bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Association Between BMI and QCT-Derived Proximal Hip Structure and Strength in Older Men: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Shen Jian , Nielson Carrie M , Marshall Lynn M , Lee David C , Keaveny Tony M , Orwoll Eric S ,   for the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men MrOS Research Group
Published: January 2015

Although higher body mass index (BMI) is associated with higher bone mineral density, recent evidence indicates that increased BMI may not be consistently associated with reduced hip fracture risk. Moreover, substantial proportions of hip fractures occur among overweight and obese men and women. The role of increased BMI and obesity on bone density, structure, and strength at the hip is not well understood. We conducted cross-sectional analyses between BMI and various density and structure measures derived from quantitative computed tomography (QCT)-scans of the proximal femur, in 3067 men (mean age: 73 y) from the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men Study (MrOS). Finite element (FE) analysis of hip QCT scans was performed for a subcohort of 672 men to provide a measure of femoral strength for a simulated sideways fall. The impact force was estimated using patient-specific weight and height information. Multivariable general linear models were used to examine the associations between BMI and hip QCT measures. The relationship of BMI with hip QCT measures was significantly different between men categorized as non-obese and obese (P for interaction ≤ 0.014). For non-obese men (BMI < 30), increasing BMI was associated with higher integral, cortical and trabecular vBMD, integral volume, cross-sectional area, and percent cortical volume (all p < 0.001). For obese men (BMI ≥30), increasing BMI was not associated with any of those parameters. In addition, compared to non-obese men, obese men had a higher hip strength, but also a higher ratio of impact force to strength (P  < 0.0001), in theory increasing their risk of hip fracture despite their increased strength. These results provide a better understanding of hip fracture risk in obese men. © 2015 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
Caveolin‐1 Mediates Inflammatory Breast Cancer Cell Invasion via the Akt1 Pathway and RhoC GTPase
Authors: Joglekar Madhura , Elbazanti Weam O. , Weitzman Matthew D. , Lehman Heather L. , van Golen Kenneth L.
Published: January 2015

With a propensity to invade the dermal lymphatic vessels of the skin overlying the breast and readily metastasize, inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is arguably the deadliest form of breast cancer. We previously reported that caveolin‐1 is overexpressed in IBC and that RhoC GTPase is a metastatic switch responsible for the invasive phenotype. RhoC‐driven invasion requires phosphorylation by Akt1. Using a reliable IBC cell line we set out to determine if caveolin‐1 expression affects RhoC‐mediated IBC invasion. Caveolin‐1 was down regulated by introduction of siRNA or a caveolin scaffolding domain. The ability of the cells to invade was tested and the status of Akt1 and RhoC GTPase examined. IBC cell invasion is significantly decreased when caveolin‐1 is down regulated. Activation of Akt1 is decreased when caveolin‐1 is down regulated, leading to decreased phosphorylation of RhoC GTPase. Thus, we report here that caveolin‐1 overexpression mediates IBC cell invasion through activation Akt1, which phosphorylates RhoC GTPase. J. Cell. Biochem. 116: 923–933, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
AHNAK2 Participates in the Stress‐Induced Nonclassical FGF1 Secretion Pathway
Authors: Kirov Aleksandr , Kacer Doreen , Conley Barbara A. , Vary Calvin P.H. , Prudovsky Igor
Published: January 2015

FGF1 is a nonclassically released growth factor that regulates carcinogenesis, angiogenesis, and inflammation. In vitro and in vivo, FGF1 export is stimulated by cell stress. Upon stress, FGF1 is transported to the plasma membrane where it localizes prior to transmembrane translocation. To determine which proteins participate in the submembrane localization of FGF1 and its export, we used immunoprecipitation mass spectrometry to identify novel proteins that associate with FGF1 during heat shock. The heat shock‐dependent association of FGF1 with the large protein AHNAK2 was observed. Heat shock induced the translocation of FGF1 and AHNAK2 to the cytoskeletal fraction. In heat‐shocked cells, FGF1 and the C‐terminal fragment of AHNAK2 colocalized with F‐actin in the vicinity of the cell membrane. Depletion of AHNAK2 resulted in a drastic decrease of stress‐induced FGF1 export but did not affect spontaneous FGF2 export and FGF1 release induced by the inhibition of Notch signaling. Thus, AHNAK2 is an important element of the FGF1 nonclassical export pathway. J. Cell. Biochem. 116: 1522–1531, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Protonation Behavior of Histidine during HSF1 Activation by Physiological Acidification
Authors: Lu Ming , Park Jang‐Su
Published: January 2015

The expression of eukaryotic molecular chaperones (heat shock proteins, HSPs) is triggered in response to a wide range of environmental stresses, including: heat shock, hydrogen peroxide, heavy metal, low‐pH, or virus infection. Biochemical and genetic studies have clearly shown the fundamental roles of heat shock factor 1 (HSF1) in stress‐inducible HSP gene expression, resistance to stress‐induced cell death, carcinogenesis, and other biological phenomena. Previous studies show that acidic pH changes within the physiological range directly activate the HSF1 function in vitro. However, the detailed mechanism is unclear. Though computational pKa‐predications of the amino acid side‐chain, acidic‐pH induced protonation of a histidine residue was found to be most‐likely involved in this process. The histidine 83 (His83) residue, which could be protonated by mild decrease in pH, causes mild acidic‐induced HSF1 activation (including in‐vitro trimerization, DNA binding, in‐vivo nuclear accumulation, and HSPs expression). His83, which is located in the loop region of the HSF1 DNA binding domain, was suggested to enhance the intermolecular force with Arginine 79, which helps HSF1 form a DNA‐binding competent. Therefore, low‐pH‐induced activation of HSF1 by the protonation of histidine can help us better to understand the HSF1 mechanism and develop more therapeutic applications (particularly in cancer therapy). J. Cell. Biochem. 116: 977–984, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
HIF‐2 Inhibition Supresses Inflammatory Responses and Osteoclastic Differentiation in Human Periodontal Ligament Cells
Authors: Bae Won‐Jung , Shin Mee‐Ran , Kang Soo‐Kyung , Zhang‐Jun  , Kim Jun‐Yeol , Lee Sang‐Cheon , Kim Eun‐Cheol
Published: January 2015

Recent reports suggest that hypoxia inducible factor‐2α (HIF‐2α) is a key regulator of osteoarthritis cartilage destruction. However, the precise role of HIF‐2α in the inflammatory response and osteoclast differentiation remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of HIF‐2α on inflammatory cytokines, extracellular matrix (ECM) destruction enzymes, and osteoclastic differentiation in nicotine and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐stimulated human periodontal ligament cells (PDLCs). HIF‐2α was upregulated in chronically inflamed PDLCs of periodontitis patients, and in nicotine‐ and LPS‐exposed PDLC in dose‐ and time‐dependent manners. HIF‐2α inhibitor and HIF‐2α siRNA attenuated the nicotine‐ and LPS‐ induced production of NO and PGE2, upregulation of iNOS, COX‐2, pro‐inflammatory cytokines (IL‐1β, TNF‐α, IL‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐10, IL‐11, and IL‐17), and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs; MMP‐1, ‐8, ‐13, ‐2 and ‐9), and reversed the effect on TIMPs (TIMP‐1 and ‐2) in PDLCs. The conditioned medium produced by nicotine and LPS‐treated PDLCs increased the number of TRAP‐stained osteoclasts, TRAP activity and osteoclast‐specific genes, which has been blocked by HIF‐2α inhibition and silencing. HIF‐2α inhibitor and HIF‐2α siRNA inhibited the effects of nicotine and LPS on the activation of Akt, JAK2 and STAT3, ERK and JNK MAPK, nuclear factor‐κB, c‐Jun, and c‐Fos. Taken together, this study is the first to demonstrate that HIF‐2α inhibition exhibits anti‐inflammatory activity through the inhibition of inflammatory cytokines and impairment of ECM destruction, as well as blocking of osteoclastic differentiation in a nicotine‐ and periodontopathogen‐stimulated PDLCs model. Thus, HIF‐2α inhibition may be a novel molecular target for therapeutic approaches in periodontitis. J. Cell. Biochem. 116: 1241–1255, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Etomica: An object‐oriented framework for molecular simulation
Authors: Schultz Andrew J. , Kofke David A.
Published: January 2015

We describe the design of an object‐oriented library of software components that are suitable for constructing simulations of systems of interacting particles. The emphasis of the discussion is on the general design of the components and how they interact, and less on details of the programming interface or its implementation. Example code is provided as an aid to understanding object‐oriented programming structures and to demonstrate how the framework is applied. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Partial Hospitalization Treatment of the Alexithymic Patient: A Case Study
Authors: Joyce Anthony S. , Nordhagen Annika , Ogrodniczuk John S. , Stovel Laura E. , Bjorge Anthony
Published: January 2015

Patients with alexithymia are a challenge to engage in treatment and require a diverse range of interventions to realize benefit. A partial hospitalization treatment program, offering multiple forms of group therapy in an integrated system, may be particularly helpful for patients with alexithymia. We examine the course of treatment for one alexithymic patient who participated in an 18‐week intensive group‐ and dynamically oriented treatment program in Edmonton. Group support and feedback emerged as important elements in the treatment approach. Other features of the approach overlap with treatment guidelines for alexithymia found in the literature.
Fluorescein sodium fluorescence microscope‐integrated lymphangiography for lymphatic supermicrosurgery
Authors: Ayestaray Benoit , Bekara Farid
Published: January 2015

Microscope‐integrated lymphangiography is a useful method in the field of lymphatic supermicrosurgery. Fluorescence based on indocyanine green (ICG) is the most commonly used. Fluorescein sodium is a fluorescent tracer used for retinal and neurosurgical angiography but not yet for lymphatic supermicrosurgery. In this report, we present a case in which the fluorescein sodium fluorescence microscope‐integrated lymphangiography was used for assessment of lymphatic drainage pathway and patency in a patient treated for secondary lymphedema by lymphaticovenular anastomoses. Fluorescein sodium fluorescence microscope‐integrated lymphangiography was evaluated in a 67‐year‐old female presented for a Campisi clinical stage IV lymphedema of the upper limb. Transcutaneous guidance and vascular fluorescence were assessed. A comparison with ICG fluorescence was made intraoperatively. Two lymphaticovenular anastomoses were performed and their patency were checked by lymphangiography. Transcutaneous signal was found higher with fluorescein sodium fluorescence. Intraluminal visualization was possible with fluorescein sodium coloration during lymphaticovenular anastomoses. No adverse reaction occurred. The circumferential differential reduction rate of affected limb was 8.1% 3 months after lymphaticovenular anastomoses. The use of fluorescence microscope‐integrated lymphangiography with fluorescein sodium may be superior to ICG fluorescence in assistance of lymphaticovenular anastomoses. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 35:407–410, 2015.
A Palaeodietary Study of Stable Isotope Analysis from a High‐status Burial in the Copper Age: The Montelirio Megalithic Structure at Valencina de la Concepción–Castilleja de Guzmán, Spain
Authors: Fontanals‐Coll M. , Díaz‐Zorita Bonilla M. , Subirà M. E.
Published: January 2015

This palaeodietary study presents carbon and nitrogen stable isotope data from human and faunal skeletal remains from the Copper Age settlement of Valencina de la Concepción–Castilleja de Guzmán, located in Seville, Spain. Montelirio, the only Valencina–Castilleja human group from which we have obtained reliable palaeodietary results, had a diet based on C3 terrestrial resources, including both plants and animals. The protein component of the diet consisted mainly of meat, milk and dairy products from livestock as well as C3 plant protein from cereals and pulses. This study compares data from Montelirio, the Copper Age group from Valencina–Castilleja, with the published data from other Iberian Late Neolithic–Copper Age (LN‐CA) societies. This comparison reveals a homogeneous diet with some exceptions. Overall, the LN‐CA diet in the Iberian Peninsula consisted mainly of animal proteins from meat, milk and dairy products from livestock as well as C3 plant sources from the characteristic agriculture of the societies of these periods. This study also demonstrates the minor use of aquatic resources from the Neolithic to the Copper Age period in the Iberian Peninsula. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification of novel vascular projections with cellular trafficking abilities on the microvasculature of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Saiyin Hexige , Ardito‐Abraham Christine M , Wu Yanhua , Wei Youheng , Fang Yuan , Han Xu , Li Jianang , Zhou Ping , Yi Qing , Maitra Anirban , Liu Jun O , Tuveson David A , Lou Wenhui , Yu Long
Published: January 2015

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a nearly lethal neoplasm. It is a remarkably stroma‐rich, vascular‐poor and hypo‐perfused tumour, which prevents efficient drug delivery. Paradoxically, the neoplastic cells have robust glucose uptake, suggesting that the microvasculature has adopted an alternative method for nutrient uptake and cellular trafficking. Using adapted thick tumour section immunostaining and three‐dimensional (3D) construction imaging in human tissue samples, we identified an undiscovered feature of the mature microvasculature in advanced PDAC tumours; long, hair‐like projections on the basal surface of microvessels that we refer to as 'basal microvilli'. Functionally, these basal microvilli have an actin‐rich cytoskeleton and endocytic and exocytic properties, and contain glucose transporter‐1 (GLUT‐1)‐positive vesicles. Clinically, as demonstrated by PET–CT, the tumour microvasculature with the longest and most abundant basal microvilli correlated with high glucose uptake of the PDAC tumour itself. In addition, these basal microvilli were found in regions of the tumour with low GLUT‐1 expression, suggesting that their presence could be dependent upon the glucose concentration in the tumour milieu. Similar microvasculature features were also observed in a K‐Ras‐driven model of murine PDAC. Altogether, these basal microvilli mark a novel pathological feature of PDAC microvasculature. Because basal microvilli are pathological features with endo‐ and exocytic properties, they may provide a non‐conventional method for cellular trafficking in PDAC tumours. Copyright © 2015 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of surface modification of zinc oxide nanoparticles on thermal behavior and hydrophilic property of PET–PEG composites
Authors: Ji Peng , Wang Chaosheng , Jiang Zhenlin , Wang Huaping
Published: January 2015

Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles were successfully prepared by a one‐step precipitation reaction in an aqueous solution of zinc acetate and sodium hydroxide with stearic acid (SA) as the modifying agent. Hydrophilic composites of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), poly(ethylene glycol), and ZnO nanoparticles were prepared further by in situ polymerization. The surface modification of ZnO and the microstructure and properties of prepared nanoparticles were investigated by relative contact angle measurements (CA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Measurements of CA and XRD indicated that the surface‐treated ZnO was hydrophobic and had a significant improvement in crystallinity with SA. Compared with the nanocomposites filled with the pure ZnO, the modified ZnO exhibits a better dispersion in PET–PEG matrix. TGA results showed that the presence of modified ZnO nanoparticles can improve the thermal stability of PET–PEG matrix. CA and low field nuclear magnetic resonance methods were used to investigate the hydrophilic behavior of nanocomposites. The results revealed that modified nanoparticles had a positive effect on the bound water absorption. A simple model for the interactions between ZnO, SA, and PET–PEG matrix was proposed. POLYM. COMPOS., 37:1830–1838, 2016. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Safe and effective cryopreservation methods for long‐term storage of human‐amniotic‐fluid‐derived stem cells
Authors: Hennes Aurélie , Gucciardo Léonardo , Zia Silvia , Lesage Flore , Lefèvre Nicolas , Lewi Liesbeth , Vorsselmans Annick , Cos Teresa , Lories Rik , Deprest Jan , Toelen Jaan
Published: January 2015

What's already known about this topic?

Stem cells can be isolated from amniotic fluid and may be used for cell therapy and tissue engineering applications in perinatal medicine.

Clinical implementation requires development of an adapted cell banking system including optimal processing and cryopreservation of amniotic fluid samples, with maintenance of cell viability and characteristics after thawing.

What does this study add?

We identified three suitable cryopreservation protocols of fresh amniotic fluid samples with high cell recovery rate and unchanged stem cell characteristics post‐thawing.

One of these is compatible with current good manufacturing practice legislation and can be performed in fetal medicine units without stem cell culture expertise.
Synthesis, characterization, and solar cell and transistor applications of phenanthro[1,2‐b:8,7‐b′]dithiophene–Diketopyrrolopyrrole semiconducting polymers
Authors: Mori Hiroki , Suetsugu Masato , Nishinaga Shuhei , Chang Ning‐hui , Nonobe Hikaru , Okuda Yasuhiro , Nishihara Yasushi
Published: January 2015

Synthesis, characterization, and polymer solar cell and transistor application of a series of phenanthro[1,2‐b:8,7‐b′]dithiophene‐based donor–acceptor (D–A)‐type semiconducting polymers combined with a diketopyrrolopyrrole unit are reported. The present polymers showed some unique features such as strong aggregation behavior, high thermal stability, and short π–π stacking distance (3.5–3.6 Å), which are suitable for high performance organic materials. In addition, they have a significantly extended absorption up to 1000 nm with a band gap of ca. 1.2 eV. However, such strong intermolecular interaction reduced their solubility and molecular weights, which resulted in low crystalline nature and moderate field‐effect mobility of 0.01 cm2 V−1 s−1. Furthermore, such strong aggregation behavior led to the large‐scale phase separation in the blend films, which may prevent the effective photocurrent generation, limiting Jsc and power conversion efficiency of 2.0%. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2015, 53, 709–718
Structural insight into effector proteins of Gram‐negative bacterial pathogens that modulate the phosphoproteome of their host
Authors: Grishin Andrey M. , Beyrakhova Ksenia A. , Cygler Miroslaw
Published: January 2015

Invading pathogens manipulate cellular process of the host cell to establish a safe replicative niche. To this end they secrete a spectrum of proteins called effectors that modify cellular environment through a variety of mechanisms. One of the most important mechanisms is the manipulation of cellular signaling through modifications of the cellular phosphoproteome. Phosphorylation/dephosphorylation plays a pivotal role in eukaryotic cell signaling, with ∼500 different kinases and ∼130 phosphatases in the human genome. Pathogens affect the phosphoproteome either directly through the action of bacterial effectors, and/or indirectly through downstream effects of host proteins modified by the effectors. Here we review the current knowledge of the structure, catalytic mechanism and function of bacterial effectors that modify directly the phosphorylation state of host proteins. These effectors belong to four enzyme classes: kinases, phosphatases, phospholyases and serine/threonine acetylases.
Inherent dynamics within the Crimean‐Congo Hemorrhagic fever virus protease are localized to the same region as substrate interactions
Authors: Eisenmesser Elan Z. , Capodagli Glenn C. , Armstrong Geoffrey S. , Holliday Michael J. , Isern Nancy G. , Zhang Fengli , Pegan Scott D.
Published: January 2015

Crimean‐Congo Hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) is one of several lethal viruses that encodes for a viral ovarian tumor domain (vOTU), which serves to cleave and remove ubiquitin (Ub) and interferon stimulated gene product 15 (ISG15) from numerous proteins involved in cellular signaling. Such manipulation of the host cell machinery serves to downregulate the host response and, therefore, complete characterization of these proteases is important. While several structures of the CCHFV vOTU protease have been solved, both free and bound to Ub and ISG15, few structural differences have been found and little insight has been gained as to the structural plasticity of this protease. Therefore, we have used NMR relaxation experiments to probe the dynamics of CCHFV vOTU, both alone and in complex with Ub, discovering a highly dynamic protease that exhibits conformational exchange within the same regions found to engage its Ub substrate. These experiments reveal a structural plasticity around the N‐terminal regions of CCHFV vOTU, which are unique to vOTUs, and provide a rationale for engaging multiple substrates with the same binding site.
Quality of Life and Self-Determination: Youth with Chronic Health Conditions Make the Connection
Authors: McDougall Janette , Baldwin Patricia , Evans Jan , Nichols Megan , Etherington Cole , Wright Virginia
Published: January 2015

While optimizing quality of life (QOL) is a key goal of rehabilitation care, no previous study has reported on what ‘QOL’ means to youth with chronic health conditions. In addition, no qualitative studies have explored the relationship between QOL and self-determination (SD). Objectives of this qualitative study were to examine: what the terms ‘quality of life’ and ‘self-determination’ mean to youth with chronic conditions; the factors these youth think are linked with these concepts; the relationship they see between concepts, the types of future goals youth have and how they view the connection between their SD and these goals. A descriptive methodology was used. A purposive sample of 15 youth aged 15 to 20 years was obtained. Youth had cerebral palsy, a central nervous system disorder, or autism spectrum disorder. Semi-structured interviews were conducted first, followed by a focus group. Line-by-line coding of transcripts was completed, codes were collapsed into categories, and themes identified. Participants viewed QOL as an overarching personal evaluation of their life, and used terms such as satisfaction and happiness to describe the concept. Factors related to QOL included: ‘relationships’, ‘supportive environments’, ‘doing things’, ‘personal growth and moving forward’, and ‘understanding of self/acceptance of disability’. Participants described SD in such terms as confidence and motivation. Contributors to SD were: ‘personal strengths’, ‘interdependence’, and ‘functional independence’. SD was considered important to QOL. Youth goals were reflective of the goals of most adolescents. They identified the importance of having key goals that were of personal interest to them. This study adds consumer-based information to the debate over the meaning of QOL. Service providers and decision makers should be aware of the factors that youth feel impact their QOL and SD, the importance of SD to youth QOL, and of SD to future goals, and consider this information when tailoring therapeutic interventions.
Self‐Aggregation of Catanionic Surface Active Ionic Liquids in Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Xu Wenwen , Zhang Qian , Wei Hongtu , Qin Jieqiong , Yu Li
Published: January 2015

The self‐aggregation behavior of catanionic surface active ionic liquids (SAIL), 1‐alkyl‐3‐methylimidazolium alkyl sulfates, [C4mim][C16SO4] and [C6mim][C14SO4], in aqueous solutions was explored by several techniques. These results were analyzed together with the concerning data of [C8mim][C12SO4] reported previously. The feature of these SAIL is that the total carbon number of the hydrophobic chains is kept constant, while only the length of the two hydrocarbon chains varies. Because of the different intermolecular and intramolecular interactions, the hydrophobic interaction of asymmetrical SAIL is enhanced, which explains the minimal CMC value of [C4mim][C16SO4]. Thermal motion of hydrocarbon chains at the air–water interface leads to higher Amin and lower Γmax values with the increasing asymmetry of two hydrophobic chains. The conductivity measurements reveal that the micellization process is spontaneous and entropy‐driven in the studied temperature range. This work indicates that the symmetry of alkyl chains can influence the aggregation behavior of [Cnmim][CmSO4] in aqueous solutions.
Characterization and Monitoring of the Oxidative Stability of Pork Grease
Authors: Petenucci Maria Eugênia , Fonseca Gustavo Graciano
Published: January 2015

The purpose of this study was to characterize pork grease, an agroindustrial waste generated via food processing, and to monitor its oxidative stability during storage (150 days). The chemical parameters of the grease were assessed and fluorescence spectrometry was used to monitor its oxidation. The results indicated that the chemical parameters of the waste pork fat increased over time, indicating substantial deterioration and showing a significant difference (P < 0.05) after 60 days of storage. The fat contained 14 fatty different acids, and the polyunsaturated fatty acid component comprised 20.20 % of the total at time zero, although there was a significant difference (P < 0.05) after 90 days of storage. The fluorescence spectrometry intensity decreased over time, as did the polyunsaturated fatty acid content. The waste lard has potential as a raw material for the production of biodiesel, animal feed, and even food for human consumption if properly obtained and stored.
Augmentative Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) in the Acute Treatment of Poor Responder Depressed Patients: A Comparison Study Between High and Low Frequency Stimulation
Authors: Dell’Osso B. , Oldani L. , Camuri G. , Dobrea C. , Cremaschi L. , Benatti B. , Arici C. , Grancini B. , Carlo Altamura A.
Published: January 2015

Background:

While the efficacy of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is well established, the debate is still open in relation to bipolar depression and to a possible different effectiveness of high vs. low stimulation. The present study was aimed to assess and compare the efficacy and tolerability of different protocols of augmentative rTMS in a sample of patients with current Major Depressive Episode (MDE), poor drug response/treatment resistance and a diagnosis of MDD or bipolar disorder.

Methods:

Thirty-three patients were recruited in a 4-week, blind-rater, rTMS trial and randomised to the following three groups of stimulation: (1) (n = 10) right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) 1 HZ, 110% of the motor threshold (MT), 420 stimuli/day; (2) (n = 10) right DLPFC, 1 Hz, 110% MT, 900 stimuli/day; (3) (n = 13) left DLPFC, 10 Hz, 80% MT, 750 stimuli/day.

Results:

Twenty-nine patients completed the treatment, showing a significant reduction of primary outcome measures (HAM-D, MADRS and CGI-S total scores: t = 8.1, P < 0.001; t = 8.6, P < 0.001; t = 4.6, P < 0.001 respectively). No significant differences in terms of efficacy and tolerability were found between high vs. low frequency and between unipolar and bipolar patients. Side effects were reported by 21% of the sample. One of the 4 dropouts was caused by a hypomanic switch.

Conclusions:

Augmentative rTMS appeared to be effective and well tolerated for the acute treatment of unipolar and bipolar depression with features of poor drug response/treatment resistance, showing a comparable effectiveness profile between protocols of high and low frequency stimulation.
Frequency of Gc-globin promoter –158 (C>T) XmnI polymorphism in patients with homozygous/compound heterozygous beta thalassaemia
Authors: Ali Nadir , Ayyub Muhammad , Khan Saleem Ahmed , Ahmed Suhaib , Abbas Kazim , Malik Hamid Saeed , Tashfeen Sunila
Published: January 2015

BACKGROUND:

Response to hydroxyurea therapy in homozygous or compound heterozygous beta thalassaemia (BT) has been reported as more favourable in the presence of XmnI polymorphism. The prevalence of XmnI polymorphism may vary with BT phenotypes and genotypes, and differs geographically in distribution. Prevalence of XmnI polymorphism is not known in northern Pakistan.

OBJECTIVE:

To determine the frequency of Gc-globin promoter –158 (C>T) XmnI polymorphism (XmnI polymorphism) in patients with homozygous or compound heterozygous beta thalassaemia.

MATERIALS:

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for common beta thalassaemia mutations and Gc-globin promoter –158 (C>T) XmnI polymorphism was performed on 107 blood samples of transfusion dependent beta thalassaemia (BT) patients in Pakistan. One hundred samples of unrelated BT traits and 94 samples of healthy subjects as controls were also analysed for BT mutations and XmnI polymorphism.

RESULTS:

Out of 301 DNA samples, XmnI polymorphism was detected in 71(24%); in normal controls, XmnI polymorphism was detected in 34/94 (36%) subjects; while in homozygous/compound heterozygous BT, it was detected in 14/107(13%) patients (Fisher's exact test, p = .0002). In heterozygous BT group, XmnI polymorphism was detected in 23/100 subjects (Fisher's exact test, p = .03 with normal controls, and p = .049 with homozygous/compound heterozygous BT). The most common BT genotype was Frame Shift (Fr) 8-9/Fr 8-9, and none of the patients with this genotype had XmnI polymorphism. The second most common genotype was IVSI-5/IVSI-5; 4/26 (15%). Cases with this genotype had XmnI polymorphism.

CONCLUSION:

XmnI polymorphism in homozygous/compound heterozygous BT group is 13%. The most common genotype associated with XmnI polymorphism was IVSI-5/IVSI-5.
Satisfaction with diagnosis process for gestational diabetes mellitus and risk perception among Australian women
Authors: Goldstein Rebecca F. , Gibson‐Helm Melanie E. , Boyle Jacqueline A. , Teede Helena J.
Published: January 2015

Objective

To evaluate satisfaction with diagnosis, risk perceptions, and health beliefs among women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

Methods

In a cross‐sectional questionnaire‐based study, participants with GDM diagnosed after 26 weeks of pregnancy were recruited from hospital‐based services at Monash Health (Melbourne, VIC, Australia) and through newspaper advertisements between 2008 and 2010. Eligible participants—aged at least 18 years and able to read English—completed a questionnaire.

Results

Among 46 women who completed the questionnaire, 38 (83%) were satisfied with the explanation of the GDM screening test and 31 (67%) felt that the results were explained well. Generally, women were satisfied with the information provided about lifestyle management (29 [81%] of 36) and medical therapy (26 [72%] of 36). Most women (41 [89%]) associated poor GDM control with perinatal complications. Additionally, many participants thought that insulin (35 [76%]) and lifestyle changes (30 [65%]) could reduce macrosomia. A total of 37 (82%) of 45 women perceived that they were at risk of future GDM, and 33 (73%) thought they had an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. Most women believed that they could change these risks (29 [64%] and 37 [82%] of 45, respectively).

Conclusion

Women were largely positive about their experience of GDM diagnosis. Explanation of the screening test and provision of information could be improved. Risk perception was reasonable.
A modified suture technique for hemorrhage during cesarean delivery complicated by complete placenta previa
Authors: Zhu Lei , Zhang Zhenyu , Wang Hong , Zhao Jing , He Xin , Lu Junli
Published: January 2015

Objective

To assess the usefulness of a modified suture to treat postpartum bleeding among patients with complete placenta previa (CPP).

Methods

An observational study was conducted at Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Beijing, China, among patients with CPP (with or without placenta accreta) who were enrolled from January 1 to March 31, 2014. During surgery, a Foley catheter balloon containing 60–120 mL of water was used to compress the hemorrhage site and an absorbable suture was placed around the lower uterus segment to provide extra pressure on the balloon.

Results

Seven women with CPP underwent the procedure. The median hemostatic time was 4.6 minutes (range 3.0–7.0). The median estimated blood loss during surgery was 480 mL (range 400–600) for deliveries not complicated with placenta accreta and 1250 mL (range 1000–1500) for women with placenta accreta. Active bleeding was stopped after application of the modified suture; blood loss was less than 100 mL in all cases in the 24 hours after surgery.

Conclusion

The modified suture technique provided an easy and efficient surgical choice for women with CPP, especially among those with placenta accreta.
TGF‐β1 and IL‐10 single nucleotide polymorphisms as risk factors for oral cancer in Taiwanese
Authors: Hsu Han‐Jen , Yang Yi‐Hsin , Shieh Tien‐Yu , Chen Chung‐Ho , Kao Yu‐Hsun , Yang Chia‐Fu , Ko Edward Cheng‐Chuan
Published: January 2015

Cytokine production capacity varies among individuals and depends on cytokine gene polymorphisms. Transforming growth factor‐beta 1 (TGF‐β1) plays a significant role in regulating the proliferation and apoptosis of epithelial cells. Interleukin 10 (IL‐10) is an immunoregulatory cytokine with biological functions of anti‐inflammation, immunosuppression, allergy, and anti‐agenesis. The two cytokines are supposed to play an important role in carcinogenesis. The association between cytokine gene polymorphisms with oral cancer (OC) was investigated. We studied the association between the polymorphism in TGF‐β1 (G to C polymorphism at codon 25 <+915>) and IL‐10 (−1082 G/A, ‐819 C/T, and −592 C/A) and the risk of OC in patients (n = 162) and healthy controls (n = 118) in Taiwan. All genotyping experiments were performed using the polymerase chain reaction sequence‐specific primer (PCR‐SSP) method. It was found that the codon 25 GC genotype of TGF‐β1 is significantly higher in frequency in patients with OC compared with a healthy control group (p < 0.0001). People with the GC genotype in codon 25 had an 11.09‐fold increased risk of OC [odds ratio (OR) = 11.09; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 6.16–113.23]. IL‐10 polymorphisms in −819 and −592 positions correlated with the risk of OC (p < 0.0001). The IL‐10 ‐592 C allele‐containing genotypes posed an increased risk of OC (OR = 1.79, 95% CI = 1.11–2.91). People with the CT genotype in IL‐10 ‐819 had a 3.32‐fold increased risk of OC (OR = 3.32; 95% CI = 1.64–6.94). The results suggest that polymorphisms in TGF‐β1 and IL‐10 may have a significant influence on the development of OC.
Vertical natural convection: application of the unifying theory of thermal convection
Authors: Ng Chong Shen , Ooi Andrew , Lohse Detlef , Chung Daniel
Published: January 2015

Results from direct numerical simulations of vertical natural convection at Rayleigh numbers $1.0\times 10^{5}$–$1.0\times 10^{9}$ and Prandtl number $0.709$ support a generalised applicability of the Grossmann–Lohse (GL) theory, which was originally developed for horizontal natural (Rayleigh–Bénard) convection. In accordance with the GL theory, it is shown that the boundary-layer thicknesses of the velocity and temperature fields in vertical natural convection obey laminar-like Prandtl–Blasius–Pohlhausen scaling. Specifically, the normalised mean boundary-layer thicknesses scale with the $-1/2$-power of a wind-based Reynolds number, where the ‘wind’ of the GL theory is interpreted as the maximum mean velocity. Away from the walls, the dissipation of the turbulent fluctuations, which can be interpreted as the ‘bulk’ or ‘background’ dissipation of the GL theory, is found to obey the Kolmogorov–Obukhov–Corrsin scaling for fully developed turbulence. In contrast to Rayleigh–Bénard convection, the direction of gravity in vertical natural convection is parallel to the mean flow. The orientation of this flow presents an added challenge because there no longer exists an exact relation that links the normalised global dissipations to the Nusselt, Rayleigh and Prandtl numbers. Nevertheless, we show that the unclosed term, namely the global-averaged buoyancy flux that produces the kinetic energy, also exhibits both laminar and turbulent scaling behaviours, consistent with the GL theory. The present results suggest that, similar to Rayleigh–Bénard convection, a pure power-law relationship between the Nusselt, Rayleigh and Prandtl numbers is not the best description for vertical natural convection and existing empirical relationships should be recalibrated to better reflect the underlying physics.
Hunting Indians: Globally Circulating Ideas and Frontier Practices in the Colombian Llanos
Authors: Bjork-James Carwil
Published: January 2015

In the mid-twentieth century, renewed colonization of the Llanos region of Colombia brought escalated violence to the closely related Guahibo and Cuiva peoples. This violence was made public by two dramatic episodes that became international scandals: a December 1967 massacre of sixteen Cuivas at La Rubiera Ranch, and a 1970 military crackdown on an uprising by members of a Guahibo agricultural cooperative in Planas. The scandals exposed both particular human rights abuses and the regional tradition of literally hunting indigenous people, and provoked widespread outrage. While contemporaries treated these events as aberrations, they can best be explained as the consequence of policies that organize and manage frontiers. Both events took place in a region undergoing rapid settlement by migrants, affected by cattle and oil interests, missionaries, the Colombian military, and U.S. counterinsurgency trainers. This paper draws on archival research to trace the events involved and explains their relation to globally circulating policies, practices, and ideas of frontier making. It illustrates how Colombians eager to expand their frontier in the Llanos emulated and adapted ideas of human inequality, moral geographies that make violence acceptable in frontier areas, economic policies that dispossess native peoples, and strategies of counterinsurgency warfare from distant sources. Ironically, their quest for modernity through frontier expansion licensed new deployments of “archaic” violence. The Llanos frontier was thus enmeshed in an interchange of frontier-making techniques that crisscrosses the world, but particularly unites Latin America and the United States.
A Curious Trade: The Recovery and Repatriation of U.S. Missing In Action from the Vietnam War
Authors: Wagner Sarah E.
Published: January 2015

Amid its human and material tolls, the Vietnam War has given rise to a curious enterprise—the complex process of recovering and repatriating the remains of U.S. service members Missing In Action (MIA) and presumed dead. In this trade, the bones that “count” are American and the aims underwriting the forensic efforts to return them are rooted in an ideology of national belonging.The resultant exchange of both knowledge and physical remains has developed through two historically intertwined ventures: state-sponsored casualty resolution efforts; and the much smaller, informal trafficking of skeletal remains, identification media, and information about American MIAs. This article examines how these sought-after bones tack between roles as objects of recovery, sale, or barter, scientific study, ritual burial, and public commemoration. Through their mutable worth, MIA remains illustrate the dynamic symbolism of war dead that evokes differing sensibilities about familiar or foreign soil, about care and belonging. Like thereliquiaeof medieval Christianity, remains of missing service members, even in the most fragmentary form, are replete with the suggestion of power. Their pursuit depends on reciprocity. Indeed, more than just powerful symbols, these bones manifest and confer power itself, as caring for war dead demonstrates authority, and such authority falls to those who control access to the desired object, whether through formal or informal channels. Furthermore, power requires authentication, and the remains of missing American war dead become, in this system of circulation and exchange, a means to demonstrate knowledge, perform certainty, or exploit ambiguity.
Anti Anti-Colonialism: Vernacular Press and Emergent Possibilities in Colonial Zambia
Authors: Englund Harri
Published: January 2015

African newspapers published in vernacular languages, particularly papers sponsored by colonial governments, have been understudied. A close reading of their contents and related archival sources provides insights into diverse ways in which the colonized framed and made claims. New kinds of claims were mediated by the government-sponsored vernacular press no less than by nationalists. Just as vernacularism was not nativism, African aspirations that posed no direct challenge to the colonial order did not necessarily entail mimicry. I show also how Europeans who debated a newspaper for Africans in the 1930s Zambia voiced diverse approaches to print culture, addressing a variety of objectives. The newspaper that emerged,Mutende, was replaced by provincial newspapers in the 1950s, and I focus on one of these: the Chinyanja-languageNkhani za kum'mawa, published under African editorship in Eastern Province between 1958 and 1965. Its modes of addressing African publics were neither nationalist nor colonial in any straightforward senses. Its editors and readers deliberated on what it meant to be from the province in an era of labor migration, how African advancement and dependence on Europeans were to be envisaged, and how relationships between women and men should be reconfigured. To hold divergent views on a world in flux, they had to keep something constant, and the order of governance itself remained beyond dispute. But this did not preclude emergent possibilities. The newspaper's columns and letters to the editor reveal claims on novel opportunities and constraints of a sort that mainstream nationalist historiography, with its meta-narrative of anti-colonialism, has rendered invisible.
Development, democracy and corruption: how poverty and lack of political rights encourage corruption
Authors: Neudorfer Natascha S.
Published: January 2015

On average, higher per capita income comes with lower corruption levels. Yet, countries like Mexico, Libya and Saudi Arabia are relatively wealthy but experience comparatively high corruption levels. Simultaneously, countries like Madagascar or Mozambique (in the 1990s) combine poor economic development with a low level of corruption. I propose that the two most common variables in corruption research – wealth and democracy – are mutually conditional: economic development brings about a larger (and stronger) middle class that demands public goods from the government. However, citizens’ ability to influence governmental decision-making varies by political regime type. In democracies, citizens are, on average, more successful in demanding goods from the government than in autocracies. Using a large-N approach (up to 139 countries, 1984–2006), the analysis finds robust empirical support for the proposed conditional effect.
Psychometrische Überprüfung eines Klinikkultur-Fragebogens (KKF-15)
Authors: Körner Mirjam , Fröhlich Melanie , Wirtz Markus , Göritz Anja S.
Published: January 2015

Zunehmend wird in der Gesundheitsversorgung erkannt, dass organisationale Merkmale wie die Klinikkultur den Behandlungserfolg beeinflussen. Da kein deutschsprachiger Fragebogen zur Erfassung von diesem Aspekt in der Gesundheitsversorgung existierte, wurde angelehnt an die „Kurzskala zur Erfassung der Unternehmenskultur (KUK)” der Klinikkultur-Fragebogen (KKF-15) entwickelt. Ziel dieser Arbeit ist die Evaluierung des Klinikkultur-Fragebogens sowohl auf der Item- als auch der Skalenebene. Verschiedene Itemkonfigurationen wurden an einer Stichprobe von 272 Mitarbeitern mittels einer strukturanalytischen Modellierung überprüft. Dabei zeigte sich für die drei- und vierfaktorielle Struktur die beste Passung, so dass die vierfaktorielle Lösung analog der KUK ausgewählt wurde. Die hohe Interkorrelation zwischen den beiden Faktoren ‚Zusammenarbeit’ und ‚Führung’ erfordert einen Faktor zweiter Ordnung ‘Interaktion’. Die Reliabilität war für alle Skalen gut und die Konstruktvalidität des Fragebogens wurde belegt. Weitere vertiefende Untersuchungen stehen noch aus.
Zum Verhältnis von Erwerbsarbeit, Arbeitswerten und Globalisierung
Authors: Kholin Mareike , Blickle Gerhard
Published: January 2015

Gegenstand dieses Überblicksbeitrages ist die Veränderung von erwerbsarbeitsbezogenen Werten durch die Folgen der wirtschaftlichen Globalisierung in westlichen und nicht-westlichen Gesellschaften. Dabei werden zwei zentrale Thesen entwickelt: (1) Die neuen Anforderungen einer zunehmend globalisierten Wirtschaftsumwelt verändern auch nachhaltig die Bedeutung der Arbeit und die Arbeitswerte in westlichen Kulturen. (2) Der verstärkte Kontakt zwischen verschiedenen Kulturen führt zu einem Austausch von erwerbsarbeitsbezogenen Werten und Einstellungen. Der Westen exportiert einen Teil seiner Arbeitswerte in andere Kulturen, importiert im Gegenzug aber auch arbeitsbezogene Problemlösestrategien aus anderen Teilen der Welt und integriert diese in die eigene Arbeitskultur. Schließlich werden die Konsequenzen dieser Entwicklungen für die arbeits- und organisationspsychologische Praxis in Bezug auf Personalauswahl, -entwicklung, Führung und Arbeitsgestaltung kursorisch dargestellt.
Autophagy and immunity
Authors: Mintern Justine D , Harris James
Published: January 2015

The January 2015 issue contains a Special Feature on Autophagy and Immunity. Autophagy is an essential process to maintain cellular homeostasis and functions. It is responsible for the lysosome‐mediated degradation of damaged proteins and organelles, and dysregulation of this pathway contributes to the development of a variety of diseases in man, including: diabetes, neurodegeneration and cancer. Recent studies have illuminated the importance of the regulatory pathways that control autophagy and the wide range of physiological processes it regulates in humans. Immunology and Cell Biology thanks the coordinators of this Special Feature ‐ Jim Harris and Justine Mintern ‐ for their planning and input. Further background information on this important topic is available through the accompanying web focus which links to related articles from across Nature Publishing Group.