bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expression of MicroRNA miR-122 Facilitates an Efficient Replication in Nonhepatic Cells upon Infection with Hepatitis C Virus
Authors: Fukuhara Takasuke , Kambara Hiroto , Shiokawa Mai , Ono Chikako , Katoh Hiroshi , Morita Eiji , Okuzaki Daisuke , Maehara Yoshihiko , Koike Kazuhiko , Matsuura Yoshiharu
Published: May 2012

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is one of the most common etiologic agents of chronic liver diseases, including liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. In addition, HCV infection is often associated with extrahepatic manifestations (EHM), including mixed cryoglobulinemia and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. However, the mechanisms of cell tropism of HCV and HCV-induced EHM remain elusive, because
in vitro
propagation of HCV has been limited in the combination of cell culture-adapted HCV (HCVcc) and several hepatic cell lines. Recently, a liver-specific microRNA called miR-122 was shown to facilitate the efficient propagation of HCVcc in several hepatic cell lines. In this study, we evaluated the importance of miR-122 on the replication of HCV in nonhepatic cells. Among the nonhepatic cell lines expressing functional HCV entry receptors, Hec1B cells derived from human uterus exhibited a low level of replication of the HCV genome upon infection with HCVcc. Exogenous expression of miR-122 in several cells facilitates efficient viral replication but not production of infectious particles, probably due to the lack of hepatocytic lipid metabolism. Furthermore, expression of mutant miR-122 carrying a substitution in a seed domain was required for efficient replication of mutant HCVcc carrying complementary substitutions in miR-122-binding sites, suggesting that specific interaction between miR-122 and HCV RNA is essential for the enhancement of viral replication. In conclusion, although miR-122 facilitates efficient viral replication in nonhepatic cells, factors other than miR-122, which are most likely specific to hepatocytes, are required for HCV assembly.
Suppression of Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase Activity in Herpes Simplex Virus 1-Infected Cells by the Us3 Protein Kinase
Authors: Chuluunbaatar Uyanga , Roller Richard , Mohr Ian
Published: May 2012

Host mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) are deregulated by herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1). Unlike p38 MAPK and Jun N-terminal protein kinase (JNK), which require ICP27 for their activation early in infection, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activity is suppressed by an unknown mechanism. Here, we establish that HSV-1-induced suppression of ERK activity requires viral gene expression, occurs with delayed-early kinetics, and requires the functional virus-encoded Us3 Ser/Thr protein kinase. Finally, Us3 expression in uninfected cells was necessary and sufficient to suppress ERK activity in the absence of any other virus-encoded gene products. This demonstrates that inhibition of ERK activity in HSV-1-infected cells is an intrinsic Us3 function and defines a new role for this alphaherpesvirus Us3 kinase in regulating MAPK activation in infected cells.
A Single Mutation in the Glycophorin A Binding Site of Hepatitis A Virus Enhances Virus Clearance from the Blood and Results in a Lower Fitness Variant
Authors: Costafreda M. Isabel , Ribes Enric , Franch Àngels , Bosch Albert , Pintó Rosa M.
Published: May 2012

Hepatitis A virus (HAV) has previously been reported to bind to human red blood cells through interaction with glycophorin A. Residue K221 of VP1 and the surrounding VP3 residues are involved in such an interaction. This capsid region is specifically recognized by the monoclonal antibody H7C27. A monoclonal antibody-resistant mutant with the mutation G1217D has been isolated. In the present study, the G1217D mutant was characterized physically and biologically in comparison with the parental HM175 43c strain. The G1217D mutant is more sensitive to acid pH and binds more efficiently to human and rat erythrocytes than the parental 43c strain. In a rat model, it is eliminated from serum more rapidly and consequently reaches the liver with a certain delay compared to the parental 43c strain. In competition experiments performed
in vivo
in the rat model, the G1217D mutant was efficiently outcompeted by the parental 43c strain. Only in the presence of antibodies reacting specifically with the parental 43c strain could the G1217D mutant outcompete the parental 43c strain in serum, although the latter still showed a remarkable ability to reach the liver. Altogether, these results indicate that the G1217D mutation induces a low fitness phenotype which could explain the lack of natural antigenic variants of the glycophorin A binding site.
cis
-Acting Determinants of 7SL RNA Packaging by HIV-1
Authors: Keene Sarra E. , Telesnitsky Alice
Published: May 2012

The host noncoding RNA 7SL is highly enriched in the virions of retroviruses. We examined the regions of 7SL that mediate packaging by HIV-1. Both the
Alu
domain and the S domain were sufficient to mediate specific packaging when expressed separately as truncations of 7SL. However, while the
Alu
domain competed with endogenous 7SL for packaging in proportion to Gag, the S domain was packaged additively, implying that the
Alu
and S domains are packaged via separate mechanisms and that the
Alu
domain is packaged by the same mechanism as endogenous 7SL. Further truncations of the
Alu
domain or mutation of the
Alu
domain helix 5c region significantly reduced packaging efficiency, implicating helix 5c as critical for packaging, reinforcing the finding that 7SL packaging is highly selective, and confirming that 7SL is not passively acquired. Surprisingly, when the
Alu
domain was mutated so that it no longer contained a binding site for the SRP protein heterodimer SRP9/14, it was no longer packaged in a competitive manner but instead was packaged additively with endogenous 7SL. These data support a model in which 7SL RNA is packaged via interactions between Gag and a 7SL RNA structure that exists transiently at a discrete stage of SRP biogenesis. Our data further indicate that a secondary “additive” pathway exists that can result in the packaging of certain 7SL derivatives in molar excess to endogenously packaged 7SL.
Ambulance services in London and Great Britain from 1860 until today: a glimpse of history gleaned mainly from the pages of contemporary journals
Authors: Pollock Alexander
Published: May 2012

Little has been published on the subject of civil ambulance services and their development from the mid-19th century in the UK until modern times. There is limited secondary literature available which provides useful background information on the subject and most organisations may give brief histories of their early days but these sources lack historical adequacy in terms of detail. This article shows part of the uncertain path which the history followed towards the service which we enjoy today. From the pages of theBritish Medical Journaland theLancetandHansard, the battle to set up the service is followed and an indication of the drivers towards change over the period is revealed in the attitudes expressed. In particular, the two World Wars are seen to be the stepwise stimuli to providing a necessary service to the British population where the will to achieve this had hitherto been lacking at a parliamentary level. The history of the London Ambulance Service is chosen because more is written about it in these journals but services in other British cities and the USA are mentioned since they played a part in influencing change.
An evidence based blunt trauma protocol
Authors: van Vugt Raoul , Kool Digna R , Lubeek Satish F K , Dekker Helena M , Brink Monique , Deunk Jaap , Edwards Michael J R
Published: May 2012

Objective

Currently CT is rapidly implemented in the evaluation of trauma patients. In anticipation of a large international multicentre trial, this study's aim was to evaluate the clinical feasibility of a new diagnostic protocol, used for the primary radiological evaluation in adult blunt high-energy trauma patients, especially for the use of CT.

Methods

An evidence-based flow chart was created with criteria based on trauma mechanism, physical examination and laboratory analyses to indicate appropriateness of conventional radiography (CR), sonography and CT of head, cervical spine and trunk. To evaluate this protocol, the authors prospectively included 81 consecutive patients. Collected data included protocol adherence and number and type of performed CR and CT scans. The authors also determined the time needed to perform radiological investigations, adverse events in the CT room and clinically relevant missed injuries after 1-month clinical follow-up.

Results

There was 99% adherence to the protocol concerning CT. Seventy-nine patients (98%) received one or more CT scans: 72 (89%) had thoracoabdominal, 78 (96%) cervical spine and 54 (67%) had cranial CT. In 30 patients, one or more CT scans of body regions could be omitted. In 38%, CR was wrongly omitted or performed incorrectly at a variance with the protocol. No major adverse events occurred in the CT room and no clinically relevant injuries were missed.

Conclusions

The authors introduced a diagnostic protocol that seems feasible and safe for the evaluation of adult blunt high-energy trauma patients. Implementation of this protocol has the potential to reduce unnecessary radiological investigations, especially CT scans.
Preventive behaviours against radiation and related factors among general workers after Fukushima's nuclear disasters
Authors: Kanda Hideyuki , Hayakawa Takehito , Koyama Kikuo
Published: May 2012

Background

The nuclear power plant accidents in Fukushima resulted in a widespread release of radioactive substances in the Fukushima prefecture.

Aim

To clarify what factors led to precautions among general workers who displayed preventive behaviours against radiation following the nuclear disasters in Fukushima.

Methods

Descriptive study of preventive behaviours among general workers 3–5 months following the nuclear disasters. The subjects were 1394 regular workers who took part in radiation seminars conducted by the Fukushima Occupational Health Promotion Center between July and August 2011. Of 1217 responses, 1110 eligible responses were included in this study. This anonymous questionnaire survey was asking for characteristics and questions on preventive behaviours following the nuclear disasters. The authors assessed the contribution of each variable by a logistic regression analysis.

Results

Keeping track of environmental radiation levels and washing hands and gargling were significantly more frequent among female subjects, older age and workers residing up to approximately 80 km away from the power plants. Washing hands and gargling were also related with living with children. Wearing a mask when leaving home and buying bottled water were significantly more often observed with female subjects and workers residing up to 80 km. Refraining from going outdoors was positively associated with workers residing up to 80 km and workers living with children.

Conclusions

These results provide information that may help with the targeting of health information after a nuclear disaster. This may contribute to determining an order of priority when distributing information after a nuclear disaster.
Adequacy of the emergency point-of-care ultrasound core curriculum for the local burden of disease in South Africa
Authors: van Hoving Daniël J , Lamprecht Heinrich H , Stander Melanie , Vallabh Kamil , Fredericks David , Louw Pauline , Müller Monique , Malan Jacques J
Published: May 2012

Objective

This prospective cross-sectional study assesses the adequacy of the current South African emergency point-of-care ultrasound (EPCUS) core curriculum against the local burden of disease.

Method

Patients presenting to five Emergency Centres during July 2011 were eligible for inclusion. Patients under the age of 12, after-hour presentations, missing folders and folders with incomplete notes were excluded. Emergency physicians with EPCUS exposure were responsible for data collection. They were all blinded to the study's aim. Summary statistics describe the proportion of clinical cases and procedures for which EPCUS was used. One investigator assessed the adequacy of the curriculum by matching the clinical indications of each module with the presenting complaint and final diagnosis of each patient. The ultrasound modules were ranked according to the frequency of their clinical indications. κ-Statistics are reported on 10% randomly selected cases to quantify interobserver agreement.

Results

The study included 2971 patients. Ultrasound assisted with diagnosis in 384 (12.92%) patients and in 34 (1.14%) procedures. A total of 1933 EPCUS procedures were indicated in 1844 (66.07%) patients. The five most frequently indicated modules were pulmonary, musculoskeletal, cardiac, focused assessment with sonography of HIV/tuberculosis co-infection and renal. The interobserver agreement (κ) was 0.602 (95% CI 0.559 to 0.645).

Conclusions

This study was an attempt to ensure an evidence-based approach to assess the adequacy of the EPCUS core curriculum in South Africa. The results illustrate that our local burden of disease may require a change of the current core curriculum.
COMPLETE INTERSECTIONS AND MOVABLE CURVES ON THE MODULI SPACE OF SIX-POINTED RATIONAL CURVES
Authors: LARSEN PAUL L.
Published: May 2012

A curve on a projective variety is called movable if it belongs to an algebraic family of curves covering the variety. We consider when the cone of movable curves can be characterized without existence statements of covering families by studying the complete intersection cone on a family of blow-ups of complex projective space, including the moduli space of stable six-pointed rational curves and the permutohedral or Losev–Manin moduli space of four-pointed rational curves. Our main result is that the movable and complete intersection cones coincide for the toric members of this family, but differ for the non-toric member, the moduli space of six-pointed rational curves. The proof is via an algorithm that applies in greater generality. We also give an example of a projective toric threefold for which these two cones differ.
CAN f(R) GRAVITY MIMIC GENERAL RELATIVITY?
Authors: GU JE-AN
Published: May 2012

We discuss the stability of the general-relativity (GR) limit in modified theories of gravity, particularly the f(R) theory. The problem of approximating the higher-order differential equations in modified gravity with the Einstein equations (2nd-order differential equations) in GR is elaborated. We demonstrate this problem with a heuristic example involving a simple ordinary differential equation. With this example we further present the iteration method that may serve as a better approximation for solving the equation, meanwhile providing a criterion for assessing the validity of the approximation. We then discuss our previous numerical analyses of the early-time evolution of the cosmological perturbations in f(R) gravity, following the similar ideas demonstrated by the heuristic example. The results of the analyses indicated the possible instability of the GR limit that might make the GR approximation inaccurate in describing the evolution of the cosmological perturbations in the long run.
Upregulation of thrombospondin-1 expression by leptin in vascular smooth muscle cells via JAK2- and MAPK-dependent pathways
Authors: Chavez Ronaldo J. , Haney Rebecca M. , Cuadra Rene H. , Ganguly Rituparna , Adapala Ravi K. , Thodeti Charles K. , Raman Priya
Published: May 2012

Hyperleptinemia, characteristic of diabetes and a hallmark feature of human obesity, contributes to the increased risk of atherosclerotic complications. However, molecular mechanisms mediating leptin-induced atherogenesis and gene expression in vascular cells remain incompletely understood. Accumulating evidence documents a critical role of a potent antiangiogenic and proatherogenic matricellular protein, thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1), in atherosclerosis. Although previous studies reported elevated TSP-1 levels in both diabetic and obese patients and rodent models, there is no direct information on TSP-1 expression in vascular cells in response to leptin. In the present study, we show that leptin upregulates TSP-1 expression in cultured human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMC) in vitro, and this increase occurs at the level of transcription, revealed by mRNA stability and TSP-1 promoter-reporter assays. Utilizing specific pharmacological inhibitors and siRNA approaches, we demonstrate that upregulation of TSP-1 expression by leptin is mediated by JAK2/ERK/JNK-dependent mechanisms. Furthermore, we report that while ERK and JNK are required for both the constitutive and leptin-induced expression of TSP-1, JAK-2 appears to be specifically involved in leptin-mediated TSP-1 upregulation. Finally, we found that increased HASMC migration and proliferation in response to leptin is significantly inhibited by a TSP-1 blocking antibody, thereby revealing the physiological significance of leptin-TSP-1 crosstalk. Taken together, these findings demonstrate, for the first time, that leptin has a direct regulatory effect on TSP-1 expression in HASMCs, underscoring a novel role of TSP-1 in hyperleptinemia-induced atherosclerotic complications.
Rel A/p65 is required for cytokine-induced myotube atrophy
Authors: Yamaki Takuo , Wu Chia-Ling , Gustin Michael , Lim Jamie , Jackman Robert W. , Kandarian Susan C.
Published: May 2012

Muscle atrophy can be triggered by systemic illnesses that are associated with elevated proinflammatory/catabolic cytokines, which, in turn, are thought to contribute to muscle wasting. In this study, we found that the prototypical NF-κB transcription factor, Rel A (p65), is required for NF-κB activation in C2C12 and L6 myotubes due to treatment with exogenous TNF-α, IL-1α, IL-1β, TNF-related weak inducer of apoptosis, but not IL-6. All five cytokines induced atrophy in C2C12 myotubes, and inhibition of p65 reversed atrophy due to TNF-α, IL-1α, IL-1β, TNF-related weak inducer of apoptosis, but not IL-6 treatment. p65 was also required for TNF-α-induced increase in atrophy and inflammatory gene expression. TNF-α- and IL-1β-treated myotubes increased IL-6 protein expression, but use of an IL-6 blocking antibody showed that the IL-6 production did not contribute to atrophy. These data show that p65 is a required transcription factor mediating the catabolic effects of four different cytokines in cultured myotubes, but IL-6 works by a different mechanism.
Structural and functional evaluation of branched myofibers lacking intermediate filaments
Authors: Goodall Mariah H. , Ward Christopher W. , Pratt Stephen J. P. , Bloch Robert J. , Lovering Richard M.
Published: May 2012

Intermediate filaments (IFs), composed of desmin and keratins, link myofibrils to each other and to the sarcolemma in skeletal muscle. Fast-twitch muscle of mice lacking the IF proteins, desmin and keratin 19 (K19), showed reduced specific force and increased susceptibility to injury in earlier studies. Here we tested the hypothesis that the number of malformed myofibers in mice lacking desmin (Des−/−), keratin 19 (K19−/−), or both IF proteins (double knockout, DKO) is increased and is coincident with altered excitation-contraction (EC) coupling Ca2+ kinetics, as reported for mdx mice. We quantified the number of branched myofibers, characterized their organization with confocal and electron microscopy (EM), and compared the Ca2+ kinetics of EC coupling in flexor digitorum brevis myofibers from adult Des−/−, K19−/−, or DKO mice and compared them to age-matched wild type (WT) and mdx myofibers. Consistent with our previous findings, 9.9% of mdx myofibers had visible malformations. Des−/− myofibers had more malformations (4.7%) than K19−/− (0.9%) or DKO (1.3%) myofibers. Confocal and EM imaging revealed no obvious changes in sarcomere misalignment at the branch points, and the neuromuscular junctions in the mutant mice, while more variably located, were limited to one per myofiber. Global, electrically evoked Ca2+ signals showed a decrease in the rate of Ca2+ uptake (decay rate) into the sarcoplasmic reticulum after Ca2+ release, with the most profound effect in branched DKO myofibers (44% increase in uptake relative to WT). Although branched DKO myofibers showed significantly faster rates of Ca2+ clearance, the milder branching phenotype observed in DKO muscle suggests that the absence of K19 corrects the defect created by the absence of desmin alone. Thus, there are complex roles for desmin-based and K19-based IFs in skeletal muscle, with the null and DKO mutations having different effects on Ca2+ reuptake and myofiber branching.
Tryptophan metabolism activation by indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase in adipose tissue of obese women: an attempt to maintain immune homeostasis and vascular tone
Authors: Wolowczuk Isabelle , Hennart Benjamin , Leloire Audrey , Bessede Alban , Soichot Marion , Taront Solenne , Caiazzo Robert , Raverdy Violeta , Pigeyre Marie ,   ABOS Consortium, Guillemin Gilles J. , Allorge Delphine , Pattou François , Froguel Philippe , Poulain-Godefroy Odile
Published: May 2012

Human obesity is characterized by chronic low-grade inflammation in white adipose tissue and is often associated with hypertension. The potential induction of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase-1 (IDO1), the rate-limiting enzyme in tryptophan/kynurenine degradation pathway, by proinflammatory cytokines, could be associated with these disorders but has remained unexplored in obesity. Using immunohistochemistry, we detected IDO1 expression in white adipose tissue of obese patients, and we focused on its contribution in the regulation of vascular tone and on its immunoregulatory effects. Concentrations of tryptophan and kynurenine were measured in sera of 36 obese and 15 lean women. The expression of IDO1 in corresponding omental and subcutaneous adipose tissues and liver was evaluated. Proinflammatory markers and T-cell subsets were analyzed in adipose tissue via the expression of CD14, IL-18, CD68, TNFα, CD3ε, FOXP3 [a regulatory T-cell (Treg) marker] and RORC (a Th17 marker). In obese subjects, the ratio of kynurenine to tryptophan, which reflects IDO1 activation, is higher than in lean subjects. Furthermore, IDO1 expression in both adipose tissues and liver is increased and is inversely correlated with arterial blood pressure. Inflammation is associated with a T-cell infiltration in obese adipose tissue, with predominance of Th17 in the omental compartment and of Treg in the subcutaneous depot. The Th17/Treg balance is decreased in subcutaneous fat and correlates with IDO1 activation. In contrast, in the omental compartment, despite IDO1 activation, the Th17/Treg balance control is impaired. Taken together, our results suggest that IDO1 activation represents a local compensatory mechanism to limit obesity-induced inflammation and hypertension.
High Na intake increases renal angiotensin II levels and reduces expression of the ACE2-AT2R-MasR axis in obese Zucker rats
Authors: Samuel Preethi , Ali Quaisar , Sabuhi Rifat , Wu Yonnie , Hussain Tahir
Published: May 2012

High sodium intake is known to regulate the renal renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and is a risk factor for the pathogenesis of obesity-related hypertension. The complex nature of the RAS reveals that its various components may have opposing effects on natriuresis and blood pressure regulation. We hypothesized that high sodium intake differentially regulates and shifts a balance between opposing components of the renal RAS, namely, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)-ANG II-type 1 ANG II receptor (AT1R) vs. AT2-ACE2-angiotensinogen (Ang) (1–7)-Mas receptor (MasR), in obesity. In the present study, we evaluated protein and/or mRNA expression of angiotensinogen, renin, AT1A/BR, ACE, AT2R, ACE2, and MasR in the kidney cortex following 2 wk of a 8% high-sodium (HS) diet in lean and obese Zucker rats. The expression data showed that the relative expression pattern of ACE and AT1BR increased, renin decreased, and ACE2, AT2R, and MasR remained unaltered in HS-fed lean rats. On the other hand, HS intake in obese rats caused an increase in the cortical expression of ACE, a decrease in ACE2, AT2R, and MasR, and no changes in renin and AT1R. The cortical levels of ANG II increased by threefold in obese rats on HS compared with obese rats on normal salt (NS), which was not different than in lean rats. The HS intake elevated mean arterial pressure in obese rats (27 mmHg) more than in lean rats (16 mmHg). This study suggests that HS intake causes a pronounced increase in ANG II levels and a reduction in the expression of the ACE2-AT2R-MasR axis in the kidney cortex of obese rats. We conclude that such changes may lead to the potentially unopposed function of AT1R, with its various cellular and physiological roles, including the contribution to the pathogenesis of obesity-related hypertension.
Contribution of the retrotrapezoid nucleus/parafacial respiratory region to the expiratory-sympathetic coupling in response to peripheral chemoreflex in rats
Authors: Moraes Davi J. A. , Dias Mirela B. , Cavalcanti-Kwiatkoski Roberta , Machado Benedito H. , Zoccal Daniel B.
Published: May 2012

Central mechanisms of coupling between respiratory and sympathetic systems are essential for the entrainment between the enhanced respiratory drive and sympathoexcitation in response to hypoxia. However, the brainstem nuclei and neuronal network involved in these respiratory-sympathetic interactions remain unclear. Here, we evaluated whether the increase in expiratory activity and expiratory-modulated sympathoexcitation produced by the peripheral chemoreflex activation involves the retrotrapezoid nucleus/parafacial respiratory region (RTN/pFRG). Using decerebrated arterially perfused in situ rat preparations (60–80 g), we recorded the activities of thoracic sympathetic (tSN), phrenic (PN), and abdominal nerves (AbN) as well as the extracellular activity of RTN/pFRG expiratory neurons, and reflex responses to chemoreflex activation were evaluated before and after inactivation of the RTN/pFRG region with muscimol (1 mM). In the RTN/pFRG, we identified late-expiratory (late-E) neurons ( n = 5) that were silent at resting but fired coincidently with the emergence of late-E bursts in AbN after peripheral chemoreceptor activation. Bilateral muscimol microinjections into the RTN/pFRG region ( n = 6) significantly reduced basal PN frequency, mean AbN activity, and the amplitude of respiratory modulation of tSN ( P < 0.05). With respect to peripheral chemoreflex responses, muscimol microinjections in the RTN/pFRG enhanced the PN inspiratory response, abolished the evoked late-E activity of AbN, but did not alter either the magnitude or pattern of the tSN reflex response. These findings indicate that the RTN/pFRG region is critically involved in the processing of the active expiratory response but not of the expiratory-modulated sympathetic response to peripheral chemoreflex activation of rat in situ preparations.
Experts' Encounters in Antenatal Diabetes Care: A Descriptive Study of Verbal Communication in Midwife-Led Consultations
Authors: Furskog Risa Christina , Friberg Febe , Lidén Eva
Published: May 2012

Aim. We regard consultations as cocreated communicatively by the parties involved. In this paper on verbal communication in midwife-led consultations, we consequently focus on the actual conversation taking place between the midwife and the pregnant woman with diabetes, especially on those sequences where the pregnant woman initiated a topic of concern in the conversation.Methods. This paper was undertaken in four hospital outpatient clinics in Norway. Ten antenatal consultations between midwives and pregnant women were audiotaped, transcribed to text, and analyzed using theme-oriented discourse analysis. Two communicative patterns were revealed: an expert's frame and a shared experts' frame. Within each frame, different communicative variations are presented. The topics women initiated in the conversations were (i) delivery, time and mode; (ii) previous birth experience; (iii) labor pain; and (iv) breast feeding, diabetes management, and fetal weight.Conclusion. Different ways of communicating seem to create different opportunities for the parties to share each other's perspectives. Adequate responses and a listening attitude as well as an ambiguous way of talking seem to open up for the pregnant women's perspectives. Further studies are needed to investigate the obstacles to, and premises for, providing midwifery care in a specialist outpatient setting.
Need for Early Interventions in the Prevention of Pediatric Overweight: A Review and Upcoming Directions
Authors: Dattilo Anne M. , Birch Leann , Krebs Nancy F. , Lake Alan , Taveras Elsie M. , Saavedra Jose M.
Published: May 2012

Childhood obesity is currently one of the most prevailing and challenging public health issues among industrialized countries and of international priority. The global prevalence of obesity poses such a serious concern that the World Health Organization (WHO) has described it as a “global epidemic.” Recent literature suggests that the genesis of the problem occurs in the first years of life as feeding patterns, dietary habits, and parental feeding practices are established. Obesity prevention evidence points to specific dietary factors, such as the promotion of breastfeeding and appropriate introduction of nutritious complementary foods, but also calls for attention to parental feeding practices, awareness of appropriate responses to infant hunger and satiety cues, physical activity/inactivity behaviors, infant sleep duration, and family meals. Interventions that begin at birth, targeting multiple factors related to healthy growth, have not been adequately studied. Due to the overwhelming importance and global significance of excess weight within pediatric populations, this narrative review was undertaken to summarize factors associated with overweight and obesity among infants and toddlers, with focus on potentially modifiable risk factors beginning at birth, and to address the need for early intervention prevention.
The Antioxidant 3H-1,2-Dithiole-3-Thione Potentiates Advanced Glycation End-Product-Induced Oxidative Stress in SH-SY5Y Cells
Authors: Pazdro Robert , Burgess John R.
Published: May 2012

Oxidative stress is implicated as a major factor in the development of diabetes complications and is caused in part by advanced glycation end products (AGEs). AGEs ligate to the receptor for AGEs (RAGE), promoting protein kinase C (PKC)-dependent activation of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase and superoxide radical generation. While scavenging antioxidants are protective against AGEs, it is unknown if induction of endogenous antioxidant defenses has the same effect. In this study, we confirmed that the compound 3H-1,2-dithiole-3-thione (D3T) increases reduced-state glutathione (GSH) concentrations and NADPH:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) activity in SH-SY5Y cells and provides protection against H2O2. Surprisingly, D3T potentiated oxidative damage caused by AGEs. In comparison to vehicle controls, D3T caused greater AGE-induced cytotoxicity and depletion of intracellular GSH levels while offering no protection against neurite degeneration or protein carbonylation. D3T potentiated AGE-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, an effect abrogated by inhibitors of PKC and NADPH oxidase. This study suggests that chemical induction of endogenous antioxidant defenses requires further examination in models of diabetes.
Solutions without Space-Time Separation for ADS Experiments: Overview on Developments and Applications
Authors: Merk B. , Glivici-Cotruţă V.
Published: May 2012

The different analytical solutions without space-time separation foreseen for the analysis of ADS experiments are described. The SC3A experiment in the YALINA-Booster facility is described and investigated. For this investigation the very special configuration of YALINA-Booster is analyzed based on HELIOS calculations. The results for the time dependent diffusion and the time dependentP1equation are compared with the experimental results for the SC3A configuration. A comparison is given for the deviation between the analytical solution and the experimental results versus the different transport approximations. To improve the representation to the special configuration of YALINA- Booster, a new analytical solution for two energy groups with two sources (central external and boundary source) has been developed starting form the Green's function solution. Very good agreement has been found for these improved analytical solutions.
Strong Convergence Theorems for a Generalized Mixed Equilibrium Problem and a Family of Total Quasi‐ϕ‐Asymptotically Nonexpansive Multivalued Mappings in Banach Spaces
Authors: Tan J. F. , Chang S. S.
Published: May 2012

The main purpose of this paper is by using a hybrid algorithm to find a common element of the set of solutions for a generalized mixed equilibrium problem, the set of solutions for variational inequality problems, and the set of common fixed points for a infinite family of total quasi‐ϕ‐asymptotically nonexpansive multivalued mapping in a real uniformly smooth and strictly convex Banach space with Kadec‐Klee property. The results presented in this paper improve and extend some recent results announced by some authors.
Autologous Stem Cell Transplant for AL Amyloidosis
Authors: Roy Vivek
Published: May 2012

AL amyloidosis is caused by clonal plasma cells that produce immunoglobulin light chains which misfold and get deposited as amyloid fibrils. Therapy directed against the plasma cell clone leads to clinical benefit. Melphalan and corticosteroids have been the mainstay of treatment for a number of years and the recent availability of other effective agents (IMiDs and proteasome inhibitors) has increased treatment options. Autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) has been used in the treatment of AL amyloidosis for many years. It is associated with high rates of hematologic response and improvement in organ function. However, transplant carries considerable risks. Careful patient selection is important to minimize transplant related morbidity and mortality and ensure optimal patient outcomes. As newer more affective therapies become available the role and timing of ASCT in the overall treatment strategy of AL amyloidosis will need to be continually reassessed.
Qualitative Study of Solutions of Some Difference Equations
Authors: El-Metwally Hamdy , Elsayed E. M.
Published: May 2012

We obtain in this paper the solutions of the following recursive sequences xn+1 = xnxn−3/xn−2(±1 ± xnxn−3), n = 0, 1, …, where the initial conditions are arbitrary real numbers and we study the
behaviors of the solutions and we obtained the equilibrium points of the
considered equations. Some qualitative behavior of the solutions such as the
boundedness, the global stability, and the periodicity character of the solutions
in each case have been studied.
We presented some numerical examples by giving some numerical values
for the initial values and the coefficients of each case. Some figures have been
given to explain the behavior of the obtained solutions in the case of numerical examples by using the mathematical program Mathematica to confirm the
obtained results.
Monitoring Accessibility Services in Digital Television
Authors: Utray Francisco , de Castro Mercedes , Moreno Lourdes , Ruiz-Mezcua Belén
Published: May 2012

This paper addresses methodology and tools applied to the monitoring of accessibility services in digital television at a time when the principles of accessibility and design are being considered in all new audiovisual media communication services. The main objective of this research is to measure the quality and quantity of existing accessibility services offered by digital terrestrial television (DTT). The preliminary results, presented here, offer the development of a prototype for automatic monitoring and a methodology for obtaining quality measurements, along with the conclusions drawn by initial studies carried out in Spain. The recent approval of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities gives special relevance to this research because it provides valuable guidelines to help set the priorities to improve services currently available to users.
Ductal CarcinomaIn Situ: Recent Advances and Future Prospects
Authors: Lambert Kelly , Patani Neill , Mokbel Kefah
Published: May 2012

Introduction.This article reviews current management strategies for DCIS in the context of recent randomised trials, including the role of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB), adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) and endocrine treatment.Methods.Literature review facilitated by Medline, PubMed, Embase and Cochrane databases.Results.DCIS should be managed in the context of a multidisciplinary team. Local control depends upon clear surgical margins (at least 2 mm is generally acceptable). SLNB is not routine, but can be considered in patients undergoing mastectomy (Mx) with risk factors for occult invasion. RT following BCS significantly reduces local recurrence (LR), particularly in those at high-risk. There remains a lack of level-1 evidence supporting omission of adjuvant RT in selected low-risk cases. Large, multi-centric or recurrent lesions should be treated by Mx and immediate reconstruction should be discussed. Adjuvant hormonal treatment may reduce the risk of LR in selected cases with hormone sensitive disease.Conclusion.Further research is required to determine the role of new RT regimes and endocrine therapies. Biological profiling and molecular analysis represent an opportunity to improve our understanding of tumour biology in DCIS to rationalise treatment. Reliable identification of low-risk lesions could allow treatment to be less radical.
A Preliminary Report on the Use of Bench-Top X-Ray Micro-Computerised Tomography to Study the Malpighian Tubules of the Overwintering Seven Spotted LadybirdCoccinella septempunctataL. (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)
Authors: Bell Duncan , Woolnough Lewis , Mortimore David , Corps Nick , Hudson Diana M. , Greco Mark K.
Published: May 2012

The application of micro-CT scanning techniques on a small sample of “Seven-spot ladybirds”Coccinella septempunctata,collected in December 2009, identified an accumulation of material with a very high, relative X-ray attenuation value in the malpighian tubules of most but not all of the individuals sampled. The passage of metals such as cadmium in soil through a food chain to finally accumulate in high concentrations in ladybirds and lacewings has been previously reported. The identification of the dense material found in our sample of ladybirds, its origin, and the process by which it accumulates in, and is processed by, the malpighian tubules is the challenge ahead. The authors speculate that a straightforward means of monitoring levels of metallic pollutants in the environment might emerge.
Plasticity-Inducing TMS Protocols to Investigate Somatosensory Control of Hand Function
Authors: Jacobs M. , Premji A. , Nelson A. J.
Published: May 2012

Hand function depends on sensory feedback to direct an appropriate motor response. There is clear evidence that somatosensory cortices modulate motor behaviour and physiology within primary motor cortex. However, this information is mainly from research in animals and the bridge to human hand control is needed. Emerging evidence in humans supports the notion that somatosensory cortices modulate motor behaviour, physiology and sensory perception. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) allows for the investigation of primary and higher-order somatosensory cortices and their role in control of hand movement in humans. This review provides a summary of several TMS protocols in the investigation of hand control via the somatosensory cortices. TMS plasticity inducing protocols reviewed include paired associative stimulation, repetitive TMS, theta-burst stimulation as well as other techniques that aim to modulate cortical excitability in sensorimotor cortices. Although the discussed techniques may modulate cortical excitability, careful consideration of experimental design is needed to isolate factors that may interfere with desired results of the plasticity-inducing protocol, specifically events that may lead to metaplasticity within the targeted cortex.
Immunosuppression Adversely Affects TST but Not IGRAs in Patients with Psoriasis or Inflammatory Musculoskeletal Diseases
Authors: Tavast Esko , Tuuminen Tamara , Pakkanen Sari H. , Eriksson Mari , Kantele Anu , Järvinen Asko , Pusa Liana , Mälkönen Tarja , Seppälä Ilkka , Repo Heikki , Lerisalo-Repo Marjatta
Published: May 2012

The performance of the interferon gamma release assays (IGRAs) and tuberculin skin test (TST) was reviewed retrospectively in patients with psoriasis, inflammatory musculoskeletal diseases, or miscellaneous inflammatory conditions. The study was carried out over a 22-month period using 109 records of patients with psoriasis (), musculoskeletal disease (), or other inflammatory conditions (). Forty-four (48%) of 109 patients were on immunosuppressive therapy and 38/109 (35%) on systemic glucocorticoid therapy. The agreement between the IGRAs was substantial () whilst that between the IGRAs and TST was low (). Logistic regression models revealed that IGRAs associated with risk factors for latent tuberculosis infection better than TST. TST was influenced by age, BCG vaccination, sex, and glucocorticoid therapy. We found that IGRAs performed equally well with low level of indeterminate results (1-2%). IGRAs were superior to TST because the latter was influenced by BCG-vaccination status and immunosuppressive therapy.
Sinogram Restoration for Low‐Dosed X‐Ray Computed Tomography Using Fractional‐Order Perona‐Malik Diffusion
Authors: Hu Shaoxiang , Liao Zhiwu , Chen Wufan
Published: May 2012

Existing integer‐order Nonlinear Anisotropic Diffusion (NAD) used in noise suppressing will produce undesirable staircase effect or speckle effect. In this paper, we propose a new scheme, named Fractal‐order Perona‐Malik Diffusion (FPMD), which replaces the integer‐order derivative of the Perona‐Malik (PM) Diffusion with the fractional‐order derivative using G‐L fractional derivative. FPMD, which is a interpolation between integer‐order Nonlinear Anisotropic Diffusion (NAD) and fourth‐order partial differential equations, provides a more flexible way to balance the noise reducing and anatomical details preserving. Smoothing results for phantoms and real sinograms show that FPMD with suitable parameters can suppress the staircase effects and speckle effects efficiently. In addition, FPMD also has a good performance in visual quality and root mean square errors (RMSE).
Hepatic Mitochondrial Alterations and Increased Oxidative Stress in Nutritional Diabetes-PronePsammomys obesusModel
Authors: Bouderba Saida , Sanz M. Nieves , Sánchez-Martín Carlos , El-Mir M. Yehia , Villanueva Gloria R. , Detaille Dominique , Koceïr E. Ahmed
Published: May 2012

Mitochondrial dysfunction is considered to be a pivotal component of insulin resistance and associated metabolic diseases.Psammomys obesusis a relevant model of nutritional diabetes since these adult animals exhibit a state of insulin resistance when fed a standard laboratory chow, hypercaloric for them as compared to their natural food. In this context, alterations in bioenergetics were studied. Using liver mitochondria isolated from these rats fed such a diet for 18 weeks, oxygen consumption rates, activities of respiratory complexes, and content in cytochromes were examined. Levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and gluthatione (GSH) were measured in tissue homogenates. DiabeticPsammomysshowed a serious liver deterioration (hepatic mass accretion, lipids accumulation), accompanied by an enhanced oxidative stress (MDA increased, GSH depleted). On the other hand, both ADP-dependent and uncoupled respirations greatly diminished below control values, and the respiratory flux to cytochrome oxydase was mildly lowered. Furthermore, an inhibition of complexes I and III together with an activation of complex II were found. With emergence of oxidative stress, possibly related to a defect in oxidative phosphorylation, some molecular adjustments could contribute to alleviate, at least in part, the deleterious outcomes of insulin resistance in this gerbil species.
Assessing Resilience to Climate Change in US Cities
Authors: Saavedra Casilda , Budd William W. , Lovrich Nicholas P.
Published: May 2012

In the face of uncertainties associated with climate change, building adaptive capacity and resilience at the community level emerges as an essential and timely element of local planning. However, key social factors that facilitate the effective building and maintenance of urban resilience are poorly understood. Two groups of US cities differing markedly in their commitment to climate change are contrasted with respect to their planning approaches and actions related to mitigation and adaptation strategies, and also in relation to social features that are believed to enhance adaptive capacity and resilience to climate change. The first group manifests a strong commitment to climate change mitigation and adaptation, and the second group has demonstrated little or no such commitment. These cities are compared with respect to several noteworthy social features, including level of social capital, degree of unconventional thought, and level of cultural diversity. These characteristics are postulated to contribute to the adaptive capacity of communities for dealing with the impacts of climate change. The aim is to determine to what extent there is a relationship between social/cultural structures and urban commitment and planning for climate change that could discriminate between climate change resilient and nonresilient urban areas.
Alterations in Lipid Levels of Mitochondrial Membranes Induced by Amyloid-ß: A Protective Role of Melatonin
Authors: Rosales-Corral Sergio A. , Lopez-Armas Gabriela , Cruz-Ramos Jose , Melnikov Valery G. , Tan Dun-Xian , Manchester Lucien C. , Munoz Ruben , Reiter Russel J.
Published: May 2012

Alzheimer pathogenesis involves mitochondrial dysfunction, which is closely related to amyloid-ß(Aß) generation, abnormal tau phosphorylation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. Alterations in membranal components, including cholesterol and fatty acids, their characteristics, disposition, and distribution along the membranes, have been studied as evidence of cell membrane alterations in AD brain. The majority of these studies have been focused on the cytoplasmic membrane; meanwhile the mitochondrial membranes have been less explored. In this work, we studied lipids and mitochondrial membranesin vivo, following intracerebral injection of fibrillar amyloid-ß(Aß). The purpose was to determine how Aßmay be responsible for beginning of a vicious cycle where oxidative stress and alterations in cholesterol, lipids and fatty acids, feed back on each other to cause mitochondrial dysfunction. We observed changes in mitochondrial membrane lipids, and fatty acids, following intracerebral injection of fibrillar Aßin aged Wistar rats. Melatonin, a well-known antioxidant and neuroimmunomodulator indoleamine, reversed some of these alterations and protected mitochondrial membranes from obvious damage. Additionally, melatonin increased the levels of linolenic and n-3 eicosapentaenoic acid, in the same site where amyloidßwas injected, favoring an endogenous anti-inflammatory pathway.