronic non-malignant pain with a control condition. It was hypothesised that the CBTm program would reduce pain intensity and psychological distress compared to the control condition and that level of mindfulness and acceptance both would be associated with the reduction in pain intensity and psychological distress.

Methods:

A case-control design was used and data were collected from a convenience sample of 70 patients with chronic non-malignant pain. Fifty patients were consecutively recruited to the CBTm intervention and 20 patients matched waiting list controls. Assessments of clinical pain and psychological distress were performed in both groups at baseline and after 13 weeks.

Results:

The CBTm program reduced depression, anxiety and pain-catastrophizing compared with the control group. Increased level of mindfulness and acceptance were associated with change in psychological distress with the exception of depression, which was only associated with change in level of mindfulness. Surprisingly, changes in level of mindfulness did not correlate with changes in acceptance.

Conclusions:

The results indicate that different mechanisms are targeted with cognitive behavioural therapy and mindfulness. The finding that changes in level of mindfulness did not correlate with changes in acceptance may indicate that acceptance is not a strict prerequisite for coping with pain related distress.
Perception of police on discrimination in Serbia - results of the survey on the attitudes of public order and traffic police officers
Authors: Zekavica Radomir
Published: July 2016

The paper analyzes the results of the research on the attitudes of the public
order and traffic police officers in seven regional police departments in
Serbia - Belgrade, Novi Sad, Subotica, Novi Sad, Nis, Kragujevac and Zajecar.
The subject of the research is the analysis of the police attitudes on
discrimination, recognition of its essence, the scope of vulnerability of
particular social groups and recognition of the hate speech. Also, the
subject of the research is: determination of relationship with measures which
should improve the position of vulnerable groups and the relationship with
the institutions in terms of their responsibility for the appearance of
discrimination and its impact on the reduction, then the personal experience
of discrimination and analysis of attitudes regarding certain claims of
stereotypical character. The results of this research are given in the
comparative analysis with the results of the research on the attitudes of
members of the criminal police conducted in 2014, so we have indication of
perception of discrimination by the police in all three key operating police
areas. In regard to some issues, a comparative analysis of the results from
the survey of citizens? attitudes towards discrimination conducted in 2013 by
CESID is provided.
Assessment of innate working properties of German wirehaired pointers in Serbia
Authors: Matejevic Milosava , Ristic Zoran , Urosevic Milivoje , Markovic Vladimir , Kovacevic Milutin
Published: July 2016

In conditions of accelerated pace of life, reduced financial capacities and
free time, modern hunters give a high priority to breeds of hunting dogs
characterized by versatility or multiple usability in hunting. Accordingly,
German Wirehaired Pointer is a kind of hunting dog which breeding is based on
the principle of versatility. The objective of this work was to assess the
quality of innate i.e. hereditary working properties of German Wirehaired
Pointer in Serbia, in order to get an insight into their versatile usability
in hunting and hunting tourism in Serbia. After analyzing the working results
of 211 dogs, which had passed the spring breeding exams in the period from
2006. to 2013., the obtained data indicate that the quality of work, that is,
the quality of innate working characteristics of German Wirehaired Pointer in
Serbia, is increasing.
Assessment of Lyme disease risk by using the ecological risk index in the parks of Belgrade
Authors: Krstic Milena , Stajkovic Novica , Bokonjic Dubravko , Lazic Srdjan
Published: July 2016

Background/Aim. Factors determining the risk of Lyme disease (LD) may be followed in terms of the type of habitat. The evaluation of the risk of Borrelia burgdorferi (B. burgdorferi) transmission in humans on Ixodes ricinus (I. ricinus) tick habitats is done by means of the ecological risk index, which determines the tick habitat, abundance and infection rate. The aim of this paper was to determine the value of ecological risk index (potential and actual risk ? PR and AR) on green areas in 9 p?rks in Belgrade and establish the correlation of this index with tick bites in humans. Methods. Ticks were collected in parks by means of the flag hour method and examined for the presence of LD cause in dark-field microscopic analysis. Point values were assigned to certain parameters and potential and actual risk index evaluated for each habitat. The data on tick bites from the surveyed habitats were obtained from the Protocol of patients bitten by ticks of the Sector for Preventive Medicine, Institute of Epidemiology, Military Medical Academy in Belgrade. Analysis of variance (ANOVA), Tukey test and Pearson ?s coefficient were used in statistical analysis of data. Results. In Belgrade?s park habitats a high PR of B. burgdorferi transmission was determined, while AR for 4 habitats was categorised as PR, and limited for other 5 habitats. Statistically, in terms of AR values the following habitats were significantly different (p < 0.05): H?jd P?rk and T?sm?jd?n; H?jd P?rk and K?lemegd?n; H?jd P?rk and Pionirski P?rk; H?jd P?rk and B?novo Brdo; Topcider and T?sm?jd?n; Topcider and K?lemegd?n; Topcider and Pionirski P?rk; Topcider and B?novo Brdo Park. A statistically significant correlation (p < 0.05) between bites of adults and the number of bites of infected adults with the AR value was established. Conclusion. In parks of Belgrade, there is a limited AR of B. burgdorferi transmission on the average. The AR values vary from limited to the potential, depending on the ecological features of habitat, the number of collected ticks and their infection rate. In view of the correlation of AR with the bites in humans, this index is significant for assessing LD risk.
Material Weaknesses in Tax-Related Internal Controls and Last Chance Earnings Management
Authors: Gleason Cristi A. , Pincus Morton , Rego Sonja Olhoft
Published: July 2016

We investigate the consequences of tax-related internal control material weaknesses (ICMWs) for financial reporting. We hypothesize that the presence of ineffective controls over the tax function makes earnings management through the income tax accrual (both income increasing and income decreasing) easier to implement relative to firms with effective controls. We also predict that the remediation of tax-related ICMWs has the effect of constraining earnings management through the tax accrual. The results provide support for our predictions. We also find that last chance earnings management via tax-related ICMWs is concentrated in the early years of our sample, during the initial SOX implementation period. Our results suggest that tax-related ICMWs were initially associated with greater tax-expense management but that SOX internal control assessments subsequently improved the quality of financial reporting by reducing opportunities for tax-expense management.
Mitochondrial DNA Fragmentation to Monitor Safety and Quality in Roasted Peanuts
Authors: Caldwell J. M. , Pérez-Díaz I. M. , Harris K. , Hendrix K. , Sanders T. H.
Published: July 2016

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) fragmentation has been proposed as a time-temperature integrator (TTI) for high-moisture thermal processes using low-acid, high-temperature and high-acid, low-temperature protocols. In this study, dry roasted peanuts were assayed using the same novel molecular TTI. Enterococcus faecium was evaluated as a Salmonella surrogate for process validation and compared to fragmentation of intrinsic peanut mtDNA and Hunter L color, a quality indicator, for dry roasting. Reduction curve data for E. faecium were highly repeatable as similar kinetics were observed when compared to another study which used a commercial, contract laboratory to validate this same surrogate for use with dry roasted peanuts processes (4-log reduction after 10 min at 167 C). Mitochondrial DNA fragmentation was not linear compared to time at a given temperature, but exhibited a long lag time. D and z-values were calculated using E. faecium, threshold cycle (Ct) and Hunter L color values. D values for E. faecium were 2.68, 2.06 and 1.89 min for 138, 153 and 167 C roasting temperatures, respectively. Mitochondrial DNA fragmentation as measured by Ct had a D value of 12.3 min at a roasting temperature of 167 C which was slightly higher than “wet” processes (ca. 11.5 min). Hunter L values had an inverse, linear relationship with time at a given temperature. Hunter L color, if applied to individual peanuts and empirically validated, could be used as an inexpensive visible method to troubleshoot continuous flow systems. Ct values were not linear or highly correlated to Hunter L values. Dissection of peanuts exhibited a differential heating effect depending on the part of the peanut used for DNA extraction and the type of tissue assayed. Mitochondrial DNA fragmentation as measured by Ct value was deemed too variable for thermal process or quality validation of dry, solid foods such as peanuts. However, it could be used to evaluate penetration of heat through a solid food matrix, to find the coldest spot and test the worst-case scenario.
Integrating Logistic Regression and Geostatistics for User-Oriented and Uncertainty-Informed Accuracy Characterization in Remotely-Sensed Land Cover Change Information
Authors: Zhang Jingxiong , Mei Yingying
Published: July 2016

Accuracy is increasingly recognized as an important dimension in geospatial information and analyses. A strategy well suited for map users who usually have limited information about map lineages is proposed for location-specific characterization of accuracy in land cover change maps. Logistic regression is used to predict the probabilities of correct change categorization based on local patterns of map classes in the focal three by three pixel neighborhood centered at individual pixels being analyzed, while kriging is performed to make corrections to regression predictions based on regression residuals at sample locations. To promote uncertainty-informed accuracy characterization and to facilitate adaptive sampling of validation data, standard errors in both regression predictions and kriging interpolation are quantified to derive error margins in the aforementioned accuracy predictions. It was found that the integration of logistic regression and kriging leads to more accurate predictions of local accuracies through proper handling of spatially-correlated binary data representing pixel-specific (in)correct classifications than kriging or logistic regression alone. Secondly, it was confirmed that pixel-specific class labels, focal dominances and focal class occurrences are significant covariates for regression predictions at individual pixels. Lastly, error measures computed of accuracy predictions can be used for adaptively and progressively locating samples to enhance sampling efficiency and to improve predictions. The proposed methods may be applied for characterizing the local accuracy of categorical maps concerned in spatial applications, either input or output.
Proximity-Based Asynchronous Messaging Platform for Location-Based Internet of Things Service
Authors: Jo Hyeong , Son Tae , Jeong Seol , Kang Soon
Published: July 2016

The Internet of Things (IoT) opens up tremendous opportunities to provide location-based applications. However, despite the services around a user being physically adjacent, common IoT platforms use a centralized structure, like a cloud-computing architecture, which transfers large amounts of data to a central server. This raises problems, such as traffic concentration, long service latency, and high communication cost. In this paper, we propose a physical distance-based asynchronous messaging platform that specializes in processing personalized data and location-based messages. The proposed system disperses traffic using a location-based message-delivery protocol, and has high stability.
Correlation between Gene Expression and Osteoarthritis Progression in Human
Authors: Zhong Leilei , Huang Xiaobin , Karperien Marcel , Post Janine
Published: July 2016

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a multifactorial disease characterized by gradual degradation of joint cartilage. This study aimed to quantify major pathogenetic factors during OA progression in human cartilage. Cartilage specimens were isolated from OA patients and scored 0–5 according to the Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) guidelines. Protein and gene expressions were measured by immunohistochemistry and qPCR, respectively. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assays were used to detect apoptotic cells. Cartilage degeneration in OA is a gradual progress accompanied with gradual loss of collagen type II and a gradual decrease in mRNA expression of SOX9, ACAN and COL2A1. Expression of WNT antagonists DKK1 and FRZB was lost, while hypertrophic markers (RUNX2, COL10A1 and IHH) increased during OA progression. Moreover, DKK1 and FRZB negatively correlated with OA grading, while RUNX2 and IHH showed a significantly positive correlation with OA grading. The number of apoptotic cells was increased with the severity of OA. Taken together, our results suggested that genetic profiling of the gene expression could be used as markers for staging OA at the molecular level. This helps to understand the molecular pathology of OA and may lead to the development of therapies based on OA stage.
Zirconium Carbide Produced by Spark Plasma Sintering and Hot Pressing: Densification Kinetics, Grain Growth, and Thermal Properties
Authors: Wei Xialu , Back Christina , Izhvanov Oleg , Haines Christopher , Olevsky Eugene
Published: July 2016

Spark plasma sintering (SPS) has been employed to consolidate a micron-sized zirconium carbide (ZrC) powder. ZrC pellets with a variety of relative densities are obtained under different processing parameters. The densification kinetics of ZrC powders subjected to conventional hot pressing and SPS are comparatively studied by applying similar heating and loading profiles. Due to the lack of electric current assistance, the conventional hot pressing appears to impose lower strain rate sensitivity and higher activation energy values than those which correspond to the SPS processing. A finite element simulation is used to analyze the temperature evolution within the volume of ZrC specimens subjected to SPS. The control mechanism for grain growth during the final SPS stage is studied via a recently modified model, in which the grain growth rate dependence on porosity is incorporated. The constant pressure specific heat and thermal conductivity of the SPS-processed ZrC are determined to be higher than those reported for the hot-pressed ZrC and the benefits of applying SPS are indicated accordingly.
Decoding Biosynthetic Pathways in Plants by Pulse-Chase Strategies Using 13CO2 as a Universal Tracer
Authors: Bacher Adelbert , Chen Fan , Eisenreich Wolfgang
Published: July 2016

13CO2 pulse-chase experiments monitored by high-resolution NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry can provide 13C-isotopologue compositions in biosynthetic products. Experiments with a variety of plant species have documented that the isotopologue profiles generated with 13CO2 pulse-chase labeling are directly comparable to those that can be generated by the application of [U-13C6]glucose to aseptically growing plants. However, the application of the 13CO2 labeling technology is not subject to the experimental limitations that one has to take into account for experiments with [U-13C6]glucose and can be applied to plants growing under physiological conditions, even in the field. In practical terms, the results of biosynthetic studies with 13CO2 consist of the detection of pairs, triples and occasionally quadruples of 13C atoms that have been jointly contributed to the target metabolite, at an abundance that is well above the stochastic occurrence of such multiples. Notably, the connectivities of jointly transferred 13C multiples can have undergone modification by skeletal rearrangements that can be diagnosed from the isotopologue data. As shown by the examples presented in this review article, the approach turns out to be powerful in decoding the carbon topology of even complex biosynthetic pathways.
Synthesis, Characterization and Anti-Cancer Activity of Hydrazide Derivatives Incorporating a Quinoline Moiety
Authors: Bingul Murat , Tan Owen , Gardner Christopher , Sutton Selina , Arndt Greg , Marshall Glenn , Cheung Belamy , Kumar Naresh , Black David
Published: July 2016

Identification of the novel (E)-N′-((2-chloro-7-methoxyquinolin-3-yl)methylene)-3-(phenylthio)propanehydrazide scaffold 18 has led to the development of a new series of biologically active hydrazide compounds. The parent compound 18 and new quinoline derivatives 19–26 were prepared from the corresponding quinoline hydrazones and substituted carboxylic acids using EDC-mediated peptide coupling reactions. Further modification of the parent compound 18 was achieved by replacement of the quinoline moiety with other aromatic systems. All the newly synthesized compounds were evaluated for their anti-cancer activity against the SH-SY5Y and Kelly neuroblastoma cell lines, as well as the MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 breast adenocarcinoma cell lines. Analogues 19 and 22 significantly reduced the cell viability of neuroblastoma cancer cells with micromolar potency and significant selectivity over normal cells. The quinoline hydrazide 22 also induced G1 cell cycle arrest, as well as upregulation of the p27kip1 cell cycle regulating protein.
Discrete Particle Swarm Optimization Routing Protocol for Wireless Sensor Networks with Multiple Mobile Sinks
Authors: Yang Jin , Liu Fagui , Cao Jianneng , Wang Liangming
Published: July 2016

Mobile sinks can achieve load-balancing and energy-consumption balancing across the wireless sensor networks (WSNs). However, the frequent change of the paths between source nodes and the sinks caused by sink mobility introduces significant overhead in terms of energy and packet delays. To enhance network performance of WSNs with mobile sinks (MWSNs), we present an efficient routing strategy, which is formulated as an optimization problem and employs the particle swarm optimization algorithm (PSO) to build the optimal routing paths. However, the conventional PSO is insufficient to solve discrete routing optimization problems. Therefore, a novel greedy discrete particle swarm optimization with memory (GMDPSO) is put forward to address this problem. In the GMDPSO, particle’s position and velocity of traditional PSO are redefined under discrete MWSNs scenario. Particle updating rule is also reconsidered based on the subnetwork topology of MWSNs. Besides, by improving the greedy forwarding routing, a greedy search strategy is designed to drive particles to find a better position quickly. Furthermore, searching history is memorized to accelerate convergence. Simulation results demonstrate that our new protocol significantly improves the robustness and adapts to rapid topological changes with multiple mobile sinks, while efficiently reducing the communication overhead and the energy consumption.
Passive UHF RFID Tag for Multispectral Assessment
Authors: Escobedo Pablo , Carvajal Miguel , Capitán-Vallvey Luis , Fernández-Salmerón José , Martínez-Olmos Antonio , Palma Alberto
Published: July 2016

This work presents the design, fabrication, and characterization of a passive printed radiofrequency identification tag in the ultra-high-frequency band with multiple optical sensing capabilities. This tag includes five photodiodes to cover a wide spectral range from near-infrared to visible and ultraviolet spectral regions. The tag antenna and circuit connections have been screen-printed on a flexible polymeric substrate. An ultra-low-power microcontroller-based switch has been included to measure the five magnitudes issuing from the optical sensors, providing a spectral fingerprint of the incident electromagnetic radiation from ultraviolet to infrared, without requiring energy from a battery. The normalization procedure has been designed applying illuminants, and the entire system was tested by measuring cards from a colour chart and sensing fruit ripening.
DEPARTURE OF HIGH-TEMPERATURE IRON LINES FROM THE EQUILIBRIUM STATE IN FLARING SOLAR PLASMAS
Authors: Kawate T. , Keenan F. P. , Jess D. B.
Published: July 2016

The aim of this study is to clarify if the assumption of ionization equilibrium and a Maxwellian electron energy distribution is valid in flaring solar plasmas. We analyze the 2014 December 20 X1.8 flare, in which the Fe xxi 187 Å, Fe xxii 253 Å, Fe xxiii 263 Å, and Fe xxiv 255 Å emission lines were simultaneously observed by the EUV Imaging Spectrometer on board the Hinode satellite. Intensity ratios among these high-temperature Fe lines are compared and departures from isothermal conditions and ionization equilibrium examined. Temperatures derived from intensity ratios involving these four lines show significant discrepancies at the flare footpoints in the impulsive phase, and at the looptop in the gradual phase. Among these, the temperature derived from the Fe xxii/Fe xxiv intensity ratio is the lowest, which cannot be explained if we assume a Maxwellian electron distribution and ionization equilibrium, even in the case of a multithermal structure. This result suggests that the assumption of ionization equilibrium and/or a Maxwellian electron energy distribution can be violated in evaporating solar plasma around 10 MK.
LOST AND FOUND: EVIDENCE OF SECOND-GENERATION STARS ALONG THE ASYMPTOTIC GIANT BRANCH OF THE GLOBULAR CLUSTER NGC 6752∗
Authors: Lapenna E. , Lardo C. , Mucciarelli A. , Salaris M. , Ferraro F. R. , Lanzoni B. , Massari D. , Stetson P. B. , Cassisi S. , Savino A.
Published: July 2016

We derived chemical abundances for C, N, O, Na, Mg, and Al in 20 asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars in the globular cluster (GC) NGC 6752. All these elements (but Mg) show intrinsic star-to-star variations and statistically significant correlations or anticorrelations analogous to those commonly observed in red giant stars of GCs hosting multiple populations. This demonstrates that, at odds with previous findings, both first- and second-generation (SG) stars populate the AGB of NGC 6752. The comparison with the Na abundances of red giant branch stars in the same cluster reveals that SG stars (with mild Na and He enrichment) do reach the AGB phase. The only objects that are not observed along the AGB of NGC 6752 are stars with extreme Na enhancement. This is also consistent with standard stellar evolution models, showing that highly Na and He enriched stars populate the bluest portion of the horizontal branch and, because of their low stellar masses, evolve directly to the white dwarf cooling sequence, skipping the AGB phase.
C
60
+
IN DIFFUSE CLOUDS: LABORATORY AND ASTRONOMICAL COMPARISON
Authors: Campbell E. K. , Holz M. , Maier J. P.
Published: July 2016

The wavelengths of the strongest absorptions in the electronic spectrum of

C

60

+

have been determined by experimental investigation into the perturbation caused by the helium in the laboratory spectra of

C

60

+

−

He

n

(
n
=
1
–
3
)

. The extrapolation of these gives absorption bands of bare

C

60

+

at 9348.4, 9365.2, 9427.8, 9577.0, and 9632.1 Å, with ±0.2 Å as the 2σ uncertainty. The laboratory data are compared with the complete set of astronomical observations reported in the literature. The spectral characteristics are found to be in agreement with five diffuse interstellar bands, for which the systematic uncertainties are larger than for the laboratory data.
Discovery Services, the Next Tool Libraries Must Have, or… Should Discard?
Authors: de Keyser Piet
Published: July 2016

Discovery tools have great appeal for many university libraries in the South. The main reason for this is that it makes searching user friendlier, especially for undergraduates. Many authors have expressed their enthusiasm for discovery tools and their dislike for colleagues who did not share it. Although discovery tools are still improving, they are not perfect. Most of the discussion about them focuses on matters of precision and no attention is given to recall problems. Some libraries in the North have decided not to use them and some have discarded theirs.
Trends and Issues in Digital Libraries
Authors: Iroaganachi Mercy A.
Published: July 2016

The study explored trends and issues in digital libraries with a view to furnish the expected audience with current happenings in this area of operations and service delivery. The chapter is a detailed review of characteristics of digital libraries considering the creation of digital collections which include conversion of retrospective materials, born digital resources and institutional repositories. The paper considered digital collections and copyright issues, benefits and issues of digital libraries, preservation of digital content. It x-rayed trends in information discovery, access and retrieval in a digital library, human-computer interaction, information organization and categorization of digital library services.
Current Trends and Perspectives in the K-12 Canadian Blended and Online Classroom
Authors: Blomgren Constance
Published: July 2016

Canada has a history and geography that has required the use of distance education models and resources, and with its distributed population the potential of blended and online learning to further address K-12 learning needs is presently viewed by government as a means to deliver public education. These commitments have produced numerous responses and concerns regarding technical infrastructure, discussions regarding pedagogy, professional development of teachers, and establishing the means to meet the needs of twenty-first century learners. The following overview provides the Canadian K-12 context and educational trends, issues, and concerns within digital technologies and distance learning. The resulting summary holds significance for jurisdictions that have a vast geography and dispersed rural students, indigenous populations, as well as K-12 urban learners who require flexible access to educational delivery. Additionally, the overview contributes to the emerging understanding and the variety of response to digital technologies as part of the Canadian educational landscape.
Germinal Center B Cell and T Follicular Helper Cell Responses to Viral Vector and Protein-in-Adjuvant Vaccines
Authors: Wang Chuan , Hart Matthew , Chui Cecilia , Ajuogu Augustine , Brian Iona J. , de Cassan Simone C. , Borrow Persephone , Draper Simon J. , Douglas Alexander D.
Published: July 2016

There is great interest in the development of Ab-inducing subunit vaccines targeting infections, including HIV, malaria, and Ebola. We previously reported that adenovirus vectored vaccines are potent in priming Ab responses, but uncertainty remains regarding the optimal approach for induction of humoral immune responses. In this study, using OVA as a model Ag, we assessed the magnitude of the primary and anamnestic Ag–specific IgG responses of mice to four clinically relevant vaccine formulations: replication-deficient adenovirus; modified vaccinia Ankara (a poxvirus); protein with alum; and protein in the squalene oil-in-water adjuvant Addavax. We then used flow cytometric assays capable of measuring total and Ag-specific germinal center (GC) B cell and follicular Th cell responses to compare the induction of these responses by the different formulations. We report that adenovirus vectored vaccines induce Ag insert–specific GC B cell and Ab responses of a magnitude comparable to those induced by a potent protein/squalene oil-in-water formulation whereas—despite a robust overall GC response—the insert-specific GC B cell and Ab responses induced by modified vaccinia Ankara were extremely weak. Ag-specific follicular Th cell responses to adenovirus vectored vaccines exceeded those induced by other platforms at day 7 after immunization. We found little evidence that innate immune activation by adenovirus may act as an adjuvant in such a manner that the humoral response to a recombinant protein may be enhanced by coadministering with an adenovirus lacking a transgene of interest. Overall, these studies provide further support for the use of replication-deficient adenoviruses to induce humoral responses.
Features of Human CD3+CD20+ T Cells
Authors: Schuh Elisabeth , Berer Kerstin , Mulazzani Matthias , Feil Katharina , Meinl Ingrid , Lahm Harald , Krane Markus , Lange Rüdiger , Pfannes Kristina , Subklewe Marion , Gürkov Robert , Bradl Monika , Hohlfeld Reinhard , Kümpfel Tania , Meinl Edgar , Krumbholz Markus
Published: July 2016

Monoclonal Abs against CD20 reduce the number of relapses in multiple sclerosis (MS); commonly this effect is solely attributed to depletion of B cells. Recently, however, a subset of CD3+CD20+ T cells has been described that is also targeted by the anti-CD20 mAb rituximab. Because the existence of cells coexpressing CD3 and CD20 is controversial and features of this subpopulation are poorly understood, we studied this issue in detail. In this study, we confirm that 3–5% of circulating human T cells display CD20 on their surface and transcribe both CD3 and CD20. We report that these CD3+CD20+ T cells pervade thymus, bone marrow, and secondary lymphatic organs. They are found in the cerebrospinal fluid even in the absence of inflammation; in the cerebrospinal fluid of MS patients they occur at a frequency similar to B cells. Phenotypically, these T cells are enriched in CD8+ and CD45RO+ memory cells and in CCR7− cells. Functionally, they show a higher frequency of IL-4–, IL-17–, IFN-γ–, and TNF-α–producing cells compared with T cells lacking CD20. CD20-expressing T cells respond variably to immunomodulatory treatments given to MS patients: they are reduced by fingolimod, alemtuzumab, and dimethyl fumarate, whereas natalizumab disproportionally increases them in the blood. After depletion by rituximab, they show earlier and higher repopulation than CD20+ B cells. Taken together, human CD3+CD20+ T cells pervade lymphatic organs and the cerebrospinal fluid, have a strong ability to produce different cytokines, and respond to MS disease modifying drugs.
Biobank-based research on digestive peritoneal carcinomatosis (the BIG-RENAPE Biobank)
Authors: Villeneuve Laurent , Jourdan-Enfer Peggy , Bibeau Frédéric , Fabien Nicole , Blasco Elisabeth , Traverse-Glehen Alexandra , Glehen Olivier
Published: July 2016

Access to good quality biological samples is a prerequisite for highlevel translational research. The BIG-RENAPE Biobank has been established by the French hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy centers involved in the management of peritoneal surface malignancies. The Biobank is a core facility aiming to support researchers who conduct studies with sample collections, both within and outside the Big- RENAPE Network. The Biobank is certified according to NFS 96-900 and has been launched in February 2016 as a service of processing, storage and transfer of high quality biological (plasma, serum, buffy coat) and tissue (formalin-fixed-paraffin-embedded) samples from patients with digestive peritoneal carcinomatosis. Biospecimens are collected at each stage of diagnostic and therapeutic care. The patient and his derivates are anonymized and registered in a web database reporting disease status, treatments, surgical procedures, pathological diagnosis, quality of life’s assessment and long term follow-up. All participants have given their informed consent before any sample. The Biobank was approved by the local Ethical Committee, based on the assessed compliance to French regulatory rules. The Biobank is located in the Centre Hospitalier Lyon (SudBioTech), which is known to be an expert center in the management of the peritoneal carcinomatosis. Research projects that require material stored in the Biobank are submitted by specific form and evaluated by the BIG-RENAPE Scientific Committee. A material transfer agreement is agreed with the recipient before samples are allowed to be sent from the Biobank.
Sepsis is a dynamic syndrome
Authors: Sartelli Massimo , Coccolini Federico , Catena Fausto , Ansaloni Luca
Published: July 2016

In 1991 an International Consensus Conference defined sepsis as a systemic inflammatory response to infection. Sepsis complicated by organ dysfunction was termed severe sepsis, which could progress to septic shock, defined as sepsis-induced hypotension persisting despite adequate fluid resuscitation. The new definition of sepsis suggests that patients with at least 2 of 3 clinical variables (Glasgow coma scale score of 13 or less, systolic blood pressure of 100 mmHg or less, and respiratory rate 22/min or greater) may be prone have the poor outcome typical of sepsis. However these variables alone are overly nonspecific and cannot drive treatment planning of patients presenting with complicated intra-abdominal infections.
Junk DNA: Prospects for Oral Cancer Research
Authors: Anand Rahul
Published: July 2016

How to cite this article

Sarode GS, Sarode SC, Patil S, Anand R. Junk DNA: Prospects for Oral Cancer Research. J Contemp Dent Pract 2016;17(3):177-178.
Evaluation of Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy against Streptococcus mutans Biofilm in situ
Authors: Panhóca VH , Florez FLE , de Faria Júnior N Batista , de Souza Rastelli Alessandra Nara , Tanomaru JMG , Kurachi C , Bagnato VS
Published: July 2016

Aim

This study investigated the effect of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) over Streptococcus mutans biofilm.

Materials and methods

Eighteen (n = 18) patients were selected and one palatine device with dental blocks was used. The biofilm was treated by curcumin and Photogem® with a LED and the effect was analyzed by CFU/ml.

Results

Although, statistical analysis showed significant reductions for aPDT mainly with Photogem® (p = 0.02), these were low.

Conclusion

The results suggest a low antimicrobial effect of aPDT over S. mutans biofilm. Some parameters used need to be improved.

Clinical Significance

This technique can be a promising in Dentistry.

How to cite this article

Panhóca VH, Florez FLE, Batista de Faria N Jr, Rastelli ANS, Tanomaru JMG, Kurachi C, Bagnato VS. Evaluation of Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy against Streptococcus mutans Biofilm in situ. J Contemp Dent Pract 2016;17(3):184-191.
An Accurate Methodology to detect Leaching of Nickel and Chromium Ions in the Initial Phase of Orthodontic Treatment: An in vivo Study
Authors: Kumar R Vinoth , Rajvikram N , Rajakumar P , Saravanan R , Deepak V Arun
Published: July 2016

Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate the release of nickel and chromium ions in human saliva during fixed orthodontic therapy.

Materials and methods

Ten patients with Angle's Class-I malocclusion with bimaxillary protrusion without any metal restorations or crowns and with all the permanent teeth were selected. Five male patients and five female patients in the age group range of 14 to 23 years were scheduled for orthodontic treatment with first premolar extraction. Saliva samples were collected in three stages: sample 1, before orthodontic treatment; sample 2, after 10 days of bonding sample; and sample 3, after 1 month of bonding. The samples were analyzed for the following metals nickel and chromium using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES).

Results

The levels of nickel and chromium were statistically significant, while nickel showed a gradual increase in the first 10 days and a decline thereafter. Chromium showed a gradual increase and was statistically significant on the 30th day.

Conclusion

There was greatest release of ions during the first 10 days and a gradual decline thereafter. Control group had traces of nickel and chromium. While comparing levels of nickel in saliva, there was a significant rise from baseline to 10th and 30th-day sample, which was statistically significant. While comparing 10th day to that of 30th day, there was no statistical significance. The levels of chromium ion in the saliva were more in 30th day, and when comparing 10th-day sample with 30th day, there was statistical significance.

Clinical significance

Nickel and chromium levels were well within the permissible levels. However, some hypersensitive individuals may be allergic to this minimal permissible level.

How to cite this article

Kumar RV, Rajvikram N, Rajakumar P, Saravanan R, Deepak VA, Vijaykumar V. An Accurate Methodology to detect Leaching of Nickel and Chromium Ions in the Initial Phase of Orthodontic Treatment: An in vivo Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2016;17(3):205-210.
Noninvasive Technique for estimating Blood Glucose Levels among diabetic Patients
Authors: Shylaja MD , Punde Prashant A , Nubesh Khan S , Thorat Ashutosh J
Published: July 2016

Aim

The present study was aimed to assess the fasting and postprandial gingival crevicular blood (GCB) glucose and finger stick blood glucose measurements using a glucometer.

Materials and methods

A total of 30 subjects with periodontitis and positive bleeding on probing were considered. Subjects were instructed to report to the department after overnight fasting. Gingival crevicular blood samples were collected from anterior region showing bleeding on probing followed by finger stick blood sample collection. Then, the patients were instructed to take 75 gm of glucose and after 2 hours blood samples from two sites were collected similarly. Results were analyzed using unpaired t test and Pearson's correlation.

Results

Mean glucose levels form GCB and finger stick blood did not differ either during fasting or postprandial (p > 0.05). Significant correlation was found between GCB glucose levels and capillary finger stick blood (CFB) glucose levels during fasting(r = 0.946, p < 0.001) and postprandial (r = 0.930, p < 0.001) blood estimation.

Conclusion

Periodontal probing can be considered as an alternate noninvasive method of blood glucose estimation for screening of diabetes mellitus (DM). The technique described is safe, easy to perform, and helps to increase the frequency of diabetes screening in dental office.

Clinical significance

The GCB from probing can be a good source of blood for estimating blood glucose levels and screening for diabetes using portable glucose monitors. Also, it will be a simple and relatively inexpensive in office screening procedure for any patient suspected to have diabetes.

How to cite this article

Shylaja MD, Punde PA, Sam G, Khan SN, Latheef AA, Thorat AJ. Noninvasive Technique for Estimating Blood Glucose Levels among diabetic Patients. J Contemp Dent Pract 2016;17(3):248-252.
History of EISCAT – Part 4: On the German contribution to the early years of EISCAT
Authors: Haerendel Gerhard
Published: July 2016

Abstract. The decision of the Max Planck Society (MPG) to get involved in the establishment of an incoherent scatter radar in northern Europe was intimately linked to the future of the Max Planck Institute for Aeronomy (MPAe) in Katlenburg-Lindau. Delegates of the MPG played an important role in defining the rules for participation in EISCAT during the period from 1973 to 1975. The "technical" period from 1976 to 1981 was mainly devoted to the development of the UHF transmitter and the klystrons. The latter encountered great difficulties, causing substantial delays. During the same period the ionospheric heating facility was established by MPAe at Ramfjordmoen, Norway. The period following the inauguration in August 1981 saw a great number of changes in the leading personnel. In this context much attention had to be given to taxation rules. Besides continuing hardware problems with the UHF radar, severe problems arose with design and manufacturing of the VHF klystrons, requiring changes of the contractor. However, by fall of 1983 the UHF radar was able to reach the intended operational level. In 1984 important steps were made for archiving and for proper exploitation of the EISCAT data.
QUALITY CONTROL PARAMETERS OF Temnadenia stellaris (Lindl.) Miers (APOCYNACEAE): LOSS ON DRYING, TOTAL ASH AND PHYTOCHEMICAL SURVEY
Authors: OLIVEIRA Maislian , SILVA Cristiane Bezerra da , MERINO Francis J.Z. , MIGUEL Obdulio Gomes , MIGUEL Marilis Dallarmi
Published: July 2016

As plantas são utilizadas por muitos povos como recurso à terapia de doenças, dessa forma, tem se intensificado as pesquisas por substâncias provindas de plantas e compostos naturais que possam ser utilizadas como fármacos. Os valores de umidade, cinzas totais e os resultados da investigação fitoquímica são essenciais para o controle de qualidade e para a caracterização das espécies vegetais. Temnadenia stellaris, planta relatada de forma endêmica no Brasil, é uma liana pertencente à família Apocynaceae, as plantas desta família são descritas como potenciais fontes de substâncias bioativas devido à importância dada aos metabólitos secundários já encontrados. Tendo em vista os poucos estudos envolvendo a espécie, foram realizados testes para determinar os parâmetros fitoquímicos da planta. O caule de Temnadenia stellaris apresentou umidade de 7,7%, enquanto que as folhas tiveram 11,88% de umidade segundo o ensaio realizado. O caule de Temnadenia stellaris apresentou teor de cinzas de 8,45%, enquanto que as folhas tiveram 9,98% segundo o ensaio realizado. As análises fitoquímicas revelaram a presença de alcaloides, iridoides, flavonoides, esteroides, aminogrupos, ácidos fixos e ácidos voláteis nos diferentes extratos; enquanto cumarinas e taninos não foram detectados.
ANTI AGING CLOVE ESSENTIAL OIL MICROPARTICLES
Authors: TIBÉRIO C. C. , MALCZEWSKI L. , WATAYA E. S. , GARCIA C. G , LAZINSKI L. M. , ZANNIN D. , FUJIWARA, G. M. , PASQUALIM P , NUNES F. F. , DALARMI L. , DIAS J. F. G. , COSTA C. K. , MIGUEL M. D , ZANIN S. M. W.
Published: July 2016

Radicais livres são capazes de aumentar o fenômeno natural de dano à pele, estresse oxidativo e peroxidação de ácidos graxos da bicamada lipídica. Para impedir este processo, a pele possui o seu próprio mecanismo de defesa. No entanto esta habilidade de proteção natural diminui com o avanço da idade. As propriedades antioxidantes do óleo essencial de cravo-da-índia (Caryophyllus aromaticus Teysm) encapsulado em micropartículas de alginato de sódio foram utilizadas no desenvolvimento de formulações   dermatológicas para cuidados com a pele.
NUTRITIONAL PROPERTIES AND ADVERSE EFFECTS OF “GOJI BERRY” - (Lycium barbarum L.)
Authors: SILVA Juno Ceniz Fernandes , DEGÁSPARI Cláudia Helena
Published: July 2016

A ‘’goji berry’’ (Lycium barbarum L.) tem seus primeiros relatos na China onde era utilizada como planta medicinal. A “goji berry” é um fruto com um grande potencial antioxidante devido à presença de flavonoides, além de ser fonte de um análogo do ácido ascórbico denominado ácido ascórbico 2-O-β-D-Glucopiranosílico ou AA2βG, bem como ser fonte natural do carotenoide zeaxatina. Apresenta também polissacarídeos específicos que se mostram eficientes no aumento da atividade de enzimas antioxidantes. Nos dias atuais chegou ao mercado com a promessa de emagrecimento. Estudos realizados com uma bebida à base do suco desta fruta apontaram para uma possível diminuição da circunferência abdominal em indivíduos que fizessem o uso diário desta bebida. No entanto, as propriedades do ácido ascórbico 2-O-β-D-Glucopiranosílico (eficaz no tratamento da Desordem Osteogênica de Shionogi (DOS)), e a zeaxantina (importante aliado na prevenção da Degeneração Macular Relacionada a Idade (DMRI)), não são devidamente valorizados pela área de saúde até o momento. Cuidados devem ser tomados com a ingestão da fruta, pois pode levar a alergia pacientes que já tenham sido sensibilizados com o tomate, além de apresentar alguma interação com medicamentos antiplaquetários, diminuindo sua eficácia. A procedência de produto também deve ser conhecida visto que se encontrou níveis alterados de metais e pesticidas em amostras desidratadas de “goji berry” analisadas na Espanha.
PRODUCTION AND PRODUCTIVITY POTENTIAL OF EIGHT STRAWBERRY CULTIVARS UNDER HIGH TEMPERATURE
Authors: MACHADO José , RESENDE Juliano Tadeu Vilela de , MOTA FILHO Fernando De Oliveira , PEREIRA Eugênia C. , NÓBREGA Ranyere Silva
Published: July 2016

O morangueiro requer mão-de-obra qualificada e bastantes cuidados em seu manejo. O cultivo dessa fruta no Brasil ocorre, principalmente nos estados do Sul e Sudeste do país. Na região Nordeste do país pouco se planta, principalmente em Pernambuco, devido principalmente ao clima. Esta fruta que apresenta grande retorno financeiro gerando empregos e divisas para estados e municípios. A descoberta de locais propícios ao cultivo poderá gerar maior desenvolvimento local. Visando expansão da fronteira agrícola do morango, neste trabalho objetivou-se avaliar a cultivar mais adaptada a Região Metropolitana do Recife. Foram testadas 8 cultivares de morangueiro com 8 repetições. Avaliou-se a emissão de estolhos e produtividade para a seleção da cultivar mais adaptada ao clima quente e úmido. As estimativas de produtividade de todos os tratamentos estiveram abaixo da média nacional para o cultivo do morangueiro, fator que se deve ao plantio em época quente.
LEGAL HIGHS: A PROBLEM STILL NO SOLUTION
Authors: BOGER Beatriz , FEDRIZZI Carlos Eduardo , ROTUNNO Maisa Pompermaier , ALBUQUERQUE Jivago Killam Sheean Aly Janssen , CABRERA Eduardo Rodrigues
Published: July 2016

Nos últimos anos, uma enorme quantidade de novas substâncias psicoativas vem sendo disponibilizada no mercado através da internet. Na Europa elas são conhecidas sob o nome de "legal highs" ou "smartdrugs". Em muitos países, estes compostos apresentam um sério problema social e de saúde. O cerne do problema é o fato de que, à luz da lei, essas substâncias ainda não são proscritas, enquanto que, sob o ponto de vista toxicológico, elas geram efeitos similares aos de substâncias ilegais. Somado a isso, são vendidas supostamente como produtos não destinados ao consumo humano, sob o disfarce de mercadorias de colecionador, incensos ou sais de banho. Muitos países vêm tentando manter suas listas de drogas proibidas atualizadas, mas o aparecimento de novas substâncias psicoativas tem sido mais rápido do que os processos burocráticos de inclusão. Parece que a indústria da droga está sempre um passo à frente na introdução de novos derivados de produtos já proibidos. O artigo apresentado visa contextualizar o Brasil e sua legislação frente a esse fenômeno.