bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accident modeling and risk assessment framework for safety critical decision-making: application to deepwater drilling operation
Authors: Rathnayaka Samith , Khan Faisal , Amayotte Paul
Published: January 2013

Rising global energy demand is encouraging oil companies to invest in deepwater drilling. However, there are numerous engineering and safety challenges involved in this activity. The BP Deepwater Horizon accident (Macondo well blowout) has raised serious concerns about the safety of deepwater drilling. The major reasons for such a catastrophic blowout event are the lack of continuous assessment of risk and the lack of risk-based decision making to take timely and adequate preventive actions. The present work proposes an accident modeling and risk assessment framework based on accident precursors (early warnings). This framework uses the system hazard identification, prediction and prevention methodology to model the unwanted situation. The proposed risk assessment framework generates results that can be used to: (1) analyze the dynamic performance of safety barriers, (2) analyze the probability of occurrence of different severity levels, (3) analyze the dynamic risk profile of different severity levels and the aggregated risk profile, and (4) help to make safety-critical decisions based on aggregated risk profile. The present work provides an assessment of offshore deepwater drilling risk assessment and a basis to make timely and precise safety critical decisions. The risk assessment methodology is demonstrated on the Macondo well blowout accident. This case study highlighted the applicability and advantages of using the proposed method in drilling operations.
Autobiographies of a generation? Carolyn Steedman, Luisa Passerini and the memory of 1968
Authors: Maslen Joseph
Published: January 2013

The meeting-point between memory studies and auto/biographical studies provides new perspectives on the study of the radical generation of 1968 through life-writing techniques, including oral history. A comparison between Carolyn Steedman’s Landscape for a Good Woman: A Story of Two Lives, published in 1986, and Luisa Passerini’s Autobiography of a Generation: Italy, 1968, published in 1988, suggests that belonging to this generation involves tensions between the social master narrative of 1968 and auto/biographical memories. Steedman and Passerini’s personal narratives relate in complex ways to this master narrative, and exploring these ambiguities helps us to generate further innovation in ‘generational thinking’ as well as a comparative understanding of the ‘memory studies’ of two of the most important thinkers in British and Italian contemporary history.
Utopia and conflict in the oral testimonies of French 1968 activists
Authors: Gildea Robert
Published: January 2013

There are two conflicting cultural memories of 1968: one that celebrates liberation and the other that condemns political violence and sexual excess. This article, based on interviews with five former 1968 activists in France, explores the ways in which they seek to navigate between their personal memories of becoming an activist, positive and negative group memories of being an activist, and the contested cultural memories of 1968, in order to make sense of 1968 and their part in it.
Private 1968 and the margins: The Vicolo Cassini’s community in Macerata, Italy
Authors: Serenelli Sofia
Published: January 2013

The collective memory of the Italian 1968 has been defined as a ‘possessive memory’, shaped by its most influential protagonists from the main urban centres, who also became its most influential historians. The ‘marginal’ areas of the Italian movement, which was characterised by its length and breadth in geography and society, have for long time been left aside. Furthermore, persistent ‘dark sides’ and historiographical gaps still remain to be explored. One of these is the ‘private side’ of 1968, in particular, with regard to the ‘family’ and its alternative everyday lifestyles, strikingly within a movement whose main historical characteristic has been defined as ‘the emergence of subjectivity in the public sphere’. This article addresses these two main neglected aspects of the Italian 1968, the geographical margins and the ‘private side’ of the family and alternative lifestyles, by concentrating on a provincial area of the Marche region (Macerata), in Central Italy. Exploring memories and raw material through oral history and micro-historical focus, it concentrates on a group of militants attempting to set up an alternative ‘hippy’ community and to experience alternative lifestyles. By looking at their collective memory and experience of 1968 in contention as well as in dialogue with codified histories and master-narratives, it will be shown that dominant categories and the codified historiography of the Italian movement either do not apply or have a different meaning. In doing so, I will argue that memory can shed light on the relevance of ‘place’, as well as on the relationship between the ‘global’ and the ‘local’, in the historical understanding of the essence and legacy of 1968.
Long term outcome of trapeziectomy with ligament reconstruction/tendon interposition versus thumb basal joint prosthesis
Authors: Vandenberghe L. , Degreef I. , Didden K. , Fiews S. , De Smet L.
Published: January 2013

Several surgical techniques to treat thumb basal joint arthritis have been described. In this study we compared the results of a cemented thumb basal joint with trapeziectomy with a ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition. A questionnaire was sent to all 519 patients, 322 (with 382 procedures) responded. No significant differences were found when comparing impairment, pain, patient satisfaction and disability. Given the fact that the superiority of a prosthesis cannot be proven and the cost of the implant is greater, we recommend the trapeziectomy with ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition as opposed to arthroplasty as the first choice in the treatment of basal joint osteoarthritis of the thumb.
The long-term follow-up of treatment with corticosteroid injections in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. When are multiple injections indicated?
Authors: Berger M. , Vermeulen M. , Koelman J. H. T. M. , van Schaik I. N. , Roos Y. B. W. E. M.
Published: January 2013

The objective of this prospective study was to investigate the long-term effect of one or more local corticosteroid injections in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome and whether a good response can be predicted. Follow-up visits took place at 3 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year after the first corticosteroid injection. Thirty of the 120 patients (25%) had a good outcome with a single injection, 11 additional patients (9%) needed a second injection, and five patients (4%) needed a third injection to reach a good outcome after 1 year. Of patients with an initial good treatment response, 28 (52%) had a good outcome after 1 year compared with 18 (27 %) who had an initially moderate or no response to treatment. One-third of patients with carpal tunnel syndrome had a long-term beneficial effect from corticosteroid injection, especially when they had a good initial response.
The effects of participating in creative activities on the health and well-being of children and young people: a rapid review of the literature
Authors: Bungay Hilary , Vella-Burrows Trish
Published: January 2013

Aims:

Health-promoting strategies need to be culturally appropriate to encourage healthy behaviours and lifestyle choices in children and young people. This rapid review explores the effects of participating in creative activities on the health and well-being of children aged between 11 and 18 years.

Methods:

Building on an earlier systematic review undertaken by Daykin and colleagues1 a rapid review of the literature published between 2004 and 2011 was undertaken. The search was conducted systematically and included research on music, dance, singing, drama and visual arts, taking place in community settings or as extracurricular activities in mainstream schools. Therapies such as art, drama and music were excluded from the review.

Results:

Following rigorous application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, 20 papers were included in the review: six quantitative, eight qualitative and six mixed-method approaches. The interventions used in the studies were diverse and the research was heterogeneous, therefore overall synthesis of the results was inappropriate. The review is therefore organised into the following headings: sexual health, obesity, mental health and emotional well-being. Despite the methodological weakness and limitations of the majority of the studies there were some consistencies in their findings. It was found that participating in creative activities can have a positive effect on behavioural changes, self-confidence, self-esteem, levels of knowledge and physical activity.

Conclusions:

Although the research evidence is generally weak there is some evidence that using creative activities as part of a health-promoting strategy may be a useful method of increasing knowledge and positive behaviours in children and young people.
Eudaimonic well-being and community arts participation
Authors: Swindells Rachel , Lawthom Rebecca , Rowley Kevin , Siddiquee Asiya , Kilroy Amanda , Kagan Carolyn
Published: January 2013

Aims:

This article considers eudaimonic models of psychological well-being in relation to qualitative data previously gathered as part of Manchester Metropolitan University’s Invest to Save Arts in Health programme (2004–07).

Methods:

The research draws from 21 interviews with participants involved in Invest to Save arts projects for older people and adults with a mental health diagnosis. Using a collaborative team approach, a hybrid thematic analysis was undertaken alongside an updated literature review framed by positive psychology and with a focus on well-being.

Results:

The analysis identified eudaimonic themes of autonomy/intrinsic motivation and challenge to be particularly pertinent to participants’ experiences of the scheme. Findings suggest that the programme provided a sense of purposeful occupation, cognitive and creative challenge and opportunities for autonomous self-expression and heightened concentration (flow). Many participants identified with the arts activities on offer and, while not necessarily aspiring to achieve any particular status, were intrinsically motivated to develop what they considered to be their innate creative potential. Some also reported that sustained engagement was important to their continued psychological well-being.

Conclusions:

Arts and health researchers might usefully draw from theories of well-being from positive psychology. Both fields are compatible in that they share an interest in human flourishing and understanding of wellness as more than an absence of dysfunction or disease. Further research is needed to ascertain whether the limited results presented here are representative of other populations. What does seem evident is that arts projects have a broad appeal and can be highly inclusive, accommodating participants with diverse needs. More generally the investigation raises questions about the cultural scaffolds that are in place to support eudaimonic well-being across the lifespan, as well as the consequences of restricting such opportunities for individuals and communities.
Active music making: a route to enhanced subjective well-being among older people
Authors: Creech Andrea , Hallam Susan , Varvarigou Maria , McQueen Hilary , Gaunt Helena
Published: January 2013

Aims:

This research explored the relationship between active music making and subjective well-being, in older people’s lives. The research focused on how participation in making music might enhance older people’s social, emotional and cognitive well-being, through meeting the basic psychological needs identified in earlier research.

Method:

The research comprised three case studies, each offering a variety of musical activities to older people. In each case study a sample of older people were asked to complete questionnaires and psychological needs scales related to autonomy, competence, relatedness and self-realisation before and after a substantial period of active engagement with music.

Results:

Principal components analysis (PCA) of responses to the CASP-121 and the Basic Needs Satisfaction scale2 revealed three factors: purpose (having a positive outlook on life; autonomy and control; and social affirmation (positive social relationships, competence and a sense of recognised accomplishment). Comparisons of those engaged in music making with those participating in other activities revealed statistically significant differences on all three factors with the music groups giving more positive responses.

Conclusions:

The enhanced subjective well-being found among participants in music may have been due to the potential for music to provide a sense of purpose through progression in music and creative expression. Control and autonomy may be supported by the holistic nature of musical engagement, whereby meeting new musical challenges involves physical and cognitive engagement. Finally, social affirmation may be supported through social interaction; giving and receiving peer support; and performance, which confers status, a sense of giving something back to the community, pride and opportunities for positive reinforcement. Further research needs to identify the mechanisms through which music is able to achieve these effects.
Promoting well-being through creativity: how arts and public health can learn from each other
Authors: Cameron Marsaili , Crane Nikki , Ings Richard , Taylor Karen
Published: January 2013

For many years, participatory arts projects have been observed to make a significant contribution to the health and well-being of local communities – only for beneficial outcomes to disappear without trace when short-term project funding runs out. At the same time, there has been mounting evidence, commissioned by both arts and health bodies, to show that creativity and the arts do indeed make a significant difference to people’s health and well-being and to how they feel about, and interact with, their neighbours. What can be done to build on and develop the evidence base? Particularly in times of austerity, there is also a need to draw on that evidence to develop principles and recommendations for bodies wishing to commission, and artists wishing to lead, participatory or public art initiatives that are most likely to result in sustained benefit to local people and communities.

This paper suggests ways in which arts and public health professionals can learn from each other and go on to work more effectively together and with local communities. The paper is based on a qualitative evaluation study of a wide-ranging and innovative initiative, Be Creative Be Well (part of a wider programme, Well London) that nurtured around 100 different small participatory arts projects across 20 of London’s most disadvantaged areas.

Through analysis of case studies and desk research, the paper presents a summary of what exactly the artist and the creative process bring to a community context and how that can best be supported by policy makers and funders.
Museums and art galleries as partners for public health interventions
Authors: Camic Paul M , Chatterjee Helen J
Published: January 2013

The majority of public health programmes are based in schools, places of employment and in community settings. Likewise, nearly all health-care interventions occur in clinics and hospitals. An underdeveloped area for public health-related planning that carries international implications is the cultural heritage sector, and specifically museums and art galleries. This paper presents a rationale for the use of museums and art galleries as sites for public health interventions and health promotion programmes through discussing the social role of these organisations in the health and well-being of the communities they serve. Recent research from several countries is reviewed and integrated into a proposed framework for future collaboration between cultural heritage, health-care and university sectors to further advance research, policy development and evidence-based practice.
Single-Stage Correction of Interrupted Aortic Arch in an Adolescent Patient
Authors: Reddy (Kandakure) Pramod , Tutika Srinivas Chakravarthy , Gundala Anil , Annam Sharath Reddy , Adluri Rajeshwara Krishna Prasad
Published: January 2013

Interrupted aortic arch (IAA) is a rare condition that generally requires surgical correction in the newborn. We report a case of delayed presentation of type A interrupted aortic arch with ventricular septal defect in a 13-year-old female. Single-stage correction without circulatory arrest was accomplished via midline sternotomy approach. Tissue-to-tissue anastomosis was performed without the use of prosthetic material in order to optimize chances for future growth. This simplified technique avoids additional procedures, reduces ischemic time, and prevents problems related to circulatory arrest.
Cardiopulmonary Bypass in an Infant With a Recent History of Malaria
Authors: Munro Hamish M. , Olsen Monica C. , Smith Cathy L. , DeCampli William M.
Published: January 2013

Severe malarial infection is associated with impaired cardiac function. We report a child who underwent repair of tetralogy of Fallot two weeks after being treated for malaria. The postoperative course was complicated by impaired left ventricular function. The pathogenesis of malaria is discussed as well as the potential complications of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB).
What Does Palliative Care Mean in Prenatal Diagnosis of Congenital Heart Disease?
Authors: Rychik Jack
Published: January 2013

Palliative care in congenital heart disease is relatively uncommon. A condition in which discussion of palliative care may occasionally arise is in the case of prenatal diagnosis of hypoplastic left heart syndrome. Prenatal diagnosis allows families to be counseled and educated about the anomaly and provides the opportunity for a conscious, deliberate choice between the options of pregnancy termination, interventional management after birth, or nonintervention with palliative care. Multiple factors contribute to the decision making. Despite the improved outcomes, palliative care is still considered a viable option by the congenital heart care provider community. In a large series of consecutive fetuses presenting with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, approximately 11% chose termination of pregnancy and 7% chose postnatal palliative care. As outcomes steadily improve, the threshold for discontinuing the viability of palliative care as an option will be reached.
Comparison of Cardioprotective Effects of Volatile Anesthetics in Children Undergoing Ventricular Septal Defect Closure
Authors: Singh Pooja , Chauhan Sandeep , Jain Gaurav , Talwar Sachin , Makhija Neeti , Kiran Usha
Published: January 2013

Background:

Volatile anesthetic agents may precondition the myocardium and protect against ischemia and infarction. Preconditioning by volatile anesthetic agents is well documented in adults but is underinvestigated in children. The present study compares the effect of preconditioning in children by three volatile anesthetic agents along with several other variables associated with cardioprotection.

Method:

Eighty children scheduled for ventricular septal defect closure under cardioplegic arrest were assigned to preconditioning for five minutes after commencement of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) with one minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) of one of the following agents: isoflurane, sevoflurane, desflurane, or placebo (oxygen-air mixture). The plasma concentration of creatine kinase MB (CK-MB) was determined after initiation of CPB, and again 6 and 24 hours after admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) after surgery. Duration of inotropic support, mechanical ventilation, and length of ICU stay in all the groups were also recorded.

Results:

Preconditioning with isoflurane, sevoflurane, and desflurane was associated with significantly decreased postoperative release of CK-MB as compared to placebo group at 6 (group 1: 237.2 ± 189, group 2: 69.8 ± 15.8, group 3: 64.7 ± 37.8, and group 4: 70.4 ± 26.7) and 24 hours (group 1: 192.4 ± 158.2, group 2: 67.7 ± 25.0, group 3: 85.7 ± 66.8, and group 4: 50.4 ± 31.6) after admission to ICU. No significant differences were observed in the CK-MB levels among the three volatile anesthetic agents. Duration of inotropic support, mechanical ventilation, and length of ICU stay were greater in placebo group as compared to other groups without reaching statistical significance.

Conclusion:

Volatile anesthetic appear to provide definite cardioprotection to pediatric myocardium. No conclusion can be drawn regarding the best preconditioning agent among isoflurane, sevoflurane, and desflurane.
Double Root Switch
Authors: Furlanetto Gláucio , Furlanetto Beatriz H. S. , Henriques Sandra , Lopes Lilian M. , Pasquinelli Flávia S.
Published: January 2013

We report the cases of two neonates with transposition of the great arteries, whose surgical correction consisted of translocation of the aortic root with the aortic valve and coronary arteries to the left ventricle and translocation of the pulmonary root with the pulmonary valve to the right ventricle. We believe that the aortic translocation may reduce the likelihood of dilatation of the neoaorta, aortic regurgitation, and changes in the endothelium of coronary arteries which have occasionally been seen following arterial switch operations.
Report From the Society of Thoracic Surgeons National Database Workforce
Authors: Overman David M. , Jacobs Jeffrey P. , Prager Richard L. , Wright Cameron D. , Clarke David R. , Pasquali Sara K. , O'Brien Sean M. , Dokholyan Rachel S. , Meehan Paul , McDonald Donna E. , Jacobs Marshall L. , Mavroudis Constantine , Shahian David M.
Published: January 2013

Several distinct definitions of postoperative death have been used in various quality reporting programs. Some have defined postoperative mortality as the occurrence of death after a surgical procedure when the patient dies while still in the hospital, while others have considered all deaths occurring within a predetermined, standardized time interval after surgery to be postoperative mortality. While mortality data are still collected and reported using both these individual definitions, the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) believes that either approach alone may be inadequate. Accordingly, the STS prefers a more encompassing metric, Operative Mortality. Operative Mortality is defined in all STS databases as (1) all deaths, regardless of cause, occurring during the hospitalization in which the operation was performed, even if after 30 days (including patients transferred to other acute care facilities); and (2) all deaths, regardless of cause, occurring after discharge from the hospital, but before the end of the 30th postoperative day. This article provides clarification for some uncommon but important scenarios in which the correct application of this definition may be challenging.
Ethical Challenges of the Use of Whole Exome Sequencing in the Clinic
Authors: Merrill Shana L. , Vaidya Anjali , Pyeritz Reed E.
Published: January 2013

Genetic testing has been utilized to determine the etiology of some pediatric cardiac conditions for decades. However, new techniques, such as clinical whole exome sequencing, raise ethical challenges that must be addressed for the successful integration of these techniques into routine clinical care. One major ethical concern is the ability of patients to provide meaningful informed consent for this type of complex testing. A case of familial dilated cardiomyopathy with pediatric onset of unknown genetic etiology was utilized to facilitate the discussion of these issues by a panel including cardiologists, a geneticist, and a genetic counselor. Cardiologists and their medical genetics colleagues need to continue to discuss and investigate how to ethically integrate rapidly advancing genetic testing technologies into patient care to optimize potential benefits and minimize potential harms.
Advance Care Planning and End-of-Life Management of Adult Patients With Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Kovacs Adrienne H. , Landzberg Michael J. , Goodlin Sarah J.
Published: January 2013

As a result of advances in the diagnosis and treatment of congenital heart disease (CHD), it is now adult care providers, rather than pediatric providers, who are faced with the majority of patient deaths. Effective advance care planning and end-of-life (EOL) care require open communication and collaboration in order to benefit patients, family members, and clinicians. Published guidelines recommend early completion of advance directives and addressing EOL issues in routine care. This article reviews the pattern of shifting CHD mortality, current knowledge regarding advanced care planning and EOL discussions with adults with CHD (ACHD), and guidelines to facilitate and optimize these important discussions.
Unidirectional Valved Patch Closure of Ventricular Septal Defect Along With Total Repair in a 12-Year-Old Patient With Truncus Arteriosus
Authors: Talwar Sachin , Saxena Anita , Meena Ajay , Choudhary Shiv Kumar , Airan Balram
Published: January 2013

We report the case of a 12-year-old patient with truncus arteriosus (common arterial trunk) who underwent successful surgical repair. The ventricular septal defect was closed using a unidirectional valved patch to act as a safeguard in the event of postoperative pulmonary hypertension and right ventricular decompensation.
Cognitive Bias Modification and Cognitive Control Training in Addiction and Related Psychopathology
Authors: Wiers Reinout W. , Gladwin Thomas E. , Hofmann Wilhelm , Salemink Elske , Ridderinkhof K. Richard
Published: January 2013

The past decade has witnessed a surge in research on training paradigms aimed at directly influencing cognitive processes in addiction and other psychopathology. Broadly, two avenues have been explored: In the first, the aim was to change maladaptive cognitive motivational biases (cognitive bias modification); in the second, the aim was to increase general control processes (e.g., working memory capacity). These approaches are consistent with a dual-process perspective in which psychopathology is related to a combination of disorder-specific impulsive processes and weak general abilities to control these impulses in view of reflective longer-term considerations. After reviewing the evidence for dual-process models in addiction, we discuss a number of critical issues, along with suggestions for further research. We argue that theoretical advancement, along with a better understanding of the underlying neurocognitive processes, is crucial for adequately responding to recent criticisms on dual-process models and for optimizing training paradigms for use in clinical practice.
Hierarchical organization in the hemostatic response and its relationship to the platelet-signaling network
Authors: Stalker Timothy J. , Traxler Elizabeth A. , Wu Jie , Wannemacher Kenneth M. , Cermignano Samantha L. , Voronov Roman , Diamond Scott L. , Brass Lawrence F.
Published: January 2013

Key Points

Hemostatic plugs develop a regional architecture defined by the extent of platelet activation and packing density. The regional composition of a hemostatic plug is due to the interaction of local conditions with the platelet-signaling network.
Hair growth-promoting activity of hot water extract of Thuja orientalis
Authors: Zhang Nan-nan , Park Dong Ki , Park Hye-Jin
Published: January 2013

Background

Thuja orientalis has been traditionally used to treat patients who suffer from baldness and hair loss in East Asia. The present study sought to investigate the hair growth-promoting activity of T. orientalis hot water extract and the underlying mechanism of action.

Methods

After T. orientalis extract was topically applied to the shaved dorsal skin of telogenic C57BL/6 N mice, the histomorphometric analysis was employed to study induction of the hair follicle cycle. To determine the effect of T. orientalis extract on the telogen to anagen transition, the protein expression levels of β-catenin and Sonic hedgehog (Shh) in hair follicles were determined by immunohistochemistry.

Results

We observed that T. orientalis extract promoted hair growth by inducing the anagen phase in telogenic C57BL/6 N mice. Specifically, the histomorphometric analysis data indicates that topical application of T. orientalis extract induced an earlier anagen phase and prolonged the mature anagen phase, in contrast to either the control or 1% minoxidil-treated group. We also observed increases in both the number and size of hair follicles of the T. orientalis extract-treated group. Moreover, the immunohistochemical analysis reveals earlier induction of β-catenin and Shh proteins in hair follicles of the T. orientalis extract-treated group, compared to the control or 1% minoxidil-treated group.

Conclusion

These results suggest that T. orientalis extract promotes hair growth by inducing the anagen phase in resting hair follicles and might therefore be a potential hair growth-promoting agent.
XH-14, a novel danshen methoxybenzo[b]furan derivative, exhibits anti-inflammatory properties in lipopolysaccharide-treated RAW 264.7 cells
Authors: Park Geun-Mook , Jun Jong-Gab , Kim Jin-Kyung
Published: January 2013

Background

XH-14 isolated from Salvia miltiorrhiza is a bioactive component and adenosine antagonist. In the present study, we evaluated anti-inflammatory properties of XH-14 in murine macrophages.

Methods

RAW 264.7 murine macrophage cell line was cultured with various concentrations of XH-14 in the absence or presence of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). LPS-induced release and mRNA expression of inflammatory mediators were examined by ELISA and real-time PCR. The modification of signal pathways involved in inflammatory reactions was determined by Western blotting analysis.

Results

XH-14 suppressed the generation of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2, and the expression of inducible NO synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 induced by LPS. Similarly, XH-14 inhibited the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines induced by LPS in RAW 264.7 cells. The underlying mechanism of XH-14 on anti-inflammatory action was correlated with down-regulation of mitogen-activated protein kinase and activator protein-1 activation.

Conclusions

XH-14 inhibits the production of several inflammatory mediators and so might be useful for the treatment of various inflammatory diseases.
Differential expression of TNFR1 (CD120a) and TNFR2 (CD120b) on subpopulations of human monocytes
Authors: Hijdra Daniëlle , Vorselaars Adriane DM , Grutters Jan C , Claessen Anke ME , Rijkers Ger T
Published: January 2013

Background

Three subpopulations of monocytes can be distinguished in human blood: classical (CD14++CD16−), intermediate (CD14++CD16+), and nonclassical (CD14+CD16++). CD16 expressing monocytes are expanded in patients with sarcoidosis and in various other inflammatory diseases. In sarcoidosis, it is unclear whether either intermediate, nonclassical or both CD16 expressing monocytes are responsible for this increase. Data relating to the monocyte subpopulations is receiving increasing attention, but the expression of TNF receptors on these subpopulations has not been studied thus far. The aim of this study was to determine frequencies of monocyte subpopulations and their expression of TNFR1 and TNFR2 in both sarcoidosis patients and healthy controls.

Methods

Peripheral blood cells of sarcoidosis patients and healthy controls were stained for the markers HLA-DR, CD14, CD16, CD120a and CD120b. Cells were measured on a FACSCalibur and analyzed with FlowJo. We used Student’st-test and a parametric One-way ANOVA for statistical analysis.

Results

Sarcoidosis patients had a significant higher frequency of intermediate monocytes than healthy controls. Significant differences in TNF receptor expression were found between the monocyte subpopulations, both in sarcoidosis patients as well as in healthy controls: intermediates expressed more TNFR1 than classicals and nonclassicals and nonclassicals expressed more TNFR2 than intermediates, whereas intermediates showed higher expression than classicals.

Conclusions

In both sarcoidosis patients and healthy controls intermediate monocytes show the highest expression level of TNFR1 among monocyte subpopulations and nonclassical monocytes show the highest expression level of TNFR2. These findings, as wells as the higher frequency of intermediate monocytes in sarcoidosis patients, provide evidence for the existence of two functionally-distinct CD16 expressing monocyte subpopulations.
An approach to performance assessment and fault diagnosis for rotating machinery equipment
Authors: Tao Xiaochuang , Lu Chen , Lu Chuan , Wang Zili
Published: January 2013

Predict and prevent maintenance is routinely carried out. However, how to address the problem of performance assessment maximizing the use of available monitoring data, and how to build a framework that integrates performance assessment, fault detection, and diagnosis are still a significant challenge. For this purpose, this article introduces an approach to performance assessment and fault diagnosis for rotating machinery, including wavelet packet decomposition for extracting energy feature samples from vibration signals acquired during normal and faulty conditions; clustering analysis for demonstrating the separability of the samples; and Fisher discriminant analysis for providing an optimal lower-dimensional representation, in terms of maximizing the separability among different populations, by projecting the samples into a new space. In the new low-dimensional space, the Mahalanobis distance (MD) between the new measurement data and normal population can be calculated for performance assessment. Moreover, this model for performance assessment only requires data to be available in normal conditions and any one of all possible fault conditions, without the necessity for the full life cycle of condition monitoring data. In addition, if monitoring data under different fault conditions are available, the fault mode can be identified accurately by comparing the MDs between the new measurement data and each fault population. Finally, the proposed method was verified to be successful on performance assessment and fault diagnosis via a hydraulic pump test and a ball bearing test.
A cell based high-throughput screening approach for the discovery of new inhibitors of respiratory syncytial virus
Authors: Chung Dong-Hoon , Moore Blake P , Matharu Daljit S , Golden Jennifer E , Maddox Clinton , Rasmussen Lynn , Sosa Melinda I , Ananthan Subramaniam , White E Lucile , Jia Fuli , Jonsson Colleen B , Severson William E
Published: January 2013

Background

Human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) is a highly contagious pathogen and is the most common cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia for infants and children under one year of age. Worldwide, greater than 33 million children under five years of age are affected by hRSV resulting in three million hospitalizations and 200,000 deaths. However, severe lower respiratory tract disease may occur at any age, especially among the elderly or those with compromised cardiac, pulmonary, or immune systems. There is no vaccine commercially available. Existing therapies for the acute infection are ribavirin and the prophylactic humanized monoclonal antibody (Synagis® from MedImmune) that is limited to use in high risk pediatric patients. Thus, the discovery of new inhibitors for hRSV would be clinically beneficial.

Results

We have developed and validated a 384-well cell-based, high-throughput assay that measures the cytopathic effect of hRSV (strain Long) in HEp-2 cells using a luminescent-based detection system for signal endpoint (Cell Titer Glo®). The assay is sensitive and robust, with Z factors greater than 0.8, signal to background greater than 35, and signal to noise greater than 24. Utilizing this assay, 313,816 compounds from the Molecular Libraries Small Molecule Repository were screened at 10 μM. We identified 7,583 compounds that showed greater than 22% CPE inhibition in the primary screen. The top 2,500 compounds were selected for confirmation screening and 409 compounds showed at least 50% inhibition of CPE and were considered active. We selected fifty-one compounds, based on potency, selectivity and chemical tractability, for further evaluation in dose response and secondary assays Several compounds had SI50 values greater than 3, while the most active compound displayed an SI50 value of 58.9.

Conclusions

A robust automated luminescent-based high throughput screen that measures the inhibition of hRSV-induced cytopathic effect in HEp-2 cells for the rapid identification of potential inhibitors from large compound libraries has been developed, optimized and validated. The active compounds identified in the screen represent different classes of molecules, including aryl sulfonylpyrrolidines which have not been previously identified as having anti-hRSV activity.
Intrauterine protein restriction combined with early postnatal overfeeding was not associated with adult-onset obesity but produced glucose intolerance by pancreatic dysfunction
Authors: Coutinho Grazielle Vitória Ponti , Coutinho Felipe Rodrigues , Faiad Jaline Zandonato , Taki Marina Satie , de Lima Reis Silvia Regina , Ignácio-Souza Letícia Martins , Paiva Adriene Alexandra , Latorraca Márcia Queiroz , Gomes-da-Silva Maria Helena Gaíva , Martins Maria Salete Ferreira
Published: January 2013

We investigated if whether intrauterine protein restriction in combination with overfeeding during lactation would cause adult-onset obesity and metabolic disorders. After birth, litters from dams fed with control (17% protein) and low protein (6% protein) diets were adjusted to a size of four (CO and LO groups, respectively) or eight (CC and LC groups, respectively) pups. All of the offspring were fed a diet containing 12% protein from the time of weaning until they were 90 d old. Compared to the CC and LC groups, the CO and LO groups had higher relative and absolute food intakes, oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production; lower brown adipose tissue weight and lipid content and greater weight gain and absolute and relative white adipose tissue weight and absolute lipid content. Compared with the CO and CC rats, the LC and LO rats exhibited higher relative food intake, brown adipose tissue weight and lipid content, reduced oxygen consumption, carbon dioxide production and spontaneous activity, increased relative retroperitoneal adipose tissue weight and unaltered absolute white adipose tissue weight and lipid content. The fasting serum glucose was similar among the groups. The area under the glucose curve was higher in the LO and CO rats than in the LC and CC rats. The basal insulinemia and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were lower in the LO group than in the other groups. The total area under the insulin curve for the LO rats was similar to the CC rats, and both were lower than the CO and LC rats. Kitt was higher in the LO, LC and CO groups than in the CC group. Thus, intrauterine protein restriction followed by overfeeding during lactation did not induce obesity, but produced glucose intolerance by impairing pancreatic function in adulthood.
Dietary oil composition differentially modulates intestinal endotoxin transport and postprandial endotoxemia
Authors: Mani Venkatesh , Hollis James H , Gabler Nicholas K
Published: January 2013

Background

Intestinal derived endotoxin and the subsequent endotoxemia can be considered major predisposing factors for diseases such as atherosclerosis, sepsis, obesity and diabetes. Dietary fat has been shown to increase postprandial endotoxemia. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the effects of different dietary oils on intestinal endotoxin transport and postprandial endotoxemia using swine as a model. We hypothesized that oils rich in saturated fatty acids (SFA) would augment, while oils rich in n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) would attenuate intestinal endotoxin transport and circulating concentrations.

Methods

Postprandial endotoxemia was measured in twenty four pigs following a porridge meal made with either water (Control), fish oil (FO), vegetable oil (VO) or coconut oil (CO). Blood was collected at 0, 1, 2, 3 and 5 hours postprandial and measured for endotoxin. Furthermore, ex vivo ileum endotoxin transport was assessed using modified Ussing chambers and intestines were treated with either no oil or 12.5% (v/v) VO, FO, cod liver oil (CLO), CO or olive oil (OO). Ex vivo mucosal to serosal endotoxin transport permeability (Papp) was then measured by the addition of fluorescent labeled-lipopolysaccharide.

Results

Postprandial serum endotoxin concentrations were increased after a meal rich in saturated fatty acids and decreased with higher n-3 PUFA intake. Compared to the no oil control, fish oil and CLO which are rich in n-3 fatty acids reduced ex vivo endotoxin Papp by 50% (P < 0.05). Contrarily, saturated fatty acids increased the Papp by 60% (P = 0.008). Olive and vegetable oils did not alter intestinal endotoxin Papp.

Conclusion

Overall, these results indicate that saturated and n-3 PUFA differentially regulate intestinal epithelial endotoxin transport. This may be associated with fatty acid regulation of intestinal membrane lipid raft mediated permeability.
Clinical effect of catgut implantation at acupoints for allergic rhinitis: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Li Xinrong , Zhang Qinxiu , Jiang Luyun , Li Tao , Liu Min , Liu Huanxing , Wang Xiaopei , Zhang Fubing
Published: January 2013

Background

Catgut implantation at acupoints has been used in China to treat allergic rhinitis (AR) for a long time. However, its efficacy and safety in the treatment of AR is controversial due to the poor quality of the clinical trial of this therapy. This study aims to identify whether catgut implantation at acupoints is indeed an effective and safe treatment for patients with persistent or intermittent allergic rhinitis (PER or IAR) by comparing with sham catgut implantation treatment.

Methods and design

This study compares real versus sham catgut implantation at acupoints in 242 patients with a history of PER or IAR and with a positive skin prick test (SPT). The trial will be conducted in the Teaching Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. In the study, patients will be randomly assigned by computer-generated randomization list into two groups and assessed prior to treatment. Then, they will receive two sessions of treatments (once per 2 weeks) for 4 consecutive weeks and have a follow-up phase of 12 weeks. The administration of catgut implantation (or sham-control) at acupoints follows the guidelines for clinical research on acupuncture (WHO Regional Publication, Western Pacific Series No.15, 1995), and is performed double-blindly by a well-trained physician in acupuncture. The main outcome measures include the primary and secondary indicators. Primary indicators are subjective symptoms scores evaluated by visual analogue scales (VAS) and Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaires (RQLQ). The secondary indicators are the results of laboratory examinations, such as serum allergen-specific IgE, nasal inflammatory cells counts (mast cells, eosinophils, and T cells) and nitric oxide concentration in nasal excretion. The use of anti-allergic medication will also be recorded as one of the secondary indicators. Furthermore, adverse events will be recorded and analyzed. If any participants withdraw from the trial, intention-to-treat analysis (ITT) and per-protocol (PP) analysis will be performed.

Discussion

The important features of this trial include the randomization procedures, large sample, and a standardized protocol of catgut implantation at acupoints. This trial will be the first study with a high evidence level in China in order to assess the efficacy and safety of catgut implantation at acupoints in treatment of AR following a randomized, double-blind sham-controlled method.

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR-TRC-12002191
Medicinal flora and ethnoecological knowledge in the Naran Valley, Western Himalaya, Pakistan
Authors: Khan Shujaul M , Page Sue , Ahmad Habib , Shaheen Hamayun , Ullah Zahid , Ahmad Mushtaq , Harper David M
Published: January 2013

Background

Mountain ecosystems all over the world support a high biological diversity and provide home and services to some 12% of the global human population, who use their traditional ecological knowledge to utilise local natural resources. The Himalayas are the world's youngest, highest and largest mountain range and support a high plant biodiversity. In this remote mountainous region of the Himalaya, people depend upon local plant resources to supply a range of goods and services, including grazing for livestock and medicinal supplies for themselves. Due to their remote location, harsh climate, rough terrain and topography, many areas within this region still remain poorly known for its floristic diversity, plant species distribution and vegetation ecosystem service.

Methods

The Naran valley in the north-western Pakistan is among such valleys and occupies a distinctive geographical location on the edge of the Western Himalaya range, close to the Hindu Kush range to the west and the Karakorum Mountains to the north. It is also located on climatic and geological divides, which further add to its botanical interest. In the present project 120 informants were interviewed at 12 main localities along the 60 km long valley. This paper focuses on assessment of medicinal plant species valued by local communities using their traditional knowledge.

Results

Results revealed that 101 species belonging to 52 families (51.5% of the total plants) were used for 97 prominent therapeutic purposes. The largest number of ailments cured with medicinal plants were associated with the digestive system (32.76% responses) followed by those associated with the respiratory and urinary systems (13.72% and 9.13% respectively). The ailments associated with the blood circulatory and reproductive systems and the skin were 7.37%, 7.04% and 7.03%, respectively. The results also indicate that whole plants were used in 54% of recipes followed by rhizomes (21%), fruits (9.5%) and roots (5.5%).

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrate the range of ecosystem services that are provided by the vegetation and assess how utilisation of plants will impact on future resource sustainability. The study not only contributes to an improved understanding of traditional ethno-ecological knowledge amongst the peoples of the Western Himalaya but also identifies priorities at species and habitat level for local and regional plant conservation strategies.