bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implicit Bias and the Illusion of Conscious Ill Will
Authors: Cooley Erin , Payne B. Keith , Phillips K. Jean
Published: October 2013

Implicit bias is defined, in part, by a lack of intent. Yet the implicit attitudes literature has made little contact with research on the experience of conscious will, which suggests that the feeling of conscious intent is an inference rather than a direct report of how actions are caused. We tested the hypothesis that inferences about one’s intentions shape whether an automatically activated attitude is endorsed explicitly. In a first study, individuals who perceived their attitudes toward gay men to be intended showed stronger implicit–explicit correspondence. In a second study, we manipulated perceptions of intent. Inferences that implicit bias was intended caused participants to express those biases on an explicit measure. A third study replicated the experimental effects and found that metacognitions of intent were especially influential among individuals who were motivated to be unprejudiced. Results suggest that metacognitive inferences about intent can shape whether automatically activated bias becomes explicitly endorsed prejudice.
The future role of gut hormones in the treatment of obesity
Authors: Troke Rachel C. , Tan Tricia M. , Bloom Steve R.
Published: October 2013

The obesity pandemic presents a significant burden, both in terms of healthcare and economic outcomes, and current medical therapies are inadequate to deal with this challenge. Bariatric surgery is currently the only therapy available for obesity which results in long-term, sustained weight loss. The favourable effects of this surgery are thought, at least in part, to be mediated via the changes of gut hormones such as GLP-1, PYY, PP and oxyntomodulin seen following the procedure. These hormones have subsequently become attractive novel targets for the development of obesity therapies. Here, we review the development of these gut peptides as current and emerging therapies in the treatment of obesity.
Isolated infrarenal abdominal aorta aneurysm in a 42-year-old patient with Marfan’s syndrome: Case report
Authors: Jiber Hamid , Hajji Rita , Zrihni Youssef , Zaghloul Rachid , Zizi Othman , Bouarhroum Abdellatif
Published: October 2013

Marfan’s syndrome is an autosomal dominant disorder of connective tissue characterized by a large number of possible mutations and by heterogeneity of clinical presentation primarily in skeletal, ocular and cardiovascular organ systems. Cardiovascular complications of the disease are responsible for high mortality. The case of a 42-year-old patient with a progressive advanced abdominal aorta dilatation visualized on computed tomography images is presented. Pathogenesis, diagnosis and management of patients with Marfan’s syndrome are also discussed.
Salvage of an Infected Periprosthetic Failed Fracture Fixation in a Nonagenarian
Authors: Hagen Jennifer , Chansky Howard , Nork Sean E. , Taitsman Lisa A.
Published: October 2013

Infected nonunions resulting in segmental bone loss are a devastating complication for patients and a difficult problem for surgeons. Adequate soft tissue coverage, return of mobility, fracture stability, and long-term freedom from infection are all important goals of treatment. Although there are numerous published studies that provide some treatment guidelines, there are patients who require unique and individualized solutions. In this report, we present a case in which an antibiotic-impregnated cement spacer was used as a component of the definitive treatment in a geriatric patient with segmental bone loss of the femur secondary to severe infection as a salvage technique to avoid amputation.
Childhood Poverty, Cumulative Risk Exposure, and Mental Health in Emerging Adults
Authors: Evans Gary W. , Cassells Rochelle C.
Published: October 2013

One out of four American children is born into poverty, but little is known about the long-term mental health implications of early deprivation. The more time in poverty from birth to age 9, the worse mental health is for these individuals as emerging adults ( n = 196, M = 17.30 years, 53% male). These results maintained independently of concurrent, adult income levels for self-reported externalizing symptoms and a standard learned helplessness behavioral protocol, but internalizing symptoms were unaffected by childhood poverty. We then demonstrate that part of the reason why early poverty exposure is harmful to mental health among emerging adults is because of elevated cumulative risk exposure assessed at age 13. The significant prospective longitudinal relations between early childhood poverty and externalizing symptoms plus learned helplessness behavior are mediated, in part, by exposure to a confluence of psychosocial (violence, family turmoil, child separation from family) and physical (noise, crowding, substandard housing) risk factors during adolescence.
Initial Experience of Clinical Pharmacy Services Delivered by Computer Communication via Cisco Jabber Video in a US Veterans Administration Medical Center
Authors: Stading Julie A. , Phan Linda , Walter Andrea , Bilslend Lisa , White Rebecca , Qi Yongyue
Published: October 2013

Background/Objective: Clinical video telepharmacy is a new initiative of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide rural patients access to clinical pharmacy services. This article describes some of the obstacles that pharmacists faced as they initiated this service and early outcomes in diabetes and hyperlipidemia patients. Methods: This study was approved by the institutional review board. This was a single-center, retrospective review of patients seen by 3 clinical pharmacists who developed and administered the telepharmacy clinics. Patients were referred by their primary care providers. Patients traveled to their local community-based outpatient clinic where a nurse set up video conferencing and then paged the pharmacist at the Lincoln VA. Patients were referred for management of anticoagulation, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, or hypertension, with 112 patients screened and 12 patients meeting criteria for hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) evaluation and 25 patients meeting criteria for low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol evaluation. Pharmacists also saw new patients for medication reviews, patients just out of the hospital, and patients with questions about their medication regimens. This study looked specifically at the effect that the pharmacist had on HbA1c and LDL-cholesterol reduction and meeting goals for these 2 parameters. Results: Patients in the diabetes group had a mean ± standard deviation reduction in HbA1c of 1.08 ± 0.85 (95% confidence interval = 0.53-1.62; P = .001). The mean HbA1c decreased from 9.1% to 8% after pharmacist intervention. Patients in the hyperlipidemia group had a mean ± standard deviation reduction in LDL-cholesterol of 23.74 ± 7.76 mg/dL (95% confidence interval = 7.76-39.75; P = .005). The mean LDL-cholesterol decreased from 145 to 121 mg/dL after intervention. There were no significant changes in the number of patients attaining their HbA1c or LDL-cholesterol goals after intervention. Conclusions: This study shows that telepharmacy allows patients to have access to pharmacy services in a rural environment with minimal inconvenience to the patient. This study also suggests that outcomes of disease management are similar to face-to-face visits.
Ivory Craftsmanship, Trade and Social Significance in the Southern Iberian Copper Age: The Evidence from the PP4-Montelirio Sector of Valencina de la Concepción (Seville, Spain)
Authors: Sanjuán Leonardo García , Triviño Miriam Luciañez , Schuhmacher Thomas X. , Wheatley David , Banerjee Arun
Published: October 2013

Because of its great potential to provide data on contacts and overseas trade, ivory has aroused a great deal of interest since the very start of research into Iberian late prehistory. Research recently undertaken by the German Archaeological Institute in Madrid in collaboration with a number of other institutions has provided valuable contributions to the study of ivory in the Iberian Copper Age and Early Bronze Age. One of the archaeological sites that is contributing the most data for analysing ivory from the Copper Age in southern Iberia is Valencina de la Concepción (Seville), which is currently the focus of several debates on the development of social complexity. This article contributes to this line of research by providing new, unpublished evidence and by examining the significance of ivory craftsmanship in commercial, social, and ideological terms. It also assesses in greater detail the prominent part played by luxury ivory items as an expression of social status and power.
Dating the East Adriatic Neolithic
Authors: Forenbaher Stašo , Kaiser Timothy , Miracle Preston T.
Published: October 2013

New radiocarbon determinations from Mesolithic, Neolithic, and/or Copper Age contexts at ten sites are presented, bringing the number of absolute dates available for the East Adriatic to more than twice that of a decade ago. The dates show that, from 6000 BC onward, pottery styles (Impressed Ware, Danilo variants, Hvar, Nakovana, and Cetina) emerged, spread, and disappeared at different times, places, and rates within the region. The implications for models of the spread of farming and other features of Neolithic life are discussed. The continued usefulness of the threefold division of the regional Neolithic into ‘Early’, ‘Middle’, and ‘Late’ phases is found to be dubious.
Between Rescue and Research: An Evaluation after 30 Years of Liberal Metal Detecting in Archaeological Research and Heritage Practice in Denmark
Authors: Dobat Andres S.
Published: October 2013

Since the early 1980s, metal detector surveying conducted by amateur archaeologists has contributed significantly to archaeological research and heritage practice in Denmark. Here, metal detecting has always been legal, and official stakeholders pursue a liberal model, focusing on cooperation and inclusion rather than confrontation and criminalization. Like no other surveying method since the invention of the shovel, the metal detector has contributed to increasing enormously the amount of data and sites from metal-rich periods. Virtually all of the spectacular and ground-breaking discoveries of the past decades are owed to metal detectors in the hands of amateur archaeologists. And it is these finds and sites that today constitute one of the very foci of archaeological research. This article provides an overview of the current status of liberal metal detector archaeology in Denmark 30 years after its inception, and attempts to identify the reasons why this popular hobby never developed into the problem it has become in other parts of the world. It concludes that the success of the liberal model in Denmark is the result of a very complex interplay of legislative, historical, cultural, and social factors. On this basis, it is discussed whether the Danish experience can be used as a source of inspiration in the necessary progression towards a new legal agenda for responsible metal detector archaeology.
Iron Age Rock-Art: A View from Järrestad in South-East Sweden
Authors: Skoglund Peter
Published: October 2013

This paper discusses the chronology of the Järrestad rock-art site in south-east Sweden. Drawing on recent developments in ship chronology, it argues that images were produced from the very beginning of the Scandinavian Bronze Age, c. 1700 BC, to the earliest Iron Age, c. 200 BC. The images are not randomly spread, however, but cluster in two phases: c. 1700–1100 BC and c. 900–200 BC, each with its different characteristics. It is argued that the later phase should be viewed against the background of central and western European Hallstatt cultures which affected not only the iconography of the Järrestad panel but also the organization of the surrounding cultural landscape.
Robust ZFN-mediated genome editing in adult hemophilic mice
Authors: Anguela Xavier M. , Sharma Rajiv , Doyon Yannick , Miller Jeffrey C. , Li Hojun , Haurigot Virginia , Rohde Michelle E. , Wong Sunnie Y. , Davidson Robert J. , Zhou Shangzhen , Gregory Philip D. , Holmes Michael C. , High Katherine A.
Published: October 2013

Key Points

AAV delivery of ZFNs and corrective Donor vectors to adult mouse liver results in stable human factor IX levels, normalizing hemophilic clotting times.
JAK2V617F leads to intrinsic changes in platelet formation and reactivity in a knock-in mouse model of essential thrombocythemia
Authors: Hobbs Catherine M. , Manning Harriet , Bennett Cavan , Vasquez Louella , Severin Sonia , Brain Lauren , Mazharian Alexandra , Guerrero Jose A. , Li Juan , Soranzo Nicole , Green Anthony R. , Watson Steve P. , Ghevaert Cedric
Published: October 2013

Key Points

JAK2V617F causes intrinsic changes in the process of platelet formation from megakaryocytes. JAK2V617F platelets are prothrombotic and demonstrate increased reactivity to different agonists.
Structure of the factor VIII C2 domain in a ternary complex with 2 inhibitor antibodies reveals classical and nonclassical epitopes
Authors: Walter Justin D. , Werther Rachel A. , Brison Caileen M. , Cragerud Rebecca K. , Healey John F. , Meeks Shannon L. , Lollar Pete , Spiegel P. Clint
Published: October 2013

Key Points

Antibodies against the factor VIII C2 domain inhibit procoagulant function. Crystal structure analysis of a C2 domain/antibody ternary complex describes epitopes for classical and nonclassical inhibitory antibodies.
Heme oxygenase-1 activity is involved in the control of Toxoplasma gondii infection in the lung of BALB/c and C57BL/6 and in the small intestine of C57BL/6 mice
Authors: Araujo Ester CB , Barbosa Bellisa F , Coutinho Loyane B , Barenco Paulo VC , Sousa Luciana A , Milanezi Cristiane M , Bonfá Giuliano , Pavanelli Wander R , Silva João S , Ferro Eloisa AV , Silva Deise AO , Cunha-Junior Jair P , Silva Neide M
Published: October 2013

Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is an enzyme that catabolizes free heme, which induces an intense inflammatory response. The expression of HO-1 is induced by different stimuli, triggering an anti-inflammatory response during biological stress. It was previously verified that HO-1 is able to induce indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), an enzyme that is induced by IFN-γ in Toxoplasma gondii infection. To verify the role of HO-1 during in vivo T. gondii infection, BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice were infected with the ME49 strain and treated with zinc protoporphyrin IX (ZnPPIX) or hemin, which inhibit or induce HO-1 activity, respectively. The results show that T. gondii infection induced high levels of HO-1 expression in the lung of BALB/c and C57BL6 mice. The animals treated with ZnPPIX presented higher parasitism in the lungs of both lineages of mice, whereas hemin treatment decreased the parasite replication in this organ and in the small intestine of infected C57BL/6 mice. Furthermore, C57BL/6 mice infected with T. gondii and treated with hemin showed higher levels of IDO expression in the lungs and small intestine than uninfected mice. In conclusion, our data suggest that HO-1 activity is involved in the control of T. gondii in the lungs of both mouse lineages, whereas the hemin, a HO-1 inducer, seems to be involved in the control of parasitism in the small intestine of C57BL/6 mice.
Development of dual-function ELISA for effective antigen and antibody detection against H7 avian influenza virus
Authors: He Fang , Prabakaran Mookkan , Tan Yunrui , Indira Kartigayen , Kumar Subaschandrabose Rajesh , Kwang Jimmy
Published: October 2013

Background

Outbreaks in poultry involving influenza virus from H7 subtype have resulted in human infections, thus causing a major concern for public health, as well as for the poultry industry. Currently, no efficient rapid test is available for large-scale detection of either antigen or antibody of H7 avian influenza viruses.

Results

In the present study, a dual function ELISA was developed for the effective detection of antigen and antibody against H7 AIVs. The test was established based on antigen-capture-ELISA and epitope blocking ELISA. The two Mabs 62 and 98 which were exploited in the assay were identified to recognize two conformational neutralizing epitopes on H7 HA1. Both of the epitopes exist in all of the human H7 strains, including the recent H7N9 strain from China and > 96.6% of avian H7 strains. The dual ELISA was able to detect all of the five H7 antigens tested without any cross reaction to other influenza subtypes. The antigen detection limit was less than 1 HA unit of H7. For antibody detection, the sensitivity and specificity of the dual ELISA was evaluated and compared to HI and microneutralization using immunized animal sera to different H7 strains and different subtypes of AIVs. Results indicated that antibodies to H7 were readily detected in immunized animal sera by the dual ELISA whereas specimens with antibodies to other AIVs yielded negative results.

Conclusions

This is the first dual-function ELISA reported for either antigen or antibody detection against H7 AIVs. The assay was highly sensitive and 100% specific in both functions rendering it effective for H7 diagnosis.
Calmodulin-dependent and calmodulin-independent glutamate decarboxylases in apple fruit
Authors: Trobacher Christopher P , Zarei Adel , Liu Jingyun , Clark Shawn M , Bozzo Gale G , Shelp Barry J
Published: September 2013

Background

The ubiquitous, non-proteinaceous amino acid GABA (γ-aminobutyrate) accumulates in plants subjected to abiotic stresses such as chilling, O2 deficiency and elevated CO2. Recent evidence indicates that controlled atmosphere storage causes the accumulation of GABA in apple (Malus x domestica Borkh.) fruit, and now there is increasing interest in the biochemical mechanisms responsible for this phenomenon. Here, we investigated whether this phenomenon could be mediated via Ca2+/calmodulin (CaM) activation of glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) activity.

Results

GAD activity in cell-free extracts of apple fruit was stimulated by Ca2+/CaM at physiological pH, but not at the acidic pH optimum. Based on bioinformatics analysis of the apple genome, three apple GAD genes were identified and their expression determined in various apple organs, including fruit. Like recombinant Arabidopsis GAD1, the activity and spectral properties of recombinant MdGAD1 and MdGAD2 were regulated by Ca2+/CaM at physiological pH and both enzymes possessed a highly conserved CaM-binding domain that was autoinhibitory. In contrast, the activity and spectral properties of recombinant MdGAD3 were not affected by Ca2+/CaM and they were much less sensitive to pH than MdGAD1, MdGAD2 and Arabidopsis GAD1; furthermore, the C-terminal region neither bound CaM nor functioned as an autoinhibitory domain.

Conclusions

Plant GADs typically differ from microbial and animal GAD enzymes in possessing a C-terminal 30–50 amino acid residue CaM-binding domain. To date, rice GAD2 is the only exception to this generalization; notably, the C-terminal region of this enzyme still functions as an autoinhibitory domain. In the present study, apple fruit were found to contain two CaM-dependent GADs, as well as a novel CaM-independent GAD that does not possess a C-terminal autoinhibitory domain.
What the newspapers say about medication adherence: a content analysis
Authors: Goodfellow Nicola A , Almomani Basima A , Hawwa Ahmed F , McElnay James C
Published: October 2013

Background

This study investigates the coverage of adherence to medicine by the UK and US newsprint media. Adherence to medicine is recognised as an important issue facing healthcare professionals and the newsprint media is a key source of health information, however, little is known about newspaper coverage of medication adherence.

Methods

A search of the newspaper database Nexis®UK from 2004–2011 was performed. Content analysis of newspaper articles which referenced medication adherence from the twelve highest circulating UK and US daily newspapers and their Sunday equivalents was carried out. A second researcher coded a 15% sample of newspaper articles to establish the inter-rater reliability of coding.

Results

Searches of newspaper coverage of medication adherence in the UK and US yielded 181 relevant articles for each country. There was a large increase in the number of scientific articles on medication adherence in PubMed® over the study period, however, this was not reflected in the frequency of newspaper articles published on medication adherence. UK newspaper articles were significantly more likely to report the benefits of adherence (p = 0.005), whereas US newspaper articles were significantly more likely to report adherence issues in the elderly population (p = 0.004) and adherence associated with diseases of the central nervous system (p = 0.046). The most commonly reported barriers to adherence were patient factors e.g. poor memory, beliefs and age, whereas, the most commonly reported facilitators to adherence were medication factors including simplified regimens, shorter treatment duration and combination tablets. HIV/AIDS was the single most frequently cited disease (reported in 20% of newspaper articles). Poor quality reporting of medication adherence was identified in 62% of newspaper articles.

Conclusion

Adherence is not well covered in the newspaper media despite a significant presence in the medical literature. The mass media have the potential to help educate and shape the public’s knowledge regarding the importance of medication adherence; this potential is not being realised at present.
Association of blood pressure with development of metabolic syndrome components: a five-year Retrospective Cohort study in Beijing
Authors: Huo Da , Tao Lixin , Li Xia , Wang Wei , Wang Zhaoping , Chen Dongning , Zhu Huiping , Yang Xinghua , Luo Yanxia , Guo Xiuhua
Published: October 2013

Background

Raised blood pressure (BP) is associated with the incidence of metabolic syndrome (MetS). It is unknown if subjects with different BP levels may develop certain components of MetS over time. We investigated the incidence of MetS relative to different levels of BP over a 5-year period in a Chinese population in Tongren Hospital, Beijing.

Methods

During the period of 2006–2011, we recruited 2,781 participants with no MetS, or self-reported type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, or cardiovascular disease at baseline. Association rule was used to identify the transitions of MetS components over time.

Results

The incidence of MetS at follow-up was 9.74% for men and 3.21% for women in the group with optimal BP; 10.29% and 7.22%, respectively, in the group with normal BP; 10.49% and 10.84%, respectively, in the group with high-normal BP; and 14.48% and 23.21%, respectively in the group with high BP. The most common transition was from healthy to healthy in the groups with optimal or normal BP (17.9–49.3%), whereas in the high-normal BP group, 16.9-22.1% of subjects with raised BP returned to healthy status or stayed unchanged, while 13.8-21.4% of people with high BP tended to develop raised fasting glucose levels.

Conclusions

The incidence of MetS increased in parallel with the increase in BP. People with optimal and normal BP levels were less susceptible to developing MetS over time, whereas abnormal BP seemed to be a pre-existing phase of MetS. High-normal BP was a crucial status for MetS prevention.
First result of differentiated communication—to smokers and non-smokers—in order to increase the voluntary participation rate in lung screening
Authors: Moizs Mariann , Bajzik Gábor , Lelovics Zsuzsanna , Rakvács Marianna , Strausz János , Repa Imre
Published: October 2013

Background

Lung cancer is the most common fatal malignacy and also the primary cause of cancer mortality. Participation in lung screening is an important step in diagnosing patient in early stage and it can promise better outcomes. The aim of this preliminary study was to determinate the differences in the participation rate of smokers and non-smokers in lung cancer screening and to determine the communication strategies to increase the participation rate.

Methods

In the given period of time (from May to August 2012) out of 1426 people who participated in the lung screening program 1,060 adult volunteers (331 males and 729 females, average age 54.0±9.3 years), completed fully and anonymously author’s questionnaire that contained 28 questions. 25.7% of the respondents were smokers (n=272), 64.6% have never smoked, while 9.7% were former smokers.

Results

Mostly former smokers considered lung screening as an effective method for early detection of pulmonary diseases (86.4%). The most important source (41.0%) of information was the general practitioner. The participation rate of non-smokers is higher in lung screening than the ratio of non-smokers in the population. The unclear data suggest that smokers need distinct, concise messages to know why they should regularly undergo lung screening and doctors have a major role in this.

Conclusions

We found that smokers significantly more frequently took part in lung screening annually. It is positive that the participation rate of former smokers is higher than non-smokers, it is just a bit lower than the participation rate of smokers—both in annual and biannual participation. The participation rate of non-smokers is higher in lung screening than the rate of non-smokers in the population.
Effects of physical activity on the development and progression of microvascular complications in type 1 diabetes: retrospective analysis of the DCCT study
Authors: Makura Caroline BT , Nirantharakumar Krishnarajah , Girling Alan J , Saravanan Ponnusamy , Narendran Parth
Published: October 2013

Background

To examine the effects of physical activity on the development and progression of microvascular complications in patients with type 1 diabetes.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of data from the Diabetes Control and Complications trial was undertaken. Physical activity data was collected at baseline for each of 1441 recruits, converted to metabolic equivalent of task values, and categorised according to the American College of Sports Medicine recommendations. The rates of development/progression of diabetic retinopathy, nephropathy and neuropathy were compared in those who achieved over twice recommended, up to twice recommended, and less than recommended metabolic equivalent of task levels of activity. The DCCT study had a mean duration of follow up of 6.5 years ending in 1993.

Results

A total of 271 subjects had a sustained three-step progression in diabetic retinopathy. The rates of development or progression of retinopathy showed no significant association with physical activity level. The number of outcomes for nephropathy and neuropathy were small and there was no significant association with physical activity level.

Conclusions

We found no evidence that physical activity improves microvascular outcomes in type 1 diabetes. However we demonstrate no evidence of harm. We suggest that physical activity continues to play an important role in the management of type 1 diabetes.
How is organ transplantation depicted in internal medicine and transplantation journals
Authors: Durand Céline , Duplantie Andrée , Chabot Yves , Doucet Hubert , Fortin Marie-Chantal
Published: October 2013

Background

In their bookSpare Parts, published in 1992, Fox and Swazey criticized various aspects of organ transplantation, including the routinization of the procedure, ignorance regarding its inherent uncertainties, and the ethos of transplant professionals. Using this work as a frame of reference, we analyzed articles on organ transplantation published in internal medicine and transplantation journals between 1995 and 2008 to see whether Fox and Swazey’s critiques of organ transplantation were still relevant.

Methods

Using the PubMed database, we retrieved 1,120 articles from the top ten internal medicine journals and 4,644 articles from the two main transplantation journals (TransplantationandAmerican Journal of Transplantation). Out of the internal medicine journal articles, we analyzed those in which organ transplantation was the main topic (349 articles). A total of 349 articles were randomly selected from the transplantation journals for content analysis.

Results

In our sample, organ transplantation was described in positive terms and was presented as a routine treatment. Few articles addressed ethical issues, patients’ experiences and uncertainties related to organ transplantation. The internal medicine journals reported on more ethical issues than the transplantation journals. The most important ethical issues discussed were related to the justice principle: organ allocation, differential access to transplantation, and the organ shortage.

Conclusion

Our study provides insight into representations of organ transplantation in the transplant and general medical communities, as reflected in medical journals. The various portrayals of organ transplantation in our sample of articles suggest that Fox and Swazey’s critiques of the procedure are still relevant.
Secondhand tobacco smoke exposure and heart rate variability and inflammation among non-smoking construction workers: a repeated measures study
Authors: Zhang Jinming , Fang Shona C , Mittleman Murray A , Christiani David C , Cavallari Jennifer M
Published: October 2013

Background

Although it has been well recognized that exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke (SHS) is associated with cardiovascular mortality, the mechanisms and time course by which SHS exposure may lead to cardiovascular effects are still being explored.

Methods

Non-smoking workers were recruited from a local union and monitored inside a union hall while exposed to SHS over approximately 6 hours. Participants were fitted with a continuous electrocardiographic monitor upon enrollment which was removed at the end of a 24-hr monitoring period. A repeated measures study design was used where resting ECGs and blood samples were taken from individuals before SHS exposure (baseline), immediately following SHS exposure (post) and the morning following SHS exposure (next-morning).

Inflammatory markers, including high sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP) and white blood cell count (WBC) were analyzed. Heart rate variability (HRV) was analyzed from the ECG recordings in time (SDNN, rMSSD) and frequency (LF, HF) domain parameters over 5-minute periods. SHS exposure was quantified using a personal fine particulate matter (PM2.5) monitor.

Linear mixed effects regression models were used to examine within-person changes in inflammatory and HRV parameters across the 3 time periods. Exposure-response relationships with PM2.5 were examined using mixed effects models. All models were adjusted for age, BMI and circadian variation.

Results

A total of 32 male non-smokers were monitored between June 2010 and June 2012. The mean PM2.5 from SHS exposure was 132 μg/m3. Immediately following SHS exposure, a 100 μg/m3 increase in PM2.5 was associated with declines in HRV (7.8% [standard error (SE) =3%] SDNN, 8.0% (SE = 3.9%) rMSSD, 17.2% (SE = 6.3%) LF, 29.0% (SE = 10.1%) HF) and increases in WBC count 0.42 (SE = 0.14) k/μl. Eighteen hours following SHS exposure, a 100 μg/m3 increase in PM2.5 was associated with 24.2% higher CRP levels.

Conclusions

Our study suggest that short-term SHS exposure is associated with significantly lower HRV and higher levels of inflammatory markers. Exposure-associated declines in HRV were observed immediately following exposure while higher levels of CRP were not observed until 18 hours following exposure. Cardiovascular autonomic and inflammation responses may contribute to the pathophysiologic pathways that link SHS exposure with adverse cardiovascular outcomes.
Impact of botanical oils on polyunsaturated fatty acid metabolism and leukotriene generation in mild asthmatics
Authors: Arm Jonathan P , Boyce Joshua A , Wang Lin , Chhay Heng , Zahid Muhammad , Patil Vaishali , Govindarajulu Usha , Ivester Priscilla , Weaver Kelly L , Sergeant Susan , Israel Elliot , Chilton Floyd H
Published: October 2013

Background

Dietary supplementation with botanical oils that contain n-6 and n-3 eighteen carbon chain (18C)-PUFA such as γ linolenic acid (GLA, 18:3n-6), stearidonic acid (SDA, 18:4n-3) and α linolenic acid (ALA, 18:3n-3) have been shown to impact PUFA metabolism, alter inflammatory processes including arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism and improve inflammatory disorders.

Methods

The diet of mild asthmatics patients was supplemented for three weeks with varying doses of two botanical seed oils (borage oil [Borago officinalis, BO] and echium seed oil [Echium plantagineum; EO]) that contain SDA, ALA and GLA. A three week wash out period followed. The impact of these dietary manipulations was evaluated for several biochemical endpoints, including in vivo PUFA metabolism and ex vivo leukotriene generation from stimulated leukocytes.

Results

Supplementation with several EO/BO combinations increased circulating 20–22 carbon (20–22C) PUFAs, including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosapentaenoic acid (DPA), and dihommo-gammalinolenic acid (DGLA), which have been shown to inhibit AA metabolism and inflammation without impacting circulating AA levels. BO/EO combinations also inhibited ex vivo leukotriene generation with some combinations attenuating cysteinyl leukotriene generation in stimulated basophils by >50% and in stimulated neutrophils by >35%.

Conclusions

This study shows that dietary supplementation with BO/EO alters 20–22C PUFA levels and attenuates leukotriene production in a manner consistent with a reduction in inflammation.
Inhibitory effect of cervical trachea and chest wall vibrations on cough reflex sensitivity and perception of urge-to-cough in healthy male never-smokers
Authors: Kashiwazaki Naohiro , Ebihara Satoru , Gui Peijun , Katayama Norihiro , Ito Kumiko , Sato Ryuhei , Oyama Chika , Ebihara Takae , Kohzuki Masahiro
Published: October 2013

Background

Non-pharmacological options for symptomatic management of cough are desired. Although chest wall mechanical vibration is known to ameliorate cough reflex sensitivity, the effect of mechanical vibrations on perceptions of urge-to-cough has not been studied. Therefore, we investigated the effect of mechanical vibration of cervical trachea, chest wall and femoral muscle on cough reflex sensitivity, perceptions of urge-to-cough as well as dyspnea.

Methods

Twenty-four healthy male never-smokers were investigated for cough reflex sensitivity, perceptions of the urge-to-cough and dyspnea with or without mechanical vibration. Cough reflex sensitivity and urge-to-cough were evaluated by the inhalation of citric acid. The perception of dyspnea was evaluated by Borg scores during applications of external inspiratory resistive loads. Mechanical vibration was applied by placing a vibrating tuning fork on the skin surface of cervical trachea, chest wall and femoral muscle.

Results

Cervical trachea vibration significantly increased cough reflex threshold, as expressed by the lowest concentration of citric acid that elicited five or more coughs (C5), and urge-to-cough threshold, as expressed by the lowest concentration of citric acid that elicited urge-to-cough (Cu), but did not significantly affect dypnea sensation during inspiratory resistive loading. On the other hand, the chest wall vibration not only significantly increased C5 and Cu but also significantly ameliorated the load-response curve of dyspnea sensation.

Conclusions

Both cervical and trachea vibrations significantly inhibited cough reflex sensitivity and perception of urge-to-cough. These vibration techniques might be options for symptomatic cough management.
Pulmonary hypertension secondary to hyperviscosity in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis and acquired von Willebrand disease: a case report
Authors: Hernández-Gilsoul Thierry , Atisha-Fregoso Yemil , Vargas-Ruíz Angel G , Rivero-Sigarroa Eduardo , Dominguez-Cherit Guillermo , Ñamendys-Silva Silvio A
Published: October 2013

Introduction

Acquired von Willebrand disease is initiated by autoantibodies and hyperviscosity syndrome caused by a massive polyclonal hypergammaglobulinemia. Acquired von Willebrand disease associated with autoimmune disease in addition to pulmonary hypertension during emergency room presentation is a rare condition. To the best of our knowledge, this is the second case reported in the literature treated with success; the first one was reported in 1987.

Case presentation

A 28-year-old mestizo man with a 3-year history of inflammatory arthritis was admitted to our hospital. An overlap of rheumatoid arthritis with systemic lupus erythematosus was suspected; therefore methotrexate was initiated, and later changed to leflunomide because of liver toxicity. Prothrombin time, international normalized ratio and activated partial thromboplastin times were normal (11/10.4 seconds; 1.2; 31.1/26.9 seconds, respectively), von Willebrand factor activity was observed with low ristocetin cofactor at 33.6UI/dL, high von Willebrand factor antigen >200UI/dL, and a low von Willebrand factor: ristocetin cofactor to von Willebrand factor antigen ratio. He was admitted to the emergency room with a 24-hour evolution of progressive dyspnea, cough, thoracic pain, and palpitations, 104 beats/min, 60/40 mmHg, temperature of 38°C, pulse oximetric saturation 88% and 30 breaths/minute. Cold, pale and mottled skin was also observed. He was then transferred to the intensive care unit. The placement of a pulmonary artery catheter was made. The initial patterns showed a precapillary pulmonary hypertension; acute pulmonary embolism was the first choice for diagnosis. Pulmonary angiography was conducted, and when no clot was discovered, pulmonary artery hypertension associated with connective tissue disease was considered. Serum protein electrophoresis confirmed the presence of a massive polyclonal hypergammaglobulinemia, and no paraproteinemia or monoclonal cell population was found from the electrophoretic pattern of the patient’s plasma. Hypergammaglobulinemia was the cause of hyperviscosity syndrome associated with autoantibodies. Three sessions of plasma exchange therapy were made, and clinical improvement was observed. He was then discharged from the intensive care unit and hospital, respectively. He is now attended by an external consult and has no respiratory symptomatology.

Conclusions

Hyperviscosity syndrome with pulmonary arterial hypertension presentation in a patient with acquired von Willebrand disease in an autoimmune context is a rare condition that can be treated successfully with plasmapheresis and critical care support.
How is epigenetic information maintained through DNA replication?
Authors: Budhavarapu Varija N , Chavez Myrriah , Tyler Jessica K
Published: October 2013

DNA replication is a highly conserved process that accurately copies the genetic information from one generation to the next. The processes of chromatin disassembly and reassembly during DNA replication also have to be precisely regulated to ensure that the genetic material is compactly packaged to fit into the nucleus while also maintaining the epigenetic information that is carried by the histone proteins bound to the DNA, through cell divisions. Half of the histones that are deposited during replication are from the parental chromatin and carry the parental epigenetic information, while the other half of the histones are newly-synthesized. It has been of growing interest to understand how the parental pattern of epigenetic marks is re-established on the newly-synthesized histones, in a DNA sequence-specific manner, in order to maintain the epigenetic information through cell divisions. In this review we will discuss how histone chaperone proteins precisely coordinate the chromatin assembly process during DNA replication. We also discuss the recent evidence that histone-modifying enzymes, rather than the parental histones, are themselves epigenetic factors that remain associated with the DNA through replication to re-establish the epigenetic information on the newly-assembled chromatin.
Transposable element evolution in Heliconius suggests genome diversity within Lepidoptera
Authors: Lavoie Christine A , Platt Roy N , Novick Peter A , Counterman Brian A , Ray David A
Published: October 2013

Background

Transposable elements (TEs) have the potential to impact genome structure, function and evolution in profound ways. In order to understand the contribution of transposable elements (TEs) to Heliconius melpomene, we queried the H. melpomene draft sequence to identify repetitive sequences.

Results

We determined that TEs comprise ~25% of the genome. The predominant class of TEs (~12% of the genome) was the non-long terminal repeat (non-LTR) retrotransposons, including a novel SINE family. However, this was only slightly higher than content derived from DNA transposons, which are diverse, with several families having mobilized in the recent past. Compared to the only other well-studied lepidopteran genome, Bombyx mori, H. melpomene exhibits a higher DNA transposon content and a distinct repertoire of retrotransposons. We also found that H. melpomene exhibits a high rate of TE turnover with few older elements accumulating in the genome.

Conclusions

Our analysis represents the first complete, de novo characterization of TE content in a butterfly genome and suggests that, while TEs are able to invade and multiply, TEs have an overall deleterious effect and/or that maintaining a small genome is advantageous. Our results also hint that analysis of additional lepidopteran genomes will reveal substantial TE diversity within the group.
The immunobiology of the mammalian epididymis: the black box is now open!
Authors: Guiton Rachel , Henry-Berger Joelle , Drevet Joël R
Published: October 2013

Spermatozoa represent an immunologic challenge for the mammalian males. They are produced long after the establishment of the immune library of the individual and harbor specific spermatic antigens that are found nowhere else in other organs, tissues and cells. Consequently, spermatozoa are somehow “foreign” to the male adaptive immune system. In order not to elicit autoimmune responses that would be detrimental for male fertility, spermatozoa should be either physically separated from the adaptive immune response and/or, the immune system challenged by spermatic antigens must be efficiently silenced. Within the mammalian male genital tract it becomes more and more obvious that a range of strategies are at stake to ensure that the immune-stranger spermatozoa do not constitute an immunological issue. In this review the focus will be on the immune status of the epididymis tubule, in which spermatozoa that have left the testes will mature for approximately 2 weeks and may be stored for prolonged period of time. How the epididymal immune environment compares to that of the testis and what are the immune regulatory processes at work in the epididymal compartment will only be briefly described. Instead, this review will focus on recent data that highlight epididymal immune regulatory actors that partly explain/illustrate the rather complicated, fragile but nevertheless robust immune environment of the epididymis.
Social design feedback: evaluations with users in online ad-hoc groups
Authors: Følstad Asbjørn , Hornbæk Kasper , Ulleberg Pål
Published: September 2013

Social design feedback is a novel approach to usability evaluation where user participants are asked to comment on designs asynchronously in online ad-hoc groups. Two key features of this approach are that (1) it supports interaction between user participants and development team representatives and (2) user participants can see and respond to other participants’ comments. Two design cases, involving 250 user participants, were studied to explore the output of social design feedback and investigate the effect of the two key features of this approach. Of all the design feedback, 17% was rated highly useful, and 21% contained change suggestions. The presence of an active moderator, representing the development team and interacting with the user participants, increased the usefulness of the design feedback. The opportunity to see and respond to others’ design feedback had a minor effect on the kind of design feedback provided, but no effect on usefulness. Based on the findings, we offer advice on how to implement social design feedback and suggest future research.
Loss of Chaos in Combustion Noise as a Precursor of Impending Combustion Instability
Authors: Nair Vineeth , Thampi Gireehkumaran , Karuppusamy Sulochana , Gopalan Saravanan , Sujith R. I.
Published: October 2013

Combustion noise has been traditionally thought of as stochastic fluctuations present in the background of the dynamics in combustors amongst the flow, heat release and the chamber acoustics. Through a series of determinism tests, we show that these aperiodic fluctuations are in fact chaotic of moderately high dimensions ( d0 ≅ 8–10). These chaotic fluctuations then transition to high amplitude combustion instability when the operating conditions are varied towards leaner equivalence ratios. Precursors to such a transition from chaos to dynamics dominated by periodic oscillations are of interest to designers and operators of combustors in estimating the boundaries of operability. We introduce a test for chaos, known as 0–1 test for chaos in the literature, as a measure of the proximity of the combustor to an impending instability. The measure is robust and shows a smooth transition for variation in flow conditions towards instability enabling thresholds to be set for operational boundaries.
Passive Roll Compensation on Micro Air Vehicles with Perimeter Reinforced Membrane Wings
Authors: Cantrell Jason T. , LaCroix Bradley W. , Ifju Peter G.
Published: October 2013

Micro air vehicles with thin membrane wings have the ability to passively adapt to flight conditions improving aircraft stability. This work is concerned with the prop-wash induced asymmetrical loading of a perimeter reinforced wing. A perimeter reinforced membrane wing is evaluated versus a relatively rigid graphite/epoxy wing to determine if this variation improves lateral-directional flight characteristics, mainly adverse roll due to propeller torque. Digital image correlation, in conjunction with loads measurements in a wind tunnel investigation, are implemented to quantify the wing deflections and stability coefficients. Results indicate that the perimeter reinforced wing does display potential benefits for low speed and high angle of attack flight that could be further tailored to enhance roll compensation for future micro air vehicles.
High Performance Propeller System for a Multi-Mission Micro Aerial Vehicle
Authors: Thipyopas Chinnapat , Kaewsutthi Sutthichai , Tohwae-A-Yee Adhum
Published: October 2013

The new concept of a multi-mission micro air vehicle (MMMAV) was designed in order to enhance the efficiency, endurance and performance of this small vehicle which must be able to perform several capabilities: vertical take-off and landing (VTOL), hovering, low speed translation and high forward speed flight. The key factor of achievement is the propulsion system. Firstly, to ensure the capacity of the new propeller system concept, a high performance propeller system was designed and studied. Two testing conditions were investigated: hovering and a forward flight at a desired maximum speed. Initially, an analytical approach was adopted with preliminary calculations using XROTOR and CROTOR code to determine the 10 best propellers with optimal efficiency. Then, an experiment of both static and dynamic thrust was conducted. The rotation speed, thrust, torque, electric tension and current were carefully measured and compared with measurements taken for the in-line ‘APC-7×5’ propellers which are used by other MMMAVs. The results showed the new coaxial propeller system was highly efficient when combined with the ‘GWS9×4.7 Slow’ and the ‘APC6×4’ propellers. The power required was reduced by approximately 20% and 30% for hovering and forward flight, respectively.