bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Soft Denture Liners on L929 Fibroblasts, HaCaT Keratinocytes, and RAW 264.7 Macrophages
Authors: Chaves Carolina de Andrade Lima , de Souza Costa Carlos Alberto , Vergani Carlos Eduardo , Chaves de Souza Pedro Paulo , Machado Ana Lucia
Published: September 2014

The effects of six soft liners (Ufi Gel P (UG), Sofreliner S (SR), Durabase Soft (D), Trusoft (T), Coe Comfort (CC), and Softone (ST)) on L929, HaCat, and RAW 264.7 cells were investigated. Eluates (24 and 48 h) from the materials were applied on the cells and the viability, type of cell death, and morphology were evaluated. Cells were also seeded on the specimens’ surfaces (direct contact) and incubated (24 or 48 h), and viability was analyzed. Controls were cells in culture medium without eluates or specimens. For cell viability, no significant differences were found among materials or between extraction periods, and the liners were noncytotoxic or slightly cytotoxic. Morphology of RAW 264.7 cells was altered by the 24 h eluates from CC and D and the 48 h eluates from SR, CC, and D. The 24 and 48 h eluates from all materials (except T) increased the percentages of L929 necrotic cells. For direct contact tests, the lowest cytotoxicity was observed for UG and SR. Although eluates did not reduce viability, morphology alterations and increase in necrosis were seen. Moreover, in the direct contact, effects on viability were more pronounced, particularly for D, T, CC and ST. Thus, the use of UG and SR might reduce the risk of adverse effects.
Advantage Management Strategy in Competition via Technological Race Perspective: Empirical Evidence from the Taiwanese Manufacturing Industry
Authors: Hung Tsu-Yi , Hsiao Yu-Ju , Wu Shih-Wei
Published: September 2014

This study investigated the advantage management strategies of a firm regarding the technological race in the manufacturing sector. This is to reveal whether firms adopt a catch-up or leapfrogging strategy in the competition for innovation. The results show that competition is fierce in the Taiwanese manufacturing industry. Taiwanese manufacturing firms (mostly SMEs) tend to adopt the “catch-up” strategy to keep up with their competitors in order to remain in the technological race. The result indicates that, under financial constraints, Taiwanese manufacturing firms attempt to invest in R&D to catch up with their rivals or to avoid being eliminated from the race.
Evaluating the Bone Tissue Regeneration Capability of the Chinese Herbal DecoctionDanggui Buxue Tangfrom a Molecular Biology Perspective
Authors: Wang Wen-Ling , Sheu Shi-Yuan , Chen Yueh-Sheng , Kao Shung-Te , Fu Yuan-Tsung , Kuo Tzong-Fu , Chen Kuo-Yu , Yao Chun-Hsu
Published: September 2014

Large bone defects are a considerable challenge to reconstructive surgeons. Numerous traditional Chinese herbal medicines have been used to repair and regenerate bone tissue. This study investigated the bone regeneration potential ofDanggui Buxue Tang(DBT), a Chinese herbal decoction prepared fromRadix Astragali(RA) andRadix Angelicae Sinensis(RAS), from a molecular biology perspective. The optimal ratio ofRAandRASused inDBTfor osteoblast culture was obtained by colorimetric and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity assays. Moreover, the optimal concentration ofDBTfor bone cell culture was also determined by colorimetric, ALP activity, nodule formation, Western blotting, wound-healing, and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase activity assays. Consequently, the most appropriate weight ratio ofRAtoRASfor the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts was 5 : 1. Moreover, the most effective concentration ofDBTwas 1,000 μg/mL, which significantly increased the number of osteoblasts, intracellular ALP levels, and nodule numbers, while inhibiting osteoclast activity. Additionally, 1,000 μg/mL ofDBTwas able to stimulate p-ERK and p-JNK signal pathway. Therefore,DBTis highly promising for use in accelerating fracture healing in the middle or late healing periods.
Battery Energy Storage Sizing When Time of Use Pricing Is Applied
Authors: Carpinelli Guido , Khormali Shahab , Mottola Fabio , Proto Daniela
Published: September 2014

Battery energy storage systems (BESSs) are considered a key device to be introduced to actuate the smart grid paradigm. However, the most critical aspect related to the use of such device is its economic feasibility as it is a still developing technology characterized by high costs and limited life duration. Particularly, the sizing of BESSs must be performed in an optimized way in order to maximize the benefits related to their use. This paper presents a simple and quick closed form procedure for the sizing of BESSs in residential and industrial applications when time-of-use tariff schemes are applied. A sensitivity analysis is also performed to consider different perspectives in terms of life span and future costs.
Epidemiology of West Nile Disease in Europe and in the Mediterranean Basin from 2009 to 2013
Authors: Di Sabatino Daria , Bruno Rossana , Sauro Francesca , Danzetta Maria Luisa , Cito Francesca , Iannetti Simona , Narcisi Valeria , De Massis Fabrizio , Calistri Paolo
Published: September 2014

West Nile virus (WNV) transmission has been confirmed in the last four years in Europe and in the Mediterranean Basin. An increasing concern towards West Nile disease (WND) has been observed due to the high number of human and animal cases reported in these areas confirming the importance of this zoonosis. A new epidemiological scenario is currently emerging: although new introductions of the virus from abroad are always possible, confirming the epidemiological role played by migratory birds, the infection endemisation in some European territories today is a reality supported by the constant reoccurrence of the same strains across years in the same geographical areas. Despite the WND reoccurrence in the Old World, the overwintering mechanisms are not well known, and the role of local resident birds or mosquitoes in this context is poorly understood. A recent new epidemiological scenario is the spread of lineage 2 strain across European and Mediterranean countries in regions where lineage 1 strain is still circulating creating favourable conditions for genetic reassortments and emergence of new strains. This paper summarizes the main epidemiological findings on WNV occurrence in Europe and in the Mediterranean Basin from 2009 to 2013, considering potential future spread patterns.
A Clinical and Pathological Variant of Acute Transplant Glomerulopathy
Authors: Molnar Miklos Z. , Prasad G. V. Ramesh , Yuen Darren A. , Jothy Serge , Zaltzman Jeffrey S.
Published: September 2014

Acute transplant glomerulopathy transplant glomerulopathy (TG) is a common cause of late renal allograft loss. We describe a unique case of a renal transplant recipient who developed rapid-onset nephrotic-range proteinuria and acute kidney injury secondary to C4d negative acute TG. Two courses of intravenous Rituximab resulted in significant improvement in proteinuria and allograft function. In the setting of acute nephrotic-range proteinuria postrenal allograft, both renal biopsy with electron microscopy and screening for de novo donor-specific antibody should be performed to distinguish atypical presentations of TG from other diagnoses.
Lupus Enteritis as an Initial Presentation of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Sran Sisira , Sran Manpreet , Patel Narmisha , Anand Prachi
Published: September 2014

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disorder which can affect multiple organs and clinical presentation is often a myriad of symptoms; therefore, the index of suspicion should rise when evaluating patients with multiorgan symptomatology. Lupus enteritis is a distinct subset of SLE, defined as either vasculitis or inflammation of the small bowel, with supportive image and/or biopsy findings. The clinical picture of lupus enteritis is often nonspecific, with mild to severe abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting being the cardinal manifestations. Although considered a form of visceral or serosal vasculitis, lupus enteritis is seldom confirmed on histology, making computerized tomography (CT) the gold standard for diagnosis. Lupus enteritis is generally steroid-responsive, and the route of administration is based on clinical status and organ involvement, with preference for intravenous (IV) route in flares with significant tissue edema. The following case describes a young woman presenting with lupus enteritis and lupus panniculitis as an initial manifestation of SLE, the utilization of abdominal CT in diagnosis, and current treatment protocols used for lupus enteritis.
Improving Vision-Based Motor Rehabilitation Interactive Systems for Users with Disabilities Using Mirror Feedback
Authors: Jaume-i-Capó Antoni , Martínez-Bueso Pau , Moyà-Alcover Biel , Varona Javier
Published: September 2014

Observation is recommended in motor rehabilitation. For this reason, the aim of this study was to experimentally test the feasibility and benefit of including mirror feedback in vision-based rehabilitation systems: we projected the user on the screen. We conducted a user study by using a previously evaluated system that improved the balance and postural control of adults with cerebral palsy. We used a within-subjects design with the two defined feedback conditions (mirrorandno-mirror) with two different groups of users (8with disabilitiesand 32without disabilities) using usability measures (time-to-start(Ts) andtime-to-complete(Tc)). A two-tailed paired samplest-test confirmed that in case of disabilities the mirror feedback facilitated the interaction in vision-based systems for rehabilitation. The measured times were significantly worse in the absence of the user’s own visual feedback (Ts=7.09(P<0.001) andTc=4.48(P<0.005)). In vision-based interaction systems, the input device is the user’s own body; therefore, it makes sense that feedback should be related to the body of the user. In case of disabilities the mirror feedback mechanisms facilitated the interaction in vision-based systems for rehabilitation. Results recommends developers and researchers use this improvement in vision-based motor rehabilitation interactive systems.
Phase I Study of Intermittent Oral Dosing of the Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 and Insulin Receptors Inhibitor OSI-906 in Patients With Advanced Solid Tumors
Authors: Jones Robin L. , Kim Edward S. , Nava-Parada Pilar , Alam Salma , Johnson Faye M. , Stephens Andrew W. , Simantov Ronit , Poondru Srinivasu , Gedrich Rich , Lippman Scott M. , Kaye Stan B. , Carden Craig P.
Published: September 2014

Purpose: We determined the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), safety, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and preliminary activity of OSI-906, a potent, oral, dual inhibitor of insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF1R) and insulin receptor (IR), in patients with advanced solid tumors.

Experimental Design: This was a multicenter, open-label, dose escalation phase I study evaluating three intermittent dosing schedules of once-daily OSI-906 [schedule (S) 1, days 1–3 every 14 days; S2, days 1–5 every 14 days; S3, days 1–7 every 14 days]. A fed-fasting expansion cohort was included in the study.

Results: Seventy-nine patients were enrolled: 62 in S1, 4 in S2, and 13 in S3. S2 was discontinued. Dose-limiting toxicity comprised grade 3–4 hyperglycemia, vomiting, fatigue, and prolonged QTc interval. The MTD and recommended phase II dose of OSI-906 was 600 mg for both S1 and S3 schedules. Other common adverse events were grade 1–2 nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and diarrhea. The pharmacokinetics of OSI-906 was dose linear, and the terminal half-life ranged between 2 and 6 hours. High-fat meals had a moderate effect on the pharmacokinetics of OSI-906. At the MTD, inhibition of IGF1R and IR was observed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. An increase in plasma IGF1 concentrations, an indirect measure of IGF1R signaling inhibition, was seen at doses ≥ 450 mg. Two patients with adrenocortical carcinoma achieved partial responses.

Conclusion: The MTD of 600 mg was well tolerated and associated with preliminary antitumor activity. These data support further evaluation of OSI-906 in solid tumors. Clin Cancer Res; 21(4); 693–700. ©2014 AACR.

See related commentary by Yee, p. 667
Serotonergic Correlation with Anger and Aggressive Behavior in Acute Stroke Patients: An Intensity Dependence of Auditory Evoked Potentials (IDAP) Study
Authors: Toscano Massimiliano , Viganò Alessandro , Puledda Francesca , Verzina Angela , Rocco Andrea , Lenzi Gian Luigi , Di Piero Vittorio
Published: September 2014

Anger and aggressive behavior (AB) are two of the main post-stroke behavioral manifestations, which could imply both an anger trait (TA) or a state condition of anger (SA). Serotonergic system is thought to play an inhibitory control on aggressive impulse. Nevertheless, whether 5HT has the same role in TA and in SA, is still debated. Intensity dependence of auditory evoked potentials (IDAP) is thought to be inversely related to the central 5HT tone. The aim of this study was to evaluate, in acute stroke patients, the 5HT system involvement in AB by IDAP. Consecutive stroke patients were evaluated and compared with healthy controls. The Spielberger Trait Anger Scale (STAS) was used to assess AB, SA and TA. Patients with AB and TA showed a significantly increased IDAP value, whereas patients with SA had a significantly lower IDAP; this indicates an increased 5HT tone. In acute stroke patients with AB, there is a decreased central 5HT tone. Surprisingly, we found an opposite 5HT feature between patients with TA and those showing SA, suggesting that the hypothesis of aggression based on 5HT deficiency requires further investigations. This might open new strategies in the treatment of post-stroke AB.
Demographics and Clinical Characteristics of Multiple Sclerosis in Kuwait
Authors: Alroughani Raed , Ahmed S.F. , Al-Hashel J.
Published: September 2014

Using the MS registries in two MS clinics in Kuwait, we studied the demographics and clinical characteristics of multiple sclerosis (MS). Data of 736 patients (77.7% with relapsing remitting course) were analyzed. The mean age at onset and mean duration were 26.87 and 7.71 years, respectively. About 47.9% of patients had a disease duration ≤5 years. Cerebellar/brainstem and spinal manifestations were the presenting symptoms in 29.5 and 27.4%, of patients, respectively. The EDSS score was ≤3 in 72.8% of patients. We concluded that in Kuwait, the clinical characteristics of MS have important differences in terms of presentations at onset and disease progression as compared to regional cohorts.
Effects of L-Carnitine on High Glucose-Induced Oxidative Stress in Retinal Ganglion Cells
Authors: Cao Yu , Li Xin , Shi Ping , Wang Le-xin , Sui Zhong-guo
Published: September 2014

Background: Oxidative stress plays a role in diabetic retinopathy. L-Carnitine is an endogenous mitochondrial membrane compound. Objective: To elucidate the protective effects of L-carnitine on high glucose-induced oxidative stress in retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Methods: Hoechst 33258 staining was used to estimate cell loss. Mitochondrial function was predicted by mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) measurement. The expression of apoptosis-related protein was measured by Western blotting. Assays for reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, lipid peroxidation, total antioxidative capacity (T-AOC) and antioxidant defense enzymes were completed to explain the antioxidative capacity of L-carnitine. Results:L-Carnitine (12 h) inhibited high glucose-mediated cell loss and restored mitochondrial function including a reversion of ΔΨm loss and cytochrome c release. Cell apoptosis triggered by high glucose was also inhibited by L-carnitine, characterized by the downregulation of caspase-9, caspase-3 and Bax/Bcl-2. Furthermore, L-carnitine inhibited high glucose-induced ROS production and lipid peroxidation and promoted endogenous antioxidant defense components including superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase and T-AOC in a concentration-dependent manner. Conclusions:L-Carnitine may protect RGCs from high glucose-induced injury through the inhibition of oxidative damage, mitochondrial dysfunction and, ultimately, cell apoptosis.
Schematherapie für chronische Depressionen
Authors: Renner Fritz , Arntz Arnoud , Leeuw Ina , Huibers Marcus
Published: September 2014

Schematherapie (ST) ist ein integrativer Therapieansatz zur Behandlung chronischer Probleme mit nachgewiesener Effektivität in der Behandlung von Persönlichkeitsstörungen. Dieser Artikel beschreibt die Anwendung der ST bei chronischer Depression. Dazu präsentieren wir eine Literaturübersicht zu Risikofaktoren, die chronischer Depression zugrunde liegen. Zudem wird ein Modell der chronischen Depression vorgestellt, in dem die Interaktion der empirisch nachgewiesenen Risikofaktoren (frühe negative Erfahrungen, kognitive Faktoren, Persönlichkeitspathologie, interpersonelle Faktoren) beschrieben wird. Schließlich stellen wir ein Protokoll zur Behandlung der chronischen Depression vor, das die Techniken beschreibt, die in der ST angewandt werden, um die zugrunde liegenden Risikofaktoren zu bearbeiten. Im Hinblick auf den heutigen Stand der empirischen Evidenz bezüglich der Risikofaktoren chronischer Depressionen scheint ST ein vielversprechender neuer Behandlungsansatz bei chronischer Depression zu sein, da er direkt an den Risikofaktoren ansetzt.
A Minimum Protocol for Randomised Homeopathic Drug Proving as Basis for Further Research
Authors: Jansen Jean Pierre , Jong Mats , Hildingsson Ingegerd , Jong Miek C.
Published: September 2014

Background: In order to further improve the methodology and quality of data collection in homeopathic drug provings (HDP), there is a need for a minimum standardised HDP protocol. The objective of the present study was to test the feasibility of this type of protocol. Materials and Methods: The study protocol embraced a multi-centre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with 2 parallel groups. It was approved by an ethics review committee. During the pre-approval phase, discordances between the regulatory and homeopathic requirements for the protocol were checked and solutions found. The study medication was Potentilla anserina. 6 participants received verum and 4 placebo. The resulting symptom list will be published elsewhere. The procedure was accepted by all participants. Results: Three important issues were addressed: the requirement to keep all participants blinded; the adverse events reporting to regulatory authorities; and the necessity of a placebo control group. Other issues that need further investigations were identified, e.g. sample size, observation period and dosage regimen. Conclusions: A minimum protocol of a HDP is feasible. All important design elements of HDP could be solved in discussions with the respective regulatory authorities, and participating homeopaths accepted the procedure.
Probleme in der integrativmedizinischen Weiterbildung von Ärzten an anthroposophischen Kliniken Deutschlands und der Schweiz
Authors: Heusser Peter , Eberhard Sabine , Weinzirl Johannes , Orlow Pascale , Berger Bettina
Published: September 2014

Hintergrund: Die anthroposophischen Kliniken arbeiten integrativmedizinisch, indem sie konventionelle Medizin (KON) anthroposophischmedizinisch (AM) ergänzen. Die Integrativmedizin wird dabei in der ärztlichen Weiterbildung vermittelt. Im Rahmen einer erstmaligen Untersuchung der Weiterbildungsqualität an anthroposophischen Kliniken analysierten wir die Probleme dieser Weiterbildung aus Sicht der Assistenzärzte und Weiterbilder. Methodik: Im Rahmen der Erhebung führten wir eine anonymisierte Querschnittsbefragung aller Assistenzärzte und aus- und weiterbildenden Ärzte (Weiterbilder) der 15 AM-Kliniken in Deutschland (DE) und der Schweiz (CH) mit Fragebögen der Eidgenössischen Technischen Hochschule (ETH) Zürich durch. Der Fragebogen war durch ein anthroposophisches Modul ergänzt. Zudem führten wir deskriptive Statistiken zu den skalierten Fragen, einen statistischen Gruppenvergleich mittels zweiseitigem Mann-Whitney-U-Test und eine qualitative Inhaltsanalyse (Mayring) der Freitextantworten sowie eine Problemanalyse durch. Ergebnisse: Die Rücklaufquote in DE umfasste 89 von insgesamt 215 (41.39%) befragten Assistenzärzten und 78 von 184 (42.39%) Weiterbildern. In CH füllten 19 von 25 (76%) Assistenz-ärzten und 22 von 30 (73.33%) Weiterbildern die Fragebögen aus. Die Freitextoption zur Problemanalyse in DE und CH wurde von insgesamt 16 (14,8%) Assistenzärzten und 20 (20%) Weiterbildern genutzt. Zu den Hauptproblemen zählen ein Übermaß an Arbeitsbelastung, Mängel bei der Arbeitsorganisation, Kompetenzabgrenzung, interprofessionelle Zusammenarbeit, personelle und finanzielle Ressourcen (Weiterbilder), Bezahlung (Assistenzärzte DE), Praxisbezogenheit der AM (Assistenzärzte und Weiterbilder DE), Fach- oder didaktische Kompetenz der Weiterbilder, fehlendes Interesse der Assistenzärzte an AM, Aneignungs- und Umsetzungsprobleme in AM, fehlendes Weiterbildungscurriculum in AM sowie Spannungen zwischen AM und KON. Als Gründe für die Unterschiede zwischen DE und CH werden die Existenz größerer Abteilungen und das DRG-System in DE sowie bessere strukturelle Bedingungen für die AM-Weiterbildung in CH diskutiert. Schlussfolgerung: Hauptprobleme der Weiterbildung in AM betreffen zum Teil unspezifische und systemische Aspekte, aber auch spezifische Probleme der AM selbst. Um konkrete Ansatzpunkte für Problemlösungsoptionen zu schaffen, soll diese Untersuchung ergänzt werden durch eine Analyse von Problemlösungsvorschlägen aus Sicht der betroffenen Assistenzärzte und Weiterbilder.
Comparison of Chromosome Breakage in Non-Mosaic and Mosaic Patients with Fanconi Anemia, Relatives, and Patients with Other Inherited Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes
Authors: Fargo John H. , Rochowski Andrzej , Giri Neelam , Savage Sharon A. , Olson Susan B. , Alter Blanche P.
Published: September 2014

Fanconi anemia (FA) is a rare inherited bone marrow failure syndrome (IBMFS). Affected individuals must be distinguished from relatives, patients with mosaicism must be identified, and patients with other IBMFS classified as non-FA. The diagnostic feature of FA is increased chromosomal breakage in blood lymphocytes cultured with diepoxybutane or mitomycin C. Here, we sought a method to uniquely identify patients with FA with mosaicism, using cells from participants in the National Cancer Institute IBMFS cohort. Lymphocytes were treated with diepoxybutane or mitomycin C, and metaphases scored for breaks and radials. Analyses included the percentage of cells with any aberration, breaks per cell, and breaks per aberrant cell. There were 26 patients with FA (4 mosaics), 46 FA relatives, and 62 patients with a non-FA IBMFS. By all analytic methods, patients with FA were abnormal compared with other groups. Those with FA mosaicism had more breakage than relatives or patients with non-FA IBMFS, but there was some individual overlap. The choices of clastogen are laboratory-dependent, but there was no method or analysis of lymphocytes that clearly distinguished all individuals mosaic for FA from relatives or patients with other IBMFS. Thus, genotyping remains the best method for providing absolute clarity.
Glyoxalase I in Tumor Cell Proliferation and Survival and as a Potential Target for Anticancer Therapy
Authors: Geng Xiaofang , Ma Ji , Zhang Fuchun , Xu Cunshuan
Published: September 2014

SummaryGlyoxalase I (GLO1) belongs to the glyoxalase system, which catalyzes the conversion of deleterious methylglyoxal, mainly produced by glycolysis, to non-toxic D-lactate. The expression of GLO1 was up-regulated in tumor tissues with high metabolic rate, whereas inhibition of GLO1 expression led to the accumulation of glyoxal and methylglyoxal, significantly inducing cell damage or apoptosis. This suggests that GLO1 may play an important role in tumor cell proliferation and survival, and may represent a potential therapeutic target for tumors. Moreover, overexpression of GLO1 was associated with multidrug resistance in cancer chemotherapy. This review describes the role of GLO1 in tumor cell proliferation and survival, and the potential of GLO1 as a biomarker for tumor diagnosis and as a target for anticancer drug development.
Transient Wheal Attack Corresponding to the Tumor Lesions of Primary Cutaneous Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma, Leg Type after Successive Rituximab Treatment
Authors: Itoi Saori , Tanemura Atsushi , Hayashi Misa , Nagata Naoko , Tani Mamori , Katayama Ichiro
Published: September 2014

An elderly male noticed urticarial patches corresponding to cutaneous B cell lymphoma lesions after rituximab treatment. Along with the resolution of urticaria, the lymphoma lesions completely remitted without recurrence. In this communication, we present an interesting case and the pathophysiological findings of a wheal attack in a case with tumor remission following systemic treatment with rituximab, a monoclonal anti-CD20 antibody.
Immune functions of platelets
Authors: Bode Christoph , Ahrens Ingo , Duerschmied Daniel
Published: September 2014

This review collects evidence about immune and inflammatory functions of platelets from a clinician’s point of view. A focus on clinically relevant immune functions aims at stimulating further research, because the complexity of platelet immunity is incompletely understood and not yet translated into patient care. Platelets promote chronic inflammatory reactions (e.g. in atherosclerosis), modulate acute inflammatory disorders such as sepsis and other infections (participating in the host defense against pathogens), and contribute to exacerbations of autoimmune conditions (like asthma or arthritis). It would hence be obsolete to restrict a description of platelet functions to thrombosis and haemostasis – platelets clearly are the most abundant cells with immune functions in the circulation.
Ectosomes released by platelets induce differentiation of CD4+ T cells into T regulatory cells
Authors: Eken Ceylan , Sadallah Salima , Amicarella Francesca , Iezzi Giandomenica , Schifferli Jürg
Published: September 2014

Accumulating evidence suggests an immune-modulatory role for platelets (PLT) and PLT-derived microvesicles. In particular, ectosomes, i.e. vesicles budding from PLT surface, have been shown to exert immunosuppressive activities on phagocytes. Here we investigated the effects mediated by PLT-derived ectosomes (PLT-Ecto) on CD4+ T cells. Exposure of activated CD4+ T cells to PLT-Ecto decreased their release of IFNγ, TNFα and IL-6, and increased the production of TGF-β1. Concomitantly, PLT-Ecto-exposed CD4+ T cells displayed increased frequencies of CD25high Foxp3+ cells. These phenomena were dose-dependent and PLT-Ecto specific, since they were not observed in the presence of polymorphonuclear- and erythrocyte-derived ectosomes. Analysis of specific T cell subsets revealed that PLT-Ecto induced differentiation of naïve T cells into Foxp3+ cells, but had no effect on predifferentiated Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs). Importantly, PLT-Ectoinduced Foxp3+ cells were as effective as peripheral blood Tregs in suppressing CD8+ T cell proliferation. PLT-Ecto-mediated effects were partly dependent on PLT-derived TGF-β1, as they were to some extent inhibited by PLT-Ecto pretreatment with TGF-β1-neutralising antibodies. Interestingly, ectosome-derived TGF-β1 levels correlated with Foxp3+ T cell frequencies in blood of healthy donors. In conclusion, PLT-Ecto induce differentiation of CD4+ T cells towards functional Tregs. This may represent a mechanism by which PLT-Ecto enhance peripheral tolerance.
Effects of dark chocolate consumption on the prothrombotic response to acute psychosocial stress in healthy men
Authors: Känel Roland von , Meister Rebecca , Stutz Monika , Kummer Petra , Arpagaus Angela , Huber Susanne , Ehlert Ulrike , Wirtz Petra
Published: September 2014

Flavanoid-rich dark chocolate consumption benefits cardiovascular health, but underlying mechanisms are elusive. We investigated the acute effect of dark chocolate on the reactivity of prothrombotic measures to psychosocial stress. Healthy men aged 20–50 years (mean ± SD: 35.7 ± 8.8) were assigned to a single serving of either 50 g of flavonoid-rich dark chocolate (n=31) or 50 g of optically identical flavonoid-free placebo chocolate (n=34). Two hours after chocolate consumption, both groups underwent an acute standardised psychosocial stress task combining public speaking and mental arithmetic. We determined plasma levels of four stress-responsive prothrombotic measures (i. e., fibrinogen, clotting factor VIII activity, von Willebrand Factor antigen, fibrin D-dimer) prior to chocolate consumption, immediately before and after stress, and at 10 minutes and 20 minutes after stress cessation. We also measured the flavonoid epicatechin, and the catecholamines epinephrine and norepinephrine in plasma. The dark chocolate group showed a significantly attenuated stress reactivity of the hypercoagulability marker D-dimer (F=3.87, p=0.017) relative to the placebo chocolate group. Moreover, the blunted D-dimer stress reactivity related to higher plasma levels of the flavonoid epicatechin assessed before stress (F=3.32, p = 0.031) but not to stress-induced changes in catecholamines (p’s=0.35). There were no significant group differences in the other coagulation measures (p’s≥0.87). Adjustments for covariates did not alter these findings. In conclusion, our findings indicate that a single consumption of flavonoid- rich dark chocolate blunted the acute prothrombotic response to psychosocial stress, thereby perhaps mitigating the risk of acute coronary syndromes triggered by emotional stress.
Phosphorylation of Nox1 Regulates Association With NoxA1 Activation Domain
Authors: Streeter Jennifer , Schickling Brandon M. , Jiang Shuxia , Stanic Bojana , Thiel William H. , Gakhar Lokesh , Houtman Jon C.D. , Miller Francis J.
Published: September 2014

Rationale:

Activation of Nox1 initiates redox-dependent signaling events crucial in the pathogenesis of vascular disease. Selective targeting of Nox1 is an attractive potential therapy, but requires a better understanding of the molecular modifications controlling its activation.

Objective:

To determine whether posttranslational modifications of Nox1 regulate its activity in vascular cells.

Methods and Results:

We first found evidence that Nox1 is phosphorylated in multiple models of vascular disease. Next, studies using mass spectroscopy and a pharmacological inhibitor demonstrated that protein kinase C-beta1 mediates phosphorylation of Nox1 in response to tumor necrosis factor-α. siRNA-mediated silencing of protein kinase C-beta1 abolished tumor necrosis factor-α–mediated reactive oxygen species production and vascular smooth muscle cell migration. Site-directed mutagenesis and isothermal titration calorimetry indicated that protein kinase C-beta1 phosphorylates Nox1 at threonine 429. Moreover, Nox1 threonine 429 phosphorylation facilitated the association of Nox1 with the NoxA1 activation domain and was necessary for NADPH oxidase complex assembly, reactive oxygen species production, and vascular smooth muscle cell migration.

Conclusions:

We conclude that protein kinase C-beta1 phosphorylation of threonine 429 regulates activation of Nox1 NADPH oxidase.
Impact of an Expanded Hospital Recognition Program for Heart Failure Quality of Care
Authors: Heidenreich Paul A. , Zhao Xin , Hernandez Adrian F. , Yancy Clyde W. , Schwamm Lee H. , Albert Nancy M. , Fonarow Gregg C.
Published: September 2014

Background

In 2009, the Get With The Guidelines–Heart Failure program enhanced the standard recognition of hospitals by offering additional recognition if hospitals performed well on certain quality measures. We sought to determine whether initiation of this enhanced recognition opportunity led to acceleration in quality of care for all hospitals participating in the program.

Methods and Results

We examined hospital‐level performance on 9 quality‐of‐care (process) measures that were added to an existing recognition program (based on existing published performance measures). The rate of increase in use over time 6 months to 2 years after the start of the program was compared with the rate of increase in use for the measures during the 18‐month period prior to the start of the program. Use increased for all 9 new quality measures from 2008 to 2011. Among 4 measures with baseline use near or lower than 50%, a statistically significant greater increase in use during the program was seen for implantable cardioverter defibrillator use (program versus preprogram use: odds ratio 1.14, 95%
CI
1.06 to 1.23). Among the 5 measures for which baseline use was 50% or higher, the increase in influenza vaccination rates actually slowed. There was no evidence of adverse impact on the 4 established quality measures, a composite of which actually increased faster during the expanded program (adjusted odds ratio 1.08, 95%
CI
1.01 to 1.15).

Conclusions

A program providing expanded hospital recognition for heart failure had mixed results in accelerating the use of 9 quality measures.
Roman Gardens, Imagination, and Cognitive Structure
Authors: Jones F.M.A.
Published: September 2014

The article deals with the Roman garden and sets it in the context of identity, imagination, and cognitive development. Although the implications of the argument are empire-wide, the focus here is primarily on the urban gardens of the city of Rome ca. 60 b.c.-a.d. 60.

The person experiencing one garden sees through it other gardens, real, historical, or poetic. ‘The garden’ and representations of the garden become places for thinking about literature, history, and identity. Our evidence for this ‘thinking’ is a lateral or synchronic layer in the sense that the thinking for which we have textual evidence is all done by fully developed adults. However, there is another, vertical or diachronic, aspect to the process which involves the cognitive development from childhood of the garden-user and the role of the garden in structuring the prospective citizen’s understanding of the world. The garden is a central feature of the urban residence, where the Roman citizen lives and moves through the course of his cognitive development. It is inside the house, and the house is inside the city, which is inside Italy. The concluding part of the article investigates how the core notion of the garden as enclosed space maps on to larger sets of inside-outside dyads in the Roman world: the garden is a secluded interior, but on a larger scale Rome is a safe interior surrounded by more perilous environment; again, Italy is a civilised interior surrounded by a more dangerous outer world. The garden is experienced by the child largely through play, and this also feeds into the garden-related imaginative acts described in the first part of the paper.1
View from Vanishing Point
Authors: Griffiths E.M.
Published: September 2014

This paper explores the aspects of mortal temporal awareness which Eteocles reveals as he struggles with the paradox that we have epistemic access to the past but not to the future. His rejection of divine assistance and his attempt to shape strategy and control future events have particular resonance for contemporary Athens where control of muthos and kairos was increasingly viewed as key to determining the future of the polis. The Pindaric model of the myth in Pythian 8 bolsters oligarchic tradition, while Aeschylus suggests a new strategic model for the evolving democratic meta-city. Through analysis of critical moments, imagery and Aeschylus’ stylistic use of tense and mood, we see how Eteocles follows a linguistic trajectory which articulates his psychological journey and highlights the spatio-temporal dynamics of the play.
Nesting ecology of the exotic Trachemys scripta elegans in an area of Southern Italy (Angitola Lake, Calabria)
Authors: Crescente Antonio , Sperone Emilio , Paolillo Giuseppe , Bernabò Ilaria , Brunelli Elvira , Tripepi Sandro
Published: September 2014

The nesting ecology of the slider turtle Trachemys scripta elegans was studied in Angitola Lake, a natural protected area in Calabria (Southern Italy). During 2008-2010, data were collected based on 1081 egg shells from 250 nests. The average number of egg shells per nest was 4.3 (min-max = 1-16) and the clutch size increased from 2008 to 2010. Two main hatching periods were identified: one in July and another in September. There were significant correlations between nest diameter and nest depth, between nest diameter and egg shell number, and between nest depth and egg shell number.
Nomenclatural status of the ‘pocketknife fly’: Stomoxoides Schaeffer, 1766 (Diptera: Conopidae)
Authors: Evenhuis Neal L. , PAPE THOMAS
Published: September 2014

The nomenclatural status of the genus Stomoxoides Schaeffer, 1766 is discussed and a timeline of usage is given. The name is shown to be available and date from Schaeffer’s 1766 work, and by invoking Article 70.3 of the ICZN Code, the type species of Stomoxoides is fixed as Conops ferrugineus Linnaeus, 1761, misidentified as Conops testacea Linnaeus, 1767 in the fixation by subsequent monotypy as proposed by Linnaeus in 1767. Stomoxoides is thereby synonymous with Sicus Scopoli, 1763 as originally proposed by Yeats in 1773.
Two new species of Simulium (Gomphostilbia) (Diptera: Simuliidae) from Peninsular India with keys to Peninsular Indian members of the genus Simulium
Authors: ANBALAGAN SANKARAPPAN , PRASANNA VIMALANATHAN ARUN , DINAKARAN SUNDARAM , KRISHNAN MUTHUKALINGAN
Published: September 2014

Two new species of black flies, Simulium (Gomphostilbia) peteri sp. nov. and S. (G.) takaokai sp. nov., are described on the basis of reared adult, pupal and larval specimens collected from Peninsular India. These two new species are placed in the batoense species group within the subgenus Gomphostilbia. S. (G.) peteri sp. nov. is distinguished in the female by having a medium-sized round opening of the sensory vesicle and a large basal tooth on the claw, in the male by 12 vertical columns in the upper eye large facets, in the pupa by a ventral pair of 2 gill filaments somewhat thicker than the other filaments and in the larva by 5 hypostomal bristles per side lying parallel to the lateral margin. S. (G.) takaokai sp. nov. is characterized in the pupa by having the eight gill filaments with a medium-long common basal stalk and in the larva by the labral fan with 38 main rays and 4 hypostomal bristles on each side. Keys to 13 black fly species reported from Peninsular India are provided for females, males and pupae.
Taxonomic notes on Mahanarva (Ipiranga) (Hemiptera, Cercopidae) with description of a new species
Authors: PALADINI ANDRESSA , CAVICHIOLI RODNEY RAMIRO
Published: September 2014

Mahanarva (Ipiranga) takiyae sp. nov. (Cercopidae) is described and illustrated from Brazil. This new species can be distinguished from other known species in the genus by the tegmen with three rounded yellow spots and the shape of the paramere. Mahanarva (Mahanarva) rubripennis is transferred to the subgenus Mahanarva (Ipiranga).
Clinical embryology: is there still a place in medical schools today?
Authors: Hamilton J , Carachi R
Published: September 2014

Background and aims

Embryology remains an important tool in medicine and surgery for the management of many clinical conditions. As a subject, it is neither straightforward nor easy to learn and teach in a busy modern medical school curriculum and can be easily overlooked. The aim of this study was to assess medical students’ confidence in, and attitudes towards, the learning and teaching of clinical embryology.

Method and results

Medical students from all years of the course were asked to complete an online questionnaire in 2014. The questionnaire focused on confidence levels in learning embryology, methods of teaching, clinical embryology and it also allowed comments. In total, 146 students completed the questionnaire. The majority of students were not confident in learning and applying embryology and were unhappy with current teaching. Despite this, they felt that embryology should be included in the medical school curriculum, in particular clinical embryology with relevant clinical scenarios.

Conclusion

Students remain confident that embryology should remain in the medical school curriculum. Embryology should be taught at the right level, depth and through various methods, including basic concepts in the lower years of medical school and moving into clinical embryology later on. As a result, junior doctors and trainees will have a good foundation of knowledge.
Primary breast osteosarcoma: a case report and review of literature
Authors: Al Samaraee Ahmad , Angamuthu Nithia , Fasih Tarannum
Published: September 2014

Background

Primary soft tissue sarcomas are uncommon. We report a case of primary breast osteosarcoma which was treated successfully. This case report is combined with a literature review of this rare breast malignancy.

Methods

Electronic literature search of databases: Pubmed/Medline, Ovid and EMBASE, in addition to the search engines Google/Google Scholar and Bing. The keywords used were breast osteosarcoma, soft tissue sarcoma and breast cancer. Searches were screened and those studies thought to be relevant had full text versions retrieved. The references to all retrieved texts were searched for further relevant studies.

Conclusion

Primary breast osteosarcoma is a rare breast malignancy that affects elderly patients. Diagnosis is often challenging and can be debatable due to its rarity, non-specific radiological findings and the complicated histopathological subtypes. Surgery is the treatment of choice.
Developments in the Use of the English Present Perfect
Authors: Yao Xinyue
Published: September 2014

This article examines developments in the use of the present perfect (PP) with the auxiliary have in standard British and American English from 1750 to the present day, drawing data from the drama section of A Representative Corpus of Historical English Registers (ARCHER). Multivariate analyses were conducted to examine changes in the type of linguistic contexts that favor the choice of the construction over its main competitor, the simple past tense. A number of significant changes were identified, including a stronger tendency for the have-PP to occur in temporally specified and negative contexts, and to become less favored by transitive verbs and events with direct results (e.g., break, kill, lose, arrive). The findings are interpreted as an indication of a slow functional reconfiguration that contours the construction’s continued grammaticalization. It is suggested that there has been, since the Late Modern English period, a gradual shift in the nature of the construction’s “current relevance,” from the persistence of the present result of a past event to the situational constitution of the “extended-now” interval.
An integrated model of victimization as an explanation of non-involvement with the criminal justice system
Authors: Fohring Stephanie
Published: September 2014

This article presents an integrated theoretical model of victimization supported by both quantitative and qualitative data. By combining and clarifying existing criminological and psychological theory it highlights the influence of victims’ perceptions and labelling of an incident on their subsequent response to the incident – that is, whether or not they perceived an incident as a crime (and thus themselves as victims), and the effects this perception has on their involvement with the criminal justice system. The results of logistic multi-level models of Scottish Crime and Justice Survey data indicate that this type of perception helps to explain not only the under-reporting of crime, but the low uptake of victim support services. Qualitative data help to explain this further through reference to Selective Evaluation Theory (Taylor et al., 1983), suggesting that victims may be motivated to use a number of cognitive tools to avoid a state of ‘victimhood’ (and the victim label) and any associated involvement with the criminal justice system. The implications of this research for theory and policy are discussed.
“Turning the Sugar”
Authors: Johnson Laura Ruth , Stribling Colleen , Almburg Anne , Vitale Gail
Published: September 2014

This article examines the processes of knowledge acquisition and transmission among adults within two “communities of practice” in Humboldt Park/ Paseo Boricua, a Puerto Rican community located on Chicago’s near-northwest side. In particular, we examine the ways in which two adult women engaged in learning processes and enacted cultural practices within their workplace settings, a community café and a local health initiative. A primary objective of this broader ethnographic study is to provide insight into the various ways that community residents obtained and utilized knowledge, skills, and practices, as well as the larger role that these spaces and sites play in the life of the community.
Gastrointestinal Side Effects and Adequacy of Enteral Intake in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Patients
Authors: Walrath Maegan , Bacon Cheryl , Foley Sharon , Fung Henry C.
Published: September 2014

Background: Patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) can experience gastrointestinal (GI) side effects as a complication of the treatment. Limited research exists describing how the duration and severity of GI side effects influence the consumption of adequate calorie intake in this population. The purpose of this study was to assess differences in GI side effects between patients who consumed adequate calories compared with those who did not. Methods: The MD Anderson Symptom Inventory–Gastrointestinal (MDASI‐GI) tool was used to record daily GI side effects of 72 HSCT patients. Daily calorie intake was determined via calorie counts. Data were collected from day of transplant until engraftment. Results: Median percentage of caloric needs consumed for all patients was 49.2% (interquartile range, 35.1–66.6). Calorie intake decreased from baseline to transplant day 8 as severity of GI symptoms increased. An inverse relationship between percentage of caloric needs met and MDASI‐GI component score, MDASI‐GI symptom score, and lack of appetite score was observed. The only significant difference in MDASI‐GI symptom scores between those who consumed adequate calories and those who consumed inadequate calories was for diarrhea; subjects who consumed >60% of caloric needs had significantly lower median diarrhea scores. Conclusion: Most patients consumed <60% of their caloric needs from time of transplant to time of engraftment. More research is needed to provide insight into strategies to increase intake and to describe the implications of prolonged inadequate intake in HSCT patients.