bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in assessing early response among patients with invasive breast cancer undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy
Authors: Saracco Ariel , Szabó Botond K , Tánczos Ervin , Bergh Jonas , Hatschek Thomas
Published: July 2016

Background

One of the big challenges in onco-radiology is to find a reliable imaging method that may predict early response during the first cycles of any neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Purpose

To evaluate the use of real-time harmonic contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in predicting early response in breast cancer tumors under neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) treatment.

Material and Methods

Nineteen consecutive patients with invasive breast cancer were evaluated with a bolus dose of 2.4 mL contrast agent using CEUS, before and after two cycles of epirubicin and docetaxel. The lognormal function was used for quantitative analysis of kinetic data to evaluate early response.

Results

There was statistically significant difference in time-to-peak ( tp) between responders and non-responders (two sample t-test, P = 0.027) where tp was significantly longer at the week 5 than at the baseline scan among responders when compared to non-responders.

Conclusion

In-flow of intravascular contrast agent in tumors is significantly slower in responders at real-time harmonic CEUS, and might be effectively used for the evaluation of early response to chemotherapy in invasive breast cancer. However, further investigations in a larger and more heterogeneous population should be performed to corroborate the reliability of the method.
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptom Clusters, Depression, Alcohol Abuse, and General Stress Among Hispanic Male Firefighters
Authors: Arbona Consuelo , Schwartz Jonathan P.
Published: July 2016

This study examined the association of the four posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom clusters (re-experiencing, avoidance, dysphoria, and hyperarousal) included in the Dysphoria factor model to depression, substance abuse, and general stress among 551 male, Hispanic firefighters in a large metropolitan city in the United States. Approximately 11% of the participants demonstrated elevated PTSD compared with a 7% PTSD prevalence rate in the U.S. Hispanic population. Results of bivariate correlations and regression analyses indicated that, as expected, the dysphoria cluster captured a general distress dimension common to other affective disorders, whereas re-experiencing, avoidance, and hyperarousal symptoms demonstrated stronger specificity to depression than to substance abuse or general stress. Findings suggest that treatment approaches to PTSD with Hispanics should include interventions such as behavioral activation, which are designed to address non-specific distress.
Old and new religious minorities: Examining the changing religious profile of the Republic of Ireland
Authors: Röder Antje
Published: July 2016

The religious profile of Ireland has changed substantially in recent decades, mainly driven by large scale migration. Alongside the continued dominance of Catholicism a new diversity of religious affiliation now exists, together with a growing proportion of people no longer affiliated with any religion. Census data shows that this is especially the case amongst the younger cohorts pointing towards significant changes in the future. A recovery of the numbers of the Protestant minority that occurred at the same time, on the other hand, may not be sustainable.
Clinical Reasoning in the Assessment and Planning for Intervention for Oppositional Defiant Disorder
Authors: Wilcox Gabrielle , Heudes Alethea
Published: July 2016

Clinical reasoning requires thoughtful consideration of a variety of factors that contribute to the conceptualization of a case such as the reason for referral, school information, home environment, assessment outcomes, and behavioural observations made during assessments. The purpose of this article is to provide the reader with insight into the clinical reasoning involved in the assessment and intervention planning for an adolescent with oppositional defiant disorder. The reader will be guided through the authors’ conceptualization of this case and suggestions for intervention.
Superior physicochemical and biological properties of poly(vinyl alcohol)/sericin hydrogels fabricated by a non-toxic gamma-irradiation technique
Authors: Yamdej Rungnapa , Pangza Karnwalee , Srichana Teerapol , Aramwit Pornanong
Published: July 2016

Gamma irradiation was used to fabricate crosslinked poly(vinyl alcohol)/sericin hydrogels with different sericin concentrations, and the physicochemical and biological properties of the gamma-irradiated poly(vinyl alcohol)/sericin hydrogels were characterized. Following gamma irradiation, the hydrogels had a high gel fraction (80%–95%), implying a high degree of crosslinking. Fourier transform infrared spectra confirmed the crosslinking bonds within the hydrogels, as seen by the characteristic shift in the peak. Furthermore, a low tensile modulus together with a high elongation percentage indicated that the hydrogels were easy to handle. We also showed that all hydrogels released sericin simultaneously. The poly(vinyl alcohol)/sericin hydrogels with high sericin content released more sericin, possibly due to less crosslinking of the hydrogels. When L929 cells were cultured with the hydrogel extracts, the cells were viable and could proliferate, particularly for the cells cultured with the hydrogels containing a high sericin content, which released more sericin. Migration assays also demonstrated that the cells migrated toward the medium extract of hydrogels containing high sericin. We suggest that sterile gamma-irradiated poly(vinyl alcohol)/sericin hydrogels could be used as a wound dressing for the treatment of dry and low-exudate wounds.
Effects of a drill diameter on the temperature rise in a bone during implant site preparation under clinical conditions
Authors: Bogovič Valerija , Svete Andrej , Bajsić Ivan
Published: July 2016

Heat, generated during the drilling of a dental implant site preparation, leads to a temperature rise and consequently to a thermal injury of the bone tissue surrounding the implant site, which can cause the subsequent implant failure. In this article, we present new findings related to the temperature rise during implant site drilling under real conditions on a bovine rib bone specimen. The experiments were designed with the help of a full-factorial design in randomized complete blocks, where the main effects of the drill diameter in combination with the drilling force and the drilling speed, and their interactions, on the temperature rise were determined. The temperature rise in the bone under real conditions was measured as the implant site was being prepared by a dentist using intermittent, graduated drilling and external irrigation. Results show that the drill diameter has statistically significant effect, independent of the drilling procedure used. Among the examined drilling parameters, the drill diameter has the greatest effect, where an increase in the drill diameter first causes a decrease in the temperature rise and further increase in the drill diameter causes its increase. During the continuous and one-step drilling, the temperatures of the bones were up to 40.5 °C and during the drilling under actual conditions up to 30.11 °C.
Badly specified theories are not responsible for the replication crisis in social psychology: Comment on Klein
Authors: Trafimow David , Earp Brian D.
Published: July 2016

Klein (2014) argues that the replication crisis in social psychology is due—at least in large part—to the tendency of psychological theories to be ill-specified. We disagree. First, we use both historical and contemporary examples to show that high-quality replication is possible even in the absence of a well-specified theory; and, second, we argue that it is typically auxiliary assumptions, rather than theories themselves, that need to be more clearly specified in order to understand the implications of a given replication effort.
Propensity score matching and complex surveys
Authors: Austin Peter C , Jembere Nathaniel , Chiu Maria
Published: July 2016

Researchers are increasingly using complex population-based sample surveys to estimate the effects of treatments, exposures and interventions. In such analyses, statistical methods are essential to minimize the effect of confounding due to measured covariates, as treated subjects frequently differ from control subjects. Methods based on the propensity score are increasingly popular. Minimal research has been conducted on how to implement propensity score matching when using data from complex sample surveys. We used Monte Carlo simulations to examine two critical issues when implementing propensity score matching with such data. First, we examined how the propensity score model should be formulated. We considered three different formulations depending on whether or not a weighted regression model was used to estimate the propensity score and whether or not the survey weights were included in the propensity score model as an additional covariate. Second, we examined whether matched control subjects should retain their natural survey weight or whether they should inherit the survey weight of the treated subject to which they were matched. Our results were inconclusive with respect to which method of estimating the propensity score model was preferable. In general, greater balance in measured baseline covariates and decreased bias was observed when natural retained weights were used compared to when inherited weights were used. We also demonstrated that bootstrap-based methods performed well for estimating the variance of treatment effects when outcomes are binary. We illustrated the application of our methods by using the Canadian Community Health Survey to estimate the effect of educational attainment on lifetime prevalence of mood or anxiety disorders.
Those left behind: Euthanasia, suicide and other regarding preferences
Authors: Savage David A
Published: July 2016

This paper examines the rationality of other regarding preferences on end-of-life decisions such as euthanasia and suicide, by extending the discounted future utility model. The discussion shows that individuals with other regarding preferences may act upon choices contrary to their ex-ante preferences, such that they are choosing to remain alive rather than opting for euthanasia or suicide. The policy extension is that individuals with close friends and/or family are less likely to take their own life, but can also prolong their own suffering because of the same attachments.
Cytotoxicity of Manganese (III) Complex in Human Breast Adenocarcinoma Cell Line Is Mediated by the Generation of Reactive Oxygen Species Followed by Mitochondrial Damage
Authors: Al-anbaky Qudes , Al-karakooly Zeiyad , Kilaparty Surya P. , Agrawal Megha , Albkuri Yahya M. , RanguMagar Ambar B. , Ghosh Anindya , Ali Nawab
Published: July 2016

Manganese (Mn) complexes are widely studied because of their important catalytic properties in synthetic and biochemical reactions. A Mn (III) complex of an amidoamine ligand was synthesized using a tetradentate amidoamine ligand. In this study, the Mn (III) complex was evaluated for its biological activity by measuring its cytotoxicity in human breast adenocarcinoma cell line (MCF-7). Cytotoxic effects of the Mn (III) complex were determined using established biomarkers in an attempt to delineate the mechanism of action and the utility of the complex as a potential anticancer drug. The Mn (III) complex induces cell death in a dose- and time-dependent manner as shown by microculture tetrazolium assay, a measure of cytotoxic cell death. Our results demonstrated that cytotoxic effects were significantly increased at higher concentrations of Mn (III) complex and with longer time of treatment. The IC50 (Inhibitor concentration that results in 50% cell death) value of Mn (III) complex in MCF-7 cells was determined to be 2.5 mmol/L for 24 hours of treatment. In additional experiments, we determined the Mn (III) complex–mediated cell death was due to both apoptotic and nonspecific necrotic cell death mechanisms. This was assessed by ethidium bromide/acridine orange staining and flow cytometry techniques. The Mn (III) complex produced reactive oxygen species (ROS) triggering the expression of manganese superoxide dismutase 1 and ultimately damaging the mitochondrial function as is evident by a decline in mitochondrial membrane potential. Treatment of the cells with free radical scavenger, N, N-dimethylthiourea decreased Mn (III) complex–mediated generation of ROS and attenuated apoptosis. Together, these results suggest that the Mn (III) complex–mediated MCF-7 cell death utilizes combined mechanism involving apoptosis and necrosis perhaps due to the generation of ROS.
Improving continuity: THE clinical challenge
Authors: Pereira Gray Denis , Sidaway-Lee Kate , White Eleanor , Thorne Angus , Evans Philip
Published: July 2016

Continuity of care is a core feature of general practice; it creates multiple benefits for patients, doctors and society. Continuity increases trust, patient satisfaction, disclosure of information, take-up of preventive care, adherence to advice, reduction in socio-economic disadvantage, and reduces deaths. However, the level of continuity is reducing in general practice. About 15 consultations are needed with a patient for a GP to acquire enough ‘accumulated knowledge’ to develop a sense of continuing responsibility. This fosters GP sensitivity and mutual understanding, which enable GPs to provide ‘higher-level’ quality of care. The RCGP curriculum states two high-level aims: that GPs need to ‘enhance continuity of care’ and ‘build long-term relationships with patients’. This article analyses these aims by setting them in the context of international research on continuity of care.
Autism and Asperger’s syndrome
Authors: Kangesan Babu
Published: July 2016

Autism represents a spectrum of disorders, Asperger’s syndrome being part of that spectrum. The increased awareness of autism in recent years has increased the likelihood of parents seeking help from their GP regarding their child’s behaviour. This article aims to cover some of the challenges encountered in the diagnosis and management of autism in children. Autism in adults provides particular challenges; however, they are not discussed in this article.
Anxiety and depression on an acute respiratory ward
Authors: Thew Graham R , MacCallam Jackie , Salkovskis Paul M , Suntharalingam Jay
Published: July 2016

Objectives:

Psychological difficulties are a common complication among patients with respiratory disease, and are associated with poorer health outcomes and increased use of healthcare. As prevalence studies typically sample patients from community settings, this study aimed to explore the extent and nature of psychological difficulties during acute hospital admission.

Methods:

A case example of an acute respiratory ward is presented. In total, 41 acute respiratory inpatients completed standardised measures of depression, anxiety, and health anxiety.

Results:

Rates of clinically significant depression, anxiety, and health anxiety were 71%, 40%, and 21%, respectively, with 76% of participants showing clinically significant scores on at least one measure. Comparison to existing literature suggests depression rates may be elevated in the acute inpatient context. The difficulties experienced encompassed both contextual factors related to being in hospital and broader health concerns.

Conclusion:

We suggest that psychological distress may be particularly prevalent in inpatient settings and that larger-scale studies are warranted.
Effects of conventional and a novel colonic‐release bile acid sequestrant, A3384, on fibroblast growth factor 19 and bile acid metabolism in healthy volunteers and patients with bile acid diarrhoea
Authors: Appleby RN , Bajor A , Gillberg P‐G , Graffner H , Simrén M , Ung KA , Walters JRF
Published: July 2016

Background

Primary bile acid diarrhoea (BAD) is associated with increased bile acid synthesis and low fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19). Bile acid sequestrants are used as therapy, but are poorly tolerated and may exacerbate FGF19 deficiency.

Aim

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the pharmacological effects of conventional sequestrants and a colonic‐release formulation preparation of colestyramine (A3384) on bile acid metabolism and bowel function in patients with BAD.

Methods

Patients with seven‐day 75 selenium‐homocholic acid taurine (SeHCAT) scan retention <10% were randomised in a double‐blind protocol to two weeks treatment with twice‐daily A3384 250 mg (n  = 6), 1 g (n  = 7) or placebo (n  = 6). Thirteen patients were taking conventional sequestrants at the start of the study. Symptoms were recorded and serum FGF19 and 7α‐hydroxy‐4‐cholesten‐3‐one (C4) measured.

Results

Median serum FGF19 on conventional sequestrant treatment was 28% lower than baseline values in BAD (p  < 0.05). C4 on conventional sequestrant treatment was 58% higher in BAD (p  < 0.001). No changes were seen on starting or withdrawing A3384. A3384 improved diarrhoeal symptoms, with a median reduction of 2.2 points on a 0–10 Likert scale compared to placebo, p  < 0.05.

Conclusions

Serum FGF19 was suppressed and bile acid production up‐regulated on conventional bile acid sequestrants, but not with A3384. This colonic‐release formulation of colestyramine produced symptomatic benefit in patients with BAD.
CT findings associated with blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm: a case report
Authors: Jeong Daniel , Choi Jung W , Jeong Katherine , Sokol Lubomir
Published: July 2016

Blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN) is a rare hematologic malignancy that is frequently misdiagnosed. We present a case of a 53-year-old man diagnosed with blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm with extensive computed tomography (CT) findings and provide an imaging focused review of this uncommon malignancy.
Selecting Appropriate Tests to Assess the Benefits of Bilateral Amplification With Hearing Aids
Authors: van Schoonhoven Jelmer , Schulte Michael , Boymans Monique , Wagener Kirsten C. , Dreschler Wouter A. , Kollmeier Birger
Published: July 2016

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of bilateral hearing aids (HA) in subjects with mild and moderate-to-severe hearing loss. This study was designed as a within-subject feasibility study. Bilateral HA use was assessed using different laboratory tests on speech reception, listening effort, noise tolerance, and localization. All data were evaluated with bilateral and unilateral HA fittings. Forty experienced bilateral HA users were included with hearing impairment ranging from mild to moderate-to-severe. Subjects were stratified into two groups based on the degree of hearing loss. Speech reception in noise, listening effort, and localization tests showed a bilateral benefit for the moderate-to-severely hearing-impaired subjects. A bilateral benefit was also observed for listening effort in the mildly hearing-impaired group. The assessment of listening effort shows promise as a measure of bilateral HA benefit for mild hearing impairment. Localization and speech reception in noise tests provide additional value for larger losses. The next step is to compare experienced unilateral with bilateral HA users.
Observations of Children with Disabilities in Four Elementary Music Classrooms
Authors: Draper Ellary A.
Published: July 2016

Much of what we know about music classes comes from observing students without disabilities; there is little empirical research that informs music education practices for students with disabilities in inclusive music settings. The purpose of this study was to systematically observe and describe opportunities for nine students with disabilities to engage in behaviors related to the objectives on their Individualized Education Programs and describe their peer interactions, on-task behaviors, and music participation. Students had multiple opportunities to practice Individualized Education Programs goals. Students were most often on-task and interacted with peers extemporaneously and in assigned groups. Opportunities for individual responses and music performances were rare but most often accurate. Results indicate that students’ opportunities to show what they know and can do are often controlled by the teacher, suggesting that music educators, music therapists, and special educators can collaborate to improve and plan for opportunities for students with disabilities.
CEC determination with Cu-triethylenetetramine: recommendations for improving reproducibility and accuracy
Authors: Stanjek Helge , Künkel Dennis
Published: July 2016

The strongly coloured Cu-triethylenetetramine complex (Cu-Trien) provides a fast and easy way to measure the cation exchange capacity of clay samples, but the reliability of this method has been questioned in recent publications. This work identifies several reasons for the poor reliability, thus improving both the precision and accuracy of the CEC method. Pure Trien is shown here to intercalate as does the Cu-Trien complex. Hence, the purity of Trien and also the Cu/Trien ratio require special attention. Using cold Cu-Trien solutions produces systematic deviations in CEC determinations caused by errors in the pipetted volumes. The present study demonstrates, for the first time, that the Cu-Trien complex protonates and changes its effective charge beyond 2+. Based on titration experiments at three different temperatures, a correction function is derived for calculating the total charge of the Cu-Trien complex as a function of pH. Accounting for these pH-corrected charges indicates that Cu-Trien may well be insensitive to edge charges on smectite. Finally, it is shown here that the ratio of sample mass to the initial amount of Cu-Trien is critical because excess adsorption of Cu-Trien in addition to CECsensu strictuwas observed.
Effective removal of anionic and cationic dyes by kaolinite and TiO2/kaolinite composites
Authors: Hajjaji W. , Andrejkovičová S. , Pullar R.C. , Tobaldi D.M. , Lopez-Galindo A. , Jammousi F. , Rocha F. , Labrincha J.A.
Published: July 2016

The present study investigated the removal of methylene blue (MB) and orange II (OII) dyes from synthetic wastewater by means of adsorption and photocatalysis using natural kaolins. ForMB adsorption, the raw kaolinite-rich samples showed the greatest adsorption capacity, with rapid uptake (90% after 20 min). The experimental results were fitted better using the Langmuir isotherm model parameters compared to the Freundlich model, suggesting that the adsorption corresponds to monolayer coverage of MB molecules over the kaolinite surface. For OII, neither the Langmuir nor the Freundlich model gave reliable results, because the adsorption of anionic dye molecules by the clayey particles is not favoured.

Mixtures of kaolinite/Degussa TiO2 were also prepared, and their photocatalytic properties under UVlight exposure were investigated. Decolourization of MB solutions was observed, even in a mixture with low TiO2 content. This is related to the combined effect of adsorption and photocatalysis and, unlike the pure clay samples, the efficiency of such mixtures against OII was only slightly weaker (80–94%).

For TiO2-impregnated clays, with the kaolinite layers separated by sol-gel TiO2 particles, the MB removal was slow and effective only after >24 h due to the complexity of the bonding of MB molecules. On the other hand, the removal performance against OII solutions was very efficient (nearly 100%) within only 2 h. This excellent performance was attributed to morphological changes in clay particles.
Commercial bentonite from the Kopernica deposit (Tertiary, Slovakia): a petrographic and mineralogical approach
Authors: Górniak K. , Szydłak T. , Gaweł A. , Klimek A. , Tomczyk A. , Sulikowski B. , Olejniczak Z. , Motyka J. , Serwicka E.M. , Bahranowski K.
Published: July 2016

Commercial bentonite from the Kopernica deposit, Slovakia, is currently mined by the CERTECH Company, Poland, to produce materials intended for animal-care applications and other industrial purposes. The present study aimed to assess the mineralogical, petrographic and physicochemical characteristics of three bentonite varieties from Kopernica used by the company. The X-ray diffraction, optical microscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), nuclear magnetic resonance, thermal analysis, infrared spectroscopy and chemical analyses showed that the main component of the rocks is montmorillonite with the average structural formula Ca0.31K0.08Na0.04(Al3.23Mg0.54Fe0.23)[(Si7.80Al0.20)O20](OH)4. In addition, opal-C/CT, biotite, potassium feldspar and plagioclase, quartz, clinoptilolite and kaolinite are present. Key information about the textural relationships between the mineral components identified was obtained from detailed thin-section petrography and FESEM studies. The rocks studied have fragmented, eutaxitic texture. They are composed of pumice fragments collapsed into lenticular masses (fiamme) which were strongly deformed and altered, though the shard structures were retained. The compressed glass shards were moulded around pyroclastic grains such as crystal fragments of quartz, biotite and zoned plagioclases, and clasts of volcanic rocks. Observations by FESEM showed that the axes of shards and the walls of the flattened vacuoles are outlined by the inward-growing microlites of silica (axiolitic texture), whilst the interiors of shards are altered to clay. Grain-size distribution, textural properties and microscope observations of grain-size fractions reveal that the Kopernica bentonite contains montmorillonite-opal aggregates difficult to disperse in water.
Emerging therapeutic roles for NAD+ metabolism in mitochondrial and age‐related disorders
Authors: Srivastava Sarika
Published: July 2016

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is a central metabolic cofactor in eukaryotic cells that plays a critical role in regulating cellular metabolism and energy homeostasis. NAD+ in its reduced form (i.e. NADH) serves as the primary electron donor in mitochondrial respiratory chain, which involves adenosine triphosphate production by oxidative phosphorylation. The NAD+/NADH ratio also regulates the activity of various metabolic pathway enzymes such as those involved in glycolysis, Kreb's cycle, and fatty acid oxidation. Intracellular NAD+ is synthesized de novo from l‐tryptophan, although its main source of synthesis is through salvage pathways from dietary niacin as precursors. NAD+ is utilized by various proteins including sirtuins, poly ADP‐ribose polymerases (PARPs) and cyclic ADP‐ribose synthases. The NAD+ pool is thus set by a critical balance between NAD+ biosynthetic and NAD+ consuming pathways. Raising cellular NAD+ content by inducing its biosynthesis or inhibiting the activity of PARP and cADP‐ribose synthases via genetic or pharmacological means lead to sirtuins activation. Sirtuins modulate distinct metabolic, energetic and stress response pathways, and through their activation, NAD+ directly links the cellular redox state with signaling and transcriptional events. NAD+ levels decline with mitochondrial dysfunction and reduced NAD+/NADH ratio is implicated in mitochondrial disorders, various age‐related pathologies as well as during aging. Here, I will provide an overview of the current knowledge on NAD+ metabolism including its biosynthesis, utilization, compartmentalization and role in the regulation of metabolic homoeostasis. I will further discuss how augmenting intracellular NAD+ content increases oxidative metabolism to prevent bioenergetic and functional decline in multiple models of mitochondrial diseases and age‐related disorders, and how this knowledge could be translated to the clinic for human relevance.
mTOR signaling disruption from myeloid-derived suppressive cells protects against immune-mediated hepatic injury through the HIF1α-dependent glycolytic pathway
Authors: Chen Xi , Zhang Zhengguo , Bi Yujing , Fu Zan , Gong Pingsheng , Li Yan , Yu Qing , Jia Anna , Wang Jian , Xue Lixiang , Yang Hui , Liu Guangwei
Published: July 2016

The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway integrates diverse environmental inputs, including immune signals and metabolic cues, to direct innate and adaptive immune responses. Myeloid-derived suppressive cells (MDSCs) are a heterogeneous cell population that plays a crucial regulatory effect in immune-related diseases. However, whether mTOR signaling affects the functions of MDSCs remains largely unexplored. Here, we show that mTOR signaling is a pivotal, negative determinant of MDSC function in immune-mediated hepatic injury (IMH) diseases. In the context of IMH, the blocking of mTOR with rapamycin or mTOR-deficient CD11b+Gr1+ MDSCs mediates the protection against IMH; mTOR with rapamycin and mTOR-deficient CD11b+Gr1+ MDSCs are suppressive immune modulators that result in less IFN-γ-producing TH1 cells and more Foxp3+ Tregs. Mechanistically, mTOR activity down-regulation in MDSCs induced iNOS expressions and NO productions. Pharmacologic inhibitions of iNOS completely eliminate MDSC-suppressive function and lose their inducible effects on T cell differentiation. Importantly, HIF1α-dependent glycolytic activity is responsible for mTOR-deficient, increased MDSC functional changes in IMH inflammation. Thus, these data demonstrate that mTOR acts as a fundamental “rheostat” in MDSCs to link immunologic signals to glycolytic pathways and functional fitness and highlights a central role of metabolic programming of MDSC-suppressive activity in protecting against immune hepatic injuries.
Inflammatory responses to alcohol in the CNS: nuclear receptors as potential therapeutics for alcohol-induced neuropathologies
Authors: Kane Cynthia J M , Drew Paul D
Published: July 2016

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), which results from ethanol exposure during pregnancy, and alcohol use disorder (AUD), which includes both binge and chronic alcohol abuse, are strikingly common and costly at personal and societal levels. These disorders are associated with significant pathology, including that observed in the CNS. It is now appreciated in both humans and animal models that ethanol can induce inflammation in the CNS. Neuroinflammation is hypothesized to contribute to the neuropathologic and behavioral consequences in FASD and AUD. In this review, we: 1) summarize the evidence of alcohol-induced CNS inflammation, 2) outline cellular and molecular mechanisms that may underlie alcohol induction of CNS inflammation, and 3) discuss the potential of nuclear receptor agonists for prevention or treatment of neuropathologies associated with FASD and AUD.
The Effect of Preoperative Pregabalin on Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting: A Meta-analysis
Authors: Grant Michael C. , Betz Matthew , Hulse Matthew , Zorrilla-Vaca Andres , Hobson Deborah , Wick Elizabeth , Wu Christopher L.
Published: July 2016

BACKGROUND:

Nonopioid adjuvant medications are increasingly included among perioperative Enhanced Recovery After Surgery protocols. Preoperative pregabalin has been shown to improve postoperative pain and limit reliance on opioid analgesia. Our group investigated the ability of preoperative pregabalin to also prevent postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV).

METHODS:

Our group performed a meta-analysis of randomized trials that report outcomes on the effect of preoperative pregabalin on PONV endpoints in patients undergoing general anesthesia.

RESULTS:

Among all included trials (23 trials; n = 1693), preoperative pregabalin was associated with a significant reduction in PONV (risk ratio [RR] = 0.53; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.39–0.73; P = 0.0001), nausea (RR = 0.62; 95% CI, 0.46–0.83; P = 0.002), and vomiting (RR = 0.68; 95% CI, 0.52–0.88; P = 0.003) at 24 hours. Subgroup analysis designed to account for major PONV confounders, including the exclusion trials with repeat dosing, thiopental induction, nitrous oxide maintenance, and prophylactic antiemetics and including high-risk surgery, resulted in similar antiemetic efficacy. Preoperative pregabalin is also associated with significantly increased rates of postoperative visual disturbance (RR = 3.11; 95% CI, 1.34–7.21; P = 0.008) compared with a control.

CONCLUSIONS:

Preoperative pregabalin is associated with significant reduction of PONV and should not only be considered as part of a multimodal approach to postoperative analgesia but also for prevention of PONV.
Between the “Old Law” And the New: Christian Translation, Indian Jurisdiction, and Criminal Justice in Colonial Oaxaca
Authors: Yannakakis Yanna , Schrader-Kniffki Martina
Published: July 2016

In midcolonial Villa Alta, Oaxaca, New Spain, indigenous political conflict intersected with the extirpation of idolatry to shape an arena of native social life and colonial legal culture about which we know little: Indian jurisdiction over crime. Through analysis of bilingual missionary texts and a unique corpus of Zapotec-language criminal records, this article highlights the role of indigenous judges as translators and innovators of legal procedure, notarial form, and criminal discourse. As they prosecuted crimes in Indian tribunals while seeking justice in Spanish courts, native judges and litigants—in conflict and alliance with Spanish civil and ecclesiastical officials—engaged in a spiraling process of translation that vernacularized colonial criminal justice. By putting the histories of Christian translation and of law and empire into productive dialogue, we reconstruct the processes whereby a Spanish and Christian moral order became locally meaningful and politically useful in indigenous communities far removed from Spanish administrative centers.
Fatigue and Fatigability in Persons With Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Zijdewind Inge , Prak Roeland F. , Wolkorte Ria
Published: July 2016

We examine the hypothesis that in persons with multiple sclerosis, fatigue — measured with a questionnaire — is attributable to interactions between the central nervous system and the immune system, which exacerbate both perceived fatigability and performance fatigability. Performance fatigability is represented by the decline in voluntary force during sustained contractions as a consequence of the inability to maintain high levels of voluntary activation.
Screening for Good Patent Pools through Price Caps on Individual Licenses
Authors: Boutin Aleksandra
Published: July 2016

Patent pools reduce prices when selling complementary inputs to technologies, but can also effectively cartelize markets when involving substitutes. Independent licensing, by reintroducing competition, ensures that only good pools form when there are two patent holders involved. For larger pools, independent licensing needs to be complemented by other policy tools. We propose to constrain the royalties for the patents individually licensed outside the pool with price caps replicating the pool's sharing rule. This information-free screening device works with asymmetries, even when licensors try to stabilize pools by readjusting the sharing rule in a way that may not reflect contributions. (JEL D21, D45, K11, L12, L24, O31, O34)
Direito administrativo inclusivo e princípio da isonomia: critérios para o estabelecimento de uma discriminação positiva inclusiva constitucional
Authors: Macera Paulo Henrique
Published: July 2016

O presente trabalho tem por objetivo o desenvolvimento de um modelo destinado à operacionalização da atuação estatal destinado à promoção da tutela do princípio da igualdade em seu aspecto material. Para tal, buscou-se, a partir da delimitação conceitual do campo de atuação do direito administrativo inclusivo e da conceituação das expressões “ações afirmativas” e “discriminação positiva” e suas taxonomias, o desenvolvimento de critérios destinados a identificar quando determinada discriminação inclusiva possa ser considerada juridicamente compatível com o princípio da igualdade. This article aims to develop a model intended for the implementation of State action driven to promoting the principle of equality guardianship in its material aspect. Regarding this scope, the conceptual of the Inclusive Administrative Law, the terms “affirmative action’ and ‘positive discrimination”, its fields and taxonomies were defined. Based on these concepts, it was developed some criteria to identify if certain inclusive discrimination might be considered compatible with the principle of equality.
Gestão integrada de resíduos sólidos por meio das parcerias público-privadas: instrumento de garantia do direito fundamental ao meio ambiente equilibrado
Authors: Thomé Romeu , Ramos Vinicius Diniz e Almeida
Published: July 2016

Os problemas enfrentados pelo homem em razão da produção dos resíduos sólidos decorrentes das atividades antrópicas são bastante conhecidos. Entretanto, as concentrações urbanas e o modo de vida consumista, próprios da vida moderna, agravaram a situação, exigindo do poder público medidas inovadoras e criativas. Nesse contexto, as parcerias público-privadas (PPPs), regulamentadas no Brasil pela Lei no 11.079/2004, surgem como uma alternativa eficiente no gerenciamento de resíduos sólidos. Sem obstar eventual aperfeiçoamento da legislação, as PPPs constituem-se numa promissora modernização da gestão pública, permitindo que a iniciativa privada assuma o papel de protagonista em questões de interesse público, viabilizando o gerenciamento integrado de resíduos sólidos. Problems faced by man due to the production of solid waste resulting from anthropic activities are well known. However, with urban sprawl and the consumer lifestyle, characteristics of modern life, the situation worsened, requiring from Government innovative and creative measures. In this context, public-private partnerships (PPPs) in Brazil regulated by Law 11.079/2004, emerge as an effective alternative in the management of solid waste. Without obstructing eventual improvement of legislation, PPPs constitute a promising modernization of public management, allowing the private sector to undertake a leading role in matters of public interest, and enabling the integrated management of solid waste.
Impeachment: evolução histórica, natureza jurídica e sugestões para aplicação
Authors: Faver Marcus
Published: July 2016

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Characterization of 5-(2-18F-fluoroethoxy)-L-tryptophan for PET imaging of the pancreas
Authors: Abbas Ahmed , Beamish Christine , McGirr Rebecca , Demarco John , Cockburn Neil , Krokowski Dawid , Lee Ting-Yim , Kovacs Michael , Hatzoglou Maria , Dhanvantari Savita
Published: July 2016

Purpose: In diabetes, pancreatic beta cell mass declines significantly prior to onset of fasting hyperglycemia. This decline may be due to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and the system L amino acid transporter LAT1 may be a biomarker of this process. In this study, we used 5-(2-18F-fluoroethoxy)-L-tryptophan (18F-L-FEHTP) to target LAT1 as a potential biomarker of beta cell function in diabetes.

Procedures: Uptake of 18F-L-FEHTP was determined in wild-type C57BL/6 mice by ex vivo biodistribution. Both dynamic and static positron emission tomography (PET) images were acquired in wild-type and Akita mice, a model of ER stress-induced diabetes, as well as in mice treated with streptozotocin (STZ). LAT1 expression in both groups of mice was evaluated by immunofluorescence microscopy.

Results: Uptake of 18F-L-FEHTP was highest in the pancreas, and static PET images showed highly specific pancreatic signal. Time-activity curves showed significantly reduced 18F-L-FEHTP uptake in Akita mice, and LAT1 expression was also reduced. However, mice treated with STZ, in which beta cell mass was reduced by 62%, showed no differences in 18F-L-FEHTP uptake in the pancreas, and there was no significant correlation of 18F-L-FEHTP uptake with beta cell mass.

Conclusions: 18F-L-FEHTP is highly specific for the pancreas with little background uptake in kidney or liver. We were able to detect changes in LAT1 in a mouse model of diabetes, but these changes did not correlate with beta cell function or mass. Therefore, 18F-L-FEHTP PET is not a suitable method for the noninvasive imaging of changes in beta cell function during the progression of diabetes.
The epidemiology of obesity and the development of disorders of glucose metabolism according to a prospective study in Siberia
Authors: Mustafina Vladimirovna Svetlana , Malyutina Sof'ya Konstantinovna , Rymar Oksana Dmitrievna , Shcherbakova Liliya Valer'evna , Bobak Martin , Voevoda Mikhail Ivanovich
Published: July 2016

Introduction: Persons who are overweight and obese have a higher risk of development of diabetes mellitus. In Russia, the epidemiological trends of glucose metabolism disorders in obese persons are understudied.Aim. To study the prevalence of overweight and obesity in a population sample aged 45–69 (Novosibirsk), and to assess the relationship between body mass index and 3-year dynamics of glucose metabolism disorders in a prospective cohort study.Material and Methods: A representative population sample of men and women 45–69 years old was examined in Novosibirsk in 2003–2005 (baseline survey, HAPIEE Project). In a prospective study 2,787 individuals without baseline diabetes who participated in the first and repeated surveys (2006–2008) were analyzed. The average duration of prospective follow–up comprised 3±0.01 years. Anthropometric measurements, biochemical assessment including lipids and carbohydrate metabolism were performed. Diabetes mellitus was defined by epidemiological criteria in patients with established diabetes history and in individuals with fasting blood glucose level ≥7,0mmol/l (WHO, 1999). The classification of obesity by BMI value was used according to WHO (1997).Results: In a population sample aged 45–69 in 2002–2006 the proportions of persons with BMI value ≥25 and 30kg/m2 was 37.5%, and with BMI≥30kg/m2 – 35%. Among persons with baseline overweight, the rate of new diabetes cases was 2.5 times higher than among those with normal body weight. In persons with baseline obesity the rate of new diabetes cases was 6 times higher than in those with normal body weight. Men with BMI ≥25 and 30 kg/m2 had a frequency of new diabetes 3.4 times higher, and in persons with BMI≥30 kg/m2 – 8.5 times higher than in men with normal BMI. Women with excess body weight had a rate of newly emerged diabetes mellitus 1.7 times higher, and women with obesity – 6 times higher than in a group with normal body weight.Conclusion: The prevalence of obesity in a Siberian population aged 45–69 years comprises 35%. In studied population sample, person with excess body weight have a 3-year incidence of new-onset diabetes 2.5 times higher compared to those with normal body weight. In obese persons the frequency of new diabetes was 6 times higher compared to those with BMI ≤25 kg/m2. Among persons with obesity, the frequency of new diabetes is 2 times higher in men than in women
Influence of ibandronate therapy on homocysteine and leptin levels in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis
Authors: Borodich Tat'yana Sergeevna
Published: July 2016

Influence of ibandronate therapy on homocysteine and leptin levels in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis
Optimal Choice of Acetylcholinesterase Reactivators for Antidoral Treatment of Nerve Agent Intoxication
Authors: Bajgar Jiří
Published: July 2016

The studies dealing with mechanism of organophosphates (OP)/nerve agent action, prophylaxis and treatment of intoxications is a very hot topic at present. Though the research is very intensive, unfortunately, up to now, there is not universal or significantly better reactivator sufficiently effective against all nerve agents/OP when compared with presently available oximes (pralidoxime, methoxime, obidoxime, trimedoxime, HI-6). The use of the most effective reactivator (HI-6) using simple type of autoinjector (e.g. ComboPen) is strictly limited because of decomposition of HI-6 in solution. Thanks to better solubility it is clear that another salt of HI-6 (dimethanesulfonate, HI-6 DMS) is more convenient for the use as antidote against nerve agents in the autoinjector than HI-6 chloride (Cl). It was clearly demonstrated that reactivation potency of HI-6 DMS in comparison with HI-6 Cl in vivo was the same and bioavailability of HI-6 DMS is better than that of HI-6 Cl. Three chambered autoinjector allows administration of all three antidotes (atropine, reactivator, diazepam) simultaneously. Moreover, the content of chambers can be changed according to proposed requirements. Possible way to solve the problem of universal reactivator could be the use of two reactivators. Three chambered autoinjector is an ideal device for this purpose.
Incidence angle normalization of Wide Swath SAR data for oceanographic applications
Authors: Topouzelis Konstantinos , Singha Suman , Kitsiou Dimitra
Published: July 2016

A backscattering trend in the range direction of the signal received by Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) in Wide Swath (WS) mode results in a progressive reduction of brightness over images from near to far range, which affects the detection and classification of sea surface features on wide swath SAR images. The aim of the present paper is to investigate methods for limiting the issue of Normalized Radar Cross-Section (NRCS or
Geohazards (floods and landslides) in the Ndop plain, Cameroon volcanic line
Authors: Wotchoko Pierre , Bardintzeff Jacques-Marie , Itiga Zénon , Nkouathio David Guimolaire , Guedjeo Christian Suh , Ngnoupeck Gerald , Dongmo Armand Kagou , Wandji Pierre
Published: July 2016

The Ndop Plain, located along the Cameroon Volcanic Line (CVL), is a volcano-tectonic plain, formed by a series of tectonic movements, volcanic eruptions and sedimentation phases. Floods (annually) and landslides (occasionally) occur with devastating environmental effects. However, this plain attracts a lot of inhabitants owing to its fertile alluvial soils. With demographic explosion in the plain, the inhabitants (143,000 people) tend to farm and inhabit new zones which are prone to these geohazards. In this paper, we use field observations, laboratory analyses, satellite imagery and complementary methods using appropriate software to establish hazard (flood and landslide) maps of the Ndop Plain. Natural factors as well as anthropogenic factors are considered.

The hazard maps revealed that 25% of the area is exposed to flood hazard (13% exposed to high flood hazard, 12% to moderate) and 5% of the area is exposed to landslide hazard (2% exposed to high landslide hazard, 3% to moderate). Some mitigation measures for floods (building of artificial levees, raising foundations of buildings and the meticulous regulation of the flood guards at Bamendjing Dam) and landslides (slope terracing, planting of trees, and building retaining walls) are proposed.