bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Concomitant Use of Montelukast and Efavirenz on Neuropsychiatric Adverse Events
Authors: Ibarra-Barrueta Olatz , Palacios-Zabalza Itziar , Mora-Atorrasagasti Oihana , Mayo-Suarez Jose
Published: January 2014

Objective: To report the case of an HIV patient who developed neuropsychiatric disturbances when montelukast was added to her therapy containing efavirenz. Case Summary: A 41-year-old woman with HIV infection had been on treatment with efavirenz, emtricitabine, and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate since 2007 with good tolerance. In November 2011, montelukast was started for asthma and shortly thereafter neuropsychiatric symptoms appeared, consisting of disturbed sleep, vivid dreams, irritability, confusion, and concentration difficulties. In January 2012, 2 months after the introduction of montelukast, she continued to report unbearable symptoms without any improvement; so, montelukast was withdrawn and the psychiatric symptoms completely disappeared. Discussion: The combination of efavirenz and montelukast has not previously been associated with any pharmacokinetic interactions or worsening of neuropsychiatric symptoms. This case report indicates the possibility of adverse effects developing when the 2 drugs are used together. These symptoms might either be related to a drug-drug interaction or increased by the similar side effect profiles of the 2 drugs. The higher score on the Karch-Lasagna scale suggests that an adverse effect is the more likely explanation. We cannot, however, rule out a drug interaction, given that efavirenz inhibits the CYP 2C9, 2C19, and 3A4 isoenzymes and CYP 3A4, 2C9, and 2C8 are involved in the metabolism of montelukast. Conclusions: Considering that efavirenz is frequently used in antiretroviral therapy and that neuropsychiatric symptoms can limit its use, clinicians should consider the possibility of worsening of these symptoms, such as mood disorders and abnormal dreams, when montelukast is introduced.
Immunosuppressive Aspects of Analgesics and Sedatives Used in Mechanically Ventilated Patients
Authors: Smith Michael A. , Hibino Maho , Falcione Bonnie A. , Eichinger Katherine M. , Patel Ravi , Empey Kerry M.
Published: January 2014

Objective: To evaluate the evidence describing the immunosuppressive and pharmacokinetic properties of commonly used analgesic and sedation agents in critically ill patients. Data Sources: MEDLINE (January 1980-September 2013) was searched. Study Selection and Data Extraction: All in vitro and in vivo studies that evaluated the immune-modulating properties of analgesic and sedation agents commonly used in the critically ill were included. Full-text and abstract-only articles (noted) were included in this review. Inclusion criteria were met by 46 studies and were evaluated. Data Synthesis: Analgesic and sedation agents have been shown to be immunosuppressive in a variety of models. In vitro models use a variety of immune cells to demonstrate the immunosuppressive properties of opioids, benzodiazepines, and to a lesser extent, propofol. In each case, animal studies provide more robust data supporting the concept that opioids, benzodiazepines, and propofol exhibit immunosuppressive activities ranging from innate to adaptive immune alterations. Human studies, though more limited, provide further support that these agents inhibit the immune response. In contrast, data have shown that dexmedetomidine may attenuate the immune system. Clinical trial data evaluating the immunosuppressive properties of these agents is limited. Conclusions: Analgesic and sedation agents have clearly been shown to alter cellular function and other mediators of the immune system; yet the clinical impact remains to be fully elucidated. The mechanism by which sedation interruption reduces ventilator-associated pneumonia may in fact be a reduction in immunosuppressive effects. Studies linking the immune-modulating effects of analgesic and sedation agents in critically ill patients are needed.
Medication Regimen Complexity and Hospital Readmission for an Adverse Drug Event
Authors: Willson Megan N. , Greer Christopher L. , Weeks Douglas L.
Published: January 2014

Background: Adverse drug events (ADEs) are costly, dangerous, and often preventable. Little is known about the link between medication regimen complexity and rehospitalization as a result of an ADE. Objective: The objective of this study was to compare admission and discharge medication regimen complexity in 2 cohorts: patients readmitted for an ADE within 30 days and patients not readmitted for an ADE. Methods: The study used a retrospective parallel-group case-control design. Participants from 4 urban acute care hospitals were included in the revisit cohort if they were rehospitalized within 30 days as a result of an adverse event coded as accidental poisoning. The no-revisit cohort was formed by randomly sampling patients with the same disease classification codes as the revisit group but without history of a readmission within 30 days. Complexity of medication regimens at the initial admission and discharge was quantified with the medication regimen complexity index (MRCI). Results: The revisit group comprised 92 individuals and the no-revisit group, 228. The revisit group had a significantly higher MRCI score at admission and discharge than the no-revisit group (all P < .005). Receiver operating characteristic curves, used to determine a potential MRCI cutoff score for risk of an ADE, revealed MRCI scores of 8 or greater to optimally predict increased risk for readmission caused by an ADE. Conclusions: Complex medication regimens at hospital admission are predictive of rehospitalizations for ADEs. This finding suggests that medication regimen complexity be considered as a target for interventions to decrease the risk for readmission.
Assessment of Adverse Events and Predictors of Neurological Recovery After Therapeutic Hypothermia
Authors: MacLaren Robert , Gallagher Jolie , Shin John , Varnado Sara , Nguyen Lam
Published: January 2014

Background: Therapeutic hypothermia improves neurological recovery after witnessed cardiac arrest from ventricular fibrillation or tachycardia. Its application is expanding despite associated adverse events. Objective: To assess the occurrence of adverse events and predictors of good versus poor neurological recovery after therapeutic hypothermia. Methods: A single-center, retrospective review of medical records of 91 patients who received therapeutic hypothermia for ≥6 hours. Adverse events included laboratory abnormalities, shivering, acute kidney injury, or infection. Cerebral performance categories (CPC) scores delineated good (CPC of 1-3) or poor (CPC of 4 or 5) neurological outcomes. Groups were compared and parameters evaluated for effect on neurological recovery using backward logistic regression analysis. Results: Therapeutic hypothermia was used for several indications, and 42 patients (46.2%) had good neurological recovery. Demographic parameters were similar between groups. Common adverse events were hypoglycemia (98.9%), shivering (84.6%), bradycardia (58.2%), electrolyte abnormalities (26.4%-91.2%), acute kidney injury (52.8%), infection (48.4%), and coagulopathy (40.7%). Characteristics independently associated with neurological recovery included faster return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), quicker initiation of cooling, and the occurrence of infections. Pulseless electrical activity, faster achievement of goal cooling temperature, seizure, and the administration of insulin or epinephrine were inversely related to neurological recovery. Conclusions: Adverse events of therapeutic hypothermia were numerous and frequent, necessitating monitoring. Neurological recovery is primarily driven by the type of arrest, the rapidity of ROSC, the time needed to provide and achieve therapeutic hypothermia, the development of seizures or infection, and the use of insulin or epinephrine.
Impact of Pharmacists’ Interventions and Simvastatin Dose Restrictions
Authors: Shoulders Bethany R. , Franks Andrea S. , Barlow Patrick B. , Williams Juli D. , Farland Michelle Z.
Published: January 2014

Background: On June 8, 2011, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported safety concerns regarding statin-related myopathies and advised further restrictions on simvastatin dosing. These restrictions reduced the maximum dose for specific patient characteristics, primarily certain concomitant medications. Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of 2 different pharmacist-conducted educational interventions on appropriate simvastatin use in the primary care setting. Methods: This retrospective cohort analysis was conducted in 2 academic medical center clinics. Patients prescribed simvastatin before June 8, 2011, requiring dosage adjustment based on labeling changes were evaluated for study inclusion. The pharmacists’ interventions included: 30-minute didactic session for prescribers or patient-specific recommendation communicated with the physician during the patient’s follow-up visit. Primary outcomes were the number of patients prescribed FDA-recommended simvastatin doses after pharmacist intervention and the intervention’s impact on low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Results: Medical record review identified 1173 patients prescribed simvastatin prior to June 8, 2011; 126 patients qualified for study inclusion. After controlling for baseline characteristics, the likelihood of patients being prescribed an appropriate dose postintervention increased if they were in the patient-specific recommendation group (odds ratio [OR] = 10.59; 95% CI = 3.43-32.69; P < .0001). LDL change occurred at a similar rate between intervention groups ( P = .652). Conclusion: Following FDA labeling changes for simvastatin, patient-specific recommendations made by pharmacists correlated with a greater likelihood of appropriate simvastatin dosing compared with a one-time didactic education session. Patient-specific recommendations positively affect prescribing habits and making steps to improve patient safety.
Adjustments to Diabetes Medications in Response to Increases in Hemoglobin A1c
Authors: Davis James , Chavez Benjamin , Juarez Deborah T.
Published: January 2014

Objective: The primary objective was to assess associations between increases in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels and medication adjustments among patients with diabetes. A secondary objective was to measure the effect of adjustments on subsequent HbA1c levels. Methods: A retrospective analysis of administrative data from a large health insurer in Hawaii of 7654 patients with diabetes mellitus type II, HbA1c levels greater than 7%, and who were taking oral diabetic medications. Patients were eligible if they had an HbA1c measurement in 2009, a prior measure 30 or more days previously, and at least 30 days of follow-up to identify medication adjustments. Patients were classified into 3 groups based on their extent of change in HbA1c levels. Patients were followed to determine the frequency of medication adjustments and to observe the possible benefit of making adjustments on subsequent HbA1c levels. Results: Medication adjustments were the exception, occurring among less than a fourth of patients. Compared with patients without HbA1c increases, patients with <1% HbA1c increases made adjustments 20% more frequently, and patients with increased HbA1c levels of 1% or more made adjustments 60% more frequently. Patients with similar HbA1c increases were more likely to adjust their medications if they had higher baseline HbA1c levels. Medication adjustments were mostly for oral diabetes medications; insulin use was seldom initiated, and then primarily by patients with HbA1c levels of 9% or higher. Patients with medication adjustments averaged about 0.40% lower HbA1c levels when reassessed after 120 days or more. Conclusion: The results show limited responsiveness to increases in HbA1c levels and a low initiation rate of insulin use. Patients adjusting their medications, however, had clinically significant improvements in their HbA1c levels. Clinical inertia and patient concerns are discussed as factors possibly limiting the frequency of medication adjustments.
Mapping applications on volatile resource
Authors: Casanova Henri , Dufossé Fanny , Robert Yves , Vivien Frédéric
Published: January 2014

In this paper, we study the execution of iterative applications on volatile processors such as those found on desktop grids. We envision two models, one where all tasks are assumed to be independent, and another where all tasks are tightly coupled and keep exchanging information throughout the iteration. These two models cover the two extreme points of the parallelization spectrum. We develop master–worker scheduling schemes that attempt to achieve good trade-offs between worker speed and worker availability. Any iteration entails the execution of a fixed number of independent tasks or of tightly coupled tasks. A key feature of our approach is that we consider a communication model where the bandwidth capacity of the master for sending application data to workers is limited. This limitation makes the scheduling problem more difficult both in a theoretical sense and in a practical sense. Furthermore, we consider that a processor can be in one of three states: available, down, or temporarily preempted by its owner. This preempted state also complicates the scheduling problem. In practical settings, for example desktop grids, master bandwidth is limited and processors are temporarily reclaimed. Consequently, addressing the aforementioned difficulties is necessary for successfully deploying master–worker applications on volatile platforms.

Our first contribution is to determine the complexity of the scheduling problems in their offline versions, that is, when processor availability behaviors are known in advance. Even with this knowledge, the problems are NP-hard. Our second contribution is an evaluation of the expectation of the time needed by a worker to complete a set of tasks. We obtain a close formula for independent tasks and an analytical approximation for tightly coupled tasks. Those evaluations rely on a Markovian assumption for the temporal availability of processors, and are at the heart of some heuristics that aim at favoring ‘reliable’ processors in a sensible manner. Our third contribution is a set of heuristics for both models, which we evaluate in simulation. Our results provide guidance in selecting the best strategy as a function of processor state availability vs average task duration.
Co-infection with Anaplasma platys, Bartonella henselae, Bartonella koehlerae and ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’ in a cat diagnosed with splenic plasmacytosis and multiple myeloma
Authors: Qurollo Barbara A , Balakrishnan Nandhakumar , Cannon Coralie Zegre , Maggi Ricardo G , Breitschwerdt Edward B
Published: January 2014

Anaplasma platys ( Apl), ‘ Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’ ( CMh), Bartonella henselae ( Bh) and Bartonella koehlerae ( Bk) were confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and DNA sequencing in a cat diagnosed with multiple myeloma. Other inconsistently documented hematologic abnormalities included anemia, thrombocytopenia, eosinophilia and hypoglycemia. Persistent Apl infection was confirmed for the first time in a North American cat by sequencing three bacterial genes ( 16S rRNA, p44 and GroEL) in peripheral blood samples collected 100 days apart. Following doxycycline treatment for Apl, multiple myeloma was diagnosed based upon a monoclonal gammopathy and splenic plasmacytosis, and the cat was treated with melphalan, chlorambucil and prednisolone. Apl DNA was not amplified from post-treatment blood samples and the hyperglobulinemia resolved temporarily following chemotherapy. Retrospective PCR analysis of stored DNA extracts identified CMh, Bk and Bh infections. Retrospective PCR for antigen receptor rearrangements (PARR) of splenic aspirates did not confirm B- or T-cell clonality. Co-infection with multiple vector-borne pathogens should be a diagnostic consideration in cats with chronic hypergammaglobulinemia, monoclonal gammopathy and splenic plasmacytosis.
The benefits of e-health support for older family caregivers in rural areas
Authors: Blusi Madeleine , Dalin Rolf , Jong Mats
Published: January 2014

Summary

We conducted a pragmatic, mixed methods study comparing rural family caregivers receiving e-health caregiver support (n = 35) with a control group (n = 21) receiving conventional, non-e-health, caregiver support. After 18 months, the benefits of support were evaluated using the Care Effectiveness Scale (40-items exploring the domains of preparedness, enrichment and predictability). In all domains the e-health group scored significantly higher than the control group. The adjusted difference for overall benefits was 3.0 ( P = 0.02) on the scale 0-10. In addition, semi structured interviews were conducted with a sub-sample of the caregivers. For the e-health group flexibility, availability and being able to individualise the support were essential factors. All caregivers in the control group found conventional support to be beneficial, but also stressed unmet needs related to the conventional support being standardised and non-flexible. The study suggests that providers of caregiver support should offer e-health support as an alternative to conventional caregiver support, as it can be more beneficial to family caregivers.
The quantitative–qualitative divide in criminology: A theory of ideas’ importance, attractiveness, and publication
Authors: Jacques Scott
Published: January 2014

Qualitative research is published in criminology journals at a frequency far smaller than that of quantitative research. The question is ‘Why?’ After reviewing existing theories of the discrepancy, this article draws on the paradigm of Blackian sociology, Jacques and colleagues’ theory of method, and Black’s theory of ideas to propose a new theory: compared to quantitative research-based ideas, qualitative ones are evaluated as less important—and therefore published less often in journals—because they place the subject closer in cultural distance to the source and audience, though for that same reason they are also evaluated as being more attractive. Implications for criminology are discussed.
Reglocalization and the rise of the network cities media system in producing telenovelas for hemispheric audiences
Authors: Piñón Juan
Published: January 2014

In the context of a new economy and the new international cultural division of labor, we must recognize emerging globalization processes, triggered by the rise of a network cities media system in telenovela production comprising by the axis of Miami, Bogota, Mexico. This system has created an economic-socio-cultural production template I term reglocalization within the Spanish-language television industry. Reglocalization is a process through which Latinidad is re-crafted for regional/global consumption, through notions of traveling narratives, multinational settings, and multicultural castings, and transnational co-production agreements in which local entities produce a hybrid version of the region that includes a commodified production of a hemispheric Latinidad for global consumption.
How a study lost its funding: Jean Martin and public knowledge of the refugee experience
Authors: Shaver Sheila
Published: January 2014

In 1975 the Whitlam Labor government invited Professor Jean Martin, then Australia’s leading sociologist of migration, to conduct a five-year study of the settlement experience of the first refugees from Vietnam. She had barely begun the study when the incoming Fraser government terminated its funding. Drawing on internal government documents, this article tells the inside story of that decision. The fate of the project became intertwined with the dismissal of the Whitlam government, but the links were indirect. Archival sources show state actors raising concerns about academic autonomy, the utility of academic research for public policy, and independence of academic publication. The social science of the period saw research as a public good, generating knowledge at once for its own sake and for application in public life. The withdrawal of Martin’s funding marks the end of an era when Australian social scientists could see research collaboration with government as unproblematic.
How is ethnicity experienced? Essentialist and constructivist notions of ethnicity in Rwanda and Burundi
Authors: Schraml Carla
Published: January 2014

This article argues that the mainstream (constructivist) theorizing about ethnicity should be expanded in order to take essentialist aspects that are present in the notions of “potential ethnics” into account. By focusing on the notions of “potential ethnics”, that is, in this case Rwandans and Burundians, one avoids the oversimplification that still persists in the debate about essentialist and constructivist approaches to ethnicity. Qualitative interviews conducted between September 2007 and May 2008 show that Rwandans and Burundians do not conceive of ethnic categories as either constructivist or essentialist, but that constructivist and essentialist notions exist next to each other and are strongly intertwined in the different lines of reasoning. These findings support arguments criticizing the dominant constructivist theories (about being Hutu and Tutsi) as being unable to capture the complexity of ethnic realities.
The impact of panethnicity on Asian American and Latino political participation
Authors: Min Tae Eun
Published: January 2014

Asian Americans and Latinos living in the United States often emphasize solidarity at the panethnic level, insisting on their common goals. However, expressing panethnic solidarity is one thing, whereas conducting political actions out of psychological states is another. This study examines how panethnicity affects Asian American and Latino political participation. My analyses find that panethnicity, as one component of multidimensional group consciousness, significantly influences Asian American and Latino voting and nonvoting activities. However, how panethnicity affects political participation varies, depending on panethnic groups and their modes of political participation. Specifically, my evidence indicates that panethnicity significantly bolsters both Asian American and Latino nonvoting participation. In contrast, panethnicity significantly dampens Asian American voting participation but has no impact on Latino voting participation.
Implementation of advanced practice nurse clinic for management of behavioral symptoms in dementia: A dyadic intervention (innovative practice)
Authors: Barton Cynthia , Merrilees Jennifer , Ketelle Robin , Wilkins Sarah , Miller Bruce
Published: January 2014

Behavioral symptoms are common in all types of dementia and often result in significant caregiver stress and illness, institutionalization of the patient, and reduced quality of life for the patient and caregiver. Health care practitioners often lack the expertise or time to adequately assess behavioral symptoms or counsel caregivers about interventions. Our goal was to implement a specialty clinic managed by advanced practice nurses to assess and manage behavioral symptoms associated with dementia. The clinic evaluations consisted of an assessment of the patient by the Nurse Practitioner during the time that the family caregiver(s) was interviewed by the Clinical Nurse Specialist and focused on an assessment of the cognitive and functional abilities of the patient, identification of triggers for the problematic behaviors, and assessment of caregiver coping. We evaluated 66 dyads since implementation in February 2010. The patients were primarily female, Caucasian, 74.3 years of age with Alzheimer’s disease. The majority of caregivers were spouses ( n = 44) followed by adult children ( n = 20) and then siblings ( n = 2). Targeted interventions were developed and caregiver counseling, support, and education were an integral part of the consultation and included written information, video instruction, and internet resources. Evaluations indicated caregivers and referring providers found the appointment helpful in managing behavioral symptoms and caregiver stress.
The effect of metallisation, porosity and thickness on the thermal resistance of two-layer fabric assemblies
Authors: Morrissey Matthew P , Rossi René M
Published: January 2014

In this study, we evaluated the thermal resistance of various combinations of commercially available, metallised and conventional, mid- and shell-layer materials, and additionally investigated the effect of plasma metallisation of the non-metallised materials. The evaporative resistance of the shell layers was measured, and did not increase due to plasma metallisation. Metallised mid- and shell-layers increased the thermal resistance of fabric assemblies, and this increase was greatest when the thickness and optical porosity of the mid-layer were suitably high.
Fear of Falling in Claudicants and Its Relationship to Physical Ability, Balance, and Quality of Life
Authors: Lane Risha A. , Mazari Fayyaz , Mockford Katherine A. , Vanicek Natalie , Chetter Ian C. , Coughlin Patrick A.
Published: January 2014

Objectives:

Intermittent claudication is associated with poor physical function, quality of life (QoL), and balance impairment. Fear of falling (FoF) is a recognized contributing factor to poor physical ability. Any link between claudication and FoF is yet to be determined. This study aimed to explore the prevalence of FoF in claudicants and its relationship with physical function and QoL.

Methods:

A prospective observational study was performed. Fear of falling was determined using the Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) questionnaire and the categorical question “Are you afraid of falling?” Physical ability and QoL (Short Form 36 and Vascular QoL) were determined.

Results:

A total of 161 claudicants (118 men, median age of 69 years) were assessed; 83 answered the categorical question “Are you afraid of falling?” By receiver–operating characteristic curve analysis, an ABC threshold <74% denoted a FoF, which was associated with poorer physical function and QoL.

Conclusion:

Fear of falling is associated with poor physical, social, and psychological function, addressing this may improve all aspects of health.
Physical Fitness Evaluation
Authors: Kokkinos Peter
Published: January 2014

Physical fitness is simply defined as the capacity to perform physical work. Energy is necessary to perform work and sustain life and is extracted aerobically and anaerobically. Evaluation of aerobic fitness is based on the assessment of maximal oxygen consumption (Vo2 max), either directly or indirectly. Direct assessment of Vo2 max is usually determined by a graded exercise test using open circuit spirometry. Indirect assessments of Vo2 max use standardized exercise protocols. Such protocols can also be used to estimate Vo2 max with the subject exercising at submaximal heart rate levels. These estimates are based on the linear relationship between exercise heart rate and O2 consumption. Walking and step tests that allow an estimate of fitness based on exercise and recovery heart rate responses are also available. Evaluation of anaerobic power consists of 30 to 120 seconds of high-intensity effort on a cycle ergometer, known as the Wingate test. Muscular strength is assessed by a maximum effort against the greatest resistance one can move through the full range of motion once, known as the 1-repetition maximum. Muscular endurance is assessed by tests requiring more than 12 repetitions, or the maximum number of push-ups or sit-ups one can execute without rest.
Challenging mainstream media, documenting real life and sharing with the community: An analysis of the motivations for producing citizen journalism in a post-disaster city
Authors: Farinosi Manuela , Treré Emiliano
Published: January 2014

The aim of this article is to explore the motivations that drove many ordinary people to produce citizen journalism after the earthquake that destroyed the Italian city of L’Aquila in 2009. Using in-depth interviews, we investigate the motivations and the obstacles underlying the publication of grassroots information related to the post-earthquake situation. Findings highlight that people were largely motivated to upload their content online: (1) to contrast the quake-related news provided by Italian mainstream media with their own perceptions; (2) to document their lives and the ‘real situation’ of the city; and (3) to share their points of view with other citizens trying to re-establish online the ties broken offline because of the catastrophe. Analysis shows that these non-professional journalists also had to face a series of obstacles, such as risks of fragmentation and lack of professionalism, funding and visibility.
Fructose‐induced symptoms beyond malabsorption in FGID
Authors: Biesiekierski Jessica R
Published: January 2014

The dietary carbohydrate fructose can be incompletely absorbed in the small intestine and is sometimes associated with gastrointestinal symptoms that include motility disturbances and abdominal pain. Fructose malabsorption has been well documented in variable but similar proportions of healthy and populations with functional gastrointestinal disorders. Recent work into the expression of the main intestinal fructose transporter proteins highlight that our understanding of the mechanistic basis for fructose malabsorption and how it differentiates in gastrointestinal patients is incomplete. Until we have further mechanistic insight, restricting dietary fructose intake and other poorly absorbed short‐chain carbohydrates and polyols remains an efficacious approach for managing functional gastrointestinal symptoms.
The Hanseatic Cultural Signature: Exploring Globalization on the Micro-Scale in Late Medieval Northern Europe
Authors: Gaimster David
Published: January 2014

The Hansa formed the principal agent of trade and cultural exchange in northern Europe and the Baltic during the late medieval to early modern periods. Hanseatic urban settlements in northern Europe shared many things in common. Their cultural ‘signature’ was articulated physically through a shared vocabulary of built heritage and domestic goods, from step-gabled brick architecture to clothing, diet, and domestic utensils. The redevelopment of towns on the Baltic littoral over the past 20+ years offers an archaeological opportunity to investigate key attributes of late medieval society on the micro-scale. Such attributes include the development of mercantile capitalism, colonialism, and proto-globalization. For instance, distributions of artefacts now point to the Hansa as an agent of the Reformation movement in northern and western Europe. Where they were once almost exclusively regarded as material evidence for long-distance commercial activity, domestic artefacts, such as table and heating ceramics, are now subject to scrutiny as media for social, cultural, ethnic, and confessional relationships, and combine to create a distinctive Hanseatic material signature. Ceramic case studies illustrate how the archaeology of the Hansa now intersects with the wider historical debate about Europeanisation and proto-globalization arising from the development of long-distance maritime trade from the thirteenth century onwards.
‘A Fund of entertaining and useful Information’: Coffee Houses, Early Public Libraries, and the Print Trade in Eighteenth-Century Dublin
Authors: Abbas Hyder
Published: January 2014

In eighteenth-century Dublin, coffee houses were early public information centres while circulating and subscription libraries acted as early public libraries. These institutions offered services — facilitated by their close relationship with the print trade — that preceded today’s public library provision. This paper examines the functions and procedures of Dublin’s early public libraries and their interconnectivity with the print trade. While Marsh’s Library stands out as a public library during this time, other institutions provided a rudimentary public library service in the eighteenth century.
The Makiling Echo: The Multiple Functions of a Staff Magazine in the American Tropical Empire of the Twentieth Century
Authors: Luyt Brendan
Published: January 2014

In an essay outlining the world of staff magazines in the early twentieth-century United Kingdom, Alastair Black argues for their usefulness in shedding light on a whole range of historical topics. Ironically, he also notes that they are very much understudied. In this article I take up Black’s call to study staff magazines, but in a context radically different; namely, the Philippines during the period of American colonization and focusing on just one example, the Makiling Echo, the staff magazine for the Bureau of Forestry between the years 1921 and 1937. My aim is to uncover the forces or concerns that established the conditions of existence of the Echo, as well as the particular functions it was called on to perform. The first of these functions was to act as a medium of communication between staff members widely scattered in the field while the second was to provide a publication outlet for the small scientific research community interested in forestry matters in the Philippines at the time.
Immune evasion by oncogenic proteins of acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Elias Shlomo , Yamin Rachel , Golomb Lior , Tsukerman Pinchas , Stanietsky-Kaynan Noah , Ben-Yehuda Dina , Mandelboim Ofer
Published: January 2014

Key Points

PML-RARA and AML1-ETO evade NK cell recognition by specifically downregulating the expression of CD48. The findings are relevant to AML patients bearing these specific translocations.
High-throughput strategies for penicillin G acylase production in rE. colifed-batch cultivations
Authors: Vélez Ana Maria , da Silva Adilson José , Luperni Horta Antonio Carlos , Sargo Cintia Regina , Campani Gilson , Gonçalves Silva Gabriel , de Lima Camargo Giordano Raquel , Zangirolami Teresa Cristina
Published: January 2014

Background

Penicillin G acylase (PGA) is used industrially to catalyze the hydrolysis of penicillin G to obtain 6-aminopenicillanic acid. In Escherichia coli, the most-studied microorganism for PGA production, this enzyme accumulates in the periplasmic cell space, and temperature plays an important role in the correct synthesis of its subunits.

Results

This work investigates the influence of medium composition, cultivation strategy, and temperature on PGA production by recombinant E. coli cells. Shake flask cultures carried out using induction temperatures ranging from 18 to 28°C revealed that the specific enzyme activity achieved at 20°C (3000 IU gDCW-1) was 6-fold higher than the value obtained at 28°C. Auto-induction and high cell density fed-batch bioreactor cultures were performed using the selected induction temperature, with both defined and complex media, and IPTG and lactose as inducers. Final biomass concentrations of 100 and 120 gDCW L-1, and maximum enzyme productivities of 7800 and 5556 IU L-1 h-1, were achieved for high cell density cultures using complex and defined media, respectively.

Conclusions

To the best of our knowledge, the volumetric enzyme activity and productivity values achieved using the complex medium are the highest ever reported for PGA production using E. coli. Overall PGA recovery yields of 64 and 72% after purification were achieved for crude extracts obtained from cells cultivated in defined and complex media, respectively. The complex medium was the most cost-effective for PGA production, and could be used in both high cell density and straightforward auto-induction protocols.
Soyo-san reduces depressive-like behavior and proinflammatory cytokines in ovariectomized female rats
Authors: Park Hyun-Jung , Shim Hyun-Soo , Chung Sun Yong , Lee Tae Hee , Shim Insop
Published: January 2014

Background

Soyo-san is a traditional oriental medicinal formula, a mixture of 9 crude drugs, and it has been clinically used for treating mild depressive disorders. The role of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in psychiatric disorders has been the focus of great research attention in recent years. In the present study, we detected the antidepressant effect of soyo-san in the ovariectomized and repeated stressed female rats.

Methods

This study was designed to evaluate the antidepressant-like effect of soyo-san on the forced swimming test (FST). The rats were randomly divided into the following groups: the nonoperated and nonstressed group (non-op), the nonoperated and stressed group (non-op + ST), the ovariectomized and stress group (OVX) and sham operated and stressed group (sham), the ovariectomized and stressed group (OVX + ST), the ovariectomized, stressed and soyo-san 100 mg/kg treated group (SOY100) and the ovariectomized, stressed and soyo-san 400 mg/kg treated group (SOY400). The rats were exposed to immobilization stress (IMO) for 14day (2 h/14day), and soyo-san (100 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg) was administrated during the same time. In the same animals, the levels of corticosterone and interleukin-1-beta (IL-1β) were examined in the serum. Also, the change of IL-1β expression in brain regions was examined after behavior test.

Results

In the FST, the lower dose (100 mg/kg) of extract was effective in reducing immobility, along with an increase in swimming time. The serum levels of corticosterone and IL-1β in the SOY groups were significantly lower than those in the control group. In the brain, the expression of IL-1β positive neurons in the control group were significantly increased in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and hippocampus compared to the non-op. However, soyo-san groups significantly reduced the IL-1β-ir neurons in the PVN and hippocampal regions compared to the control.

Conclusion

The present results demonstrated that soyo-san effectively reduced behavioral and patho-physiological depression-like responses. Trial registration: Our results suggest that soyo-san may be useful for immune regulator in repeated stress-induced ovariectomized female rats.
Anti-osteoclastogenic activity of matairesinol via suppression of p38/ERK-NFATc1 signaling axis
Authors: Choi Sik-Won , Park Kie-In , Yeon Jeong-Tae , Ryu Byung Jun , Kim Kwang-Jin , Kim Seong Hwan
Published: January 2014

Background

Matairesinol is a plant lignan present in a wide variety of foodstuffs such as seeds, vegetables and fruits. It has various biological functions including anti-angiogenic, anti-cancer and anti-fungal activities, but its anti-osteoporotic activity, if any, is unknown.

Methods

For osteoclast differentiation, primary mouse bone marrow-derived macrophage cells (BMMs) were cultured for 4 days in the presence of RANKL and M-CSF with the vehicle (DMSO) or matairesinol. Cell cytotoxicity was examined by CCK-8 assay. Gene expression of NFATc1, TRAP, OSCAR, v-ATPasev0d2 were observed in the presence or absence of matairesinol (10 μM) for the indicated times. For evaluating the involvement of NFATc1 in the anti-osteoclastogenic action of matairesinol, BMMs were infected with pMX-IRES-GFP or pMX-IRES-CA-NFATc1-GFP for 8 h with polybrene, and then infected BMMs were cultured with M-CSF and RANKL for 4 days in the presence or absence of matairesinol (10 μM). MAPK signaling activation was examined by immunoblotting. For measuring the resorptive activity of mature osteoclasts, osteoclasts and osteoblasts were co-cultured on BioCoat Osteologic MultiTest slides, and treated with matairesinol for 24 h.

Result

Here we show that matairesinol dose-dependently inhibited the RANKL-induced differentiation of BMMs into osteoclasts by downregulating RANKL-induced expression and activity of NFATc1. Ectopic overexpression of NFATc1 blunted the anti-osteoclastogenic effect of matairesinol implicating NFATc1 in the action of matairesinol. Additionally, matairesinol blocked the RANKL-induced activation of p38 and ERK in BMMs, but had no effect on bone resorption activity in mature osteoclasts.

Conclusion

Taken together, our results suggest that the anti-osteoporotic activity of matairesinol could arise from its anti-osteoclastogenic potential via p38/ERK-NFATc1 signaling, but not by way of anti-resorptive action.
Biotechnological production of carotenoids by yeasts: an overview
Authors: Mata-Gómez Luis Carlos , Montañez Julio César , Méndez-Zavala Alejandro , Aguilar Cristóbal Noé
Published: January 2014

Nowadays, carotenoids are valuable molecules in different industries such as chemical, pharmaceutical, poultry, food and cosmetics. These pigments not only can act as vitamin A precursors, but also they have coloring and antioxidant properties, which have attracted the attention of the industries and researchers. The carotenoid production through chemical synthesis or extraction from plants is limited by low yields that results in high production costs. This leads to research of microbial production of carotenoids, as an alternative that has shown better yields than other aforementioned. In addition, the microbial production of carotenoids could be a better option about costs, looking for alternatives like the use of low-cost substrates as agro-industrials wastes. Yeasts have demonstrated to be carotenoid producer showing an important growing capacity in several agro-industrial wastes producing high levels of carotenoids. Agro-industrial wastes provide carbon and nitrogen source necessary, and others elements to carry out the microbial metabolism diminishing the production costs and avoiding pollution from these agro-industrial wastes to the environmental. Herein, we discuss the general and applied concepts regarding yeasts carotenoid production and the factors influencing carotenogenesis using agro-industrial wastes as low-cost substrates.
Kinome and mRNA expression profiling of high-grade osteosarcoma cell lines implies Akt signaling as possible target for therapy
Authors: Kuijjer Marieke L , van den Akker Brendy EWM , Hilhorst Riet , Mommersteeg Monique , Buddingh Emilie P , Serra Massimo , Bürger Horst , Hogendoorn Pancras CW , Cleton-Jansen Anne-Marie
Published: January 2014

Background

High-grade osteosarcoma is a primary malignant bone tumor mostly occurring in adolescents and young adults, with a second peak at middle age. Overall survival is approximately 60%, and has not significantly increased since the introduction of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in the 1970s. The genomic profile of high-grade osteosarcoma is complex and heterogeneous. Integration of different types of genome-wide data may be advantageous in extracting relevant information from the large number of aberrations detected in this tumor.

Methods

We analyzed genome-wide gene expression data of osteosarcoma cell lines and integrated these data with a kinome screen. Data were analyzed in statistical language R, usingLIMMAfor detection of differential expression/phosphorylation. We subsequently used Ingenuity Pathways Analysis to determine deregulated pathways in both data types.

Results

Gene set enrichment indicated that pathways important in genomic stability are highly deregulated in these tumors, with many genes showing upregulation, which could be used as a prognostic marker, and with kinases phosphorylating peptides in these pathways. Akt and AMPK signaling were identified as active and inactive, respectively. As these pathways have an opposite role on mTORC1 signaling, we set out to inhibit Akt kinases with the allosteric Akt inhibitor MK-2206. This resulted in inhibition of proliferation of osteosarcoma cell lines U-2 OS and HOS, but not of 143B, which harbors aKRASoncogenic transformation.

Conclusions

We identified both overexpression and hyperphosphorylation in pathways playing a role in genomic stability. Kinome profiling identified active Akt signaling, which could inhibit proliferation in 2/3 osteosarcoma cell lines. Inhibition of PI3K/Akt/mTORC1 signaling may be effective in osteosarcoma, but further studies are required to determine whether this pathway is active in a substantial subgroup of this heterogeneous tumor.
Intra-articular hyaluronic acid injection versus oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis: a multi-center, randomized, open-label, non-inferiority trial
Authors: Ishijima Muneaki , Nakamura Toshitaka , Shimizu Katsuji , Hayashi Kunihiko , Kikuchi Hiraku , Soen Satoshi , Omori Go , Yamashita Toshihiko , Uchio Yuji , Chiba Junji , Ideno Yuki , Kubota Mitsuaki , Kurosawa Hisashi , Kaneko Kazuo ,   for the Research Group of Cartilage Metabolism
Published: January 2014

Introduction

While many of the commonly used conservative treatments for knee osteoarthritis (OA) have been recognized to be effective, there is still insufficient evidence available. Among the pharmacological treatments for knee OA, oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) act rapidly and are recommended for the management of OA. However, frequent and serious adverse effects of NSAIDs have been recognized. Intra-articular injections of hyaluronic acid (IA-HA) for the treatment of knee OA have been shown to reduce pain and improve joint function. However, there has been no qualified direct comparison study of the efficacy and safety between IA-HA and NSAIDs for patients with knee OA. The aim of this study was to clarify the efficacy and safety of early-phase IA-HA in comparison to those of NSAIDs for patients with knee OA.

Methods

This multicenter, randomized, open-label, parallel-group, non-inferiority comparison study with an oral NSAID involved a total of 200 patients with knee OA. An independent, computer-generated randomization sequence was used to randomly assign patients in a 1:1 ratio to NSAIDs three times per day for five weeks (n = 100) or IA-HA once a week for five weeks (n = 100). The primary endpoint was the percentage change in the patient-oriented outcome measure for knee OA, the Japanese Knee Osteoarthritis Measure (JKOM) score. All patients were questioned regarding any adverse events during treatment. The full analysis set (FAS) was used for analysis. The margin of non-inferiority was 10%.

Results

The analyses of primary endpoint included 98 patients in the IA-HA group and 86 patients in the NSAID group. The difference in the percentage changes of the JKOM score between the two intervention arms (IA-HA; -34.7% (P<0.001), NSAID; -32.2% (P<0.001)) was -2.5% (95% confidence interval (CI): -14.0 to 9.1), indicating IA-HA was not inferior to NSAID. The frequency of both withdrawal and adverse events in the IA-HA group were significantly lower than those in the NSAID group (P = 0.026 and 0.004, respectively).

Conclusions

The early efficacy of IA-HA is suggested to be not inferior to that of NSAIDs, and that the safety of the early phase of IA-HA is superior to that of NSAIDs for patients with knee OA.

Trial registration

UMIN Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN- CTR), UMIN000001026.