bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the outcomes of a podiatry‐led assessment service in a public hospital orthopaedic unit
Authors: Bonanno Daniel R , Medica Virginia G , Tan Daphne S , Spring Anita A , Bird Adam R , Gazarek Jana
Published: November 2014

Background

In Australia, the demand for foot and ankle orthopaedic services in public health settings currently outweighs capacity. Introducing experienced allied health professionals into orthopaedic units to initiate the triage, assessment and management of patients has been proposed to help meet demand. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of introducing a podiatry‐led assessment service in a public hospital orthopaedic unit. The outcomes of interest were determining: the proportion of patients discharged without requiring an orthopaedic appointment, agreement in diagnosis between the patient referral and the assessing podiatrist, the proportion of foot and ankle conditions presenting to the service, and the proportion of each condition to require an orthopaedic appointment.

Methods

This study audited the first 100 patients to receive an appointment at a new podiatry‐led assessment service. The podiatrist triaged ‘Category 3’ referrals consisting of musculoskeletal foot and ankle conditions and appointments were provided for those considered likely to benefit from non‐surgical management. Following assessment, patients were referred to an appropriate healthcare professional or were discharged. At the initial appointment or following a period of care, patients were discharged if non‐surgical management was successful, surgery was not indicated, patients did not want surgery, and if patient's failed to attend their appointments. All other patients were referred for an orthopaedic consultation as indicated.

Results

Ninety‐five of the 100 patients (69 females and 31 males; mean age 51.9, SD 16.4 years) attended their appointment at the podiatry‐led assessment service. The 95 referrals contained a total of 107 diagnoses, of which the podiatrist agreed with the diagnosis stated on the referral in 56 cases (Kappa =0.49, SE = 0.05). Overall, 34 of the 100 patients were referred to an orthopaedic surgeon and the remaining 66 patients were discharged from the orthopaedic waiting list without requiring an orthopaedic consultation.

Conclusions

Two‐thirds of patients who had an appointment at the podiatry‐led assessment service were discharged without requiring a surgical consultation. The introduction of a podiatry‐led service assists with timely provision of patient care and ensures those with the greatest need for orthopaedic surgery have improved access to specialist care.
Limited ankle dorsiflexion increases the risk for mid‐portion Achilles tendinopathy in infantry recruits: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Rabin Alon , Kozol Zvi , Finestone Aharon S
Published: November 2014

Background

Achilles tendinopathy (AT) is a prevalent condition among runners and military personnel. Although ankle dorsiflexion (DF) range of motion (ROM) as measured with the knee bent has not been previously associated with AT, the literature concerning its role is limited. In addition, the role of lower extremity movement pattern in the pathogenesis of AT has not been studied prospectively.

The purpose of this study was to further explore the role of ankle DF ROM as measured with the knee bent and that of lower extremity movement pattern as risk factors for mid‐portion AT.

Methods

Seventy healthy male military recruits (mean ± SD age, height and body mass of 19.6 ± 1.0 years, 176.0 ± 10.0 cm, and 71.5 ± 7.4 kg) participated in this study. Ankle DF ROM as measured with the knee bent in weight‐bearing (WB) and non‐weight‐bearing (NWB), as well as lower extremity quality of movement during a lateral step down (LSD) test were measured at baseline. Participants were then followed for a 6‐month period of army basic training with recording of the development of AT.

Results

Five participants developed AT during training. Participants that developed AT had a more limited NWB ankle DF ROM (27.40 versus 21.10, p = 0.025). The quality of lower extremity movement did not differ between injured and uninjured participants (p = 0.361).

Conclusions

A more limited ankle DF ROM as measured in NWB with the knee bent increases the risk of developing AT among military recruits taking part in intensive physical training.
Sedation assessment in a mobile intensive care unit: a prospective pilot-study on the relation of clinical sedation scales and the bispectral index
Authors: Prottengeier Johannes , Moritz Andreas , Heinrich Sebastian , Gall Christine , Schmidt Joachim
Published: November 2014

Introduction

The critically-ill undergoing inter-hospital transfers commonly receive sedatives in continuation of their therapeutic regime or to facilitate a safe transfer shielded from external stressors. While sedation assessment is well established in critical care in general, there is only little data available relating to the special conditions during patient transport and their effect on patient sedation levels. The aim of this prospective study was to investigate the feasibility and relationship of clinical sedation assessment (Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS)) and objective physiological monitoring (bispectral index (BIS)) during patient transfers in our Mobile-ICU.

Methods

The levels of sedation of 30 pharmacologically sedated patients were evaluated at 12 to 17 distinct measurement points spread strategically over the course of a transfer by use of the RASS and BIS. To investigate the relation between the RASS and the BIS, Spearman’s squared rank correlation coefficient (ρ2) and the Kendall’s rank correlation coefficient (τ) were calculated. The diagnostic value of the BIS with respect to the RASS was investigated by its sensitivity and positive predictive value for possible patient awakening. Therefore, measurements were dichotomized considering a clinically sensible threshold of 80 for BIS-values and classifying RASS values being nonnegative.

Results

Spearman’s rank correlation resulted to ρ2 = 0.431 (confidence interval (CI) = 0.341 to 0.513). The Kendall’s correlation coefficient was calculated as τ = 0.522 (CI = 0.459 to 0.576). Awakening of patients (RASS ≥0) was detected by a BIS value of 80 and above with a sensitivity of 0.97 (CI = 0.89 to 1.00) and a positive predictive value of 0.59 (CI = 0.45 to 0.71).

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates that the BIS-Monitor can be used for the assessment of sedation levels in the intricate environment of a Mobile-ICU, especially when well-established clinical scores as the RASS are impracticable. The use of BIS is highly sensitive in the detection of unwanted awakening of patients during transfers.
Differential expression of the nuclear-encoded mitochondrial transcriptome in pediatric septic shock
Authors: Weiss Scott L , Cvijanovich Natalie Z , Allen Geoffrey L , Thomas Neal J , Freishtat Robert J , Anas Nick , Meyer Keith , Checchia Paul A , Shanley Thomas P , Bigham Michael T , Fitzgerald Julie , Banschbach Sharon , Beckman Eileen , Howard Kelli , Frank Erin , Harmon Kelli , Wong Hector R
Published: November 2014

Introduction

Increasing evidence supports a role for mitochondrial dysfunction in organ injury and immune dysregulation in sepsis. Although differential expression of mitochondrial genes in blood cells has been reported for several diseases in which bioenergetic failure is a postulated mechanism, there are no data about the blood cell mitochondrial transcriptome in pediatric sepsis.

Methods

We conducted a focused analysis using a multicenter genome-wide expression database of 180 children ≤10 years of age with septic shock and 53 healthy controls. Using total RNA isolated from whole blood within 24 hours of PICU admission for septic shock, we evaluated 296 nuclear-encoded mitochondrial genes using a false discovery rate of 1%. A series of bioinformatic approaches were applied to compare differentially expressed genes across previously validated gene expression-based subclasses (groups A, B, and C) of pediatric septic shock.

Results

In total, 118 genes were differentially regulated in subjects with septic shock compared to healthy controls, including 48 genes that were upregulated and 70 that were downregulated. The top scoring canonical pathway was oxidative phosphorylation, with general downregulation of the 51 genes corresponding to the electron transport system (ETS). The top two gene networks were composed primarily of mitochondrial ribosomal proteins highly connected to ETS complex I, and genes encoding for ETS complexes I, II, and IV that were highly connected to the peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR) family. There were 162 mitochondrial genes differentially regulated between groups A, B, and C. Group A, which had the highest maximum number of organ failures and mortality, exhibited a greater downregulation of mitochondrial genes compared to groups B and C.

Conclusions

Based on a focused analysis of a pediatric septic shock transcriptomic database, nuclear-encoded mitochondrial genes were differentially regulated early in pediatric septic shock compared to healthy controls, as well as across genotypic and phenotypic distinct pediatric septic shock subclasses. The nuclear genome may be an important mechanism contributing to alterations in mitochondrial bioenergetic function and outcomes in pediatric sepsis.
Vancomycin population pharmacokinetics during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation therapy: a matched cohort study
Authors: Donadello Katia , Roberts Jason A , Cristallini Stefano , Beumier Marjorie , Shekar Kiran , Jacobs Frédérique , Belhaj Asmae , Vincent Jean-Louis , de Backer Daniel , Taccone Fabio Silvio
Published: November 2014

Introduction

The aim of this study was to describe the population pharmacokinetics of vancomycin in critically ill patients treated with and without extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed data from critically ill patients treated with ECMO and matched controls who received a continuous infusion of vancomycin (35 mg/kg loading dose over 4 hours followed by a daily infusion adapted to creatinine clearance, CrCl)). The pharmacokinetics of vancomycin were described using non-linear mixed effects modeling.

Results

We compared 11 patients treated with ECMO with 11 well-matched controls. Drug dosing was similar between groups. The median interquartile range (IQR) vancomycin concentrations in ECMO and non-ECMO patients were 51 (28 to 71) versus 45 (37 to 71) mg/L at 4 hours; 23 (16 to 38) versus 29 (21 to 35) mg/L at 12 hours; 20 (12 to 36) versus 23 (17–28) mg/L at 24 hours (ANOVA, P =0.53). Median (ranges) volume of distribution (Vd) was 99.3 (49.1 to 212.3) and 92.3 (22.4 to 149.4) L in ECMO and non-ECMO patients, respectively, and clearance 2.4 (1.7 to 4.9) versus 2.3 (1.8 to 3.6) L/h (not significant). Insufficient drug concentrations (that is drug levels <20 mg/dL) were more common in the ECMO group. The pharmacokinetic model (non-linear mixed effects modeling) was prospectively validated in five additional ECMO-treated patients over a 6-month period. Linear regression analysis comparing the observed concentrations and those predicted using the model showed good correlation (r2 of 0.67; P <0.001).

Conclusions

Vancomycin concentrations were similar between ECMO and non-ECMO patients in the early phase of therapy. ECMO treatment was not associated with significant changes in Vd and drug clearance compared with the control patients.
Prehospital identification of trauma patients with early acute coagulopathy and massive bleeding: results of a prospective non-interventional clinical trial evaluating the Trauma Induced Coagulopathy Clinical Score (TICCS)
Authors: Tonglet Martin L , Minon Jean Marc , Seidel Laurence , Poplavsky Jean Louis , Vergnion Michel
Published: November 2014

Introduction

Identifying patients who need damage control resuscitation (DCR) early after trauma is pivotal for adequate management of their critical condition. Several trauma-scoring systems have been developed to identify such patients, but most of them are not simple enough to be used in prehospital settings in the early post-traumatic phase. The Trauma Induced Coagulopathy Clinical Score (TICCS) is an easy-to-measure and strictly clinical trauma score developed to meet this medical need.

Methods

TICCS is a 3-item clinical score (range: 0 to 18) based on the assessment of general severity, blood pressure and extent of body injury and calculated by paramedics on-site for patients with severe trauma. This non-interventional prospective study was designed to assess the ability of TICCS to discern patients who need DCR. These patients were patients with early acute coagulopathy of trauma (EACT), haemorrhagic shock, massive transfusion and surgical or endovascular haemostasis during hospitalization. Diagnosis of EACT was assessed by both thromboelastometry and conventional coagulation tests.

Results

During an 18-month period, 89 severe trauma patients admitted to the general emergency unit at our hospital were enrolled in the study, but 7 were excluded for protocol violations. Of the 82 remaining patients, 8 needed DCR and 74 did not. With receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, TICCS proved to be a powerful discriminant test (area under the curve = 0.98; 95% CI: 0.92 to 1.0). A cutoff of 10 on the TICCS scale provided the best balance between sensitivity (100%; 95% CI: 53.9 to 100) and specificity (95.9%; 95% CI: 88.2 to 99.2). The positive predictive value was 72.7%, and the negative predictive value was 100.0%.

Conclusion

TICCS can be easily and rapidly measured by paramedics at the trauma site. In this study of blunt trauma patients, TICCS was able to discriminate between patients with and without need for DCR. TICCS on-site evaluation should allow initiation of optimal care immediately upon hospital admission of patients with severe trauma in need of DCR. However, a larger multicentre prospective study is needed for in-depth validation of TICCS.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov ID: NCT02132208 (registered 6 May 2014)
Enhanced methods for unbiased deep sequencing of Lassa and Ebola RNA viruses from clinical and biological samples
Authors: Matranga Christian B , Andersen Kristian G , Winnicki Sarah , Busby Michele , Gladden Adrianne D , Tewhey Ryan , Stremlau Matthew , Berlin Aaron , Gire Stephen K , England Eleina , Moses Lina M , Mikkelsen Tarjei S , Odia Ikponmwonsa , Ehiane Philomena E , Folarin Onikepe , Goba Augustine , Kahn S Humarr , Grant Donald S , Honko Anna , Hensley Lisa , Happi Christian , Garry Robert F , Malboeuf Christine M , Birren Bruce W , Gnirke Andreas , Levin Joshua Z , Sabeti Pardis C
Published: November 2014

We have developed a robust RNA sequencing method for generating complete de novo assemblies with intra-host variant calls of Lassa and Ebola virus genomes in clinical and biological samples. Our method uses targeted RNase H-based digestion to remove contaminating poly(rA) carrier and ribosomal RNA. This depletion step improves both the quality of data and quantity of informative reads in unbiased total RNA sequencing libraries. We have also developed a hybrid-selection protocol to further enrich the viral content of sequencing libraries. These protocols have enabled rapid deep sequencing of both Lassa and Ebola virus and are broadly applicable to other viral genomics studies.
Human infectious diseases in the genomics era: where do we go from here?
Authors: Bains Ripudaman K
Published: November 2014

Ripudaman K Bains is the editor of the Genome Biology special issue content on the `genomics of infectious diseases', and introduces the collection in this editorial.
Epidemiologic data and pathogen genome sequences: a powerful synergy for public health
Authors: Grad Yonatan H , Lipsitch Marc
Published: November 2014

Epidemiologists aim to inform the design of public health interventions with evidence on the evolution, emergence and spread of infectious diseases. Sequencing of pathogen genomes, together with date, location, clinical manifestation and other relevant data about sample origins, can contribute to describing nearly every aspect of transmission dynamics, including local transmission and global spread. The analyses of these data have implications for all levels of clinical and public health practice, from institutional infection control to policies for surveillance, prevention and treatment. This review highlights the range of epidemiological questions that can be addressed from the combination of genome sequence and traditional `line lists’ (tables of epidemiological data where each line includes demographic and clinical features of infected individuals). We identify opportunities for these data to inform interventions that reduce disease incidence and prevalence. By considering current limitations of, and challenges to, interpreting these data, we aim to outline a research agenda to accelerate the genomics-driven transformation in public health microbiology.
YMAP: a pipeline for visualization of copy number variation and loss of heterozygosity in eukaryotic pathogens
Authors: Abbey Darren A , Funt Jason , Lurie-Weinberger Mor N , Thompson Dawn A , Regev Aviv , Myers Chad L , Berman Judith
Published: November 2014

The design of effective antimicrobial therapies for serious eukaryotic pathogens requires a clear understanding of their highly variable genomes. To facilitate analysis of copy number variations, single nucleotide polymorphisms and loss of heterozygosity events in these pathogens, we developed a pipeline for analyzing diverse genome-scale datasets from microarray, deep sequencing, and restriction site associated DNA sequence experiments for clinical and laboratory strains of Candida albicans, the most prevalent human fungal pathogen. The YMAP pipeline (http://lovelace.cs.umn.edu/Ymap/) automatically illustrates genome-wide information in a single intuitive figure and is readily modified for the analysis of other pathogens with small genomes.
Tyrosine phosphorylation of WIP releases bound WASP and impairs podosome assembly in macrophages
Authors: Vijayakumar Vineetha , Monypenny James , Chen Xing Judy , Machesky Laura , Lilla Sergio , Thrasher Adrian J. , Antón Inés M. , Calle Yolanda , Jones Gareth E.
Published: November 2014

Podosomes are integrin-containing adhesion structures commonly found in migrating leukocytes of the monocytic lineage. The actin cytoskeletal organisation of podosomes is based on a WASP-Arp2/3 mediated mechanism. WASP also associates with a second protein, WIP, where they co-localise in podosome cores. Here we report for the first time that WIP can be phosphorylated on tyrosine residues and that tyrosine phosphorylation of WIP is a trigger for release of WASP from the WIP-WASP complex. Using a knockdown approach together with expression of WIP phosphomimics, we show that in the absence of WIP-WASP binding, cellular WASP is rapidly degraded, leading to disruption of podosomes and a failure of cells to degrade an underlying matrix. In the absence of tyrosine phosphorylation, the WIP-WASP complex remains intact and podosome lifetimes are extended. A screen of candidate kinases and inhibitor-based assays identified Bruton's tyrosine kinase as a regulator of WIP tyrosine phosphorylation. We conclude that tyrosine phosphorylation of WIP is a critical regulator of WASP stability and function as an actin nucleation promoting factor.
Cooperative functions of the two F-BAR proteins Cip4 and Nostrin in regulating E-cadherin in epithelial morphogenesis
Authors: Zobel Thomas , Brinkmann Klaus , Koch Nicole , Schneider Katharina , Seemann Eric , Fleige Astrid , Qualmann Britta , Kessels Michael M. , Bogdan Sven
Published: November 2014

F-BAR proteins are prime candidates to regulate membrane curvature and dynamics during different developmental processes.

Here, we analyzed nostrin (nost), a novel Drosophila F-BAR protein related to Cip4. Genetic analyses revealed a strong synergism between nost and cip4 functions. While single mutant flies are viable and fertile, combined loss of nost and cip4 results in reduced viability and fertility. Double mutant escaper flies show enhanced wing polarization defects and females exhibit strong egg chamber encapsulation defects. Live-imaging analysis suggests that the observed phenotypes are caused by an impaired E-cadherin membrane turnover. Simultaneous knock-down of Cip4 and Nostrin strongly increases the formation of tubular E-cadherin vesicles at adherens junctions. Cip4 and Nostrin localize at distinct membrane subdomains. Both proteins prefer similar membrane curvatures but seem to form different membrane coats and do not heterooligomerize. Our data suggest an important synergistic function of both F-BAR proteins in membrane dynamics. We propose a cooperative recruitment model in which first Cip4 promotes membrane invagination and early actin-based endosomal motility while Nostrin makes contact with microtubules through the kinesin Khc-73 for trafficking of recycling endosomes.
Oxygen-dependent hydroxylation by Factor Inhibiting HIF (FIH) regulates the TRPV3 ion channel
Authors: Karttunen Sarah , Duffield Michael , Scrimgeour Nathan R. , Squires Lauren , Lim Wai Li , Dallas Mark L. , Scragg Jason L. , Chicher Johana , Dave Keyur A. , Whitelaw Murray L. , Peers Chris , Gorman Jeffrey J. , Gleadle Jonathan M. , Rychkov Grigori Y. , Peet Daniel J.
Published: November 2014

Factor Inhibiting HIF (FIH) is an oxygen-dependent asparaginyl hydroxylase that regulates the hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs). Several proteins containing ankyrin repeat domains have been characterised as substrates of FIH, although there is little evidence for a functional consequence of hydroxylation on these substrates. This study demonstrates that the transient receptor potential vanilloid 3 (TRPV3) channel is hydroxylated by FIH on asparagine 242 within the cytoplasmic ankyrin repeat domain. Hypoxia, FIH inhibitors and mutation of asparagine 242 all potentiated TRPV3-mediated current, without altering TRPV3 protein levels, indicating that oxygen-dependent hydroxylation inhibits TRPV3 activity. This novel mechanism of channel regulation by oxygen-dependent asparaginyl hydroxylation is likely to extend to other ion channels.
Influence of Surface Protonation–Deprotonation Stimuli on the Chiroptical Responses of (R)-/(S)-Mercaptosuccinic Acid-protected Gold Nanoclusters
Authors: Ueno Ryota , Yao Hiroshi
Published: November 2014

Racemic mixtures of mercaptosuccinic acid (MSA) are optically resolved to obtain enantiopure (R)-/(S)-MSA, and the (R)-/(S)-MSA-protected gold nanoclusters are synthesized. Circular dichroism responses of the nanoclusters are strongly dependent on the pH of the solution. In particular, chiroptical enhancement is observed under highly acidic conditions, which can be due both to the electronic and conformational origins of the surface chiral MSA ligand.
Visible-light-driven Fuel Cell Constructed by Germanium(IV) Porphyrin/TiO2 Electrode Using Alcohols as an Electron Donor
Authors: Shiragami Tsutomu , Ozawa Hiroki , Kajihara Kurumi , Matsumoto Jin , Yasuda Masahide
Published: November 2014

Visible-light irradiation of a Ge–porphyrin (1a)/TiO2/ITO anode in photochemical cell induced the generation of short-circuit currents in the presence of aliphatic alcohols as an electron donor. The oxidation of alcohols with the Ge–oxyl complex formed by photoinduced electron transfer from 1a to TiO2 could be a critical process for the production of electricity.
X-ray Crystallographic Elucidation for the Alkaline High-spin State Transition of Iron(III) Cytochrome c′ from Alcaligenes xylosoxidans NCIMB 11015
Authors: Takashina Akiko , Unno Masaki , Kohzuma Takamitsu
Published: November 2014

The first X-ray crystallographic study for the alkaline structure transition of cytochrome c′ was performed. Precise X-ray crystal structures of acidic (pH 6.0) and alkaline (pH 10.4) iron(III) cytochrome c′ from Alcaligenes xylosoxidans NCIMB 11015 (AxCyt  c′) were determined at 1.1 and 1.48 Å resolution, respectively. The structure of AxCyt  c′ at pH 10.4 provides direct evidence for the alkaline high-spin transition caused by bond length elongation between the heme iron and the axial His120 imidazole nitrogen atom.
Copper-catalyzed Silylative Allylation of Ketones and Aldehydes Employing Allenes and Silylboranes
Authors: Tani Yosuke , Yamaguchi Tatsuya , Fujihara Tetsuaki , Terao Jun , Tsuji Yasushi
Published: November 2014

The copper-catalyzed silylative allylation of ketones with allenes and silylboranes via an in situ generated β-silylallylcopper intermediate has been developed. Various ketones and allenes were converted to the homoallylic tertiary alcohols bearing internal (E)-vinylsilane moieties regio- and stereoselectively in good to high yields. Aldehydes were also employed as electrophiles in the reaction.
Project Management Decisions with Uncertain Targets
Authors: Keisler Jeffrey M. , Bordley Robert F.
Published: November 2014

Project management decision rules presume that fixed and inflexible targets have been defined for the project. If a project’s slack is defined as the difference between actual project performance and these targets, then these decision rules can be characterized as maximizing the probability that slack is nonnegative (i.e., maximizing the probability of meeting the targets). These rules rely on z-scores to compare uncertain performance to target levels. Following these decision rules will not always suffice for the project manager to act consistently with customer preferences. In particular, actual requirements may be uncertain or subject to change, and customers may have some flexibility. A decision-analytic approach accounting for these factors can allow the project manager to maximize the customer’s expected utility. We redefine project slack to reflect the difference between performance and a random target that reflects both the customer’s risk tolerance and uncertainty about the actual requirement. The z-score associated with this slack is shown to be proportional to the certainty equivalent for a project. Thus utility-maximizing decision rules in the language of decision analysis can be readily translated into z-score-maximizing decision rules in the language of project management. From this, we discuss how related decision-analytic concepts such as value of information might be applied to families of problems in project management.
Crises, crisis-management and state restructuring: what future for the state?
Authors: Jessop Bob
Published: November 2014

This article explores challenges to the state and state power originating in the world market and the world of states. It proposes an approach useful for this and other purposes and identifies reference points for discussing recent challenges. This cannot be the ‘state in general’ but must comprise well-specified, actually existing state forms. It then explores crises as an objectively overdetermined, subjectively indeterminate condensation of challenges that pose problems of crisis-management and may also lead to crises of crisis-management. It examines the interaction of economic and political crises and their possible role in the alleged decline of liberal democracy.
Expression of the Ly6/uPAR-Domain Proteins C4.4A and Haldisin in Non-Invasive and Invasive Skin Lesions
Authors: Kriegbaum Mette C. , Clausen Ole P. F. , Lærum Ole D. , Ploug Michael
Published: November 2014

C4.4A and Haldisin belong to the Ly6/uPAR/α-neurotoxin protein domain family. They exhibit highly regulated expression profiles in normal epidermis, where they are confined to early (C4.4A) and late (Haldisin) squamous differentiation. We have now explored if dysregulated expressions occur in non-invasive and invasive skin lesions. In non-invasive lesions, their expression signatures were largely maintained as defined by that of normal epidermis. The scenario was, however, markedly different in the progression towards invasive squamous cell carcinomas. In its non-invasive stage (carcinoma in situ), a pronounced attenuation of C4.4A expression was observed, but upon transition to malignant invasive squamous cell carcinomas, the invasive fronts regained high expression of C4.4A. A similar progression was observed for the early stages of benign infiltrating keratoacanthomas. Interestingly, this transition was accompanied by a shift in the predominant association of C4.4A expression with CK1/10 in the normal epidermis to CK5/14 in the invasive lesions. In contrast, Haldisin expression maintained its confinement to the most-differentiated cells and was hardly expressed in the invasive lesions. Because this altered expression of C4.4A was seen in the invasive front of benign (keratoacanthomas) and malignant (squamous cell carcinomas) neoplasms, we propose that this transition of expression is primarily related to the invasive process.
Council House Movie Star: Que(e)rying the Costume
Authors: Edward Mark
Published: November 2014

Council House Movie Star (2012) originally started as a film enquiry exploring what happens when drag queens age, both off stage and onstage. The research expanded to include two further practice projects: an immersive gallery installation of a life-size council house and a fine art exhibition of the naked and costumed drag body. This article examines the quotidian experiences of a white working-class drag hero/ine and the costumed genderqueered skin. It discusses the queer costume of drag queens, including make-up and wigs. The article also explores the position of memory within the formation of costume for performance as a major theme within the creative processes and design of this project. This visual essay narrates the positioning of drag queens within the social realities of working-class life, thus producing an interesting contrast between the costume of chavs, B-boys and contemporary youth, against the queer and camp drag costume.
Repetition as a methodology: Costumes, archives and choreography
Authors: Fensham Rachel
Published: November 2014

This article considers how costumes contribute to choreographic aesthetics through their capacity to be repeated. I develop different conceptions of repetition – replication (copying); representation (appearance within a frame that represents an image); and reproduction (as construction or manufacture) of costume objects and ideas over time. Being interested in the material process of making and wearing costumes, it also investigates how repetition leads to the possibility of invention. Using Walter Benjamin’s concept of the dialectical image to discuss costumes as objects within a dance archive and within live choreography, it examines an early modern dance form called Natural Movement (NM) as well as seminal postmodern works from the 1970s. It elaborates on the iconic functions of costume in contemporary choreography in relation to Roland Barthes’ writings on the ‘fashion system’, and considers how the costume becomes a sign of its own history. Part of this project to understand repetition requires recognition that the movement quality of texture in a garment, actualizes the experience of affective work taking place in choreography. The experience of repetition in the costume-object therefore leads to a more critical response towards the role of costume in dance and performance.
Relevance of correction for drift and day-to-day variation in cystatin C measurement: a post-hoc analysis of the PREVEND cohort, with independent replication in the ESTHER cohort
Authors: Vart Priya , Bakker Stephan J. L. , Schöttker Ben , de Zeeuw Dick , Rothenbacher Dietrich , Brenner Hermann , Heerspink Hiddo J. Lambers , Saum Kai-Uwe , Reijneveld Sijmen A. , Bültmann Ute , Koenig Wolfgang , Gansevoort Ron T.
Published: November 2014

Despite standard laboratory quality control, drift and day-to-day variability in cystatin C measurements can be observed. We investigated whether correction for drift and day-to-day variation in cystatin C measurements improves the association of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) with chronic kidney disease (CKD) risk factors and prognosis.

Plasma samples of the PREVEND study (Dutch cohort study, n=8592) were used to measure cystatin C (Gentian assay) on 243 random days. A correction factor was calculated for each measurement day. GFR was estimated with CKD-EPI equation using routinely measured cystatin C (eGFR

Compared to non-reclassified participants, participants re-classified upward had significantly lower age, body mass index, blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose and albuminuria, whereas the opposite was true for participants reclassified downward. CKD risk factors explained more variance in eGFR

Correction for drift and day-to-day variation in cystatin C measurement improves eGFR using cystatin C for its association with CKD risk factors and incident cardiovascular events.
Translation and other acts of meaning: In between cognitive semiotics and semiotics of culture
Authors: Sonesson Göran
Published: November 2014

If translation is an act of meaning transaction, semiotics should be able to define its specificity in relation to other semiotic acts. Instead, following upon suggestions by Roman Jakobson, the Tartu school, and, more implicitly, Charles Sanders Peirce, the notion of translation has been generalized to cover more or less everything that can be done within and between semiotic resources. In this paper, we start out from a definition of communication elaborated by the author in an earlier text, characterizing translation as a double act of meaning. This characterization takes into account the instances of sending and receiving of both acts involved: the first one at the level of cognition and the second one at the level of communication. Given this definition, we show that Jakobson’s “intralinguistic translation” is, in a sense, the opposite of translation and that his “intersemiotic translation” has important differences and well as similarities to real translation. We also suggest that “cultural translation” has very little to do with translation proper except, in some cases, at the end of its operation. Peirce’s idea of exchanging signs for other signs is better understood as a characterization of tradition.
What counts as (an instance of) grammaticalization?
Authors: Joseph Brian D.
Published: November 2014

I discuss here various ways in which one might devise a counting heuristic for grammaticalization with an eye to testing the quantificational claims that have been made against specific implementations of such a heuristic. More specifically, I address the question of grammaticalization as a phenomenon of individuals versus a phenomenon of speech communities versus a phenomenon of languages. Similarly, I hope to show, once the individual versus group issue is dealt with, that by adopting Haspelmath’s (2004) definition of grammaticalization as the tightening of internal dependencies, and thus a weakening of boundaries, between elements, we are in a better position to undertake a census since linguists have developed a reasonable idea of the sort of grammatical boundaries that need to be posited (word boundaries, clitic boundaries, morpheme boundaries, phoneme-to-phoneme transitions, etc.). Further, this view generalizes to offer a solution to the problematic notion of gradience in grammaticalization - cf. Kuryłowicz’s famous definition of grammaticalization as taking in movement from “less” to “more” grammatical - since linguists have long posited a hierarchy of boundary strength that can be appealed to.
Sex hormones influence expression and function of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ in adipocytes: pathophysiological aspects
Authors: Sato Hiromi , Ishikawa Momoko , Sugai Hana , Funaki Asami , Kimura Yuki , Sumitomo Mai , Ueno Koichi
Published: November 2014

Adipose tissue plays important roles not only in storing fat but also in maintaining metabolic homeostasis by regulating hundreds of biological signaling events and the secretion of various cytokines. One of the central regulators of adipocyte differentiation is peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), which promotes downstream transcriptional activities, such as adiponectin. Disruption of homeostasis leads to the onset of metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and other triggers for metabolic syndrome. Males and post-menopausal females are more likely to be affected with metabolic diseases than pre-menopausal females, suggesting that sex hormones might be involved in the pathogenesis and development of metabolic diseases. Indeed, 17β-estradiol, testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, and their receptors clearly play a role in adipose regulation: they can alter fat distribution and can modify the expression and activities of PPARγ and its downstream adipocytokines. Furthermore, sex hormones affect inflammatory factors such as nitric oxygen, nitric oxygen synthase, and their surrounding components. Sex hormones are also suggested to be involved with sex differences in the efficacy of the PPARγ agonist thiazolidinediones. Therefore, thorough investigation of how sex hormone-dependent regulation of metabolic homeostasis occurs is necessary in order to develop individualized clinical therapies optimized with regard to each patient’s biological condition and drug sensitivities.
Socio-demographic and dietary factors associated with obesity among female university students in Jordan
Authors: Musaiger Abdulrahman O. , Hammad Shatha S. , Tayyem Reema F. , Qatatsheh Ala A.
Published: November 2014

Objective: This study aimed to explore the socio-demographic and dietary factors that may be associated with obesity among female university students in Jordan.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out among 406 female students recruited from two universities in Jordan. Data were collected through self-reporting, using a previously validated questionnaire. Weight and height were measured and body mass index was calculated to determine the weight status of the participants.

Results: High educational level of mothers [odds ratio (OR)=1.25] and monthly pocket money of more than 200 Jordanian Dinars (OR=1.67) were found to be risk factors for obesity, whereas a sibling ranking of more than six was a protective factor (OR=0.31). Those who were eating from the university cafeteria had double the risk for obesity (OR=2.41) than those who did not. Regular eating of meals and snacking between meals were found to be protective factors (OR ranged from 0.42 to 0.79). Regular consumption of milk products, fruit, canned fruit juices, bakery products and legumes were found to be protective factors. In contrast, the regular consumption of potato chips (OR=1.35), chicken (OR=1.51), and fish (OR=1.45) were found to be risk factors for obesity. Using a chi-square test, none of the factors studied showed significant association with obesity.

Conclusion: A program to promote healthy eating among university students in Jordan should consider the local socio-demographic and food behavior factors that could be related to obesity to ensure the effectiveness of such a program.
Alginate liquid core capsule formation using the simple extrusion dripping method
Authors: Lee Boon-Beng , Ibrahim Rohaida , Chu Sue-Yin , Zulkifli Nurul Ainina , Ravindra Pogaku
Published: November 2014

Liquid core capsules have been widely used in various biotechnological applications. The capsules could be formed by the simple extrusion dripping method. However, the method requires strict control of several process variables in order to form spherical capsules. The aim of this study was to systematically investigate the influence of process variables of the method on the capsule size and shape. The results showed that the capsules diameter was decreased when the concentration of alginate solution was increased. The capsule diameter was increased when the gelation time and dripping tip diameter were increased. The membrane thickness of the capsules was significantly increased by the concentration of calcium chloride, gelation time and dripping tip diameter. However, the concentration of alginate gave the opposite trend on the membrane thickness of the capsules. As a recommendation, uniform and spherical alginate liquid core capsules could be formed when concentration of calcium chloride was >10 g/l, the concentration of alginate solution was >5 g/l and <20 g/l, gelation solution height in between 1.7 cm and 3.2 cm, and stirring rate of the gelation bath was in the range of 400–500 rpm.
Effect of Fuel Particle Size on the Stability of Swirl Stabilized Flame in a Gas Turbine Combustor
Authors: Mishra R. K. , Kishore Kumar S. , Chandel Sunil
Published: November 2014

Combustion stability is examined in a swirl stabilized aero gas turbine combustor using computational fluid dynamics. A 22.5° sector of an annular combustor is modeled for the study. Unstructured tetrahedral meshes comprising 1.2 × 10
Health-related quality of life after successful surgery for primary hyperparathyroidism: no additive effect from vitamin D supplementation: results of a double-blind randomized study
Authors: Åberg Viveca , Norenstedt Sophie , Zedenius Jan , Sääf Maria , Nordenström Jörgen , Pernow Ylva , Nilsson Inga-Lena
Published: November 2014

Objective

Vitamin D insufficiency is common in primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT). Patients with pHPT frequently have a reduced health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Our objectives were to evaluate whether HRQoL in pHPT is associated with vitamin D insufficiency and whether vitamin D supplementation after parathyroidectomy (PTX) could improve HRQoL.

Design

A randomized, double-blind study (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00982722).

Methods

The study included 150 pHPT patients randomized, 6 weeks after PTX, to daily treatment with either cholecalciferol 1600 IU and calcium carbonate 1000 mg (D+) or calcium carbonate alone (D−). HRQoL was estimated with SF-36 before and after PTX and after 12 months of study medication.

Results

Three-quarters (77%) of the pHPT patients had vitamin D insufficiency, defined as 25OHD <50 nmol/l. The pHPT patients scored lower than a reference population in all domains of SF-36. A total of 135 patients completed the entire study period. Improvements in nearly all domains were registered at the follow-up 6 weeks after PTX. At the end of the study medication period, the D+ group had a significantly higher median serum (s-) 25OHD concentration (76 (65; 93) (lower; upper interquartile ranges) vs 48 (40; 62) nmol/l, P<0.001) and a lower plasma (p-) parathyroid hormone concentration (40 (34; 52) vs 49 (38; 66) ng/l, P=0.01) than the D− group. The improvements in HRQoL remained unchanged at the follow-up 1 year after PTX. Postoperative vitamin D supplementation had no obvious effect on HRQoL.

Conclusion

PTX resulted in significant improvements in HRQoL. Despite a high prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency, 1 year of postoperative vitamin D supplementation had no obvious beneficial effect on HRQoL.
Plasma steroid profiling and response to trophins to illustrate intra-adrenal dynamics
Authors: McManus F , Fraser R , Davies E , Connell J M C , Freel E M
Published: November 2014

The importance of corticosteroids in cardiovascular and other chronic disease is recognised. In addition, plasma steroid precursor-to-product ratios are useful and convenient indirect indicators of efficiency of key steroidogenic enzymes (aldosterone synthase, 11β-hydroxylase and 17α-hydroxylase). The use of liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) has enabled measurement of numerous corticosteroid compounds simultaneously. However, normal responses to trophins and variation in salt intake are not well described. This study examined these parameters in a large group of healthy volunteers. Sixty normotensive volunteers were recruited and underwent infusion of angiotensin II (AngII) and ACTH, following low- and high-salt diet. Measurement of plasma steroids at baseline and 30 min after infusion of trophin was carried out by LC–MS. As expected, plasma mineralocorticoid levels increased in response to salt restriction and were suppressed with salt loading; ACTH infusion increased all corticosteroids, while AngII increased mineralocorticoids and suppressed glucocorticoid production. ACTH increased S:F but decreased DOC:B, thus the S:F ratio is a more appropriate index of 11β-hydroxylase efficiency. The B:F ratio increased following ACTH treatment and salt restriction. A larger proportion of plasma B than generally accepted may be derived from the zona glomerulosa and this ratio may be most informative of 17α-hydroxylase activity in salt-replete subjects. Although DOC:aldosterone, B:aldosterone and 18-hydroxyB:aldosterone should provide indices of aldosterone synthase efficiency, responses of individual compounds to trophins suggest that none of them accurately reflect this. Based on these data, aldosterone synthase activity is most accurately reflected by aldosterone concentration alone.
The Effect Occupational Exposure to Ionizing Radiation on the DNA Damage in Peripheral Blood Leukocytes of Nuclear Medicine Personnel
Authors: Dobrzyn´ska Małgorzata M. , Pachocki Krzysztof A. , Gajowik Aneta , Radzikowska Joanna , Sackiewicz Agata
Published: November 2014

The Effect Occupational Exposure to Ionizing Radiation on the DNA Damage in Peripheral Blood Leukocytes of Nuclear Medicine Personnel: Małgorzata M. DOBRZYŃSKA, et al. Department of Radiation Hygiene and Radiobiology, National Institute of Public Health – National Institute of Hygiene, Poland—

Objectives

The aim of this study was estimation of DNA strand breaks in leukocytes of peripheral blood of staff in a nuclear medicine department.

Methods

The exposed group consisted of 46 volunteers and the control group consisted of 40 volunteers. Samples consisting of 1 ml whole blood were collected by venepuncture. DNA damage in leukocytes was detected by alkaline comet assay.

Results

There was no correlation between the effective dose measured by individual dosimeters and DNA damage and no differences between sexes. The mean level of damage to DNA in people exposed to ionizing radiation was significantly elevated compared with control individuals. The highest value for mean comet tail moment was noted in leukocytes of PET/CT and scintigraphy technicians (1.28 vs. 0.30 for control, p=0.013). The levels of DNA damage in leukocytes of workers in category B (effective dose may exceed 1 mSv/year) were significantly enhanced. The DNA migration of leukocytes in exposed smokers and nonsmokers was similar. In the control group the damage to DNA of leukocytes in smokers was markedly but not significantly higher compared with nonsmokers.

Conclusions

Occupational exposure to ionizing radiation leads to enhanced levels of reversible DNA damage in leukocytes of nuclear medicine employees. The level of DNA damage depends on the kind of work. Cigarette smoking is related to the increase in DNA damage in unexposed individuals but not in nuclear medicine workers. Radiation seems to be a stronger inducer of DNA damage than smoking. Although most of the DNA damage detected by comet assay is repaired, further improvement of radiation safety should be taken under consideration.
Analisando a utilização da contabilidade nas empresas familiares de pequeno porte de Santa Catarina: um estudo múltiplo de casos
Authors: Borba José Alonso , Martendal Thaise , Murcia Fernando Dal-Ri
Published: November 2014

Acredita-se que a contabilidade é fundamental para o processo de gestão das entidades. Entretanto exist m indícios que a mesma não está sendo utilizada como base informacional para o processo decisório, principalmente nas empresas de pequeno porte. O objetivo desta pesquisa é evidenciar, através do perfil de quatro empresas familiares de pequeno porte do Estado de Santa Catarina, as informações que são utilizadas no processo de gestão e as necessidades informacionais dos gestores. Os resultados desta pesquisa evidenciam que as empresas analisadas possuem formas próprias de gerenciamento e isso se deve basicamente à experiência do administrador. A informação contábil não é utilizada para a tomada de decisão, sendo que seu uso limita-se a fins fiscais.