bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Iron and Zinc Status of 6-Month to 5-Year-Old Children From Low-Income Rural Families of Punjab, India
Authors: Bains Kiran , Kaur Harpreet , Bajwa Navjot , Kaur Gurpreet , Kapoor Sherry , Singh Anupriya
Published: September 2015

Background:

Iron and zinc are the 2 micronutrients that are deficient in the diet of the people of Third World countries.

Objective:

Assessment of iron and zinc status of 6-month to 5-year-old children from low-income rural families of Punjab, India.

Methods:

Thirty clusters (villages) from 12 blocks of Ludhiana district of Punjab, India, were chosen randomly to select 413 households of agricultural laborers and of small and marginal farmers to obtain a sample of 312 children (6 months to 5 years).

Results:

Wheat is the major contributor of iron (65.5%) and zinc (58.0%) in the diets of children. The percentage of adequacy of iron in 0.5- to 2-year-old and 3- to 5-year-old children was 18.5% and 37.2% when compared to the estimated average requirements of World Health Organization/Food and Agriculture Organization. The corresponding zinc adequacy was only 7.2% and 25.3%, respectively. The results showed that 65% of 2- to 5-year-old children had dietary zinc adequacy. Serum zinc values below normal values were 17.9%, whereas 84.6% and 71.8% of children had low serum iron and serum ferritin levels, respectively. The raised soluble transferrin receptors were found in 79.8% of children. Anemia was found in 55.8% children, of which 20.2%, 33.0%, and 2.9% of children were mildly, moderately, and severely anemic, respectively.

Conclusions:

Iron-deficiency anemia is a more serious problem among reference children, however, zinc deficiency also prevails. The suboptimal iron and zinc status pose a serious threat to the physical and mental growth of these children. Hence to curb these deficiencies necessary steps should be taken.
Measuring the Costs of Vitamin A Interventions
Authors: Kagin Justin , Vosti Stephen A. , Engle-Stone Reina , Rettig Erica , Brown Kenneth H. , Nankap Martin , Ndjebayi Alex
Published: September 2015

Background:

To address vitamin A (VA) deficiency, an array of interventions have been developed for increasing VA status among young children. With numerous possible combinations of interventions, however, comes the need to take decisions regarding which intervention or combination of interventions is most cost effective for achieving VA deficiency reduction targets.

Methods:

Detailed intervention-specific, “macro-region”-level data in Cameroon are used to generate estimates of the costs associated with delivering VA to children aged 6 to 59 months.

Results:

In Cameroon, our estimates of costs per effectively-covered child (ie, children at risk of inadequate intake of VA who are exposed to an intervention and who achieve adequate intake) each year (2 rounds of Child Health Days [CHDs]) were US$3.31 for VA supplements. VA fortification of edible oil and bouillon cube was US$2.95 and US$2.41, respectively, per child effectively covered per year, and biofortification of maize was US$5.30 per child effectively covered per year. Combinations of interventions could reduce costs (eg, delivering additional interventions that affect VA status through the CHDs). Spatial differences in costs within Cameroon were also evident, for example, delivering high-dose VA capsules through CHDs leads to a cost of US$0.77 per child reached in the northern regions compared to US$1.40 per child reached in the southern regions.

Conclusion:

The costs associated with alternative VA interventions in Cameroon differ spatially, temporally, and in their cost-effectiveness. Choosing the appropriate combination of interventions can produce a more efficient portfolio of interventions to address VA deficiencies and VA-related deaths.
Lengthening the time intervals between doses of biological agents in psoriatic arthritis patients: A single-center retrospective study
Authors: Lorenzin Mariagrazia , Ortolan Augusta , de Hooge Manouk , Frallonardo Paola , Piccoli Antonio , Cozzi Franco , Oliviero Francesca , Punzi Leonardo , Ramonda Roberta
Published: September 2015

Anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha therapy has changed the course of psoriatic arthritis (PsA), but clinical experience about lengthening of time intervals between drug administrations is still limited. The aims of the study were to evaluate: (1) the long-term efficacy (over a 4-year period) of etanercept/adalimumab in a subset of PsA patients who did not require switches; and (2) the progressive lengthening of time intervals between treatments in patients who achieved minimal disease activity (MDA). PsA outpatients attending the Rheumatology Clinic-University of Padova who took a single anti-TNF agent (etanercept/adalimumab) for a 4-year period were studied. Therapy efficacy was assessed using clinical, biochemical, and disease activity (DA) indexes. The intervals between treatments were empirically and progressively lengthened after MDA was reached and maintained. One hundred and forty-one patients (mean age, 51.22 ± 12.34 years; mean disease duration, 12.1 ± 8.42 years) treated with etanercept/adalimumab (47.5% and 52.5%, respectively) were studied. DA indexes showed a marked, persistent improvement in all the patients throughout 4 years. The interval between injections could be extended in 46.1% of the patients (35% for adalimumab, 58% for etanercept) without provoking relapses. The mean therapy interval at the end of the study period was 3.12 weeks for adalimumab 40 mg (with respect to 2 weeks) and 2.75 weeks for etanercept 25 mg (with respect to 0.5 weeks). The new therapy timetable also led to cost savings. In conclusion, lengthening the time intervals between injections of anti-TNF agents in PsA patients who reach MDA is safe, effective, cost-effective, and facilitates patient compliance.
Emotions in tweets: From instantaneity to preconstruction
Authors: Cislaru Georgeta
Published: September 2015

This article deals with the expression of emotions in tweets. The aim is to observe the way users formulate their feelings in a technologically constrained yet expressively free communicative environment, in a context of written instantaneity which leaves place for the selection of context-adapted linguistic formulae. Comparison between emotional expressions involved in hashtags and the emotional lexicon used in the body of the messages shows some topical discrepancies and, more particularly, different degrees of denotational power. It also reveals a constructivist dimension of emotional expressions.
Emotional mechanisms of social (re)production
Authors: Aranguren Martin
Published: September 2015

Since the 1960s various currents within social theory have been undermining the functionalist and structuralist conceptions of the human agent as a passive automaton moved by obscure forces. While the emerging picture emphasizes the part played by cognition, implicit skill, and explicit knowledge, much less attention has been paid to the role of emotions in the active production and reproduction of the social world. The specialized sub-field known as the sociology of emotions has brought to sociological attention the topic of emotions but has been preoccupied mainly with how social structures of various kinds determine or constrain situated emotions. The aim of this programmatic article is to demonstrate the theoretical plausibility and the empirical viability of research on emotional mechanisms of social production and reproduction. On the basis of a critical reappropriation of the theory of structuration and interaction ritual theory, face-work and sacred-object establishment (or ‘enshrinement’) arise as mechanisms of social production and reproduction of which situated emotions are inherently constitutive. The conclusion points to the need for social theory to develop a concept of motivation integrating the ‘pulling’ and ‘pushing’ duality of emotional intentions as expressed in situated action.
Modulatory role of GSTM1 null genotype on the frequency of micronuclei in pesticide-exposed agricultural workers
Authors: Tumer Tugba Boyunegmez , Savranoglu Seda , Atmaca Pelin , Terzioglu Gulsum , Sen Alaattin , Arslan Sevki
Published: September 2015

In this study, we aimed to investigate the extent of genotoxic risk and the association between null GSTM1/GSTT1 and GSTP1 Ile105Val variants and cellular DNA damage, as measured by micronucleus (MN) assay in a group of agricultural workers from Denizli, Turkey. Peripheral blood samples were collected from 116 subjects, including 58 workers who were occupationally exposed to pesticides and 58 healthy unexposed controls. The MN frequencies of each individual were assessed by cytokinesis-blocked micronuclei assays on lymphocytes. Genotypes for different GST variants were determined using polymerase chain reaction-based methods. A significant 3.4-fold increase in MN frequency was observed in workers compared with the controls ( p < 0.001). Among the GST genotypes, only the GSTM1 null genotype was found to be significantly associated with an increased MN frequency in workers ( p = 0.01). Individuals with a concomitant null GSTM1/GSTT1 genotype demonstrated a significant ( p = 0.01) increase in MN frequency compared with those with functional isozymes in the exposed worker group. The association of the GSTM1 null genotype with higher MN frequency suggests that it may be a modifier of genotoxic risk in individuals exposed to pesticides and may thus be a candidate susceptibility biomarker for human biomonitoring studies.
The effect of vitamin E on lung pathology in sulfur mustard-exposed guinea pigs
Authors: Gholamnezhad Zahra , Boskabady Mohammad Hossein , Amery Sediqa , Vahedi Nassim , Tabatabaei Abass , Boskabady Morteza , Shahriary Alireza
Published: September 2015

Pulmonary complications of exposure to sulfur mustard (SM) gas range from no effect or mild symptoms to severe bronchial stenosis. In the present study, the protective effect of vitamin E on the lung inflammation of SM-exposed guinea pigs was examined. Guinea pigs ( n = 5 for each group) were exposed to ethanol (control group), 40 mg/m3 inhaled SM (SME group), SME treated with vitamin E (SME + E), SME treated with dexamethasone (SME + D), and SME treated with both treatments (SME + E + D). Pathological evaluation of the lung was done 14 days postexposure. The epithelial desquamation of trachea and other pathologic changes in the lung of the SME group were significantly higher than those in the control group. Furthermore, the pathological changes of trachea and lung in the SME + E and SME + E + D groups were significantly improved compared with those of SME group. In addition, the pathological changes of trachea and lung of SME + E and SME + E + D animals were significantly less than those of SME + D group.
Exploring the Influence of Social Determinants, Social Capital, and Health Expertise on Health and the Rural Church
Authors: Plunkett Robyn , Leipert Beverly , Olson Joanne
Published: September 2015

In rural communities, religious places can significantly shape health for individuals, families, and communities. Rural churches are prominent community centers in rural communities and are deeply woven into rural culture. Thus, health influences arising from the rural church likely have health implications for the greater community. This article explores health influences emerging from rural churches using social determinants of health, social capital, and health expertise. Although nurses are important health resources for all populations, their value in rural areas may be exceedingly significant. The contribution of nurses to church-based health capital in rural communities may be quite significant and underestimated, although it remains poorly understood.
The Discrete Charm of Local Practices: Malegaon and the Politics of Locality
Authors: Tiwary Ishita
Published: September 2015

Filmmaking in the industrial township of Malegaon, affectionately referred to by the locals as Maliwood, is known for its spoofs of popular Hindi and Hollywood films. “Maliwood” has become an almost parallel film industry based on local creativity and minimal infrastructure deriving from informal and nonlegal media economies involving video cassette theaters and stores, and the circulation of video compact discs (VCDs) and digital videodiscs (DVDs). In this article, I track the formation of the Malegaon Film Industry as a localized filmmaking practice by charting the relay between the local industry, Hindi cinema, the various documentaries made on Malegaon, and the current TV series Malegaon Ka Chintu (2010–present) shot by people from Malegaon and produced by Sab TV in Bombay. Through the case study of Malegaon, the article attempts to track the journey of the town from an informal local industry to something that is being drawn into more formal industrialized patterns of production and distribution.
Film Genres, the Muslim Social, and Discourses of Identity c. 1935–1945
Authors: Vasudevan Ravi S.
Published: September 2015

This article explores the phenomenon of the Muslim social film and “Islamicate” cinema of pre-Partition India to suggest a significant background to cinema’s function in the emergence of new states. In particular, it seeks to provide an account of how discussions of genre and generic difference framed issues of audience and identity in the studio period of Indian film, broadly between the mid-1930s and mid-1940s. Rather than focus too narrowly on identity discourses in the cinema, I try to move among amorphous and dispersed senses of audience, more calibrated understandings related to a trade discourse of who films would appeal to, and finally, an agenda of social representation and audience address that sought to develop in step with a secular nationalist imagining of the Muslim community and its transformation.
Sharing the Silver Screen: The Social Experience of Cinemagoing in the Indian Diaspora
Authors: Vandevelde Iris , Meers Philippe , Van Bauwel Sofie , Winkel Roel Vande
Published: September 2015

Despite the growing attention paid to the social practice of cinemagoing and to Indian diasporic film cultures, little research has combined these two topics. This article looks into issues of community as well as discursive practices occurring at the intersection of these two phenomena. First, it examines the physical community formation generated by the theater space as a setting for watching homeland films, in accordance with more general theories about diasporic communities and media consumption (Georgiou, 2006). Second, it looks into the audience discourses that precede and follow the actual cinemagoing act (Gillespie, 2002; Staiger, 2000). Based on a case study in the Belgian city of Antwerp, large-scale as well as in-depth insights are developed through a multi-method approach, combining analyses of in-depth interviews with the results of an exploratory cinema survey. These revealed that Indian diasporic cinemagoing is limited in its community-forming function (by issues of comfort, audience diversity, as well as behavioral conformism to a Western context) and is characterized by transnational discursive practices informing film preferences. A general change in the social experience of cinemagoing occurred in the diasporic context when compared to India and intercommunity differences found expression in cinemagoing culture.
The Transformative Potential of Community Dance for People With Cancer
Authors: Butler Mary , Snook Barbara , Buck Ralph
Published: September 2015

This research describes a community dance project for people affected by cancer, which was led by a trained community dancer over 10 movement workshops and three performances. Using a qualitative descriptive approach, the research explored the experiences of a convenience sample of 8 participants out of the original group of 17 individuals who took part in the community dance. The research was participatory and the researchers were involved in workshops and performances as members of the group who also had family members with cancer. The findings indicate the motivation of the dancers to continue in spite of hardship, their sense of pride in being part of something that was larger than themselves, the way the dance permitted them to embody a sense of courage, and finally, in performing, how they managed to share something that genuinely moved an audience.
Balancing Methodological Rigor and the Needs of Research Participants
Authors: Chan T. M. Simon , Teram Eli , Shaw Ian
Published: September 2015

Despite growing consideration of the needs of research participants in studies related to sensitive issues, discussions of alternative ways to design sensitive research are scarce. Structured as an exchange between two researchers who used different approaches in their studies with childhood sexual abuse survivors, in this article, we seek to advance understanding of methodological and ethical issues in designing sensitive research. The first perspective, which is termed protective, promotes the gradual progression of participants from a treatment phase into a research phase, with the ongoing presence of a researcher and a social worker in both phases. In the second perspective, which is termed minimalist, we argue for clear boundaries between research and treatment processes, limiting the responsibility of researchers to ensuring that professional support is available to participants who experience emotional difficulties. Following rebuttals, lessons are drawn for ethical balancing between methodological rigor and the needs of participants.
Intravenous adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell therapy for the treatment of feline asthma: a pilot study
Authors: Trzil Julie E , Masseau Isabelle , Webb Tracy L , Chang Chee-Hoon , Dodam John R , Liu Hong , Quimby Jessica M , Dow Steven W , Reinero Carol R
Published: September 2015

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of serially administered adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in an experimental feline asthma model.

Methods

Allergic asthma was acutely induced with Bermuda grass allergen in six purpose-bred cats. Five intravenous infusions of allogeneic MSCs (n = 4; MSC-treated) or saline (n = 2; placebo-treated) were administered over the first 130 days after asthma induction. Infusions contained 2 × 106, 4 × 106, 4.7 × 106, 1 × 107 and 1 × 107 cryopreserved MSCs/cat. For thoracic imaging additional cats were enrolled as control groups: four untreated, experimentally asthmatic cats (combined with placebo-treated cats), and six healthy, non-asthmatic cats. Outcome measures included airway eosinophilia, pulmonary mechanics, thoracic computed tomography and several immunologic assays.

Results

Cats were assessed for 9 months after treatment. At early points, airway eosinophil percentage was not affected by MSC administration (post-treatment average of days 12, 26, 47, 108 and 133 in MSC-treated cats was 41 ± 15% and in placebo-treated cats it was 34 ± 16%). By month 9, eosinophil percentages in all MSC-treated cats decreased to normal reference intervals (MSC-treated 6%; placebo-treated 20%; normal <17%). Diminished airway hyper-responsiveness was noted in all MSC-treated compared with placebo-treated cats at day 133 (dose of methacholine to double baseline airway resistance: MSC-treated median 22.9 mg/ml [range 6.4–64.0]; individual placebo-treated cats 1.1 and 5.0 mg/ml). Lung attenuation (mean ± SEM MSC-treated −865 ± 12 Hounsfield units [HU]; untreated asthmatics −820 ± 11 HU; P = 0.004) and bronchial wall thickening scores (median [interquartile range] MSC-treated 0 [0–1.5]; untreated asthmatic 11.6 [7.3–27.3]; P = 0.010) were significantly reduced in MSC-treated vs untreated asthmatic cats, consistent with decreased airway remodeling at month 9. No clear immunologic mechanisms by which MSCs act were determined.

Conclusions and relevance

MSCs may have a delayed effect in reducing airway inflammation, airway hyper-responsiveness and remodeling in experimentally induced asthmatic cats. Results warrant additional investigation of MSC therapy for asthma in cats.
Informal community support for parents of pre-school children: A comparative study investigating the subjective experience of parents attending community-based toddler groups in different socio-economic situations
Authors: Owen Alex , Anderson Babs
Published: September 2015

Within the United Kingdom, the importance of the appropriate parenting of children in their early years has received significant political support. However, it has been found that positive outcomes for young children, in terms of their present experience and future life chances, are often significantly weakened by the impact of poverty. A phenomenological scoping study was undertaken to explore the reasons why parents living in poverty access informal social support networks, in the form of community-based toddler groups. The study found that engagement with these networks has value for parents in terms of their mental well-being and their peer education, both of which support their ability to parent a young child appropriately.
Pay No Attention to That Data Behind the Curtain
Authors: Ferguson Christopher J.
Published: September 2015

This article responds to five comments on my “Angry Birds” meta-analysis of video game influences on children (Ferguson, 2015, this issue). Given ongoing debates on video game influences, comments varied from the supportive to the self-proclaimed “angry,” yet hopefully they and this response will contribute to constructive discussion as the field moves forward. In this reply, I address some misconceptions in the comments and present data that challenge the assumption that standardized regression coefficients are invariably unsuitable for meta-analysis or that bivariate correlations are invariably suitable for meta-analysis. The suitability of any data should be considered on a case-by-case basis, and data indicates that the coefficients included in the “Angry Birds” meta-analysis did not distort results. Study selection, effect size extraction, and interpretation improved upon problematic issues in other recent meta-analyses. Further evidence is also provided to support the contention that publication bias remains problematic in video game literature. Sources of acrimony among scholars are explored as are areas of agreement. Ultimately, debates will only be resolved through a commitment to newer, more rigorous methods and open science.
Developing new microstructure through laser melting of electrospark layer of precipitation hardened nickel based superalloy
Authors: Ebrahimnia M. , Malek Ghaini F. , Xie Y. J. , Shahverdi H. R.
Published: September 2015

Highly oriented fine microstructure was achieved through laser melting of electrospark layer of a precipitation hardened nickel based superalloy. Using electron back scattered diffraction analysis, it was found that the new layer has preferred orientation toward the surface. This microstructure grows epitaxially on the electrospark layer, which consists of very fine grains. Having lower elemental segregation and finer grain size, this new modified microstructure has higher hot cracking resistance compared to the conventional autogenous laser weld microstructure on cast alloy.
Carfilzomib, pomalidomide, and dexamethasone for relapsed or refractory myeloma
Authors: Shah Jatin J. , Stadtmauer Edward A. , Abonour Rafat , Cohen Adam D. , Bensinger William I. , Gasparetto Cristina , Kaufman Jonathan L. , Lentzsch Suzanne , Vogl Dan T. , Gomes Christina L. , Pascucci Natalia , Smith David D. , Orlowski Robert Z. , Durie Brian G. M.
Published: September 2015

Key Points

This is the first clinical trial to investigate CPD in multiple myeloma. Results suggest that the regimen is a well-tolerated and highly active combination for patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma.
From complex to simple: myogenesis in an aplacophoran mollusk reveals key traits in aculiferan evolution
Authors: Scherholz Maik , Redl Emanuel , Wollesen Tim , Todt Christiane , Wanninger Andreas
Published: September 2015

Background

Recent studies suggest a bifurcation at the base of Mollusca, resulting in the primarily single-shelled Conchifera (Bivalvia, Gastropoda, Scaphopoda, Monoplacophora, Cephalopoda) and the spicule-bearing Aculifera (Polyplacophora, Neomeniomorpha, Chaetodermomorpha). A recent study revealed a complex larval musculature exclusively shared by Neomeniomorpha and Polyplacophora, supporting a close relationship of both taxa. However, the ontogenetic transition from the complex larval to the simple adult neomeniomorph musculature, which mainly consists of a three-layered body-wall musculature and serially iterated dorsoventral muscles, remains unknown. To close this gap in knowledge, we studied remodeling of the larval musculature during metamorphosis in the neomeniomorph Wirenia argentea. A comparative analysis with a novel data set of a polyplacophoran, Leptochiton asellus, allows us to infer the morphology of the last common ancestor of Aculifera and the evolution of its subclades therefrom.

Results

The complex larval musculature of Wirenia argentea persists through metamorphosis and becomes modified to form two of the three muscle layers of the adult body wall. The innermost longitudinal layer of the three-layered body wall musculature is generated by transformation and expansion of distinct larval longitudinal muscle bundles. The larval ventrolateral muscle strands are remodeled and eventually become the most ventral part of the adult longitudinal layer of the body wall musculature. The paired larval enrolling muscle forms the lateral parts and the former rectus muscle is destined to become the most dorsal part of the longitudinal layer of the body wall musculature. The transient ventromedian muscle is lost during postmetamorphic development.

Conclusions

Postmetamorphic remodeling in W. argentea supports the hypothesis of a complex myoanatomy rather than a three-layered body wall musculature at the base of Aculifera, and thus argues against homology of the body wall musculature of adult Neomeniomorpha and other potential molluscan sister groups. Our data show that the neomeniomorph body wall musculature is a derived condition and not an aculiferan or molluscan plesiomorphy.
Scalar gap functions and error bounds for generalized mixed vector equilibrium problems with applications
Authors: Zhang Wenyan , Chen Jiawei , Xu Shu , Dong Wen
Published: September 2015

It is well known that equilibrium problems are very important mathematical models and are closely related with fixed point problems, variational inequalities, and Nash equilibrium problems. Gap functions and error bounds which play a vital role in algorithms design, are two much-addressed topics of vector equilibrium problems. This paper is devoted to studying the scalar-valued gap functions and error bounds for the generalized mixed vector equilibrium problem (GMVE). First, a scalar gap function for (GMVE) is proposed without any scalarization methods, and then error bounds of (GMVE) are established in terms of the gap function. As applications, error bounds for generalized vector variational inequalities and vector variational inequalities are derived, respectively. The main results obtained are new and improve corresponding results of Charitha and Dutta (Pac. J. Optim. 6:497-510, 2010) and Sun and Chai (Optim. Lett. 8:1663-1673, 2014).
Anti-inflammatory effects of miR-21 in the macrophage response to peritonitis
Authors: Barnett Rebecca Elise , Conklin Daniel J , Ryan Lindsey , Keskey Robert C , Ramjee Vikram , Sepulveda Ernesto A , Srivastava Sanjay , Bhatnagar Aruni , Cheadle William G
Published: September 2015

We investigated the role of microRNA-21 in the macrophage response to peritonitis; microRNA-21 expression increases in peritoneal macrophages after lipopolysaccharide stimulation but is delayed until 48 hours after cecal ligation and puncture. MicroRNA-21–null mice and bone marrow–derived cell lines were exposed to cecal ligation and puncture or lipopolysaccharide, and survival, microRNA-21 levels, target messenger RNAs and proteins, and cytokines were assayed. Macrophages were also transfected with microRNA-21 mimics and antagomirs, and similar endpoints were measured. Survival in microRNA-21–null mice was significantly decreased after lipopolysaccharide-induced peritonitis but unchanged after cecal ligation and puncture compared with similarly treated wild-type mice. MicroRNA-21 expression, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin 6, and programmed cell death protein 4 levels were increased after lipopolysaccharide addition in peritoneal cells. Pelino1 and sprouty (SPRY) messenger RNAs were similarly increased early, whereas programmed cell death protein 4 messenger RNA was decreased after lipopolysaccharide, and all microR-21 target messenger RNAs were subsequently decreased by 24 hours after lipopolysaccharide. Transfection with mimics and antagomirs led to appropriate responses in microRNA-21 and tumor necrosis factor-α. Knockdown of microRNA-21 in bone marrow–derived cells showed increased tumor necrosis factor-α and decreased interleukin 10 in response to lipopolysaccharide. Target proteins were unaffected by knockdown as was extracellular signal-regulated kinase; however, the nuclear factor κB p65 subunit was increased after lipopolysaccharide in the microRNA-21 knockout cells. In contrast, there was little change in these parameters after cecal ligation and puncture induction between null and wild-type mice. MicroRNA-21 is beneficial to survival in mice following lipopolysaccharide peritonitis. Overexpression of microRNA-21 decreased tumor necrosis factor-α secretion, whereas suppression of microRNA-21 expression increased tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin 6, and decreased interleukin 10 levels after lipopolysaccharide. Protein targets of microRNA-21 were not different following suppression of microRNA-21. Nuclear factor κB was increased by suppression of microRNA-21. These findings demonstrate microRNA-21 is beneficial in modulating the macrophage response to lipopolysaccharide peritonitis and an improved understanding of the anti-inflammatory effects of microRNA-21 may result in novel, targeted therapy against peritonitis and sepsis.
Sense and readability: Participant information sheets for research studies
Authors: Ennis Liam , Wykes Til
Published: September 2015

Background

Informed consent in research is partly achieved through the use of information sheets. There is a perception however that these information sheets are long and complex. The recommended reading level for patient information is grade 6, or 11–12 years old.

Aims

To investigate whether the readability of participant information sheets has changed over time, whether particular study characteristics are related to poorer readability and whether readability and other study characteristics are related to successful study recruitment.

Method

We obtained 522 information sheets from the UK National Institute for Health Research Clinical Research Network: Mental Health portfolio database and study principal investigators. Readability was assessed with the Flesch reading index and the Grade level test.

Results

Information sheets increased in length over the study period. The mean grade level across all information sheets was 9.8, or 15–16 years old. A high level of patient involvement was associated with more recruitment success and studies involving pharmaceutical or device interventions were the least successful. The complexity of information sheets had little bearing on successful recruitment.

Conclusions

Information sheets are far more complex than the recommended reading level of grade 6 for patient information. The disparity may be exacerbated by an increasing focus on legal content. Researchers would benefit from clear guidance from ethics committees on writing succinctly and accessibly and how to balance the competing legal issues with the ability of participants to understand what a study entails.
Structural and functional brain changes in delusional
disorder
Authors: Vicens Victor , Radua Joaquim , Salvador Raymond , Anguera-Camós Maria , Canales-Rodríguez Erick J. , Sarró Salvador , Maristany Teresa , McKenna Peter J. , Pomarol-Clotet Edith
Published: September 2015

Background

Delusional disorder has been the subject of very little investigation
using brain imaging.

Aims

To examine potential structural and/or functional brain abnormalities in
this disorder.

Method

We used structural imaging (voxel-based morphometry, VBM) and functional
imaging (during performance of the n-back task and
whole-brain resting connectivity analysis) to examine 22 patients meeting
DSM-IV criteria for delusional disorder and 44 matched healthy
controls.

Results

The patients showed grey matter reductions in the medial frontal/anterior
cingulate cortex and bilateral insula on unmodulated (but not on
modulated) VBM analysis, failure of de-activation in the medial
frontal/anterior cingulate cortex during performance of the
n-back task, and decreased resting-state connectivity
in the bilateral insula.

Conclusions

The findings provide evidence of brain abnormality in the medial
frontal/anterior cingulate cortex and insula in delusional disorder. A
role for the former region in the pathogenesis of delusions is consistent
with several other lines of evidence.
Use of Bevacizumab in Community Settings: Toxicity Profile and Risk of Hospitalization in Patients With Advanced Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Carroll Nikki M. , Delate Thomas , Menter Alex , Hornbrook Mark C. , Kushi Lawrence , Aiello Bowles Erin J. , Loggers Elizabeth T. , Ritzwoller Debra P.
Published: September 2015

Findings here confirm the need for adherence to clinical recommendations for judicious use of carboplatin-paclitaxel-bevacizumab, but provide reassurance regarding the relative risk.
Unplanned 30-Day Readmissions in a General Internal Medicine Hospitalist Service at a Comprehensive Cancer Center
Authors: Manzano Joanna-Grace M. , Gadiraju Sahitya , Hiremath Adarsh , Lin Heather Yan , Farroni Jeff , Halm Josiah
Published: September 2015

The authors observed a high unplanned readmission rate among their population of patients with cancer.
Understanding Oral Chemotherapy Prescribing Patterns at the End of Life at a Comprehensive Cancer Center: Analysis of a Massachusetts Payer Claims Database
Authors: Zerillo Jessica A. , Stuver Sherri O. , Fraile Belen , Dodek Anton D. , Jacobson Joseph O.
Published: September 2015

Processed claims for chemotherapy, including oral, sharply declined during the last 30 days of life, consistent with a shift to palliative management.
Improving Patient Satisfaction in a Midsize Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Outpatient Clinic
Authors: Fustino Nicholas J. , Kochanski Justin J.
Published: September 2015

Patient satisfaction was improved in a mid-size pediatric hematology-oncology outpatient clinic by implementing provider- and staff-driven initiatives.
The Potent Humanin Analogue (HNG) Protects Germ Cells and Leucocytes While Enhancing Chemotherapy-Induced Suppression of Cancer Metastases in Male Mice
Authors: Lue YanHe , Swerdloff Ronald , Wan Junxiang , Xiao Jialin , French Samuel , Atienza Vince , Canela Victor , Bruhn Kevin W. , Stone Brian , Jia Yue , Cohen Pinchas , Wang Christina
Published: September 2015

Humanin is a peptide that is cytoprotective against stresses in many cell types. We investigated whether a potent humanin analogue S14G-humanin (HNG) would protect against chemotherapy-induced damage to normal cells without interfering with the chemotherapy-induced suppression of cancer cells. Young adult male mice were inoculated iv with murine melanoma cells. After 1 week, cancer-bearing mice were randomized to receive either: no treatment, daily ip injection of HNG, a single ip injection of cyclophosphamide (CP), or CP+HNG and killed at the end of 3 weeks. HNG rescued the CP-induced suppression of leucocytes and protected germ cell from CP-induced apoptosis. Lung metastases were suppressed by HNG or CP alone, and further suppressed by CP+HNG treatment. Plasma IGF-1 levels were suppressed by HNG with or without CP treatment. To investigate whether HNG maintains its protective effects on spermatogonial stem cells, sperm output, and peripheral leucocytes after repeated doses of CP, normal adult male mice received: no treatment, daily sc injection of HNG, 6 ip injections of CP at 5-day intervals, and the same regimens of CP+HNG and killed at the end of 4 weeks of treatment. Cauda epididymal sperm counts were elevated by HNG and suppressed by CP. HNG rescued the CP-induced suppression of spermatogonial stem cells, sperm count and peripheral leucocytes. We conclude that HNG 1) protects CP-induced loss of male germ cells and leucocytes, 2) enhances CP-induced suppression of cancer metastases, and 3) acts as a caloric-restriction mimetic by suppressing IGF-1 levels. Our findings suggest that humanin analogues may be promising adjuvants to chemotherapy.
Maternal Thyroid Disease and Preterm Birth: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Sheehan Penelope M. , Nankervis Alison , Araujo Júnior Edward , Da Silva Costa Fabricio
Published: September 2015

Context:

Thyroid disease in pregnancy is increasing with rising average maternal ages in developed countries. The evidence for an association between preterm birth and thyroid disease has been confounded by small studies with varying outcomes and methodology.

Objective:

The aim of this meta-analysis is to review the literature regarding thyroid disease including subclinical and overt hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and isolated hypothyroxinemia and the specific outcome of preterm birth.

Data Sources:

A search of PubMed and Embase databases was performed in May 2015. A fixed-effects model was used to calculate the overall combined odds ratio (OR) with its corresponding 95% confidence interval (95% CI) to evaluate the relationship between thyroid disease and preterm delivery.

Study Selection:

Studies were considered eligible if they met the following criteria: prospective cohort study or a case control study; the exposure of interest was maternal thyroid disease, including subclinical hypothyroidism, overt hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, or isolated hypothyroxinemia; the outcome of interest was preterm delivery; and data regarding numbers of preterm births in each cohort were reported.

Data Extraction:

Data were recorded in a database evidence table including any incidence data for maternal thyroid disease and preterm birth compared to a reference group.

Data Synthesis:

Fourteen cohort studies and one case control study involving 2 532 704 participants were included. The combined OR of preterm delivery for pregnant women with overt hypothyroidism compared with the reference group was 1.19 (95% CI, 1.12–1.26; P < .00001). There was also a significant risk of preterm birth in women with hyperthyroidism (OR, 1.24 [95%, CI 1.17–1.31]; P < .00001). Subclinical hypothyroidism and isolated hypothyroxinemia showed no significant increase in OR. Sensitivity analysis made no change to these results.

Conclusion:

Both overt hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are associated with a small but statistically significant increase in OR for preterm birth not seen in subclinical hypothyroidism or isolated hypothyroxinemia.
Habits of Leaking: Of Sluts and Network Cards
Authors: Chun Wendy Hui Kyong , Friedland Sarah
Published: September 2015

This essay attempts to disable the “ruinous” logic that has fueled recent slut-shaming on Web 2.0 by making visible the ways in which our machines are promiscuous—routinely “leaking.” The authors present the leak as a habit so as to disrupt the illusion of privacy and sealed subjectivity that enables the possibility of being a “victim” of slut-shaming, revenge porn, and similar dangers of Web 2.0. They argue that blaming the user for leaks only detracts from the systematic vulnerabilities of Web 2.0. The essay looks at the pernicious practice of “ruining” young, white, female subjects through the circulation of naked or sexual images of them. This habit not only exemplifies the linking of subjectivity, privacy, and whiteness but also the way in which the online subject is figured as open, vulnerable, and perhaps asking for it—that is, traditionally female. The essay argues that rather than call for bubbles of privacy that seal off online subjects, as if to prevent their leaking or sluttiness, the inherent promiscuity of new media must be embraced.
Kantian Mouthliness: Enlightenment, Address, Aesthetics
Authors: Roelofs Monique
Published: September 2015

Kant’s famous Enlightenment article is a crucial but overlooked source for his aesthetics. This essay unlocks its aesthetic significance by scrutinizing the mode of address in which Kant grounds his enlightenment project. Enlightenment, for Kant, revolves around the address we direct as men of learning to the reading public. If left free, this address, argues Kant, enables us to become mündig (mature) or, in other words, to learn to think and act for ourselves. Kant’s vision invokes the mouth (Mund) along with other bodily media of address (reading, writing). Presenting the mouthly in and beyond Kant as a site of aesthetic agency and experience, this essay reveals how he aestheticizes enlightenment. Kant’s use of address underwrites an expanded array of demands and commitments cocooned within his view of enlightenment and vastly broadens the resonance of his call for enlightenment. Kant’s aesthetics bursts beyond the bounds it has ordinarily been given.
A Barely Visible Protagonist
Authors: Ophir Adi
Published: September 2015

Margarethe von Trotta’s Hannah Arendt offers a brilliant cinematic interpretation of one of the most pivotal chapters in Hannah Arendt’s life and work, the Eichmann trial. The author argues that the film correctly assumes that Arendt’s thinking on evil underwent an important change during the writing of Eichmann in Jerusalem and seeks to present this change as a key to understanding her book and the rage it spurred. The film depicts this change by showing the intense labor of thinking Arendt devoted to the question of evil at the time of the trial and in the months that followed it. This essay reconstructs the way Arendt’s thought is displayed in the film as a basis for its interpretation. This interpretation is supported by a reconstruction of the historical context and discursive conditions in which Arendt’s new concept of evil, and her understanding of Nazi evil that follows from it, became such a scandal.
Impaired myelination and reduced ferric iron in mucolipidosis IV brain
Authors: Grishchuk Yulia , Peña Karina A. , Coblentz Jessica , King Victoria E. , Humphrey Daniel M. , Wang Shirley L. , Kiselyov Kirill I. , Slaugenhaupt Susan A.
Published: September 2015

Mucolipidosis type IV (MLIV) is a lysosomal storage disease caused by mutations in the MCOLN1 gene, which encodes the lysosomal transient receptor potential ion channel mucolipin-1 (TRPML1). MLIV causes impaired motor and cognitive development, progressive loss of vision and gastric achlorhydria. How loss of TRPML1 leads to severe psychomotor retardation is currently unknown and there is no therapy for MLIV. White matter abnormalities and a hypoplastic corpus callosum are the major hallmarks of MLIV brain pathology. Here we report that loss of TRPML1 in mice results in developmental aberrations of brain myelination due to deficient maturation and loss of oligodendrocytes. Defective myelination is evident in Mcoln1−/− mice at post-natal day 10, an active stage of post-natal myelination in the mouse brain. Expression of mature oligodendrocyte markers is reduced in Mcoln1−/− mice at post-natal day 10 and remains lower throughout the course of disease. We observed reduced Perls’ staining in Mcoln1−/− brain indicating lower levels of ferric iron. Total iron content in unperfused brain is not significantly different between Mcoln1−/− and wild-type littermate mice, suggesting that the observed maturation delay or loss of oligodendrocytes may be caused by impaired iron handling, rather than global iron deficiency. Overall, these data emphasize a developmental rather than a degenerative disease course in MLIV, and argue for a stronger focus on oligodendrocyte maturation and survival in the search for answers to MLIV pathogenesis and treatment.
Nanotube Reactor with a Lipase Wall Interior for Enzymatic Ring-opening Oligomerization of Lactone
Authors: Amano Yusuke , Komatsu Teruyuki
Published: September 2015

Protein nanotubes having an inner surface wall of Candida antarctica lipase B were synthesized by alternating layer-by-layer assembly in a porous polycarbonate membrane. Scanning electron microscopy measurements revealed the formation of uniform hollow cylinders with an outer diameter of 393 ± 9 nm. Enzymatic ring-opening oligomerization of 12-dodecanolactone was achieved in the one-dimensional pore space interior of nanotube in aqueous medium.
Al16-hydroxide Cluster-containing Tetrameric Polyoxometalate, [{α-Al3SiW9O34(µ-OH)6}4{Al4(µ-OH)6}]22−
Authors: Inoue Yusuke , Matsunaga Satoshi , Nomiya Kenji
Published: September 2015

A novel Al16-hydroxide cluster-containing polyoxometalate tetramer, [{α-Al3SiW9O34(µ-OH)6}4{Al4(µ-OH)6}]22− (Al16-tetramer), was obtained as a potassium salt and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, FTIR, elemental analysis, TG/DTA, and (29Si, 183W) NMR. The Al16-tetramer adopts a nanosized structure containing an Al16-hydroxide cluster, and maintains its structure in solution. Therefore, the Al16-tetramer is a model compound for aluminum-containing clusters.
Moisture Determination of Static and In-Motion Powdered Infant Formula Utilising Multiprobe near Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Cama-Moncunill Raquel , Casado Maria Pietat , Dixit Yash , Togashi Denisio , Alvarez-Jubete Laura , Cullen Patrick , Sullivan Carl
Published: September 2015

Moisture content of powdered infant formula is a critical factor governing product quality, especially in terms of its physicochemical stability. High levels of moisture accelerate the conversion of amorphous lactose to α-lactose monohydrate, which is the main cause of sticking and caking problems. Conversely, milk powders may become more susceptible to lipid oxidation at relatively low moisture levels. Traditionally, moisture content has commonly been determined by methods based on the loss of weight when drying under controlled conditions in an oven. However, these methods are time consuming and not suitable for in-line measurement. Near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy is a rapid method and perhaps the most used and accepted alternative technique for the measurement of moisture content in the dairy industry. Significant challenges in using NIR spectroscopy in the manufacturing process are in-line measurement and real-time monitoring. In this work, a novel multiprobe NIR system based on a Fabry–Perot interferometer combined with four fibre probes was assessed for predicting the moisture content of samples with varying moisture levels (ranging from ca 2% to 13%) and recorded under static conditions and various levels of motion. Partial least squares (PLS) regression was used to correlate the spectral response to the reference moisture values. The coefficient of determination of calibration ( R2) and root mean square error of cross validation for the best model were 0.99% and 0.57%, respectively. The PLS calibration model was then applied to an independent set of samples recorded under both conditions: static [root mean square error of prediction ( RMSEP) = 0.62%] and motion at 0.01 m s−1 ( RMSEP = 0.66%), 0.07 m s−1 (1.07%) and 0.16 m s−1 (0.97%). Therefore, moisture predictions for both measuring modes agreed well with the reference values, even when samples were travelling at speeds of 0.16 m s−1. These results demonstrated that the approach is suitable for in-line moisture analysis of powdered infant formula.