bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fate map of Medicago truncatula root nodules
Authors: Xiao Ting Ting , Schilderink Stefan , Moling Sjef , Deinum Eva E. , Kondorosi Eva , Franssen Henk , Kulikova Olga , Niebel Andreas , Bisseling Ton
Published: September 2014

Legume root nodules are induced by N-fixing rhizobium bacteria that are hosted in an intracellular manner. These nodules are formed by reprogramming differentiated root cells. The model legume Medicago truncatula forms indeterminate nodules with a meristem at their apex. This organ grows by the activity of the meristem that adds cells to the different nodule tissues. In Medicago sativa it has been shown that the nodule meristem is derived from the root middle cortex. During nodule initiation, inner cortical cells and pericycle cells are also mitotically activated. However, whether and how these cells contribute to the mature nodule has not been studied. Here, we produce a nodule fate map that precisely describes the origin of the different nodule tissues based on sequential longitudinal sections and on the use of marker genes that allow the distinction of cells originating from different root tissues. We show that nodule meristem originates from the third cortical layer, while several cell layers of the base of the nodule are directly formed from cells of the inner cortical layers, root endodermis and pericycle. The latter two differentiate into the uninfected tissues that are located at the base of the mature nodule, whereas the cells derived from the inner cortical cell layers form about eight cell layers of infected cells. This nodule fate map has then been used to re-analyse several mutant nodule phenotypes. This showed, among other things, that intracellular release of rhizobia in primordium cells and meristem daughter cells are regulated in a different manner.
Cdk5 and its substrates, Dcx and p27kip1, regulate cytoplasmic dilation formation and nuclear elongation in migrating neurons
Authors: Nishimura Yoshiaki V. , Shikanai Mima , Hoshino Mikio , Ohshima Toshio , Nabeshima Yo-ichi , Mizutani Ken-ichi , Nagata Koh-ichi , Nakajima Kazunori , Kawauchi Takeshi
Published: September 2014

Neuronal migration is crucial for development of the mammalian-specific six-layered cerebral cortex. Migrating neurons are known to exhibit distinct features; they form a cytoplasmic dilation, a structure specific to migrating neurons, at the proximal region of the leading process, followed by nuclear elongation and forward movement. However, the molecular mechanisms of dilation formation and nuclear elongation remain unclear. Using ex vivo chemical inhibitor experiments, we show here that rottlerin, which is widely used as a specific inhibitor for PKCδ, suppresses the formation of a cytoplasmic dilation and nuclear elongation in cortical migrating neurons. Although our previous study showed that cortical neuronal migration depends on Jnk, another downstream target of rottlerin, Jnk inhibition disturbs only the nuclear elongation and forward movement, but not the dilation formation. We found that an unconventional cyclin-dependent kinase, Cdk5, is a novel downstream target of rottlerin, and that pharmacological or knockdown-mediated inhibition of Cdk5 suppresses both the dilation formation and nuclear elongation. We also show that Cdk5 inhibition perturbs endocytic trafficking as well as microtubule organization, both of which have been shown to be required for dilation formation. Furthermore, knockdown of Dcx, a Cdk5 substrate involved in microtubule organization and membrane trafficking, or p27kip1, another Cdk5 substrate involved in actin and microtubule organization, disturbs the dilation formation and nuclear elongation. These data suggest that Cdk5 and its substrates, Dcx and p27kip1, characterize migrating neuron-specific features, cytoplasmic dilation formation and nuclear elongation in the mouse cerebral cortex, possibly through the regulation of microtubule organization and an endocytic pathway.
The PDZ domain protein Mcc is a novel effector of non-canonical Wnt signaling during convergence and extension in zebrafish
Authors: Young Teddy , Poobalan Yogavalli , Tan Ee Kim , Tao Shijie , Ong Sheena , Wehner Peter , Schwenty-Lara Janina , Lim Chin Yan , Sadasivam Akila , Lovatt Matthew , Wang Siew Tein , Ali Yusuf , Borchers Annette , Sampath Karuna , Dunn N. Ray
Published: September 2014

During vertebrate gastrulation, a complex set of mass cellular rearrangements shapes the embryonic body plan and appropriately positions the organ primordia. In zebrafish and Xenopus, convergence and extension (CE) movements simultaneously narrow the body axis mediolaterally and elongate it from head to tail. This process is governed by polarized cell behaviors that are coordinated by components of the non-canonical, β-catenin-independent Wnt signaling pathway, including Wnt5b and the transmembrane planar cell polarity (PCP) protein Vangl2. However, the intracellular events downstream of Wnt/PCP signals are not fully understood. Here, we show that zebrafish mutated in colorectal cancer (mcc), which encodes an evolutionarily conserved PDZ domain-containing putative tumor suppressor, is required for Wnt5b/Vangl2 signaling during gastrulation. Knockdown of mcc results in CE phenotypes similar to loss of vangl2 and wnt5b, whereas overexpression of mcc robustly rescues the depletion of wnt5b, vangl2 and the Wnt5b tyrosine kinase receptor ror2. Biochemical experiments establish a direct physical interaction between Mcc and the Vangl2 cytoplasmic tail. Lastly, CE defects in mcc morphants are suppressed by downstream activation of RhoA and JNK. Taken together, our results identify Mcc as a novel intracellular effector of non-canonical Wnt5b/Vangl2/Ror2 signaling during vertebrate gastrulation.
Galectin-4-mediated transcytosis of transferrin receptor
Authors: Perez Bay Andres E. , Schreiner Ryan , Benedicto Ignacio , Rodriguez-Boulan Enrique J.
Published: September 2014

Some native epithelia, e.g. Retinal Pigment Epithelium (RPE) and Kidney Proximal Tubule (KPT) constitutively lack the basolateral sorting adaptor AP-1B; this results in many basolateral plasma membrane proteins repositioned to the apical domain, where they perform essential functions for their host organs. We recently reported the underlying apical polarity reversal mechanism: in the absence of AP-1B-mediated basolateral sorting, basolateral proteins are shuttled to the apical plasma membrane via a novel transcytotic pathway mediated by the plus-end kinesin KIF16B. Here, we demonstrate that this apical transcytotic pathway requires apical sorting of basolateral proteins mediated by apical signals and galectin-4. Using RPE and KPT cell lines, and AP-1B knocked-down MDCK cells, we show that mutation of the N-glycan linked to asparagine 727 in the basolateral marker Transferrin Receptor (TfR) or knock-down of galectin-4 inhibits TfR transcytosis to apical recycling endosomes and the apical plasma membrane and promotes TfR lysosomal targeting/degradation. Our results report a novel role of galectins in basolateral to apical epithelial transcytosis.
Defective channels lead to an impaired skin barrier
Authors: Blaydon Diana C. , Kelsell David P.
Published: September 2014

Channels are integral membrane proteins that form a pore, allowing the passive movement of ions or molecules across a membrane (along a gradient), either between compartments within a cell, between intracellular and extracellular environments or between adjacent cells. The ability of cells to communicate with one another and with their environment is a crucial part of the normal physiology of a tissue that allows it to carry out its function. Cell communication is particularly important during keratinocyte differentiation and formation of the skin barrier. Keratinocytes in the skin epidermis undergo a programme of apoptosis-driven terminal differentiation, whereby proliferating keratinocytes in the basal (deepest) layer of the epidermis stop proliferating, exit the basal layer and move up through the spinous and granular layers of the epidermis to form the stratum corneum, the external barrier. Genes encoding different families of channel proteins have been found to harbour mutations linked to a variety of rare inherited monogenic skin diseases. In this Commentary, we discuss how human genetic findings in aquaporin (AQP) and transient receptor potential (TRP) channels reveal different mechanisms by which these channel proteins function to ensure the proper formation and maintenance of the skin barrier.
SGTA regulates the cytosolic quality control of hydrophobic substrates
Authors: Wunderley Lydia , Leznicki Pawel , Payapilly Aishwarya , High Stephen
Published: September 2014

Hydrophobic amino acids are normally shielded from the cytosol and their exposure is often used as an indicator of protein misfolding to enable the chaperone mediated recognition and quality control of aberrant polypeptides. Mislocalised membrane proteins, or MLPs, represent a particular challenge to cellular quality control, and in this study membrane protein fragments have been exploited to study a specialised pathway that underlies the efficient detection and proteasomal degradation of MLPs. Our data show that the BAG6 complex and SGTA compete for cytosolic MLPs via recognition of their exposed hydrophobicity, and suggest that SGTA acts to maintain these substrates in a non-ubiquitinated state. Hence, SGTA may counter the actions of BAG6 to delay the ubiquitination of specific precursors and thereby increase their opportunity for successful post-translational delivery to the endoplasmic reticulum. However, when SGTA is overexpressed the normally efficient removal of aberrant MLPs is delayed, increasing their steady state level and promoting aggregation. Our data suggest that SGTA regulates the cellular fate of a range of hydrophobic polypeptides should they become exposed to the cytosol.
Speciation of Chromium(VI) and Selenium(IV and VI) by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography–Fluorometric Detection Using 2,3-Diaminonaphthalene as a Single Derivatizing Reagent
Authors: Yabutani Tomoki , Inoi Yuji , Kimura Ayumi , Yamada Yohei , Takayanagi Toshio
Published: September 2014

A speciation method for chromate, selenite, and selenate was developed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)–fluorometric detection (FL) using a single derivatizing reagent. Chromium(VI) was determined based on the fluorescence intensity of 1H-naphtho[2,3-d][1,2,3]triazole (NAT) derived from 2,3-diaminonaphthalene (DAN) and nitrous ion; the NO2− was generated through a redox process between Cr(VI) and hydroxylamine hydrochloride (HACl). 4,5-Benzopiazselenol (Se-DAN) was also derived from Se(IV) and DAN, and it was resolved from NAT and detected by reversed-phase HPLC–FL operated under a single setting of an excitation and a fluorescence wavelength. Linear ranges of the calibration curve and detection limits were 0–20 µmol L−1 (correction coefficient: 0.995) and 0.1 µmol L−1 for Cr(VI), and 0–20 µmol L−1 (0.995) and 0.2 µmol L−1 for Se(IV), respectively. Concentration of Se(VI) was estimated from the difference in its concentration between total Se and Se(IV). The analytical procedure for the determination of total Se included a reduction of Se(VI) to Se(IV) with hydrochloric acid and potassium bromide. The linear range of the calibration curve and detection limit for Se(VI) was 0–20 µmol L−1 (correction coefficient: 0.990) and 0.3 µmol L−1, respectively. The proposed method was applied to the determinations of Cr(VI), Se(IV), and Se(VI) in a river water sample. Recoveries of Cr and Se species ranged between 98 and 104%, and the relative standard deviations were about 5% at 10 µmol L−1 levels of the species.
Thermo-stable Lanthanoid Coordination Nanoparticles Composed of Luminescent Eu(III) Complexes and Organic Joint Ligands Using Micelle Techniques in Water
Authors: Hiromitsu Onodera , Nakanishi Takayuki , Fushimi Koji , Hasegawa Yasuchika
Published: September 2014

Strong luminescent nanoparticles composed of lanthanoid coordination polymers using micelle reaction techniques, lanthanoid coordination nanoparticles, are reported. Size of the nanoparticles estimated using dynamic light-scattering measurements were found to be approximately 66 nm. Lanthanoid coordination nanoparticles were characterized using ESI-MS spectrometry, XRD measurements, and thermogravimetric analyses (TGA). Emission properties of lanthanoid coordination nanoparticles were estimated using emission spectra and emission lifetimes. These results indicate that nanoparticles composed of lanthanoid coordination polymers show effective luminescent properties and thermal stability such as bulk powders of lanthanoid coordination polymers.
Effect of opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy on the three-dimensional kinematics of the knee
Authors: d’Entremont A. G. , McCormack R. G. , Horlick S. G. D. , Stone T. B. , Manzary M. M. , Wilson D. R.
Published: September 2014

Although it is clear that opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy (HTO) changes alignment in the coronal plane, which is its objective, it is not clear how this procedure affects knee kinematics throughout the range of joint movement and in other planes.

Our research question was: how does opening-wedge HTO change three-dimensional tibiofemoral and patellofemoral kinematics in loaded flexion in patients with varus deformity?Three-dimensional kinematics were assessed over 0° to 60° of loaded flexion using an MRI method before and after opening-wedge HTO in a cohort of 13 men (14 knees). Results obtained from an iterative statistical model found that at six and 12 months after operation, opening-wedge HTO caused increased anterior translation of the tibia (mean 2.6 mm, p <  0.001), decreased proximal translation of the patella (mean –2.2 mm, p <  0.001), decreased patellar spin (mean –1.4°, p < 0.05), increased patellar tilt (mean 2.2°, p < 0.05) and changed three other parameters. The mean Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index improved significantly (p < 0.001) from 49.6 (standard deviation (sd) 16.4) pre-operatively to a mean of 28.2 (sd 16.6) at six months and a mean of 22.5 (sd 14.4) at 12 months.

The three-dimensional kinematic changes found may be important in explaining inconsistency in clinical outcomes, and suggest that measures in addition to coronal plane alignment should be considered.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014; 96-B:1214–21.
Reverse total shoulder replacement for nonunion of a fracture of the proximal humerus
Authors: Zafra M. , Uceda P. , Flores M. , Carpintero P.
Published: September 2014

Patients with pain and loss of shoulder function due to nonunion of a fracture of the proximal third of the humerus may benefit from reverse total shoulder replacement. This paper reports a prospective, multicentre study, involving three hospitals and three surgeons, of 35 patients (28 women, seven men) with a mean age of 69 years (46 to 83) who underwent a reverse total shoulder replacement for the treatment of nonunion of a fracture of the proximal humerus. Using Checchia’s classification, nine nonunions were type I, eight as type II, 12 as type III and six as type IV. The mean follow-up was 51 months (24 to 99). Post-operatively, the patients had a significant decrease in pain (p < 0.001), and a significant improvement in flexion, abduction, external rotation and Constant score (p < 0.001), but not in internal rotation. A total of nine complications were recorded in seven patients: six dislocations, one glenoid loosening in a patient who had previously suffered dislocation, one transitory paresis of the axillary nerve and one infection.

Reverse total shoulder replacement may lead to a significant reduction in pain, improvement in function and a high degree of satisfaction. However, the rate of complications, particularly dislocation, was high.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:1239–43.
The natural history of pain and neuropathic pain after knee replacement
Authors: Phillips J. R. A. , Hopwood B. , Arthur C. , Stroud R. , Toms A. D
Published: September 2014

A small proportion of patients have persistent pain after total knee replacement (TKR). The primary aim of this study was to record the prevalence of pain after TKR at specific intervals post-operatively and to ascertain the impact of neuropathic pain. The secondary aim was to establish any predictive factors that could be used to identify patients who were likely to have high levels of pain or neuropathic pain after TKR.

A total of 96 patients were included in the study. Their mean age was 71 years (48 to 89); 54 (56%) were female. The mean follow-up was 46 months (39 to 51). Pre-operative demographic details were recorded including a Visual Analogue Score (VAS) for pain, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression score as well as the painDETECT score for neuropathic pain. Functional outcome was assessed using the Oxford Knee score.

The mean pre-operative VAS was 5.8 (1 to 10); and it improved significantly at all time periods post-operatively (p < 0.001): (from 4.5 at day three to five (1 to 10), 3.2 at six weeks (0 to 9), 2.4 at three months (0 to 7), 2.0 at six months (0 to 9), 1.7 at nine months (0 to 9), 1.5 at one year (0 to 8) and 2.0 at mean 46 months (0 to 10)). There was a high correlation (r > 0.7; p < 0.001) between the mean VAS scores for pain and the mean painDETECT scores at three months, one year and three years post-operatively. There was no correlation between the pre-operative scores and any post-operative scores at any time point.

We report the prevalence of pain and neuropathic pain at various intervals up to three years after TKR. Neuropathic pain is an underestimated problem in patients with pain after TKR. It peaks at between six weeks and three-months post-operatively. However, from these data we were unable to predict which patients are most likely to be affected.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:1227–33.
Early and late fracture following extensive limb lengthening in patients with achondroplasia and hypochondroplasia
Authors: Kitoh H. , Mishima K. , Matsushita M. , Nishida Y. , Ishiguro N.
Published: September 2014

Two types of fracture, early and late, have been reported following limb lengthening in patients with achondroplasia (ACH) and hypochondroplasia (HCH).

We reviewed 25 patients with these conditions who underwent 72 segmental limb lengthening procedures involving the femur and/or tibia, between 2003 and 2011. Gender, age at surgery, lengthened segment, body mass index, the shape of the callus, the amount and percentage of lengthening and the healing index were evaluated to determine predictive factors for the occurrence of early (within three weeks after removal of the fixation pins) and late fracture (> three weeks after removal of the pins). The Mann‑Whitney U test and Pearson’s chi-squared test for univariate analysis and stepwise regression model for multivariate analysis were used to identify the predictive factor for each fracture. Only one patient (two tibiae) was excluded from the analysis due to excessively slow formation of the regenerate, which required supplementary measures. A total of 24 patients with 70 limbs were included in the study.

There were 11 early fractures in eight patients. The shape of the callus (lateral or central callus) was the only statistical variable related to the occurrence of early fracture in univariate and multivariate analyses. Late fracture was observed in six limbs and the mean time between removal of the fixation pins and fracture was 18.3 weeks (3.3 to 38.4). Lengthening of the tibia, larger healing index, and lateral or central callus were related to the occurrence of a late fracture in univariate analysis. A multivariate analysis demonstrated that the shape of the callus was the strongest predictor for late fracture (odds ratio: 19.3, 95% confidence interval: 2.91 to 128). Lateral or central callus had a significantly larger risk of fracture than fusiform, cylindrical, or concave callus.

Radiological monitoring of the shape of the callus during distraction is important to prevent early and late fracture of lengthened limbs in patients with ACH or HCH. In patients with thin callus formation, some measures to stimulate bone formation should be considered as early as possible.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:1269–73.
The long-term outcome of patients treated operatively and non-operatively for scoliosis deformity secondary to spina bifida
Authors: Khoshbin A. , Vivas L. , Law P. W. , Stephens D. , Davis A. M. , Howard A. , Jarvis J. G. , Wright J. G.
Published: September 2014

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term outcome of adults with spina bifida cystica (SBC) who had been treated either operatively or non-operatively for scoliosis during childhood.

We reviewed 45 patients with a SBC scoliosis (Cobb angle ≥ 50º) who had been treated at one of two children’s hospitals between 1991 and 2007. Of these, 34 (75.6%) had been treated operatively and 11 (24.4%) non-operatively. After a mean follow-up of 14.1 years (standard deviation (sd) 4.3) clinical, radiological and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) outcomes were evaluated using the Spina Bifida Spine Questionnaire (SBSQ) and the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36).

Although patients in the two groups were demographically similar, those who had undergone surgery had a larger mean Cobb angle (88.0º (sd 20.5; 50.0 to 122.0); versus 65.7º (sd 22.0; 51.0 to 115.0); p < 0.01) and a larger mean clavicle–rib intersection difference (12.3 mm; (sd 8.5; 1 to 37); versus 4.1 mm, (sd 5.9; 0 to 16); p = 0.01) than those treated non-operatively. Both groups were statistically similar at follow-up with respect to walking capacity, neurological motor level, sitting balance and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) outcomes.

Spinal fusion in SBC scoliosis corrects coronal deformity and stops progression of the curve but has no clear effect on HRQOL.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014; 96-B:1244–51
Tecnologia, georreferenciação e novas territorialidades – o caso do geocaching
Authors: Fernandes João Luís J.
Published: September 2014

Quando aplicada aos transportes, a inovação tecnológica tem levado ao encurtamento das distâncias geográficas. No entanto, o desenvolvimento de plataformas digitais de socialização levantou o risco da tecnologia se associar a quotidianos mais sedentários. Ainda assim, os dados empíricos não confirmam estas teses deterministas. O uso democratizado das tecnologias pode ser um factor de mobilidade espacial e rompimento com o (pouco terapêutico) sedentarismo, podendo incentivar a viagem e a abertura das populações ao contacto com o espaço geográfico, seja o de proximidade, seja o mais distanciado ou remoto. É neste sentido que o geocaching, enquanto prática turística e de lazer com recente expansão, sobretudo na Europa e na América do Norte, demonstra como a utilização de novas técnicas de localização tem alterado as territorialidades dos praticantes, abrindo-os ao contacto com lugares e paisagens, alguns até então com escassa centralidade e poder de atração.
A perceção da insegurança na cidade de Coimbra
Authors: Vaz Ana Maria Cortez , Barros Cristina Faria , Fernandes João Luís Jesus
Published: September 2014

Os mais recentes dados estatísticos apontam para o aumento da sensação de insegurança em Portugal. Este facto será mais visível nas cidades levando à construção de áreas urbanas mais fragmentadas sob o ponto de vista social e económico, que criam, quase sempre, uma cidade mais desconfortável e menos confiável.A Nova Geografia Cultural analisa a relação das pessoas com os espaços, e como essas imagens condicionam os comportamentos e as territorialidades das populações. A imagem mental de determinado território deriva das opiniões de amigos, familiares, vizinhos e das mensagens veiculadas por meios de comunicação social que vão associando casos de criminalidade e violência a determinados lugares.Este texto analisa os resultados de inquéritos efetuados a um universo da população da cidade de Coimbra, que analisam a imagem de (in) segurança da cidade e o modo como esta população condicionou a respetiva territorialidade a esta perceção.
Política de cidades, requalificação urbana e património – o caso do Polis de Leiria
Authors: Silva Ana Marina Ribeiro , Carvalho Paulo
Published: September 2014

Os territórios urbanos acompanham os novos paradigmas de desenvolvimento e mudança no contexto de desígnios que pretendem promover territórios mais coesos, competitivos, atrativos e com valor económico e cultural. A requalificação urbana, como instrumento incontornável da sustentabilidade urbana e processo estratégico, envolve a articulação e integração de diversas componentes, reflete a tendência para a reutilização de infraestruturas e equipamentos existentes, e constitui uma oportunidade para salvaguardar e valorizar o património. Esta matriz teórica será aprofundada através de um estudo de caso (a cidade de Leiria) relacionado com a implementação do Programa Polis, no sentido de analisar os efeitos ao nível da organização espacial, da salvaguarda e valorização do património, e da perceção e vínculos por parte dos cidadãos que vivem e utilizam os territórios intervencionados.
O papel do Geógrafo no processo diferenciador de implementação de uma Agenda 21 Local: o caso da Figueira da Foz
Authors: Cordeiro A. M. Rochette , Barros Cristina
Published: September 2014

O processo de elaboração das Agendas 21 Local dos 167 municípios portugueses que até ao momento o iniciaram, apresenta, em termos metodológicos e de objetivos, formas de atuação muito variadas, fruto da formação académica diferenciada das equipas responsáveis. Com este artigo pretende-se salientar o papel assumido por uma equipa que é composta, no essencial, por geógrafos, e cujo objetivo final passa pela definição de um projeto estratégico de desenvolvimento e na concretização da revisão de um PDM. Neste sentido, assume-se a Geografia, como ciência associada à observação e ao estudo dos territórios, a diferentes escalas de análise, funcionando como catalisadora de ações de desenvolvimento sustentável, muito na sequência “do local ao global”, filosofia que se encontra desde sempre associada aos princípios da Agenda 21 Local. Deste modo, a forma como o geógrafo analisa os territórios deve ser crescentemente valorizada num contexto atual de complexidade e imprevisibilidade. A procura de instrumentos de caráter estratégico afigura-se como essencial na busca de respostas flexíveis e resilientes no sentido de tentar atenuar os constrangimentos existentes e potenciar as oportunidades de desenvolvimento.
Projeto Educativo Local. Um processo associado a estratégias de desenvolvimento integrado e sustentável
Authors: Cordeiro A. M. Rochette , Alcoforado Luís , Ferreira António Gomes
Published: September 2014

Os municípios desde há muito que foram convocados para o grande objetivo nacional de uma educação que pudesse garantir, a todos os cidadãos, os saberes necessários para uma participação plena na vida comum e no desenvolvimento económico. Para além das responsabilidades já assumidas no âmbito da gestão da rede e da afetação dos públicos escolares, materializadas nas cartas educativas, aos municípios coloca-se hoje a missão de associar a educação e o desenvolvimento integrado em projetos articulados concretizados através de objetivos simultaneamente realistas e desafiantes. O “Projeto Educativo Local” (PEL) deve assim conjugar dinamicamente um alargado conjunto de políticas urbanas integradas, procurando combinar a melhoria da estrutura biofísica do território urbano, com ações de natureza imaterialdirigida à dinamização dos mercados de trabalho e à capacitação de grupos sociais específicos, visando assumir-se como um dos mais aliciantes desafios para a promoção de um desenvolvimento local sustentável. O conceito de Projecto Educativo Local, enquanto instrumento de carácter estruturante, participado e prospetivo, é acordado como matriz orientadora da intervenção municipal na componente educativa, mas sempre associada a um Plano Estratégico de Desenvolvimento.
Medialität urbaner Infrastrukturen
Authors: Porombka Wiebke
Published: September 2014

Infrastrukturen sind vernetzte technische Ensembles, die den Austausch von Personen, Gütern und Informationen zuallererst ermöglichen. Sie fungieren als unhintergehbare Organisationsmodi moderner Gesellschaften und formen damit den sozialen Raum genauso wie die ästhetische und geistige Produktion einer Zeit. Die verschiedenen historischen Phasen sind dabei je von verschiedenen Infrastrukturen geprägt. Wiebke Porombka untersucht - vorwiegend mit Blick auf Berlin - die Bedeutung der Nahverkehrsinfrastruktur vom späten 19. Jahrhundert (der Phase ihrer Entstehung) bis in die 1930er Jahre und erzählt auf diese Weise ein vernachlässigtes Kapitel der Urbanisierung.
Pulmonary hemorrhage in a case of CD25 deficiency
Authors: Al Sukaiti Nashat , Al Sinani Aisha , Al Ismaily Suad , Shaikh Samiuddin , Al Abrawi Safia
Published: September 2014

Introduction: Presentation with severe autoimmune manifestations in early infancy is rare, especially when the gut is not involved.

Methods: Lymphocyte phenotyping, determination of autoantibodies, and Sanger sequencing were employed to investigate this case.

Results: A novel homozygous mutation in CD25 was identified in the patient who presented in the first weeks of life with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) and subsequently developed autoimmune cytopenia and pulmonary hemorrhage.

Conclusion: CD25 deficiency is present in the Gulf (Oman) and cases with early autoimmune manifestations should be tested for this possibility.

Statement of novelty: A novel mutation in CD25 leads to an early presentation of IDDM and pulmonary hemorrhage.
Attempt at a systemic outlook on aging and carcinogenesis
Authors: Piwowar Monika , Dygut Jacek , Piwowar Piotr , Konieczny Leszek , Roterman Irena
Published: September 2014

Two of the key problems plaguing humanity – aging and carcinogenesis – are inexorably linked. While their nature seems different, their mechanisms have a lot in common. Evidence suggests that aging is the result of spontaneous synthesis and accumulation of improperly folded proteins in cells, leading to a variety of pathologies. As for carcinogenesis, it is tied to genetic mutations – permanent, covalent changes in the DNA. Both processes are random in character; however, unlike mutations, the accumulation of malformed proteins is not genetically determined. Instead, control over this process hinges upon regulating the protein exchange rate – a phenomenon that seems a likely candidate for the basic aging control mechanism. Although mutations themselves may be counteracted in a controlled manner, their effects typically cannot. The mechanisms of aging and carcinogenesis, while functionally different, remain correlated: an aging cell is rendered more susceptible to mutational changes. The rapidly growing body of information regarding aging and carcinogenesis enables a systemic approach to both these phenomena – an approach that is attempted in this review.
May thrombopoietin be a useful marker of sepsis severity assessment in patients with SIRS entering the emergency department?
Authors: Segre Elisabetta , Pigozzi Luca , Lison Davide , Pivetta Emanuele , Bosco Ornella , Vizio Barbara , Suppo Umberto , Turvani Fabrizio , Morello Fulvio , Battista Stefania , Moiraghi Corrado , Montrucchio Giuseppe , Lupia Enrico
Published: September 2014

Thrombopoietin (TPO), a growth factor primarily involved in regulating thrombopoiesis, has been recently implicated in the pathogenesis of sepsis. TPO levels are, indeed, greatly increased in patients with sepsis compared to control subjects, and correlate with sepsis severity. The aim of this study was to evaluate TPO as predictive biomarker of sepsis and of sepsis severity in patients entering the emergency department (ED) with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS).

This was a prospective observational study. Ours is a sub-study of the ‘Need-speed trial’, a multi-center observational study involving six Italian centers affiliated to the GREAT Italian Network. TPO was measured by ELISA.

We enrolled 13 patients with SIRS (6 with acute pancreatitis, 3 with acute heart failure, 1 with pulmonary embolism, and 3 with allergic reactions), and 40 patients with sepsis, eight of whom had severe sepsis and three septic shock. TPO was significantly higher in patients with sepsis than with SIRS. In addition, TPO was higher in patients with severe sepsis than with sepsis, and in patients with septic shock than with severe sepsis, although these differences did not reach the statistical significance.

Our preliminary results suggest that TPO may have the potential to be considered a promising early biomarker for both the diagnosis of sepsis and the assessment of sepsis severity in patients with SIRS entering the ED.
Macdonald formula for curves with planar singularities
Authors: Maulik Davesh , Yun Zhiwei
Published: September 2014

We generalize Macdonald's formula for the cohomology of Hilbert schemes of points on a curve from smooth curves to curves with planar singularities: we relate the cohomology of the Hilbert schemes to the cohomology of the compactified Jacobian of the curve. The new formula is a consequence of a stronger identity between certain perverse sheaves defined by a family of curves satisfying mild conditions. The proof makes essential use of Ngô's support theorem for compactified Jacobians and generalizes this theorem to the relative Hilbert scheme of such families. As a consequence, we give a cohomological interpretation of the numerator of the Hilbert-zeta function of curves with planar singularities.
Drawing the Boundary between State and Society: An Anthropological Perspective from Mali
Authors: Pes Luca
Published: September 2014

Stable and peaceful country by West African standards, Mali uneasily fits the paradigm of a “failed state.” While government and development agencies tend to interpret Mali’s stability as the outcome of successful institutional reform, foreign scholars and local intellectuals emphasize the power of enduring traditions and their adaptation to changing conditions in Malian society. Critically assessing both views, this paper addresses Mali’s peaceful condition from the perspective of Mande, the region south-west of the capital Bamako. It draws attention to the intensely mediated form of government resulting from the dynamic process of grouping and of building cooperative relations in everyday social life. Contributing to the anthropological tradition studying law, politics and the state in Africa, the paper links recent trends in the anthropology of the state to a reanalysis of the traditional chestnut of the anthropology of West Africa, a “segmentary style” of social organization.
miR-126 regulates platelet-derived growth factor receptor-α expression and migration of primary human osteoblasts
Authors: Schmidt Yvonne , Simunovic Filip , Strassburg Sandra , Pfeifer Dietmar , Stark G. Björn , Finkenzeller Günter
Published: September 2014

Adequate vascularization is an essential requirement for bone development, fracture healing and bone tissue engineering. We have previously described the coculture of primary human osteoblasts (hOBs) and human endothelial cells (HUVECs), designed to investigate the interactions between these cells. In this system, we showed that cocultivation of these two cell types leads to a downregulation of platelet-derived growth factor receptor-α (PDGFR-α) in hOBs, which was a consequence of reduced mRNA stability. In the current study we investigated the possible involvement of microRNAs in this process. Firstly, we performed a microarray analysis of osteoblastic miRNAs following cocultivation with HUVECs, revealing an upregulation of miR-126. This result was confirmed by RT-qPCR, and we observed that the increase is dependent on direct cell-to-cell contacts. Gain-of-function and loss-of-function experiments showed that miR-126 is a negative regulator of PDGFR-α mRNA. Additionally, migration of hOBs was inhibited by miR-126 overexpression and stimulated by miR-126 inhibition. Addition of PDGFR-α blocking antibody to hOB culture also inhibited hOB migration. There was no effect of miR-126 modulation on osteoblast proliferation, apoptosis rate or differentiation. In conclusion, we report that the miR-126/PDGFR-α system regulates the migratory behavior of human osteoblasts, without exerting effects on cell survival and differentiation.
Cholesterol lowering: role in cancer prevention and treatment
Authors: Murai Toshiyuki
Published: September 2014

The accumulation of cholesterol is a general feature of cancer tissue, and recent evidence suggests that cholesterol plays critical roles in the progression of cancers, including breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers. The dysregulation of metabolic pathways, including those involved in cholesterol biosynthesis, is implicated in tumor development and cancer progression. Lipid rafts are highly dynamic cholesterol-enriched domains of the cell membrane, involved in various cellular functions, including the regulation of transmembrane signaling at the cell surface. It was recently demonstrated that lipid rafts also play critical roles in cancer cell adhesion and migration. This review focuses on our current understanding of how cholesterol regulation, lipid rafts, and dysregulated cholesterol biosynthesis contribute to cancer development and progression, and the therapeutic potential of cholesterol lowering for cancer prevention and treatment.
Acute Type-A Aortic Dissection with Obstruction of the Right Coronary Artery
Authors: Kaya Erhan , Yerebakan Halit , Spielman Daniel , Isik Omer , Yakut Cevat
Published: September 2014

Occlusion of a coronary artery by an acute type A aortic dissection presents a life-threatening emergency that is rarely seen and easy to misdiagnose. We present the case of a 75-year-old male who experienced sudden onset of severe left-sided chest pain due to an acute type A aortic dissection that obstructed the right coronary artery. Following an initial misdiagnosis of acute coronary syndrome, imaging revealed the presence of an aortic dissection. An emergency modified Bentall procedure was performed, in which the damaged aorta and aortic valve were replaced.
A Case Report: Mixed Thrombus Formation in a Previously Sutured Right Atrium
Authors: Yunfei Ling , Dongxu Li , Shuhua Luo , Yabo Wang , San Deep , Changping Gan , Ke Lin , Qi An
Published: September 2014

We describe the case of a 19-year-old Chinese woman who nine months prior underwent repair of an atrial septal defect and came to our hospital with a right atrial mass attached to the anterior wall of the right atrium on transthoracic echocardiography. Pathologic examination revealed the mass was a mixed-type thrombosis with some unusual organization, which previously was not described in literature.
Deep Sternal Wound Infection after Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery: Management and Risk Factor Analysis for Mortality
Authors: Yumun Gunduz , Erdolu Burak , Toktas Faruk , Eris Cuneyt , Ay Derih , Turk Tamer , As Ahmet Kagan
Published: September 2014

Background: Deep sternal wound infection is a life-threatening complication after cardiac surgery. The aim of this study was to investigate the factors leading to mortality, and to explore wound management techniques on deep sternal wound infection after coronary artery bypass surgery.

Methods: Between 2008 and 2013, 58 patients with deep sternal wound infection were analyzed. Risk factors for mortality and morbidity including age, gender, body mass index, smoking status, chronic renal failure, hypertension, diabetes, and treatment choice were investigated.

Results: In this study, 19 patients (32.7%) were treated by primary surgical closure (PSC), and 39 patients (67.3%) were treated by delayed surgical closure following a vacuum-assisted closure system (VAC). Preoperative patient characteristics were similar between the groups. Fourteen patients (24.1%) died in the postoperative first month. The mortality rate and mean duration of hospitalization in the PSC group was higher than in the VAC group (P = .026, P = .034). Significant risk factors for mortality were additional operation, diabetes mellitus, and a high level of EuroSCORE.

Conclusions: Delayed surgical closure following VAC therapy may be associated with shorter hospitalization and lower mortality in patients with deep sternal wound infection. Additional operation, diabetes mellitus, and a high level of EuroSCORE were associated with mortality.
Surgical Management of a Giant Right Coronary Artery Aneurysm
Authors: Jahollari Artan , Sarac Atilla , Tafaj Olta , Ozal Ertugrul
Published: September 2014

Coronary artery aneurysm (CAA) is a rare entity, defined as localized dilation that exceeds the normal vessel diameter by a factor of 1.5. A giant CAA is described as a very large dilation, when diameter exceeds 20 mm. CAA has a preva-lence of 0.02% [Markis 1976]. Different factors may lead to CAA formation, including Kawasaki disease, atherosclerosis, congenital malformations, autoimmune and infectious disor-ders, and percutaneous interventions [Hartnell 1985]. Man-agement of these patients remains controversial due to a lack of data from large series studies.

We reported a case of a young female patient, who pre-sented with an acute inferior infarction and was diagnosed with a giant right coronary artery (RCA) aneurysm. She underwent aneurysmectomy and revascularization on a beat-ing heart through a right lateral thoracotomy. Due to the minimally invasive nature of this procedure, the patient was able to recover quickly without substantial cosmetic changes.
Remote Ischemic Preconditioning is a Safe Adjuvant Technique to Myocardial Protection But Adds No Clinical Benefit After On-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
Authors: Ahmad Ansari Muhammad Zubair , Ali Gillani Syed Rafay , Tariq Waqar
Published: September 2014

Background: To evaluate the impact of remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) on clinical outcome, biological markers of myocardial injury, and its safety in patients undergoing on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).

Material and Methods: This study was conducted at Ch. Pervaiz Elahi Institute of Cardiology (CPEIC) in Multan. The study took place from March 2012 to June 2013. Patients were randomly placed into two groups. Group A (N = 32) did not undergo RIPC; Group B (N = 35) received RIPC after induction of anesthesia. Similar standard general anesthesia, cardiopulmonary technique, myocardial protection strategies, and surgical techniques were used in both groups except the protocol for RIPC. Following postoperative outcome, i.e. cardiac defibrillation after removal of aortic cross clamp during the period of rewarming, demand for intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP), demand for antiarrhythmic before leaving the operation room, postoperative creatine kinase-myocardial band (CK-MB) level (at 1h, 12h, 24h, and 48h after surgery), postoperative serum creatinine level on first postoperative day, postoperative ejection fraction (EF) on third postoperative day, in-hospital mortality, and one-year mortality were noted, prospectively. Safety of protocol of RIPC was estimated by limb ischemia monitored by pulse oximetry during and after procedure of RIPC and postoperative neurapraxia by nerve examination of right upper limb.

Results: Post aortic cross clamp release cardiac defibrillation, demand for IABP, demand for high inotropes, and use of antiarrhythmic in the operation room were statistically insignificant in the non-RIPC and RIPC group with P values of .54, .78, .16, and .16, respectively. Mean postoperative CK-MB level (IU/L) showed the following results: At 1h (Group A 20.94 + 1.66, Group B 20.57 + 1.54, P = .35), at 12h (Group A 27.13 + 1.85, Group B 28.05 + 3.04, P = .135), at 24h (Group A 27.63 + 1.7, Group B 27.85 + 2.2, P = .63), and at 48h (Group A 22.95 + 2.76, Group B 23.27 + 3.6, P = .69). First postoperative day serum creatinine (Group A 1.29 + 0.395, Group B 1.33 + 0.57, P = .77) and postoperative ejection fraction percentage on the third postoperative day (Group A 50.78 + 8.72, Group B 50.57 + 8.38, P = .92) showed no statistical difference between two groups. Postoperative low cardiac output state, in-hospital mortality, and one-year mortality also were statistically insignificant between the groups with P values of .93, .29, and .33, respectively. None of the patients in either group showed evidence of limb ischemia and neurapraxia of the right upper limb.

Conclusion: RIPC is a safe technique, but it does not have additional clinical benefit after on-pump CABG surgery in the presence of a standard myocardial protective strategy.
Characteristics of Medically Hospitalized Pediatric Patients With Somatoform Diagnoses
Authors: Bujoreanu Simona , Randall Edin , Thomson Katharine , Ibeziako Patricia
Published: September 2014

Objectives:

To describe demographic, diagnostic, and psychosocial characteristics of medically admitted patients diagnosed with somatoform disorders.

Methods:

Retrospective chart reviews were performed for pediatric patients (ages 3–18 years) seen by the Psychiatry Consultation Service in 2010 and 2011 on inpatient medical/surgical units and diagnosed with somatoform disorders. Data included demographic information; patient medical history, physical symptom characteristics, and service utilization; psychiatric diagnoses, history, and comorbidities, patient temperament, and coping style; family characteristics; and academic and social characteristics.

Results:

Mean age for the 161 identified patients was 14.4 years. The majority of patients were female (75%) and white (73%). Chief physical symptoms were pain (58%) and neurologic symptoms (40%); 73% of patients had medical diagnoses, and 66% had a history of prior psychiatric treatment. The most common somatoform diagnoses, using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision, were pain (50%) and conversion disorders (28%). Psychiatric comorbidities were predominantly mood and anxiety disorders (42% and 29%, respectively). Mean hospitalization length was 4.9 days, with 14% of patients readmitted with psychiatric reinvolvement during the study period. Patients had sensitive temperaments (80%) and internalizing coping styles (76%) and were described as “good children” (72%). School absences (55%), academic pressures (51%), and learning difficulties (36%) were reported.

Conclusions:

Clarifying the prevalence and nature of such characteristics can help pediatric providers improve patient care and minimize unnecessary medical interventions with early detection of risk for somatoform processes, provision of psychoeducation for patients and families, and early referral to mental health clinicians.
Outcomes in the Era of Therapeutic Hypothermia
Authors: Laptook Abbot R. , McGowan Elisabeth C.
Published: September 2014

Encephalopathy in the late preterm and term infant is an important clinical condition because it can be associated with death or poor neurodevelopment in early childhood. Stages of encephalopathy (mild, moderate, and severe) soon after birth have value in predicting outcome during early infancy and even at early school-age. Prompt recognition after birth of the subset of infants in whom encephalopathy is associated with hypoxia-ischemia (hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy [HIE]) is critical because the outcome is potentially modifiable with therapeutic hypothermia. A series of large randomized clinical trials have provided better estimates of the outcomes of moderate and severe HIE compared with the era before the hypothermia trials. Therapeutic hypothermia reduces the composite outcome of death or a major disability at 18 months to 2 years of age among term infants who have moderate or severe encephalopathy. School-age follow-up of a limited number of infants from these trials indicates that death is reduced without any evidence that the percentage of brain-injured infants is increased. Practitioners need to be aware, however, that poor outcomes among infants who have HIE who have received hypothermia treatment is common, and many gaps persist regarding the outcome of these infants at school-age and beyond.