bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Personality Hardiness at Different Levels of Competitive Motorcycling
Authors: Thomas Sion , Reeves Colin , Agombar James , Greenlees Iain
Published: May 2013

This study assessed the personality construct of hardiness within elite, male, full-time, professional motorcycle racers ( n = 32) from the Federation Internationale de Motorcyclisme (F.I.M) Moto G. P Championship ( n = 16) and World Endurance Championship ( n = 16), as well as club level motorcycling competitors ( n = 31). All riders completed Nowack's Cognitive Hardiness Inventory (1990), either before the start of official qualification during race week (elite professional riders), or prior to a club weekend meet (club racers). There was a significant group difference on hardiness. In the select group of professional riders, the top 10% performing, elite riders had a significantly higher mean score on hardiness than the bottom 10% of performers, providing further evidence of high hardiness scores amongst elite performers.
Identification of a non-canonical nuclear localization signal (NLS) in BRCA1 that could mediate nuclear localization of splice variants lacking the classical NLS
Authors: Korlimarla Aruna , Bhandary Lekhana , Prabhu Jyothi , Shankar Hema , Sankaranarayanan Hari , Kumar Pravin , Remacle Jose , Natarajan Dipa , Sridhar T.
Published: May 2013

The breast cancer type 1 susceptibility gene (BRCA1) is a tumor suppressor gene, mutations or loss of which lead to genomic instability and breast cancer. BRCA1 protein is part of a large multi-protein complex involved in a variety of DNA repair and transcription regulatory functions. At least four splice variants have been described and these differ in their function and tissue and spatio-temporal expression patterns. Structural analysis has revealed the presence of two nuclear localization signals (NLS) located in exon 11 of BRCA1. Interestingly, a splice variant of the protein that lacks both of the known NLS still manages to gain entry to the nucleus. While there is experimental proof for the translocation of these proteins by binding to other established nuclear proteins, we examined the possibility of a hitherto unidentified NLS in this particular variant. In this paper, we present evidence for the existence of a previously unreported non-canonical NLS contained within the first 39 amino acids of exon 11. A fusion protein with this 39mer and a reporter green fluorescent protein translocated into the nucleus when it was expressed in breast epithelial cells. We demonstrate the presence of a hitherto unreported noncanonical NLS in exon 11a of BRCA1. This NLS might aid proteins that were encoded by splice variants and lack the canonical NLS to localize to the nucleus.
Enhancement of wound closure in diabetic mice by ex vivo expanded cord blood CD34+ cells
Authors: Chotinantakul Kamonnaree , Dechsukhum Chavaboon , Dejjuy Duangnapa , Leeanansaksiri Wilairat
Published: May 2013

Diabetes can impair wound closure, which can give rise to major clinical problems. Most treatments for wound repair in diabetes remain ineffective. This study aimed to investigate the influence on wound closure of treatments using expanded human cord blood CD34+ cells (CB-CD34+ cells), freshly isolated CB-CD34+ cells and a cytokine cocktail. The test subjects were mice with streptozotocin-induced diabetes. Wounds treated with fresh CB-CD34+ cells showed more rapid repair than mice given the PBS control. Injection of expanded CB-CD34+ cells improved wound closure significantly, whereas the injection of the cytokine cocktail alone did not improve wound repair. The results also demonstrated a significant decrease in epithelial gaps and advanced re-epithelialization over the wound bed area after treatment with either expanded CB-CD34+ cells or freshly isolated cells compared with the control. In addition, treatments with both CB-CD34+ cells and the cytokine cocktail were shown to promote recruitment of CD31+-endothelial cells in the wounds. Both the CB-CD34+ cell population and the cytokine treatments also enhanced the recruitment of CD68-positive cells in the early stages (day 3) of treatment compared with PBS control, although the degree of this enhancement was found to decline in the later stages (day 9). These results demonstrated that expanded CB-CD34+ cells or freshly isolated CB-CD34+ cells could accelerate wound repair by increasing the recruitment of macrophages and capillaries and the reepithelialization over the wound bed area. Our data suggest an effective role in wound closure for both ex vivo expanded CB-CD34+ cells and freshly isolated cells, and these may serve as therapeutic options for wound treatment for diabetic patients. Wound closure acceleration by expanded CB-CD34+ cells also breaks the insufficient quantity obstacle of stem cells per unit of cord blood and other stem cell sources, which indicates a broader potential for autologous transplantation.
First report of Trichinella pseudospiralis in Poland, in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes)
Authors: Moskwa Bożena , Goździk Katarzyna , Bień Justyna , Borecka Anna , Gawor Jakub , Cabaj Władysław
Published: May 2013

Nematode worms of the genus Trichinella are one of the most widespread zoonotic pathogens. Natural transmission between hosts can only occur through the ingestion of infected meat. To date, two Trichinella species are known to be etiological agents of disease among domestic animals and wildlife in Poland: T. spiralis and T. britovi. In the last decades, since the administration of an oral vaccination against rabies, the red fox population in Poland has increased exponentially. The study area covers the Nowy Targ region: a mountainous area (585–1138 m above the sea) in southern Poland. Of 24 red foxes examined in the study, four were infected with Trichinella isolates: three were identified as T. britovi and one as T. pseudospiralis. The muscle of red foxes infected with T. britovi harboured 2.75, 3.11, 4.4 LPG and with T. pseudospiralis 0.36 LPG. Trichinella larvae were identified at species level by genomic and mitochondrial multiplex PCR, the products of which were sequenced for comparison with other sequences available in GenBank. The sequences obtained from the Polish T. pseudospiralis isolate, deposited in GenBank under the accession numbers JQ809660.1 and JQ809661.1, matched sequences already published in GenBank. Sequence comparison showed a 100% match with the large subunit ribosomal RNA gene of T. pseudospiralis isolate ISS 013, and a 96–95% match with those of T. pseudospiralis isolates ISS 141 and ISS 470. This is the first report of the identification of T. pseudospiralis larvae from red fox in Poland.
Spatio-temporal variation in the prevalence of trematodes in the bivalve Perumytilus purpuratus
Authors: Muñoz Gabriela , Torres Pamela , Valdés Javiera , Rodríguez Alejandra
Published: May 2013

Perumytilus purpuratus is an abundant bivalve located in the intertidal rocky zone of South America that has been considered as a key species of the ecosystem. There are few studies of the host-parasite relationship of this bivalve; thus, this research aims to analyse the spatial and temporal variation in the prevalence of trematodes in P. purpuratus. Bivalves were collected from three localities (El Tabo, Las Cruces and Montemar) of central Chile (33°S, 71°W) during different seasons of 2010. The bivalves were also collected every metre, from the lowest to the highest level of the intertidal rocky zone, to determine the parasite distribution within the localities. Three species of trematodes as sporocyst stages were found: Prosorhynchoides carvajali, Proctoeces sp. and an undetermined fellodistomid species. Of the 37,692 bivalve specimens collected, 2.68% were parasitised. The undetermined fellodistomid species was the most prevalent parasite observed (1.69%). There were little detected differences in the prevalence of some trematode species between seasons. The prevalence of P. carvajali varied between localities, being most prevalent at Montemar. The distribution of trematodes along the rocky zone within the localities was variable, with P. carvajali being more prevalent in the mid-lowest level of the intertidal zone and the undetermined fellodistomid species being more prevalent in the mid-highest level. Both the abundance of definitive hosts and the environmental conditions likely result in different levels of infection by trematodes in P. purpuratus between and within the localities.
Excretory/secretory products of Fasciola hepatica but not recombinant phosphoglycerate kinase induce death of human hepatocyte cells
Authors: Bąska Piotr , Norbury Luke , Wiśniewski Marcin , Januszkiewicz Kamil , Wędrychowicz Halina
Published: May 2013

The liver fluke Fasciola hepatica infects a wide range of hosts, and has a considerable impact on the agriculture industry, mainly through infections of sheep and cattle. Further, human infection is now considered of public health importance and is hyperendemic in some regions. The fluke infection causes considerable damage to the hosts’ liver. However, the mechanisms of liver destruction have not yet been completely elucidated. In the present report we incubated a human liver cell line in the presence of either F. hepatica excretory/secretory material (FhES) or recombinant phosphoglycerate kinase (FhPGK). Dosedependent cytotoxicity in the presence of FhES was observed, indicating that FhES is capable of killing human hepatocytes, supporting a role for FhES in damaging host liver cells during infection; while treatment with a recombinant intracellular protein — FhPGK, had no impact on cell survival.
Is the Sky Falling? Grade Inflation and the Signaling Power of Grades
Authors: Pattison Evangeleen , Grodsky Eric , Muller Chandra
Published: May 2013

Grades are the fundamental currency of our educational system; they signal academic achievement and noncognitive skills to parents, employers, postsecondary gatekeepers, and students themselves. Grade inflation compromises the signaling value of grades and undermines their capacity to achieve the functions for which they are intended. We challenge the “increases in grade point average” definition of grade inflation and argue that grade inflation must be understood in terms of the signaling power of grades. Analyzing data from four nationally representative samples, we find that in the decades following 1972: (a) grades have risen at high schools and dropped at 4-year colleges, in general, and selective 4-year institutions, in particular; and (b) the signaling power of grades has attenuated little, if at all.
Staging Wilde's Society Plays: A Conversation with Philip Prowse (Glasgow Citizens Theatre)
Authors: Kaplan Joel
Published: May 2013

Philip Prowse (b. 1937) is something of an anomaly in contemporary British theatre, a director who comes to his craft from a design rather than a performance background. Trained at London's Slade School of Art, Prowse worked briefly in the model rooms at Covent Garden before becoming stage designer at the Watford Palace in 1967. Two years later he moved on to the Glasgow Citizens Theatre, where he has continued to serve as part of the triumvirate (together with Giles Havergal and Robert David MacDonald) responsible for that company's artistic direction. Over the past two decades Prowse's aesthetic has come to dominate the Citizens, helping to make it unique among Britain's regional troupes, both in its European outlook and in its sumptuous, exuberant theatricality. Through the period Oscar Wilde has been a mainstay of the company's repertoire. In the 1970S Prowse twice designed Havergal's stagings of The Importance of Being Earnest, including a 1977 mounting of the play's four-act version. During the following decade he both directed and designed his own productions of all three of Wilde's society plays, A Woman of No Importance (1984), An Ideal Husband (1986), and Lady Windermere's Fan (1988), claiming to have found them "comedies" and left them "dramas." The accomplishment — regarded by critic Michael Coveney as "the glory of Prowse's work ... in the 1980s" — has led the Guardian's Michael Billington to credit Prowse with "completely revis[ing] our notion of how to play early Oscar" (9 May 1988). In 1991 Prowse made his Royal Shakespeare Company debut with a new production of A Woman of No Importance. Much indebted to his Citizens' staging, it played to full houses at the Barbican, before transferring to the Haymarket for an extended West End run. The following interview was conducted in Prowse's London flat, shortly after the Glasgow opening of his 1993 adaptation of The Picture of Dorian Gray.
Wilde, Shaw, and the Play of Conversation
Authors: Wisenthal
Published: May 2013

"[I]n proportion to the opportunities," Shaw told an audience in February 1889, "competent actors of Caesars are much scarcer than real Caesars, the inevitable conclusion being that, for any given man whatsoever, it is much easier to be Caesar than to act Caesar." Such a line of argument might well bring to mind another Dubliner who was making his name as a writer and talker in London in the 1880s, and as it happens Wilde was in the audience that afternoon to hear Shaw's lecture to the Church and Stage Guild on "Acting, by One Who Does Not Believe in It." At the end of his talk Shaw invited his audience to enlighten him by a frank discussion, but (according to the contemporary report of the occasion, drafted by Shaw himself) "the discussion, after all, did not get beyond a volley of questions and fragmentary remarks from Mr William Archer, Mr Oscar Wilde," and others.
Salome and the Wildean Art of Symbolist Theatre
Authors: Donohue Joseph
Published: May 2013

"My first meeting with Oscar Wilde was an astonishment," Yeats recalled in his autobiography; "I never before heard a man talking with perfect sentences, as if he had written them all over night with labour and yet all spontaneous." Readers of Wilde's writings, and audiences of his plays, have often had this same paradoxical impression of evident craft and spontaneity. For generations, those same readers and audiences have consistently associated the man with the writings and the writings with the man. Walter Pater described this viva-voce quality in his review of The Picture of Dorian Gray, where he praised Wilde for writing like the voice of a man speaking. "There is always something of an excellent talker" about his writing, Pater said, "and, in his hands, as happens so rarely with those who practise it, the form of dialogue is justified by its being really alive.”
Masculinity's Interior: Men, Transmen, and Theories of Masculinity
Authors: Gardiner Judith Kegan
Published: May 2013

This essay describes paradoxes and contradictions in treatments of masculine psychology in men, masculine women, and female-to-male transgendered persons. Using object-relations psychoanalysis, Nancy Chodorow explained the complementary and opposing psychologies in men and in women, emphasizing competitive and inhibited aspects of masculine psychology. Similar psychological theories are still being advanced today as applicable to most men and women. However, some contemporary gender scholars reject psychoanalysis as not only outmoded, biased, and sexist, but also as intrinsically inapplicable to gender variant people. They may resist all psychological theories on the grounds that such theories inevitably pathologize their subjects, with the paradoxical results that transgendered subjects, in particular, are accorded no psychological interiority at all and that all descriptions of the non-normative are considered pathologizing. Even more paradoxically, theorists of female masculinity like Judith Halberstam and scholars of transgender studies, including Henry Rubin, Sally Hines, and Bobby Noble, imply that people born female may make better men than people born male. Along with therapists of transgender clients, transgender studies scholars claim that gender is innate and biological in origin, yet they seek to facilitate gender transition through social changes, including new technologies and new queer ideologies. Although generally decrying essentialist prescriptions for human behavior, moreover, these scholars may conclude that they are ethically bound to essentialist explanations of gender.
Monet's Vulnerable Masculinity in Frédéric Bazille's The Improvised Field Hospital
Authors: Manning Mary
Published: May 2013

In 1865, the early Impressionist painter Frédéric Bazille went to meet his close friend Claude Monet in Chailly-en-Bière, small village just on the outskirts of the forest of Fontainebleau. When Monet injured his leg shortly after Bazille arrived, Bazille painted The Improvised Field Hospital (Musée d'Orsay, Paris, France), which displayed his friend convalescing in bed at their inn, depicting rare moment of vulnerability on the part of the shrewd and manipulative Monet. The relationship between these young artists has often formed the cornerstone for narratives about the origins of impressionism as an artistic style, but scholars have failed to analyze the homosocial power dynamic between the two artists as defined by reports of their interactions in their own letters, the letters and memoirs of their friends, and in the painted portraits of their social circle that provided practice in modern portraiture for the young and mostly impoverished artists. With this personal history in mind, I posit that Bazille used the The Improvised Field Hospital as part of his own project to construct and reify his masculine social position on his canvases through his choices in subject matter and composition. At least temporarily, this painting allowed Bazille to turn the tables and present the pugnacious Monet as his vulnerable, inferior counterpart.
Gay Athletes' Perceptions of Body Hair
Authors: Filiault Shaun M. , Drummond Murray J.N.
Published: May 2013

Recent literature regarding men's body image has called for increased understanding of body areas of concern to men, other than muscle and thinness. Accordingly, men's concerns with body hair, and hair removal (depilatory) practices, emerged as a new area of research attention. Prior literature suggests men—and especially gay men—may idealise a smooth torso, and engage in various forms of depilation to achieve that aesthetic. The present study is a qualitative investigation of the perceptions of body hair among a sub-group of gay men: gay athletes. Contrary to the opinions expressed by gay men more generally, the participants in this study shared a lack of concern regarding body hair, and rendered depilation as unnecessary, unattractive, and unnatural. These results indicate the importance of investigating sub-populations when conducting body image research among gay men.
Factors Associated with Cancer Family History Communication between African American Men and Their Relatives
Authors: Mitchell Jamie A. , Hawkins Jaclynn , Watkins Daphne C.
Published: May 2013

African American men bear disproportionately high burden from cancer in the U.S. The American Cancer Society reports that for all cancer sites combined, African American men are 32% more likely to die than white men (American Cancer Society, 2011). Having family history of cancer elevates an individual's risk for the disease and should inform decision-making around the use of specific cancer screening tests as well as earlier onset and frequency of cancer screening. Adult African American men who attended an annual hospital-based community health fair in the Midwest which targeted minority men, were approached to complete paper-based survey. Participants were asked “have you ever talked with any of your relatives about your family history of cancer (about any members of your family who have been diagnosed with cancer)?” Predictors were evaluated using bivariate analysis and logistic regression; they included socio-demographic, health access, health behavior, health status, and communication variables. Participants were 558 African American men with mean age of 54 years old. African American men were most likely to have ever discussed their family history of cancer with relative if they had specific knowledge of their family history of cancer and if they had ever talked to physician about their family history of cancer. For African American men with familial predisposition to cancer, further examination of barriers and facilitators to discussion with relatives, specifically those related to health access and knowledge, is warranted.
Antonius Balthazar Raymundus Hirsch and the peregrination of “gasserian ganglion”
Authors: Sonig Ashish , Thakur Jai , Grass Monica , Khan Imad Saeed , Gandhi Viraj , Nanda Anil
Published: May 2013

The anatomical description of the fifth cranial nerve ganglion lacked detail before the work of Antonius Balthazar Raymundus Hirsch (1744–1778). Hirsch used new dissection techniques that resulted in the most meticulous report of the trigeminal ganglion (the gasserian ganglion) to have been reported. In 1765, the 21-year-old published these findings in a thesis, Paris Quinti Nervorum Encephali Disquisitio Anatomica In Quantum Ad Ganglion Sibi Proprium, Semilunare, Et Ad Originem Nervi Intercostalis Pertinet [An anatomical inquiry of the fifth pair of the nerves of the brain, so far as it relates to the ganglion unto itself, the semilunar, and to the source of the intercostal nerve].

Hirsch wrote his thesis as a paean to his ailing teacher, Johann Lorenz Gasser, but Gasser died before Hirsch was able to defend his thesis. Thereafter, Hirsch applied to teach anatomy at his alma mater, the University of Vienna, but the university did not consider his application, deeming him too young for the position. Oddly, Hirsch died at the young age of 35. For the present paper, the library at the University of Vienna (Universität Wien), Austria, was contacted, and Anton Hirsch's thesis was digitized and subsequently translated from Latin into English. The authors here attempt to place the recognition of the fifth cranial nerve ganglion within a historical perspective and trace the trajectory of its anatomical descriptions.
Cerebral microarteriovenous malformations: a series of 28 cases
Authors: Alén José F. , Lagares Alfonso , Paredes Igor , Campollo Jorge , Navia Pedro , Ramos Ana , Lobato Ramiro D.
Published: May 2013

Object

Microarteriovenous malformations (micro-AVMs) are a rare subgroup of brain AVMs characterized by a nidus smaller than 1 cm. The authors' purpose in this study was to assess the clinical presentation, radiological features, therapeutic management, and outcome of these lesions.

Methods

All angiography studies performed at the authors' institution since 2000 for the diagnosis of AVM were retrospectively reviewed. Clinicoradiological findings, therapeutic management, and outcome were evaluated.

Results

Twenty-eight patients had presented with AVMs having a nidus diameter smaller than 1 cm or no clearly identifiable nidus but an early draining vein. All patients, except 2, presented with intracranial hemorrhage, and 12 patients had a focal deficit. Supratentorial hematomas were large (mean volume 25 ml), and in 8 patients hematomas were evacuated urgently. In 6 patients cerebral digital subtraction angiography studies were normal. Magnetic resonance imaging and dynamic MR angiography revealed an AVM in 4 of these 6 patients. Treatment of the AVM consisted of surgery in 16 cases, radiosurgery in 6, and endovascular embolization in 2, and there were no posttreatment deficits. Four patients received no treatment because of their poor condition. The AVM was occluded at the follow-up in all patients treated with surgery or embolization and in 4 of the 6 patients treated with radiosurgery. The Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) score was good (GOS 4–5) in 23 patients (82%) and poor (GOS 3–2) in 5 (18%).

Conclusions

Patients with micro-AVMs generally present with large intracranial hemorrhages and neurological deficits. If the initial angiography is negative, then delayed or superselective angiography is recommended. Magnetic resonance imaging may reveal the existence of these lesions. Surgery is the treatment of choice for superficial micro-AVMs, and radiosurgery or embolization can be considered for deep lesions.
Survival among patients with 10 or more brain metastases treated with stereotactic radiosurgery
Authors: Rava Paul , Leonard Kara , Sioshansi Shirin , Curran Bruce , Wazer David E. , Cosgrove G. Rees , Norén Georg , Hepel Jaroslaw T.
Published: May 2013

Object

The goal of this study was to evaluate outcomes in patients with ≥ 10 CNS metastases treated with Gamma Knife stereotactic radiosurgery (GK-SRS).

Methods

Patients with ≥ 10 brain metastases treated using GK-SRS during the period between 2004 and 2010 were identified. Overall survival and local and regional control as well as necrosis rates were determined. The influence of age, sex, histological type, extracranial metastases, whole-brain radiation therapy, and number of brain metastases was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Univariate (log-rank) analyses were performed, with a p value of < 0.05 considered significant.

Results

Fifty-three patients with ≥ 10 brain metastases were treated between 2004 and 2010. All had a Karnofsky Performance Status score of ≥ 70. Seventy-two percent had either non–small cell lung cancer (38%) or breast cancer (34%); melanoma, small cell lung cancer, renal cell carcinoma, and testicular, colon, and ovarian cancer contributed the remaining 28%. On average, 10.9 lesions were treated in a single session. Sixty-four percent of patients received prior whole-brain radiation therapy. The median survival was 6.5 months. One-year overall survival was 42% versus 14% when comparing breast cancer and other histological types, respectively (p = 0.074). Age, extracranial metastases, number of brain metastases, and previous CNS radiation therapy were not significant prognostic factors. Although the median time to local failure was not reached, the median time to regional failure was 3 months. Female sex was associated with longer time to regional failure (p = 0.004), as was breast cancer histological type (p = 0.089). No patient experienced symptomatic necrosis.

Conclusions

Patients with ≥ 10 brain metastases who received prior CNS radiation can safely undergo repeat treatment with GK-SRS. With median survival exceeding 6 months, aggressive local treatment remains an option; however, rapid CNS failure is to be expected. Although numbers are limited, patients with breast cancer represent one group of individuals who would benefit most, with prolonged survival and extended time to CNS recurrence.
Complement polymorphisms and cognitive dysfunction after carotid endarterectomy
Authors: Heyer Eric J. , Kellner Christopher P. , Malone Hani R. , Bruce Samuel S. , Mergeche Joanna L. , Ward Justin T. , Connolly E. Sander
Published: May 2013

Object

The role of genetic polymorphisms in the neurological outcome of patients after carotid endarterectomy (CEA) remains unclear. There are single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that predispose patients to postoperative cognitive dysfunction (CD). We aim to assess the predictability of three complement cascade-related SNPs for CD in patients having CEAs.

Methods

In 252 patients undergoing CEA, genotyping was performed for the following polymorphisms: complement component 5 (C5) rs17611, mannose-binding lectin 2 (MBL2) rs7096206, and complement factor H (CFH) rs1061170. Differences among genotypes were analyzed via the chi-square test. Patients were evaluated with a neuropsychometric battery for CD 1 day and 1 month after CEA. A multiple logistic regression model was created. All variables with univariate p < 0.20 were included in the final model.

Results

The C5 genotypes A/G (OR 0.26, 95% CI 0.11–0.60, p = 0.002) and G/G (OR 0.22, 95% CI 0.09–0.52, p < 0.001) were significantly associated with lower odds of exhibiting CD at 1 day after CEA compared with A/A. The CFH genotypes C/T (OR 3.37, 95% CI 1.69–6.92, p < 0.001) and C/C (OR 3.67, 95% CI 1.30–10.06, p = 0.012) were significantly associated with higher odds of exhibiting CD at 1 day after CEA compared with T/T. Statin use was also significantly associated with lower odds of exhibiting CD at 1 day after CEA (OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.22–0.84, p = 0.01). No SNPs were significantly associated with CD at 1 month after CEA.

Conclusions

The presence of a deleterious allele in the C5 and CFH SNPs may predispose patients to exhibit CD after CEA. This finding supports previous data demonstrating that the complement cascade system may play an important role in the development of CD. These findings warrant further investigation.
Radiographic and clinical evaluation of cage subsidence after stand-alone lateral interbody fusion
Authors: Marchi Luis , Abdala Nitamar , Oliveira Leonardo , Amaral Rodrigo , Coutinho Etevaldo , Pimenta Luiz
Published: May 2013

Object

Indirect decompression of the neural structures through interbody distraction and fusion in the lumbar spine is feasible, but cage subsidence may limit maintenance of the initial decompression. The influence of interbody cage size on subsidence and symptoms in minimally invasive lateral interbody fusion is heretofore unreported. The authors report the rate of cage subsidence after lateral interbody fusion, examine the clinical effects, and present a subsidence classification scale.

Methods

The study was performed as an institutional review board–approved prospective, nonrandomized, comparative, single-center radiographic and clinical evaluation. Stand-alone short-segment (1- or 2-level) lateral lumbar interbody fusion was investigated with 12 months of postoperative follow-up. Two groups were compared. Forty-six patients underwent treatment at 61 lumbar levels with standard interbody cages (18 mm anterior/posterior dimension), and 28 patients underwent treatment at 37 lumbar levels with wide cages (22 mm). Standing lateral radiographs were used to measure segmental lumbar lordosis, disc height, and rate of subsidence. Subsidence was classified using the following scale: Grade 0, 0%–24% loss of postoperative disc height; Grade I, 25%–49%; Grade II, 50%–74%; and Grade III, 75%–100%. Fusion status was assessed on CT scanning, and pain and disability were assessed using the visual analog scale and Oswestry Disability Index. Complications and reoperations were recorded.

Results

Pain and disability improved similarly in both groups. While significant gains in segmental lumbar lordosis and disc height were observed overall, the standard group experienced less improvement due to the higher rate of interbody graft subsidence. A difference in the rate of subsidence between the groups was evident at 6 weeks (p = 0.027), 3 months (p = 0.042), and 12 months (p = 0.047). At 12 months, 70% in the standard group and 89% in the wide group had Grade 0 or I subsidence, and 30% in the standard group and 11% in wide group had Grade II or III subsidence. Subsidence was detected early (6 weeks), at which point it was correlated with transient clinical worsening, although progression of subsidence was not observed after the 6-week time point. Moreover, subsidence occurred predominantly (68%) in the inferior endplate. Fusion rate was not affected by cage dimension (p > 0.999) or by incidence of subsidence (p = 0.383).

Conclusions

Wider cages avoid subsidence and better restore segmental lordosis in stand-alone lateral interbody fusion. Cage subsidence is identified early in follow-up and can be accessed using the proposed classification scale.
Placement of unilateral lag screw through the lateral mass of C-1: description of a novel technique
Authors: Tabbosha Monir , Dowdy Justin , Pait T. Glenn
Published: May 2013

Over the past several decades, many advancements and new techniques have emerged regarding the instrumentation and stabilization of the upper cervical spine. In this article, the authors describe a novel technique in which a unilateral lag screw was placed to reduce and stabilize a progressively widening fracture and nonunion of the right C-1 lateral mass approximately 8 weeks after the initial injury, which was sustained when a large tree branch fell onto the patient's posterior head and neck.
Registration of ‘CP 04‐1566’ Sugarcane
Authors: Comstock Jack C. , Glaz Barry , Edmé Serge J. , Davidson R. Wayne , Gilbert Robert A. , Glynn Neil C. , Zhao Duli , Sood Sushma , Miller Jimmy D. , Tai Peter Y. P.
Published: May 2013

‘CP 04‐1566’ (Reg. No. CV‐152, PI 667622) sugarcane (a complex hybrid of Saccharum spp.) was developed through cooperative research conducted by the USDA‐ARS, the University of Florida, and the Florida Sugar Cane League, Inc., and was released to growers in Florida on 30 Sept. 2011. CP 04‐1566 was selected from the cross X01‐0246 (‘CP 89‐2377’ × ‘CP 96‐1252’) made at Canal Point on 29 Nov. 2001. Both parents were released for commercial production: CP 89‐2377 for organic (muck) soils and CP 96‐1252 for both muck and sand soils. CP 04‐1566 was tested in stage 4 on sand soils in Florida because of its superior yields on sand soils in stage 3. CP 04‐1566 was released for sand soils because of its resistance to all the major diseases in Florida: brown rust (caused by Puccinia melanocephala H. & P. Sydow) even though it does not contain the gene for brown rust resistance (Bru1), orange rust (caused by P. kuehnii E.J. Butler), Sugarcane mosaic virus strain E (mosaic), smut (caused by Ustilago scitaminea H. & P. Sydow), and ratoon stunt (caused by Leifsonia xyli subsp. xyli Evtushenko et al.), and it is resistant to leaf scald (caused by Xanthomonas albilineans Ashby, Dowson), in Florida. CP 04‐1566 has a cane yield and commercial recoverable sucrose (CRS) equal to those of the commercial check, ‘CP 78‐1628’. CP 04‐1566 is susceptible to Sugarcane yellow leaf virus and had moderate to poor tolerance to freezes on the basis of its rank in regard to CRS in 2010–11 and 2011–12 at the University of Florida Hague Farm, near Gainesville, FL..
Reverse Engineering Cellular Networks with Information Theoretic Methods
Authors: Villaverde Alejandro , Ross John , Banga Julio
Published: May 2013

Building mathematical models of cellular networks lies at the core of systems biology. It involves, among other tasks, the reconstruction of the structure of interactions between molecular components, which is known as network inference or reverse engineering. Information theory can help in the goal of extracting as much information as possible from the available data. A large number of methods founded on these concepts have been proposed in the literature, not only in biology journals, but in a wide range of areas. Their critical comparison is difficult due to the different focuses and the adoption of different terminologies. Here we attempt to review some of the existing information theoretic methodologies for network inference, and clarify their differences. While some of these methods have achieved notable success, many challenges remain, among which we can mention dealing with incomplete measurements, noisy data, counterintuitive behaviour emerging from nonlinear relations or feedback loops, and computational burden of dealing with large data sets.
Bayesian and Quasi-Bayesian Estimators for Mutual Information from Discrete Data
Authors: Archer Evan , Park Il , Pillow Jonathan
Published: May 2013

Mutual information (MI) quantifies the statistical dependency between a pair of random variables, and plays a central role in the analysis of engineering and biological systems. Estimation of MI is difficult due to its dependence on an entire joint distribution, which is difficult to estimate from samples. Here we discuss several regularized estimators for MI that employ priors based on the Dirichlet distribution. First, we discuss three “quasi-Bayesian” estimators that result from linear combinations of Bayesian estimates for conditional and marginal entropies. We show that these estimators are not in fact Bayesian, and do not arise from a well-defined posterior distribution and may in fact be negative. Second, we show that a fully Bayesian MI estimator proposed by Hutter (2002), which relies on a fixed Dirichlet prior, exhibits strong prior dependence and has large bias for small datasets. Third, we formulate a novel Bayesian estimator using a mixture-of-Dirichlets prior, with mixing weights designed to produce an approximately flat prior over MI. We examine the performance of these estimators with a variety of simulated datasets and show that, surprisingly, quasi-Bayesian estimators generally outperform our Bayesian estimator. We discuss outstanding challenges for MI estimation and suggest promising avenues for future research.
Swine Dysentery: Aetiology, Pathogenicity, Determinants of Transmission and the Fight against the Disease
Authors: Alvarez-Ordóez Avelino , Martínez-Lobo Francisco , Arguello Héctor , Carvajal Ana , Rubio Pedro
Published: May 2013

Swine Dysentery (SD) is a severe mucohaemorhagic enteric disease of pigs caused by Brachyspira hyodysenteriae, which has a large impact on pig production and causes important losses due to mortality and sub-optimal performance. Although B. hyodysenteriae has been traditionally considered a pathogen mainly transmitted by direct contact, through the introduction of subclinically infected animals into a previously uninfected herd, recent findings position B. hyodysenteriae as a potential threat for indirect transmission between farms. This article summarizes the knowledge available on the etiological agent of SD and its virulence traits, and reviews the determinants of SD transmission. The between-herds and within-herd transmission routes are addressed. The factors affecting disease transmission are thoroughly discussed, i.e., environmental survival of the pathogen, husbandry factors (production system, production stage, farm management), role of vectors, diet influence and interaction of the microorganism with gut microbiota. Finally, prophylactic and therapeutic approaches to fight against the disease are briefly described.
The Role of Community Centre-based Arts, Leisure and Social Activities in Promoting Adult Well-being and Healthy Lifestyles
Authors: Jones Mat , Kimberlee Richard , Deave Toity , Evans Simon
Published: May 2013

Developed countries are experiencing high levels of mental and physical illness associated with long term health conditions, unhealthy lifestyles and an ageing population. Given the limited capacity of the formal health care sector to address these public health issues, attention is turning to the role of agencies active in civil society. This paper sought to evaluate the associations between participation in community centre activities, the psycho-social wellbeing and health related behaviours. This was based on an evaluation of the South West Well-being programme involving ten organisations delivering leisure, exercise, cooking, befriending, arts and crafts activities. The evaluation consisted of a before-and-after study with 687 adults. The results showed positive changes in self-reported general health, mental health, personal and social well-being. Positive changes were associated with diet and physical activity. Some activities were different in their outcomes—especially in cases where group activities were combined with one-to-one support. The results suggest that community centre activities of this nature offer benefits that are generically supportive of health behaviour changes. Such initiatives can perform an important role in supporting the health improvement objectives of formal health care services. For commissioners and partner agencies, accessibility and participation are attractive features that are particularly pertinent to the current public health context.
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Induces CXCL1 Chemokine Release via JNK and PI-3K-Dependent Pathways in Human Lung Carcinoma Epithelial Cells
Authors: Lo Huey-Ming , Shieh Jiunn-Min , Chen Chih-Li , Tsou Chih-Jen , Wu Wen-Bin
Published: May 2013

Lung cancer cells express different chemokines and chemokine receptors that modulate leukocyte infiltration within tumor microenvironment. In this study we screened several mediators/growth factors on CXCL1 release in human carcinoma epithelial cells. Of the tested mediators, VEGF was found to have a robust increase in causing CXCL1 release. VEGF stimulated CXCL1 release and mRNA expression in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. The release was inhibited by the VEGF receptor antagonists and the JNK, PI-3K, tyrosine kinase, and transcription inhibitors. In parallel, VEGF induced JNK, PI3K and Akt activation. Strikingly, among these inhibitors only the JNK inhibitor could reduce VEGF-induced CXCL1 mRNA expression, suggesting that JNK participated in VEGF-induced CXCL1 synthesis, whereas PI-3K was responsible for cellular CXCL1 secretory process. In addition, the steroid dexamethasone and TGF-β suppressed CXCL1 release through a transcriptional regulation. We also showed that cells stimulated with VEGF significantly attracted monocyte migration, which could be abolished by CXCL1 B/N Ab, CXC receptor 2 antagonist, TGF-β, and dexamethasone. In summary, we provide here evidence showing JNK activation for VEGF-induced CXCL1 DNA transcription and PI-3K pathway for extracellular CXCL1 release in human carcinoma epithelial cells. The released CXCL1 was functionally linked to recruiting monocytes into lung cancer cell microenvironment.
Simple Preparation of Novel Metal-Containing Mesoporous Starches
Authors: Ojeda Manuel , Budarin Vitaliy , Shuttleworth Peter , Clark James , Pineda Antonio , Balu Alina , Romero Antonio , Luque Rafael
Published: May 2013

Metal-containing mesoporous starches have been synthesized using a simple and efficient microwave-assisted methodology followed by metal impregnation in the porous gel network. Final materials exhibited surface areas >60 m2 g−1, being essentially mesoporous with pore sizes in the 10–15 nm range with some developed inter-particular mesoporosity. These materials characterized by several techniques including XRD, SEM, TG/DTA and DRIFTs may find promising catalytic applications due to the presence of (hydr)oxides in their composition.
Chelator-Accelerated One-Pot ‘Click’ Labeling of Small Molecule Tracers with 2-[18F]Fluoroethyl Azide
Authors: Galante Eva , Schoultz Bent , Koepp Matthias , Årstad Erik
Published: May 2013

2-[18F]Fluoroethyl azide ([18F]FEA) can readily be obtained by nucleophilic substitution of 2-azidoethyl-4-toluenesulfonate with [18F]fluoride (half-life 110 min), and has become widely used as a reagent for ‘click’ labeling of PET tracers. However, distillation of [18F]FEA is typically required, which is time-consuming and unpractical for routine applications. In addition, copper(I)-catalyzed cycloaddition of [18F]FEA with non-activated alkynes, and with substrates containing labile functional groups, can be challenging. Herein, we report a highly efficient and practical ligand-accelerated one-pot/two-step method for ‘click’ labeling of small molecule tracers with [18F]FEA. The method exploits the ability of the copper(I) ligand bathophenanthrolinedisulfonate to accelerate the rate of the cycloaddition reaction. As a result, alkynes can be added directly to the crude reaction mixture containing [18F]FEA, and as cyclisation occurs almost immediately at room temperature, the reaction is tolerant to labile functional groups. The method was demonstrated by reacting [18F]FEA with a series of alkyne-functionalized 6-halopurines to give the corresponding triazoles in 55–76% analytical radiochemical yield.
From Selenium- to Tellurium-Based Glass Optical Fibers for Infrared Spectroscopies
Authors: Cui Shuo , Chahal Radwan , Boussard-Plédel Catherine , Nazabal Virginie , Doualan Jean-Louis , Troles Johann , Lucas Jacques , Bureau Bruno
Published: May 2013

Chalcogenide glasses are based on sulfur, selenium and tellurium elements, and have been studied for several decades regarding different applications. Among them, selenide glasses exhibit excellent infrared transmission in the 1 to 15 µm region. Due to their good thermo-mechanical properties, these glasses could be easily shaped into optical devices such as lenses and optical fibers. During the past decade of research, selenide glass fibers have been proved to be suitable for infrared sensing in an original spectroscopic method named Fiber Evanescent Wave Spectroscopy (FEWS). FEWS has provided very nice and promising results, for example for medical diagnosis. Then, some sophisticated fibers, also based on selenide glasses, were developed: rare-earth doped fibers and microstructured fibers. In parallel, the study of telluride glasses, which can have transmission up to 28 µm due to its atom heaviness, has been intensified thanks to the DARWIN mission led by the European Space Agency (ESA). The development of telluride glass fiber enables a successful observation of CO2 absorption band located around 15 µm. In this paper we review recent results obtained in the Glass and Ceramics Laboratory at Rennes on the development of selenide to telluride glass optical fibers, and their use for spectroscopy from the mid to the far infrared ranges.
Camphor—A Fumigant during the Black Death and a Coveted Fragrant Wood in Ancient Egypt and Babylon—A Review
Authors: Chen Weiyang , Vermaak Ilze , Viljoen Alvaro
Published: May 2013

The fragrant camphor tree (Cinnamomum camphora) and its products, such as camphor oil, have been coveted since ancient times. Having a rich history of traditional use, it was particularly used as a fumigant during the era of the Black Death and considered as a valuable ingredient in both perfume and embalming fluid. Camphor has been widely used as a fragrance in cosmetics, as a food flavourant, as a common ingredient in household cleaners, as well as in topically applied analgesics and rubefacients for the treatment of minor muscle aches and pains. Camphor, traditionally obtained through the distillation of the wood of the camphor tree, is a major essential oil component of many aromatic plant species, as it is biosynthetically synthesised; it can also be chemically synthesised using mainly turpentine as a starting material. Camphor exhibits a number of biological properties such as insecticidal, antimicrobial, antiviral, anticoccidial, anti-nociceptive, anticancer and antitussive activities, in addition to its use as a skin penetration enhancer. However, camphor is a very toxic substance and numerous cases of camphor poisoning have been documented. This review briefly summarises the uses and synthesis of camphor and discusses the biological properties and toxicity of this valuable molecule.
Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) and Its Connection with Insulin Resistance, Dyslipidemia, Atherosclerosis and Coronary Heart Disease
Authors: Gaggini Melania , Morelli Mariangela , Buzzigoli Emma , DeFronzo Ralph , Bugianesi Elisabetta , Gastaldelli Amalia
Published: May 2013

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is marked by hepatic fat accumulation not due to alcohol abuse. Several studies have demonstrated that NAFLD is associated with insulin resistance leading to a resistance in the antilipolytic effect of insulin in the adipose tissue with an increase of free fatty acids (FFAs). The increase of FFAs induces mitochondrial dysfunction and development of lipotoxicity. Moreover, in subjects with NAFLD, ectopic fat also accumulates as cardiac and pancreatic fat. In this review we analyzed the mechanisms that relate NAFLD with metabolic syndrome and dyslipidemia and its association with the development and progression of cardiovascular disease.