bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A signal processing approach for enriched region detection in RNA polymerase II ChIP-seq data
Authors: Han Zhi , Tian Lu , Pécot Thierry , Huang Tim , Machiraju Raghu , Huang Kun
Published: March 2012

Background

RNA polymerase II (PolII) is essential in gene transcription and ChIP-seq experiments have been used to study PolII binding patterns over the entire genome. However, since PolII enriched regions in the genome can be very long, existing peak finding algorithms for ChIP-seq data are not adequate for identifying such long regions.

Methods

Here we propose an enriched region detection method for ChIP-seq data to identify long enriched regions by combining a signal denoising algorithm with a false discovery rate (FDR) approach. The binned ChIP-seq data for PolII are first processed using a non-local means (NL-means) algorithm for purposes of denoising. Then, a FDR approach is developed to determine the threshold for marking enriched regions in the binned histogram.

Results

We first test our method using a public PolII ChIP-seq dataset and compare our results with published results obtained using the published algorithm HPeak. Our results show a high consistency with the published results (80-100%). Then, we apply our proposed method on PolII ChIP-seq data generated in our own study on the effects of hormone on the breast cancer cell line MCF7. The results demonstrate that our method can effectively identify long enriched regions in ChIP-seq datasets. Specifically, pertaining to MCF7 control samples we identified 5,911 segments with length of at least 4 Kbp (maximum 233,000 bp); and in MCF7 treated with E2 samples, we identified 6,200 such segments (maximum 325,000 bp).

Conclusions

We demonstrated the effectiveness of this method in studying binding patterns of PolII in cancer cells which enables further deep analysis in transcription regulation and epigenetics. Our method complements existing peak detection algorithms for ChIP-seq experiments.
The evolution of cardiolipin biosynthesis and maturation pathways and its implications for the evolution of eukaryotes
Authors: Tian Hai-Feng , Feng Jin-Mei , Wen Jian-Fan
Published: March 2012

Background

Cardiolipin (CL) is an important component in mitochondrial inner and bacterial membranes. Its appearance in these two biomembranes has been considered as evidence of the endosymbiotic origin of mitochondria. But CL was reported to be synthesized through two distinct enzymes--CLS_cap and CLS_pld in eukaryotes and bacteria. Therefore, how the CL biosynthesis pathway evolved is an interesting question.

Results

Phylogenetic distribution investigation of CL synthase (CLS) showed: most bacteria have CLS_pld pathway, but in partial bacteria including proteobacteria and actinobacteria CLS_cap pathway has already appeared; in eukaryotes, Supergroup Opisthokonta and Archaeplastida, and Subgroup Stramenopiles, which all contain multicellular organisms, possess CLS_cap pathway, while Supergroup Amoebozoa and Excavata and Subgroup Alveolata, which all consist exclusively of unicellular eukaryotes, bear CLS_pld pathway; amitochondriate protists in any supergroups have neither. Phylogenetic analysis indicated the CLS_cap in eukaryotes have the closest relationship with those of alpha proteobacteria, while the CLS_pld in eukaryotes share a common ancestor but have no close correlation with those of any particular bacteria.

Conclusions

The first eukaryote common ancestor (FECA) inherited the CLS_pld from its bacterial ancestor (e. g. the bacterial partner according to any of the hypotheses about eukaryote evolution); later, when the FECA evolved into the last eukaryote common ancestor (LECA), the endosymbiotic mitochondria (alpha proteobacteria) brought in CLS_cap, and then in some LECA individuals the CLS_cap substituted the CLS_pld, and these LECAs would evolve into the protist lineages from which multicellular eukaryotes could arise, while in the other LECAs the CLS_pld was retained and the CLS_cap was lost, and these LECAs would evolve into the protist lineages possessing CLS_pld. Besides, our work indicated CL maturation pathway arose after the emergence of eukaryotes probably through mechanisms such as duplication of other genes, and gene duplication and loss occurred frequently at different lineage levels, increasing the pathway diversity probably to fit the complicated cellular process in various cells. Our work also implies the classification putting Stramenopiles and Alveolata together to form Chromalveolata may be unreasonable; the absence of CL synthesis and maturation pathways in amitochondriate protists is most probably due to secondary loss.
Role of the gerA operon in L-alanine germination of Bacillus licheniformisspores
Authors: Løvdal Irene S , From Cecilie , Madslien Elisabeth H , Romundset Kristin Cecilia S , Klufterud Elin , Rosnes Jan Thomas , Granum Per Einar
Published: March 2012

Background

The genome of Bacillus licheniformis DSM 13 harbours three neighbouring open reading frames showing protein sequence similarities to the proteins encoded from the Bacillus subtilis subsp. subtilis 168 gerA operon, GerAA, GerAB and GerAC. In B. subtilis, these proteins are assumed to form a germinant receptor involved in spore germination induced by the amino acid L-alanine.

Results

In this study we show that disruption of the gerAA gene in B. licheniformis MW3 hamper L-alanine and casein hydrolysate-triggered spore germination, measured by absorbance at 600 nm and confirmed by phase contrast microscopy. This ability was restored by complementation with a plasmid-borne copy of the gerA locus. Addition of D-alanine in the casein hydrolysate germination assay abolished germination of both B. licheniformis MW3 and the complementation mutant. Germination of both B. licheniformis MW3 and the gerA disruption mutant was induced by the non-nutrient germinant Ca2+-Dipicolinic acid.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate that the B. licheniformis MW3 gerA locus is involved in germination induced by L-alanine and potentially other components present in casein hydrolysate.
Cellular damage and apoptosis along with changes in NF-kappa B expression were induced with contrast agent enhanced ultrasound in gastric cancer cells and hepatoma cells
Authors: Jiang Zao , Wu Wei , Qian Meng-lu
Published: March 2012

Background

The effect of cell injury and apoptosis induced by ultrasound with contrast agent has been verified. Contrast agent enhanced apoptosis and expression of genes that related to apoptosis and are responsive to ultrasound. This effect was associated with reactive oxygen species (ROS) production induced by the sonochemical reaction, as reported in previous studies. NF-kappa B may be one of the factors involved in oxidizing reactions or modulation during the process of ultrasound inducing apoptosis.

Results

Ultrasound irradiated gastric cancer cells (SGC7901 cell line) and hepatocellular carcinoma cells (SMMC-771 cell line) cultured in medium containing contrast agent. Significant cellular damage and apoptosis were observed in the bath cells incubated for 24 hours following 120 seconds ultrasonic irradiation. I kappa B alfa expression synchronously increased in the treatment groups of both the cell lines, and the down-regulated expression of NF-kappa B influenced its-regulated expression of genes that related to apoptosis. Production of intracellular ROS and elevation of NF-kappa B level occurred after incubation of the cells for 1 hour following ultrasonic treatment.

Conclusions

Our result suggested that contrast agent enhanced the biological effect of ultrasound. Their reaction might stimulate the transitory expression of NF-kappaB, and subsequent elevation in IκBalfa expression could lead to the apoptosis of SGC7901 cells and SMMC-771 cells.
Performance of MIMO systems in measured indoor channels with transmitter noise
Authors: Castro Paula M , González-Coma José P , García-Naya José A , Castedo Luis
Published: March 2012

This study analyzes the impact of transmitter noise on the performance of multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems with linear and nonlinear receivers and precoders. We show that the performance of MIMO linear and decision-feedback receivers is not significantly influenced by the presence of transmitter noise, which does not hold true in the case of MIMO systems with precoding. Nevertheless, we also show that this degradation can be greatly alleviated when the transmitter noise is considered in the MIMO precoder design. A MIMO testbed developed at the University of A Coruña has been employed for experimentally evaluating how much the transmitter noise impacts the system performance. Both the transmitter noise and the receiver noise covariance matrices have been estimated from a set of 260 indoor MIMO channel realizations. The impact of transmitter noise has been assessed in this realistic scenario.
Accelerated hypofractionated radiation therapy compared to conventionally fractionated radiation therapy for the treatment of inoperable non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Amini Arya , Lin Steven H , Wei Caimiao , Allen Pamela , Cox James D , Komaki Ritsuko
Published: March 2012

Background

While conventionally fractionated radiation therapy alone is an acceptable option for poor prognostic patients with unresectable stage III NSCLC, we hypothesized that accelerated hypofractionated radiotherapy will have similar efficacy without increasing toxicity.

Methods

This is a retrospective analysis of 300 patients diagnosed with stage III NSCLC treated between 1993 and 2009. Patients included in the study were medically or surgically inoperable, were free of metastatic disease at initial workup and did not receive concurrent chemotherapy. Patients were categorized into three groups. Group 1 received 45 Gy in 15 fractions over 3 weeks (Accelerated Radiotherapy (ACRT)) while group 2 received 60-63 Gy (Standard Radiation Therapy 1 (STRT1)) and group 3 received > 63 Gy (Standard Radiation Therapy (STRT2)).

Results

There were 119 (39.7%) patients in the ACRT group, 90 (30.0%) in STRT1 and 91 (30.3%) in STRT2. More patients in the ACRT group had KPS ≤ 60 (p < 0.001), more commonly presented with weight loss > 5% (p = 0.002), and had stage 3B disease (p < 0.001). After adjusting for clinical variables, there were no differences in the radiation groups in terms of the patterns of local or distant tumor control or overall survival. Some benefit in relapse free survival was seen in the STRT1 group as compared to ACRT (HR = 0.65, p = 0.011). Acute toxicity profiles in the ACRT were significantly lower for grade ≥ 2 radiation dermatitis (p = 0.002), nausea/vomiting (p = 0.022), and weight loss during treatment (p = 0.020).

Conclusions

Despite the limitations of a retrospective analysis, our experience of accelerated hypofractionated radiation therapy with 45 Gy in 15 fractions appears to be an acceptable treatment option for poor performance status patients with stage III inoperable tumors. Such a treatment regimen (or higher doses in 15 fractions) should be prospectively evaluated using modern radiation technologies with the addition of sequential high dose chemotherapy in stage III NSCLC.
Crosstalk between transcription factors and microRNAs in human protein interaction network
Authors: Lin Chen-Ching , Chen Ya-Jen , Chen Cho-Yi , Oyang Yen-Jen , Juan Hsueh-Fen , Huang Hsuan-Cheng
Published: March 2012

Background

Gene regulatory networks control the global gene expression and the dynamics of protein output in living cells. In multicellular organisms, transcription factors and microRNAs are the major families of gene regulators. Recent studies have suggested that these two kinds of regulators share similar regulatory logics and participate in cooperative activities in the gene regulatory network; however, their combinational regulatory effects and preferences on the protein interaction network remain unclear.

Methods

In this study, we constructed a global human gene regulatory network comprising both transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulatory relationships, and integrated the protein interactome into this network. We then screened the integrated network for four types of regulatory motifs: single-regulation, co-regulation, crosstalk, and independent, and investigated their topological properties in the protein interaction network.

Results

Among the four types of network motifs, the crosstalk was found to have the most enriched protein-protein interactions in their downstream regulatory targets. The topological properties of these motifs also revealed that they target crucial proteins in the protein interaction network and may serve important roles of biological functions.

Conclusions

Altogether, these results reveal the combinatorial regulatory patterns of transcription factors and microRNAs on the protein interactome, and provide further evidence to suggest the connection between gene regulatory network and protein interaction network.
Impact of anesthesia on pathophysiology and mortality following subarachnoid hemorrhage in rats
Authors: Hockel Konstantin , Trabold Raimund , Schöller Karsten , Török Elisabeth , Plesnila Nikolaus
Published: March 2012

Background

Anesthesia is indispensable for in vivo research but has the intrinsic potential to alter study results. The aim of the current study was to investigate the impact of three common anesthesia protocols on physiological parameters and outcome following the most common experimental model for subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), endovascular perforation.

Methods

Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 38) were randomly assigned to (1) chloral hydrate, (2) isoflurane or (3) midazolam/medetomidine/fentanyl (MMF) anesthesia. Arterial blood gases, intracranial pressure (ICP), mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP), and regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) were monitored before and for 3 hours after SAH. Brain water content, mortality and rate of secondary bleeding were also evaluated.

Results

Under baseline conditions isoflurane anesthesia resulted in deterioration of respiratory parameters (arterial pCO2and pO2) and increased brain water content. After SAH, isoflurane and chloral hydrate were associated with reduced MAP, incomplete recovery of post-hemorrhagic rCBF (23 ± 13% and 87 ± 18% of baseline, respectively) and a high anesthesia-related mortality (17 and 50%, respectively). Anesthesia with MMF provided stable hemodynamics (MAP between 100-110 mmHg), high post-hemorrhagic rCBF values, and a high rate of re-bleedings (> 50%), a phenomenon often observed after SAH in humans.

Conclusion

Based on these findings we recommend anesthesia with MMF for the endovascular perforation model of SAH.
Risk Factors for Financial Hardship in Patients Receiving Adjuvant Chemotherapy for Colon Cancer: A Population-Based Exploratory Analysis
Authors: Shankaran Veena , Jolly Sanjay , Blough David , Ramsey Scott D.
Published: March 2012

Purpose

Characteristics that predispose patients to financial hardship during cancer treatment are poorly understood. We therefore conducted a population-based exploratory analysis of potential factors associated with financial hardship and treatment nonadherence during and following adjuvant chemotherapy for colon cancer.

Patients and Methods

Patients diagnosed with stage III colon cancer between 2008 and 2010 were identified from a population-based cancer registry representing 13 counties in Washington state. Patients were asked to complete a comprehensive survey on treatment-related costs. Patients were considered to have experienced financial hardship if they accrued debt, sold or refinanced their home, borrowed money from friends or family, or experienced a 20% or greater decline in their annual income as a result of treatment-related expenses. Logistic regression analysis was used to investigate factors associated with financial hardship and treatment nonadherence.

Results

A total of 284 responses were obtained from 555 eligible patients (response rate, 51.2%). Nearly all patients in the final sample were insured during treatment. In this sample, 38% of patients reported one or more financial hardships as a result of treatment. The factors most closely associated with treatment-related financial hardship were younger age and lower annual household income. Younger age, lower income, and unemployment or disability (which occurred in most instances following diagnosis) were most closely associated with treatment nonadherence.

Conclusion

A significant proportion of patients undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy for stage III colon cancer may experience financial hardship, despite having health insurance coverage. Interventions to help at-risk patients early on during therapy may prevent long-term financial adverse effects.
Evidence-Based Treatment of Depression in Patients With Cancer
Authors: Li Madeline , Fitzgerald Peter , Rodin Gary
Published: March 2012

Purpose

Depression is a common condition in patients with cancer, although there has been a relative paucity of research on the effectiveness of treatment in this population. This review summarizes the psychosocial and pharmacologic treatment of depression in patients with cancer based on a consideration of evidence regarding etiologic factors and treatment outcomes.

Methods

A review of the evidence base for psychosocial and pharmacologic interventions for depression in patients with cancer was performed, including original studies, systematic reviews, and meta-analytic studies in the literature.

Results

Recent evidence from randomized controlled trials has demonstrated the efficacy of psychosocial and pharmacologic treatments to alleviate depression in patients with cancer. Further research is needed to establish their relative and combined efficacy and their role in the treatment of depression that is less severe and occurs in association with more advanced disease. First-line recommendations for the treatment of depression in patients with cancer are difficult to derive based on current evidence, because comparative studies have not been conducted to support the superiority of one treatment modality over another in this population.

Conclusion

Both psychosocial and pharmacologic interventions have been shown to be efficacious in treating depression in cancer, but further research is needed to establish their relative and combined benefit. Future research directions include the development and evaluation of novel interventions targeted to specific biologic and psychosocial risk factors.
The Grammars of the Tunisian Revolution
Authors: Guessoumi Mouldi
Published: March 2012

Humanity has always needed a grammar to trace the specific substance of its factual history, from the advent of communicative language up to and including modern revolutionary events. Moreover, all revolutions throughout history have gone through the same stages to arrive finally at the rules that will govern the completion of their objectives. This overall universal rule can be called “revolutionary grammars.” Yet there are aspects of the Tunisian Revolution that are not subject to any singular specific grammar, which prompts noting that this revolution, with all its contingent, diverse, unpredictable, and uncontrollable aspects, is undeniably compelling and lapidary in its principles, and may very well be a major addition to the lexicon of revolutions. The Tunisian Revolution of Dignity can be considered atypical because it arguably runs contrary to the ordinary pattern of revolution established since the eighteenth century. By attending to this revolution’s specificity, its underlying causes, sources, unfolding events, and objectives, as well as the possible means of achieving them, we can draw attention to its groundbreaking dimensions. On the premise that the conventional political explanations of revolution have become obsolete in the face of the Tunisian Revolution, this essay is an attempt at comprehending its grammars of revolution, beginning with the fact that it has not affected Tunisia’s mode of production, or the overall structure of its society, or even the political consciousness and reasoning. Rather, it has been a surgical intervention undertaken by the citizenry in the daily life-practices of society.
The Likelihood-Ratio Framework and Forensic Evidence in Court: A Response to R v T
Authors: Morrison Geoffrey Stewart
Published: March 2012

In R v T the Court of Appeal concluded that the likelihood-ratio framework should not be used for the evaluation of evidence except ‘where there is a firm statistical base’. The present article argues that the court's opinion is based on misunderstandings of statistics and of the likelihood-ratio framework for the evaluation of evidence. The likelihood-ratio framework is a logical framework and not itself dependent on the use of objective measurements, databases and statistical models. The ruling is analysed from the perspective of the new paradigm for forensic-comparison science: the use of the likelihood-ratio framework for the evaluation of evidence; a strong preference for the use of objective measurements, databases representative of the relevant population, and statistical models; and empirical testing of the validity and reliability of the forensic-comparison system under conditions reflecting those of the case at trial.
Non-iconic chronology in Russian narrative texts. Its types and motivations
Authors: Yevseyev Vyacheslav
Published: March 2012

In a narrative text, sequential events are usually presented iconically, i.e. in the linear order of their real succession, cf. Caesar’s famous Veni, vidi, vici (‘I came, I saw, I conquered’). However, the strict chronological order can be broken, as in ‘I conquered after I came (and saw)’. The aim of the present study is to describe such non-iconic cases in quantitative terms on the basis of a corpus compiled from 85 most significant or illustrative works of Russian prose. First, the distribution of iconic and non-iconic cases in syntactic structures of different kind (e.g. with adverbial participles) is described; second, typical structures are analysed in which two sequential events are depicted in reverse order; third, possible motivations for violating the principle of temporal iconicity are studied: the length of clauses (Behaghel’s “law of increasing constituents”), the order of main and subordinate clauses (the Clarks’ “main-clause-first principle”) and the informative status of the clauses (Halliday’s “given-before-new principle” vs. Givon’s “task-urgency principle”).
MicroRNA expression profiling of carcinoma in situ cells of the testis
Authors: Novotny Guy Wayne , Belling Kirstine C , Bramsen Jesper Bertram , Nielsen John E , Bork-Jensen Jette , Almstrup Kristian , Sonne Si Brask , Kjems Jørgen , Rajpert-De Meyts Ewa , Leffers Henrik
Published: March 2012

Testicular germ cell tumours, seminoma (SE) and non-seminoma (NS), of young adult men develop from a precursor cell, carcinomain situ(CIS), which resembles foetal gonocytes and retains embryonic pluripotency. We used microarrays to analyse microRNA (miRNA) expression in 12 human testis samples with CIS cells and compared it with miRNA expression profiles of normal adult testis, testis with Sertoli-cell-only that lacks germ cells, testis tumours (SE and embryonal carcinoma (EC), an undifferentiated component of NS) and foetal male and female gonads. Principal components analysis revealed distinct miRNA expression profiles characteristic for each of the different tissue types. We identified several miRNAs that were unique to testis with CIS cells, foetal gonads and testis tumours. These included miRNAs from the hsa-miR-371–373 and -302–367 clusters that have previously been reported in germ cell tumours and three miRNAs (hsa-miR-96, -141 and -200c) that were also expressed in human epididymis. We found several miRNAs that were upregulated in testis tumours: hsa-miR-9, -105 and -182–183–96 clusters were highly expressed in SE, while the hsa-miR-515–526 cluster was high in EC. We conclude that the miRNA expression profile changes during testis development and that the miRNA profile of adult testis with CIS cells shares characteristic similarities with the expression in foetal gonocytes.
NR5A1 is required for functional maturation of Sertoli cells during postnatal development
Authors: Kato Tomoko , Esaki Michiyo , Matsuzawa Ayami , Ikeda Yayoi
Published: March 2012

The orphan nuclear receptor steroidogenic factor 1 (NR5A1 (SF-1)) is expressed in both Sertoli and Leydig cells in the testes. This study investigates the postnatal development of the testes of a gonad-specific Nr5a1 knockout (KO) mouse, in which Nr5a1 was specifically inactivated. The KO testes appeared histologically normal from postnatal day 0 (P0) until P7. However, disorganized germ cells, vacuoles, and giant cells appeared by P14 in the seminiferous tubules of KO but not control mice. Expression of NR5A1 and various factors was examined by immunohistochemistry (IHC). The number of NR5A1-positive Sertoli cells in the KO testes was lower compared with controls at all the developmental stages and decreased to nearly undetectable levels by P21. IHC for anti-Müllerian hormone and p27, immature and mature Sertoli cell markers, respectively, indicated a delay in Sertoli cell maturation in the KO testes. The number of Sertoli cell-expressing factors involved in Sertoli cell differentiation including WT1, SOX9, GATA4, and androgen receptor were lower in the KO testes compared with controls. Furthermore, fewer proliferating cell nuclear antigen-positive proliferative germ cells were observed, and the number of TUNEL-labeled cells was significantly higher in the KO testes compared with controls at P14 and P21, indicating impaired spermatogenesis. IHC for CYP11A1 (SCC) indicated the presence of steroidogenic Leydig cells in the interstitium of the KO testes at all stages examined. These results suggest that NR5A1 is essential for Sertoli cell maturation and therefore spermatogenesis, during postnatal testis development.
Recognizing and Managing Eczematous Id Reactions to Molluscum Contagiosum Virus in Children
Authors: Netchiporouk Elena , Cohen Bernard A.
Published: March 2012

Molluscum contagiosum (MC) is a self-limiting cutaneous viral eruption that is very common in children. MC infection can trigger an eczematous reaction around molluscum papules known as a hypersensitivity or an id reaction. In addition, a hypersensitivity reaction can occasionally occur at sites distant from the primary molluscum papules. These eczematous reactions are often asymptomatic or minimally pruritic. We believe that id reactions represent an immunologically mediated host response to MC virus and a harbinger of regression. Therefore, these reactions often do not require treatment other than emollients. Moreover, topical steroids or immunomodulators may suppress this process and potentiate the spread of the primary MC infection. However, in symptomatic patients, treatment should not be withheld and short-course treatments of topical corticosteroids may be used. In this case series, we describe 3 cases of hypersensitivity reactions in otherwise healthy children with MC. We hope that our report will make clinicians more aware of this common eczematous response to MC and will improve the management and counseling of these patients and their parents.
Hospital Variation in Nitric Oxide Use for Premature Infants
Authors: Stenger Michael R. , Slaughter Jonathan L. , Kelleher Kelly , Shepherd Edward G. , Klebanoff Mark A. , Reagan Patricia , Nelin Leif D. , Gardner William
Published: March 2012

OBJECTIVE:

To describe inter-center hospital variation in inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) administration to infants born prior to 34 weeks' gestation at US children's hospitals.

METHODS:

This was a retrospective cohort study using the Pediatric Health Information System to determine the frequency, age at first administration, and length of iNO use among 22 699 consecutive first admissions of unique <34 weeks’ gestation infants admitted to 37 children’s hospitals from January 1, 2007, through December 31, 2010.

RESULTS:

A total of 1644 (7.2%) infants received iNO during their hospitalization, with substantial variation in iNO use between hospitals (range across hospitals: 0.5%–26.2%; P < .001). The age at which iNO was started varied by hospital (mean: 20.0 days; range: 6.0–65.1 days, P < .001), as did the duration of therapy (mean: 13.1 days; range: 1.0–31.1 days; P < .001). Preterm infants who received iNO were less likely to survive (36.3% mortality vs 8.3%; odds ratio: 6.27; P < .001). The association between the use of iNO and mortality persists in propensity score–adjusted analyses controlling for demographic factors and diagnoses associated with the use of iNO (odds ratio: 3.79; P < .0001).

CONCLUSIONS:

iNO practice patterns in preterm infants varied widely among institutions. Infants who received iNO were less likely to survive, suggesting that iNO is used in infants already at high risk of death. Adherence to National Institutes of Health consensus guidelines may decrease variation in iNO use.
Caracterização de pacientes de unidade de internação psiquiátrica, segundo grau de dependência do cuidado de enfermagem
Authors: Oliveira Roselena Pechoto de , Laus Ana Maria
Published: March 2012

Este estudo teve por objetivo caracterizar o grau de dependência em relação ao cuidado de enfermagem dos pacientes internados na unidade de psiquiatria de um hospital de ensino, utilizando um instrumento para classificação do nível de dependência em enfermagem psiquiátrica. Foram classificados 11,07 pacientes/dia na enfermaria de psiquiatria (EPQU) e 7,76 pacientes/dia na enfermaria de psiquiatria de internação breve (EPIB), sendo a taxa média de ocupação dos leitos nestas unidades de 79,1% e 86,3%, respectivamente. Houve predominância de pacientes do sexo feminino (55,8%) e da faixa etária entre 20 a 30 anos (34,8%). O grau discreto de cuidado de enfermagem prevaleceu tanto na EPQU (62,7%) como na EPIB (61,8%). A investigação possibilitou conhecer as demandas de cuidados de enfermagem dessa clientela e forneceu elementos que apontaram para a necessidade de novos estudos referentes à composição do quadro de pessoal de enfermagem para esta unidade.
Risco e prevenção do HIV/Aids: uma perspectiva biográfica sobre os comportamentos sexuais em Portugal
Authors: Aboim Sofia
Published: March 2012

Com base num inquérito representativo da população portuguesa entre 18 e 65 anos, realizado em 2007, este estudo investiga o impacto de fatores de curso de vida sexual sobre os comportamentos e as percepções do risco entre 3055 homens e mulheres heterossexuais. Através de indicadores relativos ao número, à identidade e à sequência de parceiros sexuais ao longo da vida, identificaram-se vários perfis de biografia sexual, desde formas de sexualidade ocasional e de recurso ao sexo pago, mais associadas aos homens, a perfis de parceiro único, mais comuns entre as mulheres. A realização de análises de regressão linear permitiu avaliar o impacto preditivo das biografias sexuais sobre o uso do preservativo e os comportamentos de prevenção. Os dados mostram que as biografias sexuais são importantes para explicar a prevalência do uso de preservativo nas relações com diferentes parceiros. Por outro lado, o receio da infecção e os conhecimentos sobre as formas de transmissão do HIV influenciam a mobilização cognitiva de estratégias de prevenção e de mudança de comportamentos. Todavia, o uso do preservativo parece mais dependente do curso de vida sexual e das interações situadas entre parceiros.
Alveolar Bone Loss Associated With Age‐Related Macular Degeneration in Males
Authors: Karesvuo Petteri , Gursoy Ulvi K. , Pussinen Pirkko J. , Suominen Anna L. , Huumonen Sisko , Vesti Eija , Könönen Eija
Published: March 2012

Background: The aim of this study is to examine the relationship of selected systemic and oral health parameters and the salivary presence of six periodontal pathogens to age‐related macular degeneration (AMD).

Methods: The present cross‐sectional study includes data on 1,751 individuals (≥30 years old). General health information was obtained by questionnaires and interviews, including self‐reported diagnosis of AMD, as well as by the general and oral health examination, including panoramic radiography and laboratory analyses. Fifty‐four individuals with degenerative fundus changes formed the AMD group, and the other 1,697 formed the non‐AMD group. Pearson χ2 and analysis of variance tests were used for comparisons of categorical parameters and continuous parameters between the participant groups, respectively. A logistic regression analysis was performed to study the association of AMD with alveolar bone loss and the number of teeth by controlling for age, diabetic status, systolic blood pressure, education, and smoking, and also for the carriage of salivary bacteria.

Results: Advanced age, systolic blood pressure, and diabetes were associated with AMD (P <0.001), whereas the carriage rates of the examined periodontal pathogens were not. In the whole study population, the participants with AMD had fewer teeth (P <0.001) and more alveolar bone loss (P = 0.004) compared with non‐AMD participants. In a logistic regression model adjusted for age, smoking, and diabetes, alveolar bone loss was associated with AMD in males with an odds ratio of 4.3 (95% confidence interval = 1.3 to 14.6, P = 0.013).

Conclusion: In this population‐based health survey, alveolar bone loss is independently associated with AMD in males.
Climate Change and Ecosystem Disruption: The Health Impacts of the North American Rocky Mountain Pine Beetle Infestation
Authors: Embrey Sally , Remais Justin V. , Hess Jeremy
Published: March 2012

In the United States and Canada, pine forest ecosystems are being dramatically affected by an unprecedented pine beetle infestation attributed to climate change. Both decreased frequency of extremely cold days and warmer winter temperature averages have led to an enphytotic devastating millions of acres of pine forest. The associated ecosystem disruption has the potential to cause significant health impacts from a range of exposures, including increased runoff and water turbidity, forest fires, and loss of ecosystem services. We review direct and indirect health impacts and possible prevention strategies. The pine beetle infestation highlights the need for public health to adopt an ecological, systems-oriented view to anticipate the full range of potential health impacts from climate change and facilitate effective planned adaptation.
Life After the Ban: An Assessment of US Syringe Exchange Programs’ Attitudes About and Early Experiences With Federal Funding
Authors: Green Traci C. , Martin Erika G. , Bowman Sarah E. , Mann Marita R. , Beletsky Leo
Published: March 2012

Objectives. We aimed to determine whether syringe exchange programs (SEPs) currently receive or anticipate pursuing federal funding and barriers to funding applications following the recent removal of the long-standing ban on using federal funds for SEPs.

Methods. We conducted a telephone-administered cross-sectional survey of US SEPs. Descriptive statistics summarized responses; bivariate analyses examined differences in pursuing funding and experiencing barriers by program characteristics.

Results. Of the 187 SEPs (92.1%) that responded, 90.9% were legally authorized. Three received federal funds and 116 intended to pursue federal funding. Perceived federal funding barriers were common and included availability and accessibility of funds, legal requirements such as written police support, resource capacity to apply and comply with funding regulations, local political and structural organization, and concern around altering program culture. Programs without legal authorization, health department affiliation, large distribution, or comprehensive planning reported more federal funding barriers.

Conclusions. Policy implementation gaps appear to render federal support primarily symbolic. In practice, funding opportunities may not be available to all SEPs. Increased technical assistance and legal reform could improve access to federal funds, especially for SEPs with smaller capacity and tenuous local support.
Monitoring of biofouling on ultrafiltration hollow fiber membranes by rapid enzyme activity assays
Authors: Sun C. , Fiksdal L.
Published: March 2012

The biofouling of an ultrafiltration (UF) membrane unit applied for drinking water treatment was investigated under three different operating conditions, i.e. flux 50, 60 and 70 L m−2 h−1. The biofouling was monitored by analyzing the enzyme (esterase and peptidase) activity on the sacrificed membrane fibers of a test unit installed in the same reactor as the membrane pilot module. At a given flux, a decrease of membrane permeability generally corresponded to an increase of enzyme activity. Enzyme activity could therefore be used to predict the permeability decline and potentially be used for e.g. at-line monitoring of membrane biofouling.
A drinking water treatment plant simulator using real-time plant data for enhanced operator training and model evaluation
Authors: van der Helm A. W. C. , Oonincx M. , Lapikas T. , van Schagen K. M. , Rietveld L. C.
Published: March 2012

Waterspot is a plant-wide drinking water treatment simulator that has been developed in a 3 year research project. The incorporation of real-time and historical data of on-line water quality measurements, flow measurements, process data and water quality laboratory measurements in the simulator improves the acceptance of model output by technologists, ensures a more realistic training of operators and shows the potential of detecting deviations from the expected water quality and control of the plant. The optimal position of the simulator in the automation architecture was found to be on the process information management system (PIMS) network.
Interview: AcademyHealth and the future of comparative effectiveness research: making sure evidence matters
Authors: Simpson Lisa
Published: March 2012

Dr Lisa Simpson is the president and CEO of AcademyHealth, and its advocacy arm, the Coalition for Health Services Research. A nationally recognized health policy researcher and pediatrician, Dr Simpson is a passionate advocate for the translation of research into policy and practice. Before joining AcademyHealth, Dr Simpson was director of the Child Policy Research Center at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and Professor of Pediatrics in the Division of Health Policy and Clinical Effectiveness, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati (OH, USA). She served as the Deputy Director of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) from 1996 to 2002. She previously served on the Institute of Medicine’s Committee on Comparative Effectiveness Research Priorities and the Committee on Highly Effective Clinical Services. Dr Simpson is a member of the Robert Wood Johnson Clinical Scholars Program National Advisory Council and the AHRQ Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) Steering Committee. Dr Simpson’s research focuses on improving the performance of the healthcare system and includes studies of the quality and safety of care, the role of health information technology in improving the quality of care, health and healthcare disparities, and the health policy and system response to childhood obesity. Dr Simpson earned her undergraduate and medical degrees at Trinity College (Dublin, Ireland), a master’s in public health at the University of Hawaii (HI, USA), and completed a post-doctoral fellowship in health services research and health policy at the University of California, San Francisco (CA, USA).
Improvement of lipase production from Geotrichum sp. in shaken flasks
Authors: Maldonadoa Resende , Pancieraa Luiz , Macedob Alves , Mazuttic Marcio , Maugeria Francisco , Rodriguesa Isabel
Published: March 2012

This work is focused on the study of different variables on inoculum build-up
aiming to improve the lipase production by Geotrichum sp. by means a
sequential strategy of experimental design. The effects of inoculum size,
corn steep liquor concentration, volume of inoculum, pH of medium, age of
inoculum and soybean oil concentration on lipase activity were assessed by
means of two factorial experimental designs. A maximum lipase activity of
35.20?0.8 U/mL was obtained with a inoculum composed of one circular area of
0.78cm2 containing spores, 50 mL of inoculum volume medium, 12 hours of
inoculum age, 15% w/v of corn steep liquor concentration, 1.0%w/v of soybean
oil concentration and initial pH 5.0 at 30?C and 150 rpm in flasks. This work
showed that an enhancement of lipase activity can be obtained using a
sequential statistical factorial approach to define the variables for
inoculum build-up.
Work places with stipend programme and its impact on poverty risk decrease: Case of Latvia
Authors: Brence Ieva , Kantāne Ināra
Published: March 2012

The aim of the paper is to analyze theoretical concepts of poverty risk and
to estimate the impact of the Workplaces with Stipend Programme (hereinafter
WWS) on poverty risk decrease in Latvia. In order to assess the effects of
the WWS three different surveys were carried out: of households with WWS
participants, of experts in Latvian labour market issues, and of municipality
representatives. The results were analyzed, together with analysis of
statistical data. The paper concludes that in general the WWS has a very
positive impact on WWS participants? household budgets (more than 95% of the
WWS participants in all Latvian regions noted a significant impact of the WWS
on their household budgets). In cases where the WWS participant is the single
representative of the household, he/ she escapes the status of a deprived
person. At the same time participation in the WWS does not allow for
exceeding the poverty threshold set in Latvia.
Kants „Glücklicher einfall“. Die wissenschaftstheoretische und - historische selbstverortung Kants in der vorrede der Kritik der reinen vernunft
Authors: Nerurkar Michael
Published: March 2012

Der Aufsatz hat Kants wissenschaftsgeschichtliche und
wissenschaftstheoretische Selbstverortung, wie er sie in der Vorrede der
B-Ausgabe der Kritik der reinen Vernunft vornimmt, zum Gegenstand.
Untersucht werden Kants Begriff des ?sicheren Gangs einer Wissenschaft? und
die von ihm in dieser Perspek?tive gezogenen Analogien zwischen
Mathematik/Naturwissenschaften einerseits und Metaphysik andererseits. Es
wird versucht, die Rede Kants von einer ?hnlichkeit seiner kritischen
?Revolution der Denkungsart? mit dem ?ersten Gedanken des Kopernikus?
verst?ndlich zu machen. Kants als ?Kopernikanische Revolution? be?kannt
gewordene Einf?hrung des Transzendentalen Idealismus wird h?ufig in
ober?fl?chlicher und verk?rzender Weise als der von Kopernikus vorgenommenen
Ersetzung des geozentrischen Modells des Sonnensystems durch das
heliozentrische entsprechend gedacht. Hier wird demgegen?ber daf?r
argumentiert, dass die von Kant selbst herausgestelle ?hnlichkeit mit
Kopernikus komplexer ausf?llt und sich sowohl auf den Inhalt der
transzendentalidealistischen These bezieht, als auch auf den Status ihrer
Begr?ndetheit.
Toward the philosophy of creation: Maximus the confessor
Authors: Cvetkovic Vladimir
Published: March 2012

The article aims to present the philosophical argumentation in favor of the
Christian idea of the creation of the world exposed in the work of the
seventh century author Maximus the Confessor. Maximus the Confessor developed
his doctrine of creation on the basis of the philosophical arguments of his
Christian predecessors, above all, Gregory of Nyssa, Nemesius of Emesa and
Dionysius the Areopagite. The core of Maximus? argumentation on the creation
of the world is similar to the position of the Alexandrian philosopher John
Philoponus (6th century), but it is additionally enriched with ideas deriving
from the works of the aforementioned Christian authors. Some of the ideas
that form the scaffolding of Maximus? doctrine of creation are: the fivefold
division of beings, which has its climax in the division between the created
and uncreated nature, the movement of creatures towards God, who alone is the
true goal of their movement, the eternal existence of the world in logoi as
expressions of divine will, God?s providential care not only for the
universal but also for the individual beings and the deification of the
entire created world as the initial purpose of creation. Maximus? views on
creation are conveyed in a language that combines Aristotelian, Stoic and
Neoplatonist philosophical vocabulary.
Welfare assessment for dairy cows in loose stalls
Authors: Hristov Slavca , Zlatanovic Zvonko , Stankovic Branislav , Ostojic-Andric Dusica , Davidovic Vesna , Joksimovic-Todorovic Mirjana , Plavsic Budimir , Dokmanovic Marija
Published: March 2012

In this paper, welfare assessment using the methodology of the Welfare
quality ? assessment protocol for cattle (2009) was performed for dairy cows
maintained in the loose system of rearing on three dairy farms. This
methodology includes quantitative measurements and qualitative evaluation of
certain welfare parameters, criteria and principles of welfare, as well as
assessment of the overall welfare of dairy cows. The results showed that the
overall level of dairy cow welfare was acceptable on two farms, and was good
on one. On two farms, the state of the cows? social behavior expression was
unacceptable. Furthermore, on all three farms, the expression of other types
of cow behavior was not acceptable. At one farm, it was determined that the
result for the absence of prolonged thirst was unacceptable. Based on these
results, it can be concluded that it is necessary to improve the quality of
cow welfare on these farms. The applied methodology provides a
multidimensional insight into the quality of cow welfare in the loose system.
Adiponectin Increases Skeletal Muscle Mitochondrial Biogenesis by Suppressing Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Phosphatase-1
Authors: Qiao Liping , Kinney Brice , Yoo Hyung sun , Lee Bonggi , Schaack Jerome , Shao Jianhua
Published: March 2012

Adiponectin enhances mitochondrial biogenesis and oxidative metabolism in skeletal muscle. This study aimed to investigate the underlying mechanisms through which adiponectin induces mitochondrial biogenesis in skeletal muscle. Mitochondrial contents, expression, and activation status of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and PPARγ coactivator 1α (PGC-1α) were compared between skeletal muscle samples from adiponectin gene knockout, adiponectin-reconstituted, and control mice. Adenovirus-mediated adiponectin and MAPK phosphatase-1 (MKP1) overexpression were used to verify the relationship of MKP1 and PGC-1α in adiponectin-enhanced mitochondrial biogenesis using cultured C2C12 myotubes and PGC-1α knockout mice. An inhibitory effect of adiponectin on MKP1 gene expression was observed in mouse skeletal muscle and cultured C2C12 myotubes. Overexpression of MKP1 attenuated adiponectin-enhanced mitochondrial biogenesis, with significantly decreased PGC-1α expression and p38 MAPK phosphorylation. Although in vivo adiponectin overexpression reduced MKP1 protein levels, the stimulative effects of adiponectin on mitochondrial biogenesis vanished in skeletal muscle of PGC-1α knockout mice. Therefore, our study indicates that adiponectin enhances p38 MAPK/PGC-1α signaling and mitochondrial biogenesis in skeletal muscle by suppressing MKP1 expression.