bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Telocytes in minor salivary glands of primary Sjögren's syndrome: association with the extent of inflammation and ectopic lymphoid neogenesis
Authors: Alunno Alessia , Ibba‐Manneschi Lidia , Bistoni Onelia , Rosa Irene , Caterbi Sara , Gerli Roberto , Manetti Mirko
Published: March 2015

It has been recently reported that telocytes, a stromal (interstitial) cell subset involved in the control of local tissue homeostasis, are hampered in the target organs of inflammatory/autoimmune disorders. Since no data concerning telocytes in minor salivary glands (MSGs) are currently available, aim of the study was to evaluate telocyte distribution in MSGs with normal architecture, non‐specific chronic sialadenitis (NSCS) and primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS)‐focal lymphocytic sialadenitis. Twelve patients with pSS and 16 sicca non‐pSS subjects were enrolled in the study. MSGs were evaluated by haematoxylin and eosin staining and immunofluorescence for CD3/CD20 and CD21 to assess focus score, Tarpley biopsy score, T/B cell segregation and germinal center (GC)‐like structures. Telocytes were identified by immunoperoxidase‐based immunohistochemistry for CD34 and CD34/platelet‐derived growth factor receptor α double immunofluorescence. Telocytes were numerous in the stromal compartment of normal MSGs, where their long cytoplasmic processes surrounded vessels and encircled both the excretory ducts and the secretory units. In NSCS, despite the presence of a certain degree of inflammation, telocytes were normally represented. Conversely, telocytes were markedly reduced in MSGs from pSS patients compared to normal and NSCS MSGs. Such a decrease was associated with both worsening of glandular inflammation and progression of ectopic lymphoid neogenesis, periductal telocytes being reduced in the presence of smaller inflammatory foci and completely absent in the presence of GC‐like structures. Our findings suggest that a loss of MSG telocytes might have important pathophysiological implications in pSS. The specific pro‐inflammatory cytokine milieu of pSS MSGs might be one of the causes of telocyte loss.
SIRT1 reduction causes renal and retinal injury in diabetes through endothelin 1 and transforming growth factor β1
Authors: Mortuza Rokhsana , Feng Biao , Chakrabarti Subrata
Published: March 2015

In diabetes, hyperglycaemia causes up‐regulation of endothelin 1 (ET‐1) and transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF‐β1). Previously we showed glucose reduces sirtuin1 (SIRT1), a class III histone deacetylase. Here, we investigated the regulatory role of SIRT1 on ET‐1 and TGF‐β1 expression. Human microvascular endothelial cells were examined following incubation with 25 mmol/l glucose (HG) and 5 mmol/l glucose (NG) with or without SIRT1 or histone acetylase p300 overexpression or knockdown. mRNA expressions of ET‐1, TGF‐β1, SIRT1, p300 and collagen 1α(I) were examined. SIRT1 enzyme activity, ET‐1 and TGF‐β1 protein levels were measured. Histone acetylation and endothelial permeability were further investigated. Similar analyses were performed in the kidneys and retinas of SIRT1 overexpressing transgenic mice with or without streptozotocin induced diabetes. Renal functions were evaluated. In the endothelial cells (ECs), HG caused increased permeability and escalated production of ET‐1, TGF‐β1, collagen Iα(I). These cells also showed increased p300 expression, histone acetylation and reduced SIRT1 levels. These changes were rectified in the ECs following p300 silencing or by SIRT1 overexpression, whereas SIRT1 knockdown or p300 overexpression in NG mimicked the effects of HG. High ET‐1 and TGF‐β1 levels were seen in the kidneys and retinas of diabetic mice along with micro‐albuminuria and increased fibronectin protein (marker of glucose‐induced cell injury) levels. Interestingly, these detrimental changes were blunted in SIRT1 overexpressing transgenic mice with diabetes. This study showed a novel SIRT1 mediated protection against renal and retinal injury in diabetes, regulated through p300, ET‐1 and TGF‐β1.
Beneficial effects of intramyocardial mesenchymal stem cells and VEGF165 plasmid injection in rats with furazolidone induced dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Yu Qin , Fang Weiyi , Zhu Ning , Zheng Xiaoqun , Na Rongmei , Liu Baiting , Meng Lili , Li Zhu , Li Qianxiao , Li Xiaofei
Published: March 2015

To explore the impact of myocardial injection of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and specific recombinant human VEGF165 (hVEGF165) plasmid on collagen remodelling in rats with furazolidone induced dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). DCM was induced by furazolidone (0.3 mg/bodyweight (g)/day per gavage for 8 weeks). Rats were then divided into four groups: (i) PBS group (n = 18): rats received equal volume myocardial PBS injection; (ii) MSCs group (n = 17): 100 μl culture medium containing 105 MSCs were injected into four sites of left ventricular free wall (25 μl per site); (iii) GENE group (n = 18): pCMVen‐MLC2v‐EGFP‐VEGF165 plasmid [5 × 109 pfu (0.2 ml)] were injected into four sites of left ventricular free wall (0.05 ml per site)] and (iv) MSCs+GENE group (n = 17): rats received both myocardial MSCs and pCMVen‐MLC2v‐EGFP‐VEGF165 plasmid injections. After 4 weeks, cardiac function was evaluated by echocardiography. Myocardial mRNA expressions of type I, type III collagen and transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1 were detected by RT‐PCR. The protein expression of hVEGF165 was determined by Western blot. Myocardial protein expression of hVEGF165 was demonstrated in GENE and MSCs+GENE groups. Cardiac function was improved in MSCs, GENE and MSCs+GENE groups. Collagen volume fraction was significantly reduced and myocardial TGF‐β1 mRNA expression significantly down‐regulated in both GENE and MSCs+GENE groups, collagen type I/III ratio reduction was more significant in MSCs+GENE group than in MSCs or GENE group. Myocardial MSCs and hVEGF165 plasmid injection improves cardiac function possibly through down‐regulating myocardial TGF‐β1 expression and reducing the type I/III collagen ratio in this DCM rat model.
Protein kinase B and extracellular signal‐regulated kinase contribute to the chondroprotective effect of morroniside on osteoarthritis chondrocytes
Authors: Cheng Liang , Zeng Guoqing , Liu Zejun , Zhang Bing , Cui Xu , Zhao Honghai , Zheng Xinpeng , Song Gang , Kang Jian , Xia Chun
Published: March 2015

Despite extensive studies on the multifaceted roles of morroniside, the main active constituent of iridoid glycoside from Corni Fructus, the effect of morroniside on osteoarthritis (OA) chondrocytes remains poorly understood. Here, we investigated the influence of morroniside on cultured human OA chondrocytes and a rat experimental model of OA. The results showed that morroniside enhanced the cell viability and the levels of proliferating cell nuclear antigen expression (PCNA), type II collagen and aggrecan in human OA chondrocytes, indicating that morroniside promoted chondrocyte survival and matrix synthesis. Furthermore, different doses of morroniside activated protein kinase B (AKT) and extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) in human OA chondrocytes, and in turn, triggered AKT/S6 and ERK/P70S6K/S6 pathway, respectively. The PI3K/AKT inhibitor LY294002 or the MEK/ERK inhibitor U0126 attenuated the effect of morroniside on human OA chondrocytes, indicating that the activation of AKT and ERK contributed to the regulation of morroniside in human OA chondrocytes. In addition, the intra‐articular injection of morroniside elevated the level of proteoglycans in cartilage matrix and the thickness of articular cartilage in a rat experimental model of OA, with the increase of AKT and ERK activation. As a consequence, morroniside has chondroprotective effect on OA chondrocytes, and may have the therapeutic potential for OA treatment.
Erythema nodosum‐like lesions during BRAF inhibitor therapy: Report on 16 new cases and review of the literature
Authors: Mössner R. , Zimmer L. , Berking C. , Hoeller C. , Loquai C. , Richtig E. , Kähler K.C. , Hassel J.C. , Gutzmer R. , Ugurel S.
Published: March 2015

Importance

BRAF inhibitors have been licensed for the therapy of BRAF‐mutated melanoma. Recently, inflammatory skin lesions clinically resembling erythema nodosum have been reported as therapy side‐effects that may lead to treatment discontinuation.

Objective

To identify and characterize cases with BRAF inhibitor‐associated erythema nodosum‐like inflammatory skin lesions and development of an algorithm for their management.

Design and Setting

Retrospective chart review of melanoma patients treated with BRAF inhibitors in 14 departments of Dermatology in Germany and Austria and PubMed search for cases in the literature.

Results

Sixteen patients were identified who developed erythema nodosum‐like lesions under BRAF inhibitor therapy; 14 had received vemurafenib and two dabrafenib plus trametinib. The most frequently involved body sites were the legs. Histopathology was performed in five cases and revealed panniculitis in three and vasculitis in two patients respectively. Arthralgia and fever were associated symptoms in 44% and 31% of patients respectively. Inflammatory symptoms led to discontinuation of treatment in three patients, while in the majority of cases symptomatic management was sufficient. Skin lesions finally resolved despite continued BRAF inhibitor therapy in seven patients. In the literature, 19 additional patients with similar cutaneous appearance under BRAF inhibitors could be identified. An algorithm for the management of such lesions is proposed.

Conclusion

Erythema nodosum‐like skin lesions histologically correspond to panniculitis and/or vasculitis. Symptomatic treatment may be sufficient. However, additional work‐up and interruption of BRAF inhibitor therapy may be necessary in severe cases which are commonly associated with systemic symptoms.
Maternal diet and larval diet influence survival skills of larval red drum Sciaenops ocellatus
Authors: Perez K. O. , Fuiman L. A.
Published: March 2015

Larval red drum Sciaenops ocellatus survival, turning rate, routine swimming speed, escape response latency and escape response distance were significantly correlated with essential fatty‐acid (EFA) concentrations in eggs. Of the five traits that varied with egg EFA content, two (escape response latency and routine swimming speed) were significantly different when larvae were fed enriched diets compared with the low fatty‐acid diet, indicating that the larval diet can compensate for some imbalances in egg composition. Turning rate during routine swimming and escape response distance, however, did not change when larvae predicted to have low performance (based on egg composition) were fed an enriched diet, indicating that these effects of egg composition may be irreversible. Escape response distances and survival rates of larvae predicted to perform well (based on egg composition) and fed highly enriched diets were lower than expected, suggesting that high levels of EFA intake can be detrimental. Altogether, these results suggest that both maternal diet, which is responsible for egg EFA composition, and larval diet may play a role in larval survivorship and recruitment.
The Clinical Course of Pain and Function in Older Adults with a New Primary Care Visit for Back Pain
Authors: Rundell Sean D. , Sherman Karen J. , Heagerty Patrick J. , Mock Charles N. , Jarvik Jeffrey G.
Published: March 2015

Objectives

To report the clinical course of older adults presenting for a new primary care visit for back pain, no healthcare visit for back pain within the prior 6 months, by describing pain intensity, disability, pain interference, and resolution of back pain over 12 months.

Design

Prospective inception cohort study.

Setting

Primary care settings of three integrated healthcare systems in the United States that participated in the Back pain Outcomes using Longitudinal Data (BOLD) registry.

Participants

Five thousand two hundred eleven (99.5%) of the 5,239 adults aged 65 and older who had reached their 12‐month follow‐up date.

Measurements

Baseline demographic characteristics, EQ‐5D score, duration of back pain, expectation for recovery, depression, and anxiety. Participant‐reported outcomes of back‐related disability (Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire), numerical pain rating scale, pain interference, and resolution of back pain were collected at baseline and 3, 6, and 12 months.

Results

Most improvement occurred within the first 3 months. The number and proportion with 30% improvement in back pain increased from 1,950 (42.3%) at 3 months to 1,994 (44.8%) by 12 months, and 1,331 (28.8%) and 1,576 (35.4%) had 30% improvement in disability at 3 and 12 months. Only 23.0% reported that their back pain had resolved at 12 months. Improvements in disability and interference with activity over 12 months differed according to age, duration of back pain, symptoms of depression and anxiety, and expectation for recovery.

Conclusion

The majority of older adults in primary care practice settings presenting with a new visit for back pain have persistent symptoms, disability, and interference over 12 months of follow‐up. Future research is needed to identify risk factors for persistent symptoms and effective interventions.
The Elderhaus Program of All‐inclusive Care for the Elderly in North Carolina: Improving Functional Outcomes and Reducing Cost of Care: Preliminary Data
Authors: Fretwell Marsha D. , Old Jane S. , Zwan Kay , Simhadri Kiran
Published: March 2015

The Program of All‐inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) is at a crossroads in its evolution as a community‐based alternative to institutionally based nursing home care. Because of their perceived value and cost savings to Medicaid and Medicare, PACE programs are under increasing pressure to expand the numbers of individuals they serve while simultaneously reducing the overall cost of care. During the first 5 years of operations, the Elderhaus PACE Program in Wilmington, North Carolina, has reduced use of acute hospital care and skilled nursing home care while demonstrating that 46% of their participants improved and 20% of participants maintained their level of functional independence. It is felt that use of a plan of care organized according to standard domains of function and the quantifiable method of documenting improvement in functional health outcomes represent a critical factor in improved outcomes despite lower use of costly hospital and institutional care. The next step will be to disseminate the plan of care process to other PACE programs and measure its effect on participant functional outcomes and cost of care. The fact that the majority of PACE programs in North Carolina are using an electronic medical record that has the standard domains and quantitative functional measures embedded in the software will facilitate this step. Benchmarks for service use data are already being collected and will be compared with service use after the implementation of the plan of care process.
Temporal Aspects in Evaluating the Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Benefits of Using Residues from Forest Products Manufacturing Facilities for Energy Production
Authors: Gaudreault Caroline , Miner Reid
Published: March 2015

Methods for carbon footprinting typically combine all emissions into a single result, representing the emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) over the life cycle. The timing of GHG impacts, however, has become a matter of significant interest. In this study, two approaches are used to characterize the timing of GHG emission impacts associated with the production of energy from various biomass residues produced by the forest products industry. The first approach accounts for the timing of emissions and characterizes the impact using Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) 100‐year global warming potentials (GWPs). The second is a dynamic carbon footprint approach that considers the timing of the GHG emissions, their fate in the atmosphere, and the associated radiative forcing as a function of time. The two approaches generally yield estimates of cumulative impacts over 100 years that differ by less than 5%. The timing of impacts, however, can be significantly affected by the approach used to characterize radiative forcing. For instance, the time required to see net benefits from a system using woody mill residues (e.g., bark and sawdust) is estimated to be 1.2 years when using a fully dynamic approach, compared to 7.5 years when using 100‐year GWPs, with the differences being primarily attributable to methane (CH4). The results obtained for a number of different biomass residue types from forest products manufacturing highlight the importance of using a fully dynamic approach when studying the timing of emissions impacts in cases where emissions are distributed over time or where CH4 is a significant contributor to the emissions.
Considerations for Altering Preparation Designs of Porcelain Inlay/Onlay Restorations for Nonvital Teeth
Authors: Homsy Foudda , Eid Rita , El Ghoul Wiam , Chidiac Jose Johann
Published: March 2015

Purpose

The aim of this study was to compare all ceramic inlay/onlay survival rates in vital and nonvital teeth having the same cavity design. Filling the pulp chamber with ceramic materials or not was also discussed.

Materials and Methods

Ceramic class II inlays/onlays were made on 11 premolars and 30 molars: 14 vital, 27 endodontically treated. The same tooth preparation design was performed on vital and nonvital teeth: In nonvital teeth the pulp chambers were covered by a glass ionomer cement until the pulpal floor depths were between 2 and 2.5 mm, more likely similar to the vital teeth preparations. In vital teeth, glass ionomer was used as a liner to achieve pulpal floor depths between 2 and 2.5 mm when needed. The restorations were assessed (at baseline, 6 months, 1 and 2 years) according to three criteria: marginal discoloration, marginal integrity, and fracture of teeth/restorations, consistent with United States Public Health Service (USPHS) criteria.

Results

Eight teeth (19%) showed minor marginal discolorations, while three molars (7%) had loss of marginal integrity. These margins were adjusted using rubber polishing cups and were then judged clinically acceptable. From these three molars, one was vital and two were endodontically treated. No fracture of teeth or restorations was observed. Chi square and exact probability tests were used. There was no statistical difference between vital and nonvital teeth (p = 0.719 chi‐squared and Fisher) or between premolars and molars (p = 0.564 chi‐squared; 1.000, Fisher).

Conclusion

Within the limitations of this study there was no difference for the same inlay/onlay cavity design between vital and nonvital teeth. In nonvital teeth, it seems that filling the pulp chamber with a ceramic core material is not important. Long‐term observation periods are needed to reinforce the clinical behavior outcome.
Expression and cellular localization of the transcription factorNeuroD1 in the developing and adult rat pineal gland
Authors: Castro Analía E. , Benitez Sergio G. , Farias Altamirano Luz E. , Savastano Luis E. , Patterson Sean I. , Muñoz Estela M.
Published: March 2015

Circadian rhythms govern many aspects of mammalian physiology. The daily pattern of melatonin synthesis and secretion is one of the classic examples of circadian oscillations. It is mediated by a class of neuroendocrine cells known as pinealocytes which are not yet fully defined. An established method to evaluate functional and cytological characters is through the expression of lineage‐specific transcriptional regulators. NeuroD1 is a basic helix‐loop‐helix transcription factor involved in the specification and maintenance of both endocrine and neuronal phenotypes. We have previously described developmental and adult regulation of NeuroD1 mRNAin the rodent pineal gland. However, the transcript levels were not influenced by the elimination of sympathetic input, suggesting that any rhythmicity of NeuroD1 might be found downstream of transcription. Here, we describe NeuroD1 protein expression and cellular localization in the rat pineal gland during development and the daily cycle. In embryonic and perinatal stages, protein expression follows the mRNApattern and is predominantly nuclear. Thereafter, NeuroD1 is mostly found in pinealocyte nuclei in the early part of the night and in cytoplasm during the day, a rhythm maintained into adulthood. Additionally, nocturnal nuclear NeuroD1 levels are reduced after sympathetic disruption, an effect mimicked by the in vivo administration ofα‐ andβ‐adrenoceptor blockers. NeuroD1 phosphorylation at two sites, Ser274and Ser336, associates with nuclear localization in pinealocytes. These data suggest that NeuroD1 influences pineal phenotype both during development and adulthood, in an autonomic and phosphorylation‐dependent manner.
European consensus statement on leptospirosis in dogs and cats
Authors: Schuller S. , Francey T. , Hartmann K. , Hugonnard M. , Kohn B. , Nally J. E. , Sykes J.
Published: March 2015

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease with a worldwide distribution affecting most mammalian species. Clinical leptospirosis is common in dogs but appears to be rare in cats. Both dogs and cats, however, can shed leptospires in the urine. This is problematic as it can lead to exposure of humans. The control of leptospirosis, therefore, is important not only from an animal but also from a public health perspective. The aim of this consensus statement is to raise awareness of leptospirosis and to outline the current knowledge on the epidemiology, clinical features, diagnostic tools, prevention and treatment measures relevant to canine and feline leptospirosis in Europe.
Latino Religious Affiliation and Ethnic Identity
Authors: Calvillo Jonathan E. , Bailey Stanley R.
Published: March 2015

Despite the pervasiveness of Catholicism among Latinos, studies reveal an increasing shift toward Protestantism. Examining the relationship between religion and ethnicity, we explore homeland language use as a core ethnic marker using a survey from the Pew Hispanic Center. Results reveal that Catholic Latinos are significantly more likely to use Spanish at home, even after controlling for other key variables. In response, we posit that Latino Catholicism and Protestantism entail significantly different religiosities in both home and host countries that impact Latino ethnic identification and its markers such as language use. Catholicism displays a higher level of inculturation in the sending country and greater overt institutional acceptance of ethnic culture in host countries. Protestantism in Latin America breaks with localized religiosity and traditions, and U.S. Protestant congregations may de‐emphasize ethnic culture in their theologies and worship. Hence, Latino Catholicism acts as a bridge to homelands and reinforces ethnic salience, thereby supporting continued Spanish use at home. In contrast, Protestants embrace a reorienting religiosity that often presides over ethnic identification, decreasing the salience of homeland cultural markers.
Church Attendance and Religious Change in Italy, 1968–2010: A Multilevel Analysis of Pooled Datasets
Authors: Vezzoni Cristiano , Biolcati‐Rinaldi Ferruccio
Published: March 2015

The debate over religious change in Italy is far from having reached unanimous conclusions: some scholars point to an unbroken trend toward a decrease of religiosity, while others highlight the signs of a religious revival, especially in younger generations. Besides difficulties with definitions, different conclusions are also due to a lack of information over a sufficiently long period of time. This problem is tackled here by developing a pooled analysis of repeated cross‐section surveys that span over four decades. Using six different studies, the article analyzes the secularization trend in Italy on the basis of church attendance that, despite well‐founded criticism, continues to be a crucial indicator of this phenomenon. The results, estimated using multilevel models, show that the trend of attendance at Mass in Italy has decreased since the 1960s until today, despite a period of stability at the turn of the 1980s and 1990s. The overall trend looks like a “recumbent S” trend (decrease up to the 1970s, stability in the 1980s, decrease afterwards). Thus, the claims of a religious revival in Italy are not supported by our results.
A novel intracellular nitrogen‐fixing symbiosis made by Ustilago maydis and Bacillus spp.
Authors: Ruiz‐Herrera José , León‐Ramírez Claudia , Vera‐Nuñez Antonio , Sánchez‐Arreguín Alejandro , Ruiz‐Medrano Roberto , Salgado‐Lugo Holjes , Sánchez‐Segura Lino , Peña‐Cabriales Juan José
Published: March 2015

We observed that the maize pathogenic fungus Ustilago maydis grew in nitrogen (N)‐free media at a rate similar to that observed in media containing ammonium nitrate, suggesting that it was able to fix atmospheric N2. Because only prokaryotic organisms have the capacity to reduce N2, we entertained the possibility that U. maydis was associated with an intracellular bacterium.

The presence of nitrogenase in the fungus was analyzed by acetylene reduction, and capacity to fix N2 by use of 15N2. Presence of an intracellular N2‐fixing bacterium was analyzed by PCR amplification of bacterial 16S rRNA and nifH genes, and by microscopic observations.

Nitrogenase activity and 15N incorporation into the cells proved that U. maydis fixed N2. Light and electron microscopy, and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) experiments revealed the presence of intracellular bacteria related to Bacillus pumilus, as evidenced by sequencing of the PCR‐amplified fragments.

These observations reveal for the first time the existence of an endosymbiotic N2‐fixing association involving a fungus and a bacterium.
Impact of weight bias and stigma on quality of care and outcomes for patients with obesity
Authors: Phelan S. M. , Burgess D. J. , Yeazel M. W. , Hellerstedt W. L. , Griffin J. M. , van Ryn M.
Published: March 2015

The objective of this study was to critically review the empirical evidence from all relevant disciplines regarding obesity stigma in order to (i) determine the implications of obesity stigma for healthcare providers and their patients with obesity and (ii) identify strategies to improve care for patients with obesity. We conducted a search of Medline and PsychInfo for all peer‐reviewed papers presenting original empirical data relevant to stigma, bias, discrimination, prejudice and medical care. We then performed a narrative review of the existing empirical evidence regarding the impact of obesity stigma and weight bias for healthcare quality and outcomes. Many healthcare providers hold strong negative attitudes and stereotypes about people with obesity. There is considerable evidence that such attitudes influence person‐perceptions, judgment, interpersonal behaviour and decision‐making. These attitudes may impact the care they provide. Experiences of or expectations for poor treatment may cause stress and avoidance of care, mistrust of doctors and poor adherence among patients with obesity. Stigma can reduce the quality of care for patients with obesity despite the best intentions of healthcare providers to provide high‐quality care. There are several potential intervention strategies that may reduce the impact of obesity stigma on quality of care.
Paediatric non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease: an overview
Authors: AlKhater S. A.
Published: March 2015

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a progressive disease that encompasses a spectrum of liver diseases, ranging from simple steatosis to non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Data related to survival in children are scarce, but these data firmly associate NAFLD with higher risks of hepatic and non‐hepatic morbidities and mortalities compared with the general population. More recently, the association between NAFLD and cardiovascular disease among children has increasingly been recognized. Given that obesity is a major risk factor for the disease, paediatric NAFLD is becoming a global issue, paralleling the dramatic rise in obesity worldwide. NASH, which is more common in obese children, has the potential to advance to liver fibrosis and failure. It is unclear why certain patients undergo such transformation but this susceptibility is likely related to an interaction between a genetically susceptible host and the surrounding environment. Currently, treatment is largely conservative and includes lifestyle modification, attainable through healthy weight reduction via diet and exercise. In this review, current knowledge about NAFLD in children is summarized. This review aims to increase the awareness of the medical community about a hidden public health issue and to identify current gaps in the literature while providing directions for future research.
A dose‐response meta‐analysis of the impact of body mass index on stroke and all‐cause mortality in stroke patients: a paradox within a paradox
Authors: Bagheri M. , Speakman J. R. , Shabbidar S. , Kazemi F. , Djafarian K.
Published: March 2015

The obesity paradox is often attributed to fat acting as a buffer to protect individuals in fragile metabolic states. If this was the case, one would predict that the reverse epidemiology would be apparent across all causes of mortality including that of the particular disease state. We performed a dose‐response meta‐analysis to assess the impact of body mass index (BMI) on all‐cause and stroke‐specific mortality among stroke patients. Data from relevant studies were identified by systematically searching PubMed, OVID and Scopus databases and were analysed using a random‐effects dose‐response model. Eight cohort studies on all‐cause mortality (with 20,807 deaths of 95,651 stroke patients) and nine studies of mortality exclusively because of stroke (with 8,087 deaths of 28,6270 patients) were evaluated in the meta‐analysis. Non‐linear associations of BMI with all‐cause mortality (P < 0.0001) and mortality by stroke (P = 0.05) were observed. Among overweight and obese stroke patients, the risk of all‐cause mortality increased, while the risk of mortality by stroke declined, with an increase in BMI. Increasing BMI had opposite effects on all‐cause mortality and stroke‐specific mortality in stroke patients. Further investigations are needed to examine how mortality by stroke is influenced by a more accurate indicator of obesity than BMI.
Clinicopathologic significance of BubR1 and Mad2 overexpression in oral cancer
Authors: Teixeira JH , Silva PMA , Faria J , Ferreira I , Duarte P , Delgado ML , Queirós O , Moreira R , Barbosa J , Lopes CA , do Amaral JB , Monteiro LS , Bousbaa H
Published: March 2015

Objectives

BubR1 and Mad2 are central components of the mitotic checkpoint complex that inhibits anaphase onset until all chromosomes are correctly aligned at the metaphase plate. We propose to analyse the combined expression of BubR1 and Mad2 and assess its significance to oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) diagnosis and prognosis.

Materials and methods

BubR1 and Mad2 expression was assessed by real‐time PCR in OSCC cell lines and in normal human oral keratinocytes, and by immunohistochemistry in 65 patients with OSCC. The results were compared regarding clinicopathological parameters, proliferative activity and survival.

Results

BubR1 and Mad2 transcripts were overexpressed in OSCC cell lines which also exhibited attenuated spindle assembly checkpoint activity. BubR1 and Mad2 were also overexpressed in patients with OSCC. BubR1 expression was associated with advanced stages and larger tumour size in univariate analysis, and with shorter overall survival both in univariate and multivariate analysis. Mad2 overexpression was associated with that of BubR1 and, importantly, high expression of Mad2 and BubR1 was associated with increased cellular proliferation.

Conclusion

Our data propose a role for BubR1 and Mad2 in OSCC cellular proliferation, progression and prognosis.
Force–displacement measurements of earlywood bordered pits using a mesomechanical tester
Authors: Zelinka Samuel L. , Bourne Keith J. , Hermanson John C. , Glass Samuel V. , Costa Adriana , Wiedenhoeft Alex C.
Published: March 2015

The elastic properties of pit membranes are reported to have important implications in understanding air‐seeding phenomena in gymnosperms, and pit aspiration plays a large role in wood technological applications such as wood drying and preservative treatment. Here we present force–displacement measurements for pit membranes of circular bordered pits, collected on a mesomechanical testing system. The system consists of a quartz microprobe attached to a microforce sensor that is positioned and advanced with a micromanipulator mounted on an inverted microscope. Membrane displacement is measured from digital image analysis. Unaspirated pits from earlywood of never‐dried wood of Larix and Pinus and aspirated pits from earlywood of dried wood of Larix were tested to generate force–displacement curves up to the point of membrane failure. Two failure modes were observed: rupture or tearing of the pit membrane by the microprobe tip, and the stretching of the pit membrane until the torus was forced out of the pit chamber through the pit aperture without rupture, a condition we refer to as torus prolapse.
Scientific Challenges to Free Will and Moral Responsibility
Authors: Shepherd Joshua
Published: March 2015

Here, I review work from three lines of research in cognitive science often taken to threaten free will and moral responsibility. This work concerns conscious deciding, the experience of acting, and the role of largely unnoticed situational influences on behavior. Whether this work in fact threatens free will and moral responsibility depends on how we ought to interpret it, and depends as well on the nature of free and responsible behavior. I discuss different ways this work has been interpreted and argue that though work on conscious deciding and the experience of acting presents no real threat, work on situational influences is more difficult to dismiss. This work may present a real threat, and it may require us to revise our commonsense understanding of free and responsible behavior. But this work may also present ways to augment free and responsible behavior. Determining whether and how advancing science threatens, enhances, or simply describes free will is an ongoing task for scientists and philosophers alike.
Well‐being and Philosophy of Science
Authors: Alexandrova Anna
Published: March 2015

This article is a mutual introduction of the science of well‐being to philosophy of science and an explanation of how the two disciplines can benefit each other. In the process, I argue that the science of well‐being is not helpfully viewed as a social or a natural, but rather as a mixed, science. Hence, its methodology will have to attend to its specific features. I discuss two of its methodological problems: justifying the role of values, and validating measures. I suggest that tackling them calls for developing mid‐level rather than high theories of well‐being.
How to Value Equality
Authors: Moss Jeremy
Published: March 2015

Equality is the central value for egalitarians. It is the value that distinguishes egalitarianism from other political theories. However, if equality is the central value for egalitarians, then why it is of value should be an obvious starting point for any discussion of egalitarianism. This article seeks to clarify the ways in which equality has been valued in philosophical discussion. I discuss the standard ways of valuing equality and argue that an understanding of equality as valuable because it is part of other values offers an important new insight into how we value equality especially in relation to the traditional understanding of equality as either intrinsically or instrumentally valuable.
Public Debt and Economic Growth in Emerging Market Economies
Authors: Fincke Bettina , Greiner Alfred
Published: March 2015

This paper empirically studies the relationship between public debt and economic growth for selected emerging market economies by performing panel data estimations. The results reveal a statistically significant positive correlation between public debt and the subsequent growth rate of per capita gross domestic product (GDP). Population and investment are also positively correlated with per capita growth, whereas the initial level of real GDP per capita exerts a negative influence on growth, implying conditional convergence. Other variables such as the inflation rate, the trade balance or the exchange rate do not yield a statistically significant effect with respect to economic growth.
The Role of Gamma Delta T Cells in Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Minculescu L. , Sengeløv H.
Published: March 2015

Although haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a potential curative treatment for haematological malignancies, it is still a procedure associated with substantial morbidity and mortality due to toxicity, graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) and relapse. Recent attempts of developing safer transplantation modalities increasingly focuses on selective cell depletion and graft engineering with the aim of retaining beneficial immune donor cells for the graft‐versus‐leukaemia (GVL) effect. In this context, the adoptive and especially innate effector functions of γδ T cells together with clinical studies investigating the effect of γδ T cells in relation to HSCT are reviewed. In addition to phospho‐antigen recognition by the γδ T cell receptor (TCR), γδ T cells express receptors of the natural killer (NK) and natural cytotoxicity (NCR) families enabling them to recognize and kill leukaemia cells. Antigen recognition independent from the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) allows for the theoretical possibility of mediating GVL without an allogeneic response in terms of GVHD. Early studies on the impact of γδ T cells in HSCT have reported conflicting results. Recent studies, however, do suggest an overall favourable effect of high γδ T cell immune reconstitution after HSCT; patients with elevated numbers of γδ T cells had a significantly higher overall survival rate and a decreased rate of acute GVHD compared to patients with low or normal γδ T cell counts. Further research in terms of effector mechanisms, subtypes and tissue distribution during the course of HSCT is needed to assess the potentially beneficial effects of γδ T cells in this setting.
Environmental risks associated with developing oil sands in southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Chindo Murtala
Published: March 2015

Nigeria is in the advanced development stages of extracting its oil sands resources to boost national revenue and economic prosperity, like other countries in Sub‐Saharan Africa including the Republic of Congo and Madagascar. Compared to resource‐rich developed countries like Canada and America, the consequences of oil sands extraction is likely to be disastrous in countries like Nigeria that have a poor reputation for managing resources (as is the case with the petroleum sector). Using a mixed‐method approach—focus group discussions, interviews and observations—this paper addresses environmental concerns about oil sands extraction in Nigeria. Overall, the communities perceived oil sands development negatively, because of fears of loss of communal lands, biodiversity, water availability and quality, and pollution. They were angry with the previous administrations over the lack of communication, and were deprived of socio‐economic opportunities and pollution from prolonged delays in oil sands extraction. The way forward is to form sustainable partnerships between the government, communities, industry and other stakeholders to achieve responsible oil sands development—environmentally friendly development that meets climate obligations, addresses cumulative impacts, and acts in the best interest of host communities and Nigerians.
Medical and Scientific Conferences as Sites of Sociological Interest: A Review of the Field
Authors: González‐Santos Sandra , Dimond Rebecca
Published: March 2015

Conferences play a pivotal role in the production and circulation of knowledge and in shaping and establishing academic and professional disciplines. As collective events, they facilitate intense moments of interaction where scientific and medical knowledge can be observed in the making. This paper calls attention to conferences as fascinating sites for sociologists of science, technology and medicine. By bringing together authors who look at conferences from different areas within the social sciences and using a variety of data gathering methods, this paper provides a comprehensive introduction to the field of conference studies and hopes to inspire greater reflection about the nature of conferences and their potential within research.
Institutionalizing Counter‐Memories of the U.S. Civil Rights Movement: The National Civil Rights Museum and an Application of the Interest‐Convergence Principle
Authors: Pelak Cynthia Fabrizio
Published: March 2015

During the post–Reconstruction era in the United States, white southerners marked the cultural landscape with monuments and memorials honoring the Confederate cause and its heroes. These racialized symbols enjoyed an undisputed claim to public squares and parks throughout the South. It was not until the late twentieth century that commemorations to the black freedom struggle were publicly supported. This analysis examines the institutionalization of counter‐memories of the civil rights movement in Memphis, Tennessee at the Lorraine Motel, the site of the assassination of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The author draws on collective memory, cultural trauma, and social movements research as well as critical race theory to explain the creation of the National Civil Rights Museum. Using primary and secondary data sources the author examines how social memory agents, a changing political culture, and the passage of time mediated the cultural trauma of King's assassination and influenced the institutionalization of oppositional collective memories. Relying on Derrick Bell's interest‐convergence principle, the author concludes that the creation of this major memorial museum was a result of the convergence of white and black interests, specifically the economic and political interests of white elites and the cultural and political interests of black symbolic entrepreneurs.
Leadership In Times Of Uncertainty: Recent Findings, Debates, And Potential Future Research Directions
Authors: Rast David E.
Published: March 2015

This paper reviews current debates and findings surrounding leadership in times of uncertainty as framed by the social identity theory of leadership. The past decade has witnessed reinvigorated social psychological research on leadership by focusing on the identity function of leadership, as well as group‐based and prototype‐based influences. This line of research overwhelmingly confirms that group prototypical leaders are preferred over less prototypical leaders. Integrating uncertainty‐identity theory, recent evidence illustrates self‐conceptual uncertainty can strengthen or weaken/negate the prototypical leader advantage. This novel line of research also demonstrates how and when uncertainty can alter perceptions of and preferences for different, and sometimes ‘nasty’ leaders—contradicting contemporary organizational behavior and leadership theories, which argue that people (almost always) prefer transformational, charismatic, or authentic leaders.
‘Best of Both Worlds’? A Comparison of Third Sector Providers in Health Care and Welfare‐to‐Work Markets in Britain
Authors: Heins Elke , Bennett Hayley
Published: March 2015

This article compares the welfare markets in primary health care and ‘welfare‐to‐work’ in the UK since the late 1990s. A longitudinal comparison of two different policy areas enables us to study the context in which marketization and the resulting shift of welfare provision takes place. We outline the general background of the market‐based reforms and highlight in what way policymakers have ascribed third sector organizations (TSOs) a number of positive characteristics, particularly the ability to address concerns about well‐known market failures. While consecutive governments promoted these organizations as welfare providers, case studies of two illustrative provider organizations in each policy area reveal a number of problems regarding their distinctiveness in increasingly competitive welfare markets.

We conclude that the crisp distinction made by policymakers between the third and other sectors as well as the alleged advantages of the former present a rather naïve picture of a complex reality and argue for a more critical view of third sector characteristics and performance. The third sector is not only characterized by a high degree of fuzziness at the boundaries to other sectors, but even within single organizations, which often undergo significant transformations over time. As a result, policy intentions and practical outcomes are contradictory with TSOs losing their alleged distinctiveness as players in increasingly competitive markets. Furthermore, we contend that detailed longitudinal studies of organizations are essential in the advancement of the discussion of the third sector concept as they provide conceptual insights into organizational change and behaviour.
Dissenting (in part) with the Dissent: A Response to James Johnson
Authors: Hug Simon
Published: March 2015

As James Johnson largely restates many of my points raised in my overview of rational choice contributions to political science, I focus in my response on one point of disagreement. While Johnson implies that rational choice models have no empirical content, I argue that this is based on a very partial reading of several contributions. As Johnson refrains from offering any indications on what social science theory, according to his standards, actually has empirical content, his critique is unsatisfying.
Why short‐term biochar application has no yield benefits: evidence from three field‐grown crops
Authors: Jay C. N. , Fitzgerald J. D. , Hipps N. A. , Atkinson C. J.
Published: March 2015

This study determines the impact of biochar, as a supplement, on soil nutrient availability and yields for three crops within commercial management systems in a temperate environment. Central to the suggestion of biochar benefits is an increase in soil nutrient availability, and here, we test this idea by examining crop nutrient uptake, growth and yields of field‐grown spring barley, strawberry and potato. Biochar produced from Castanea sativa wood was incorporated into a sandy loam soil at 0, 20 and 50 t/ha as a supplement to standard crop management practice. Fertilizer was applied normally for each of the three crops. The biochar contained substantial concentrations of Ca, Mg, K, P, but only K occurred at high concentration in water‐soluble analysis. The large concentration of extractable K resulted in a significant increase of extractable K in soil. The increased availability of K in biochar‐treated soil, with the exception of spring barley grain and the leaves of strawberry during the second year, did not induce greater tissue concentrations. In general, biochar application rate had little influence on the tissue concentration of any nutrient, irrespective of crop or sampling date. There was, however, evidence of a biochar‐induced increase in tissue Mo and a decrease in Mn, in strawberry, which could be linked to soil alkalinization as could the reduction in extractable soil P. These experiments show a single rotational application of biochar to soil had no effect on the growth or harvest yield of any of these field‐grown crops. Heavy metal analysis revealed small concentrations in the biochar (i.e. <10 μg/g biochar), with the largest levels for Ni, V and Cu.
Identification of a novel allele HLA‐C*12:138 in Russian patient by haplotype‐specific sequence‐based typing
Authors: Biderman B. V. , Yakutik I. A. , Khamaganova E. G. , Kuzmina L. A. , Savchenko V. G.
Published: March 2015

HLA‐C*12:138 differs from HLA‐C*12:03:01:01 by a single change, resulting in an amino acid substitution.
HLA‐C*06:103, a novel allele was identified in a Chinese patient awaiting hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Han Z.‐D. , He J. , Wang W. , Zhu F.‐M. , Lv H.‐J.
Published: March 2015

HLA‐C*06:103 shows four nucleotides difference from that of HLA‐C*06:02:01:01.