bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bariatric surgery in adolescents: what do we know so far?
Authors: Beamish A. J. , Johansson S. E. , Olbers T.
Published: November 2014

Introduction:

Obesity represents a vast and rapidly increasing global burden. Bariatric surgery is the only intervention achieving sustained weight loss, among its wide-ranging benefits.

Methods:

In this article, we describe the growing challenges presented by adolescents with severe obesity and review the literature on surgical and other treatment options.

Results:

Outcomes in terms of weight loss, metabolic and quality of life improvement, reversal of obstructive sleep apnea, insulin resistance, type II diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and dyslipidemia appear comparable to those seen in adults. However, long-term data on safety and sustainability are lacking. There is a growing acceptance of the need for surgery as a treatment for the morbidly obese adolescent population, and the number of studies reporting outcomes after adolescent bariatric surgery is increasing.

Conclusion:

Accumulating evidence suggests that the benefits seen in adult bariatric surgery can be reproduced in adolescents. Thus, adolescent bariatric surgery appears to be safe and effective in achieving benefits desired in terms of weight control and improvements in metabolic health and quality of life. However, particular care must be taken when treating a young population, and long-term outcomes are awaited to properly define indications and limitations.
A qualitative method for analysing multivoicedness
Authors: Aveling Emma-Louise , Gillespie Alex , Cornish Flora
Published: November 2014

‘Multivoicedness’ and the ‘multivoiced Self’ have become important theoretical concepts guiding research. Drawing on the tradition of dialogism, the Self is conceptualised as being constituted by a multiplicity of dynamic, interacting voices. Despite the growth in literature and empirical research, there remains a paucity of established methodological tools for analysing the multivoiced Self using qualitative data. In this article, we set out a systematic, practical ‘how-to’ guide for analysing multivoicedness. Using theoretically derived tools, our three-step method comprises: identifying the voices of I-positions within the Self’s talk (or text), identifying the voices of ‘inner-Others’, and examining the dialogue and relationships between the different voices. We elaborate each step and illustrate our method using examples from a published paper in which data were analysed using this method. We conclude by offering more general principles for the use of the method and discussing potential applications.
Social work and the construction of poverty in Palestine in the 1930s
Authors: Ajzenstadt Mimi , Gal John
Published: November 2014

This article traces the construction of poverty in case reports produced by social workers, who investigated the needs of nearly 500 clients of soup kitchens in Palestine during the 1930s. Ideas expressed in the reports reflected both the tenets of Zionist ideology and dominant social work thinking in the Weimar Republic, where most of the social workers were trained. The reports offer rich evidence of the ways in which notions about the poor, poverty and the role of social workers were historically and culturally constructed and designed.
Learning to overcome epistemological challenges: A case of a cross-cultural action research exchange program between the United States and Japan
Authors: Inoue Noriyuki
Published: November 2014

Cross-cultural experiences can offer unique opportunities to examine our assumptions that underlie our worldviews. This paper discusses a cross-cultural action research program in which US and Japanese university students mutually presented and discussed their action research projects in Tokyo. Planning and organizing the program involved a series of dialogues with the Japanese partner that had led to mutual agreement to frame the cross-cultural exchange as ba, a Japanese cultural concept that implies intersubjective and open communicative arena to co-develop a new understanding. This paper discusses what the US students and faculty group experienced and learned in the cross-cultural program. Through the program, the students encountered different styles of communicating meanings and epistemology and made sense of new ways of viewing the world. During the program, the US faculty group experienced an unanticipated disconnect with the Japanese partner about restructuring the discussion format to elicit more participations of the Japanese students, but it was eventually overcome though a series of reflective dialogues regarding the nature of silece and voicing one’s opinions. This paper discusses how encountering different modes of communications and social dynamics in cross-cultural dialogues can help us become aware of various assumptions that underlie our action research endeavers.
Predicting Improvement After a Bystander Program for the Prevention of Sexual and Dating Violence
Authors: Hines Denise A. , Palm Reed Kathleen M.
Published: November 2014

Although evidence suggests that bystander prevention programs are promising interventions for decreasing sexual violence and dating violence on college campuses, there have been no studies to date evaluating moderators of bystander program effectiveness. The current study evaluates whether different demographic characteristics, attitudes, knowledge, and behaviors at pretest predict change over a 6-month follow-up for students who participated in a bystander prevention program. Participants in the three assessments (pretest, posttest, 6-month follow-up) included 296 college students who were mandated to attend a bystander program during their first year orientation. Analyses showed that with few exceptions, the bystander program worked best for students who were most at risk given their pretest demographics and levels of attitudes condoning dating violence and sexual violence, bystander efficacy, and bystander behaviors. Results are discussed in terms of suggestions for future research.
Producing Neoliberal Subjectivities
Authors: Gonick Marnina
Published: November 2014

This article takes up the question of literacy and its relationships to gender, race, class sexuality, and neoliberal ideologies. It traces the various feminist critiques of the relation between gender and literacy. It uses the memory stories of learning to write written by young American women, in the context of a collective biography exercise done in a women’s studies university classroom. I analyze the stories for what they reveal about neoliberal subjectivity (and resistance to it), such as self-regulation, competitive self-making, and the affective responses to both the constraints and possibilities of what it means to encounter and work with literacy as a form of self-making.
The Hypothalamus in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Baloyannis Stavros J. , Mavroudis Ioannis , Mitilineos Demetrios , Baloyannis Ioannis S. , Costa Vassiliki G.
Published: November 2014

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, characterized by irreversible decline of mental faculties, emotional and behavioral changes, loss of motor skills, and dysfunction of autonomic nervous system and disruption of circadian rhythms (CRs). We attempted to describe the morphological findings of the hypothalamus in early cases of AD, focusing our study mostly on the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), the supraoptic nucleus (SON), and the paraventricular nucleus (PVN). Samples were processed for electron microscopy and silver impregnation techniques. The hypothalamic nuclei demonstrated a substantial decrease in the neuronal population, which was particularly prominent in the SCN. Marked abbreviation of dendritic arborization, in association with spinal pathology, was also seen. The SON and PVN demonstrated a substantial number of dystrophic axons and abnormal spines. Alzheimer’s pathology, such as deposits of amyloid-β peptide and neurofibrillary degeneration, was minimal. Electron microscopy revealed mitochondrial alterations in the cell body and the dendritic branches. The morphological alterations of the hypothalamic nuclei in early cases of AD may be related to the gradual alteration of CRs and the instability of autonomic regulation.
Exploring the Service and Support Needs of Families With Early-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Gibson Allison K. , Anderson Keith A. , Acocks Sara
Published: November 2014

Although often cast as a disease of later life, a growing number of people are being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in their 50s and 60s. Early-onset Alzheimer’s disease (EOAD) poses special challenges and needs for individuals and their caregivers, such as employment and access to services. In this cross-sectional study, the researchers surveyed 81 (N = 81) family caregivers to individuals with EOAD to identify service and support usage and need. Descriptive analyses revealed that families utilized a range of formal services (eg, adult day) and informal support from family and friends. In terms of challenges and needs, participants indicated that they struggled most with employment, benefits, and financial issues. Although most caregivers felt that they were coping well, they also indicated that their needs were not well understood by service providers and the public. These findings highlight the need to better understand and respond to the specific issues surrounding EOAD.
Physical and Mental Workload in Single-Incision Laparoscopic Surgery and Conventional Laparoscopy
Authors: Koca Dilek , Yıldız Sedat , Soyupek Feray , Günyeli İlker , Erdemoglu Ebru , Soyupek Sedat , Erdemoglu Evrim
Published: November 2014

Objectives. The aim of the present study is to evaluate mental workload and fatigue in fingers, hand, arm, shoulder in single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) and multiport laparoscopy. Methods. Volunteers performed chosen tasks by standard laparoscopy and SILS. Time to complete tasks and finger and hand strength were evaluated. Lateral, tripod, and pulp pinch strengths were measured. Hand dexterity was determined by pegboard. Electromyography recordings were taken from biceps and deltoid muscles of both extremities. The main outcome measurement was median frequency (MF) slope. NASA-TLX was used for mental workload. Results. Time to complete laparoscopic tasks were longer in the SILS group ( P < .05). Decrease of strength in fingers and hand were similar in SILS and standard laparoscopy. Pegboard time was increased in both hands after SILS ( P < .05). MF slope of biceps muscle and deltoid muscle in SILS was far away from the reference slope. MF slope of biceps muscle and deltoid muscle in standard laparoscopy was close to reference slope, indicating there was more fatigue in biceps and deltoid muscles of both upper extremities in SILS group. NASA-TLX score was 73 ± 13.3 and 42 ± 19.5 in SILS and multiport laparoscopy, respectively ( P < .01). Mental demand, physical demand, temporal demand, performance, effort, and frustration were, respectively, scored 10.7 ± 3.8, 11.7 ± 3.5, 12.2 ± 2.7, 11 ± 3, 13.6 ± 2.7, and 13.5 ± 2.8 in SILS and 6.3 ± 3.1, 6.6 ± 3.3, 7.3 ± 3.3, 7.1 ± 4.1, 7.9 ± 3.9, and 6.6 ± 3.8 in standard laparoscopy ( P < .01). Conclusions. SILS is mentally and physically demanding, particularly on arms and shoulders. Fatigue of big muscles, effort, and frustration were major challenges of SILS. Ergonomic intervention of instruments are needed to decrease mental and physical workload.
Family Planning and Preconception Health Among Men in Their Mid-30s
Authors: Casey Frances E. , Sonenstein Freya L. , Astone Nan M. , Pleck Joseph H. , Dariotis Jacinda K. , Marcell Arik V.
Published: November 2014

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Healthy People 2020 call for improvements in meeting men’s reproductive health needs but little is known about the proportion of men in need. This study describes men aged 35 to 39 in need of family planning and preconception care, demographic correlates of these needs, and contraception use among men in need of family planning. Using data from Wave 4 (2008-2010) of the National Survey of Adolescent Males, men were classified in need of family planning and preconception care if they reported sex with a female in the last year and believed that they and their partner were fecund; the former included men who were neither intentionally pregnant nor intending future children and the latter included men intending future children. Men were classified as being in need of both if they reported multiple sex partners in the past year. About 40% of men aged 35 to 39 were in need of family planning and about 33% in need of preconception care with 12% in need of both. Current partner’s age, current union type, and sexually transmitted infection health risk differentiated men in need of family planning and preconception care (all ps < .01) and participants’ race/ethnicity further differentiated men in need of preconception care ( p < .01). More than half of men in need of family planning reported none of the time current partner hormonal use (55%) or condom use (52%) during the past year. This study identified that many men in their mid-30s are in need of family planning or preconception care.
Correlates of Perceived HIV Prevalence and Associations With HIV Testing Behavior Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in the United States
Authors: White Darcy , Stephenson Rob
Published: November 2014

As the rate of HIV infection continues to rise among men who have sex with men (MSM) in the United States, a focus of current prevention efforts is to encourage frequent HIV testing. Although levels of lifetime testing are high, low levels of routine testing among MSM are concerning. Using data from an online sample of 768 MSM, this article explores how perceptions of HIV prevalence are associated with HIV testing behavior. Ordinal logistic regression models were fitted to examine correlates of perceived prevalence, and binary logistic regression models were fitted to assess associations between perceived prevalence and HIV testing. The results indicate that perceptions of higher prevalence among more proximal reference groups such as friends and sex partners are associated with greater odds of HIV testing. Perceptions of HIV prevalence were nonuniform across the sample; these variations point to groups to target with strategic messaging and interventions to increase HIV testing among MSM.
Using Facebook™ to Recruit College-Age Men for a Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Trial
Authors: Raviotta Jonathan M. , Nowalk Mary Patricia , Lin Chyongchiou Jeng , Huang Hsin-Hui , Zimmerman Richard K.
Published: November 2014

College-age men were recruited using Facebook™ advertisements (ads), as well as traditional recruitment methods, for a randomized controlled trial to compare immunological responses to human papillomavirus vaccine administered in two dosing schedules. This study compares enrollees who were recruited through traditional recruitment methods versus social networking sites (SNSs), including Facebook. Potential participants were recruited using flyers posted on and off campus(es), and distributed at health fairs, classes, sporting, and other campus events; e-mails to students and student organizations; and print advertisements in student newspapers and on city buses. Facebook ads were displayed to users with specific age, geographic, and interest characteristics; ads were monitored daily to make adjustments to improve response. A total of 220 males, aged 18 to 25 years enrolled between October 2010 and May 2011. The majority of participants (51%) reported print advertisements as the method by which they first heard about the study, followed by personal contact (29%) and Facebook or other SNSs (20%). The likelihood of a SNS being the source by which the participant first heard about the study compared with traditional methods was increased if the participant reported (a) being homosexual or bisexual or (b) posting daily updates on SNSs. Facebook and other SNSs are a viable recruitment strategy for reaching potential clinical trial participants among groups who typically use social media to stay connected with their friends and hard-to-reach groups such as young men who self-identify as homosexual or bisexual.
Modified posterior approach for total elbow replacement
Authors: Rathinam Manickam , Trail Ian A
Published: November 2014

Surgical exposure for total elbow replacement should provide complete visualization of the joint surfaces. The soft tissue reconstruction following replacement often requires protection and can lead to complications such as triceps tendon rupture. We describe a modification of the posterior approach to the elbow that provides optimal exposure and allows early mobilization.
Civility in News Discourse
Authors: Meltzer Kimberly , Hoover Judith D.
Published: November 2014

In a political environment viewed as containing much uncivil discourse, and in which opinion journalism is often blamed, Mark Shields and David Brooks give their disparate political views on the PBS NewsHour with exemplary civility. This conversation analysis of the Shields/Brooks weekly discussions during 2012 reveals ways each frames his position while maintaining civility. The study distinguishes between watchdog journalism, opinion journalism, and incivility and reviews relevant research on mediated political discourse and civility. Using the Brooks and Shields exchanges as a model, it suggests conditions under which opinion and partisan journalism could make useful contributions.
In vitro evaluation of bi-layer silk fibroin scaffolds for gastrointestinal tissue engineering
Authors: Franck Debra , Chung Yeun Goo , Coburn Jeannine , Kaplan David L , Estrada Carlos R , Mauney Joshua R
Published: November 2014

Silk fibroin scaffolds were investigated for their ability to support attachment, proliferation, and differentiation of human gastrointestinal epithelial and smooth muscle cell lines in order to ascertain their potential for tissue engineering. A bi-layer silk fibroin matrix composed of a porous silk fibroin foam annealed to a homogeneous silk fibroin film was evaluated in parallel with small intestinal submucosa scaffolds. AlamarBlue analysis revealed that silk fibroin scaffolds supported significantly higher levels of small intestinal smooth muscle cell, colon smooth muscle cell, and esophageal smooth muscle cell attachment in comparison to small intestinal submucosa. Following 7 days of culture, relative numbers of each smooth muscle cell population maintained on both scaffold groups were significantly elevated over respective 1-day levels—indicative of cell proliferation. Real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemical analyses demonstrated that both silk fibroin and small intestinal submucosa scaffolds were permissive for contractile differentiation of small intestinal smooth muscle cell, colon smooth muscle cell, esophageal smooth muscle cell as determined by significant upregulation of α-smooth muscle actin and SM22α messenger RNA and protein expression levels following transforming growth factor-β1 stimulation. AlamarBlue analysis demonstrated that both matrix groups supported similar degrees of attachment and proliferation of gastrointestinal epithelial cell lines including colonic T84 cells and esophageal epithelial cells. Following 14 days of culture on both matrices, spontaneous differentiation of T84 cells toward an enterocyte lineage was confirmed by expression of brush border enzymes, lactase, and maltase, as determined by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemical analyses. In contrast to small intestinal submucosa scaffolds, silk fibroin scaffolds supported spontaneous differentiation of esophageal epithelial cells toward a suprabasal cell lineage as indicated by significant upregulation of cytokeratin 4 and cytokeratin 13 messenger RNA transcript levels. In addition, esophageal epithelial cells maintained on silk fibroin scaffolds also produced significantly higher involucrin messenger RNA transcript levels in comparison to small intestinal submucosa counterparts, indicating an increased propensity for superficial, squamous cell specification. Collectively, these data provide evidence for the potential of silk fibroin scaffolds for gastrointestinal tissue engineering applications.
The gluten‐free diet and its current application in coeliac disease and dermatitis herpetiformis
Authors: Ciacci Carolina , Ciclitira Paul , Hadjivassiliou Marios , Kaukinen Katri , Ludvigsson Jonas F , McGough Norma , Sanders David S , Woodward Jeremy , Leonard Jonathan N , Swift Gillian L
Published: November 2014

Background

A gluten‐free diet (GFD) is currently the only available therapy for coeliac disease (CD).

Objectives

We aim to review the literature on the GFD, the gluten content in naturally gluten‐free (GF) and commercially available GF food, standards and legislation concerning the gluten content of foods, and the vitamins and mineral content of a GFD.

Methods

We carried out a PubMed search for the following terms: Gluten, GFD and food, education, vitamins, minerals, calcium, Codex wheat starch and oats. Relevant papers were reviewed and for each topic a consensus among the authors was obtained.

Conclusion

Patients with CD should avoid gluten and maintain a balanced diet to ensure an adequate intake of nutrients, vitamins, fibre and calcium. A GFD improves symptoms in most patients with CD. The practicalities of this however, are difficult, as (i) many processed foods are contaminated with gluten, (ii) staple GF foods are not widely available, and (iii) the GF substitutes are often expensive. Furthermore, (iv) the restrictions of the diet may adversely affect social interactions and quality of life. The inclusion of oats and wheat starch in the diet remains controversial.
Human papilloma virus vaccination: impact and recommendations across the world
Authors: Bonanni Paolo , Bechini Angela , Donato Rosa , Capei Raffaella , Sacco Cristiana , Levi Miriam , Boccalini Sara
Published: November 2014

Human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccination has been implemented in several countries for about the past 7 years, mainly in the adolescent female population, with varying coverage results. Although the impact of immunization on cervical and other HPV-related cancers will be evident in the next decades, a marked decrease of prevalent HPV infections, precancerous lesions and genital warts is already dramatic in the vaccinated cohorts, and also in their sexual partners, thus providing clear evidence of the effectiveness of HPV vaccination, including a herd-protection effect. Today, recommendations and implementation of universal HPV vaccination for adolescent girls are a public-health priority in all countries of the world. Countries with limited resources are presently involved in demonstration projects and, in some cases, have launched national programmes with the help of international agencies and alliances. Extension of immunization offer to young women and to adolescent male subjects has become an important additional opportunity for several countries, with a special focus needed on homosexual men with HIV infection who are at particularly increased risk of HPV-related diseases. Public-health authorities are confronted with the need to enlarge HPV-vaccination offer to all target groups, especially pre-adolescent girls, so that they can be saved from dreadful cancers by reaching high immunization coverage.
Career progression of men and women doctors in the UK NHS: a questionnaire study of the UK medical qualifiers of 1993 in 2010/2011
Authors: Svirko Elena , Lambert Trevor W , Goldacre Michael J
Published: November 2014

Summary

Objectives

To report the career progression of a cohort of UK medical graduates in mid-career, comparing men and women.

Design

Postal and questionnaire survey conducted in 2010/2011, with comparisons with earlier surveys.

Setting

UK.

Participants

In total, 2507 responding UK medical graduates of 1993.

Main outcome measures

Doctors’ career specialties, grade, work location and working pattern in 2010/2011 and equivalent data in earlier years.

Results

The respondents represented 72% of the contactable cohort; 90% were working in UK medicine and 7% in medicine outside the UK; 87% were in the UK NHS (87% of men and 86% of women). Of doctors in the NHS, 70.6% of men and 52.0% of women were in the hospital specialties and the great majority of the others were in general practice. Within hospital specialties, a higher percentage of men than women were in surgery, and a higher percentage of women than men were in paediatrics, obstetrics and gynaecology, clinical oncology, pathology and psychiatry. In the NHS, 63% of women and 8% of men were working less-than-full-time (in general practice, 19% of men and 83% of women; and in hospital specialties, 3% of men and 46% of women). Among doctors who had always worked full-time, 94% of men and 87% of women GPs were GP principals; in hospital practice, 96% of men and 93% of women had reached consultant level.

Conclusions

The 1993 graduates show a continuing high level of commitment to the NHS. Gender differences in seniority lessened considerably when comparing doctors who had always worked full-time.
Health Awareness and Consequences of Consanguineous Marriages
Authors: Joseph Nitin , Pavan K. Keshava , Ganapathi Keerthan , Apoorva P. , Sharma Parul , Jhamb Jai Aditya
Published: November 2014

Objectives: This community-based study was done to assess the awareness of people regarding the ill effects of consanguinity and to observe its association with various sociodemographic variables and complications among children. Methods: Houses were chosen by systematic random sampling method and any married person in each household was interviewed. Results: Only 35 (18.7%) out of 187 participants were aware of health hazards associated with consanguineous marriages. The prevalence of consanguineous marriages was found to be 23 (12.3%). History of consanguineous marriage was seen significantly more among illiterates ( P = .05) and respondents with parental history of consanguinity ( P < .001). The mean age at marriage was found to be significantly lower among women married consanguineously ( P = .05). Congenital anomalies ( P = .02) and low birth weight ( P = .05) was seen significantly more among children with parental history of consanguinity. Conclusion: Large-scale awareness campaigns are needed to address the ill effects of this seemingly innocuous cultural practice.
Identifying Transition Teacher Competencies Through Literature Review and Surveys of Experts and Practitioners
Authors: Morgan Robert L. , Callow-Heusser Catherine A. , Horrocks Erin L. , Hoffmann Audrey N. , Kupferman Scott
Published: November 2014

We first conducted a synthesis of literature to identify essential transition teacher competencies to guide curriculum development for a personnel preparation program. The synthesis yielded a list of 67 competencies needed by transition teachers. Using the 67 competencies, we next created an electronic survey in which respondents were asked to rate importance of transition teacher competencies. The survey was administered to two groups: national experts and transition practitioners. Expert respondents were 52 individuals. Practitioner respondents were 231 teachers, specialists, or coordinators from five states. Results indicated substantial similarities in ratings across all respondents irrespective of sample membership or service to transition-age individuals with mild/moderate or severe disabilities. Findings are discussed in regard to personnel preparation and targeted knowledge and skills.
Single step synthesis of indium tin oxide by ultrasonic spray and microwave assisted pyrolysis
Authors: Guo S. , Zhou C. , Zhang L. , Yang X. , Peng J. , Zhang L.
Published: November 2014

Ultrafine indium tin oxide (ITO) powders were successfully synthesised by the combined methods of ultrasonic spray and microwave assisted pyrolysis, which is a single step, facile, rapid and continuous method without post-heating treatment. Crystallinity, morphology and microstructure of the samples were investigated by X-ray diffractometer, scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscope, selected area electron diffraction pattern and laser grain size analyser. Results indicate that pure solid solution ITO ultrafine powders with homogeneous and narrow size distribution, highly dense and smooth surface morphology can be obtained under optimum conditions. Each uniform spherical particle consisted of many smaller crystallites with diameter of <10 nm.
Vitamin C treatment attenuates hemorrhagic shock related multi-organ injuries through the induction of heme oxygenase-1
Authors: Zhao Bing , Fei Jian , Chen Ying , Ying Yi-Lin , Ma Li , Song Xiao-Qin , Huang Jie , Chen Er-Zhen , Mao En-Qiang
Published: November 2014

Background

Vitamin C (VitC) has recently been shown to exert beneficial effects, including protecting organ function and inhibiting inflammation, in various critical care conditions, but the specific mechanism remains unclear. Induction of heme oxygenase (HO)-1, a heat shock protein, has been shown to prevent organ injuries in hemorrhagic shock (HS) but the relationship between VitC and HO-1 are still ill-defined so far. Here we conducted a systemic in vivo study to investigate if VitC promoted HO-1 expression in multiple organs, and then tested if the HO-1 induction property of VitC was related to its organ protection and anti-inflammatory effect.

Methods

Firstly, to determine the HO-1 induction property of VitC, the HO-1 level were measured in tissues including kidney, liver and lung of the normal and HS model of Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats after VitC treatment (100 mg/kg body weight). Secondly, to testify if VitC prevented HS related organ injuries via inducing HO-1, the HS model of rats were separately pre- and post-treated with VitC, and some of them also received Zinc protoporphyrin (Znpp), a specific HO-1 inhibitor. The HO-1 activity in tissues was tested; the organ injuries (as judged by histological changes in tissues and the biochemical indicators level in serum) and inflammatory response in tissues (as judged by the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines Tumor necrosis factor-α and Interleukin-6 ) were analyzed.

Results

The HO-1 mRNA and protein level in kidney, liver, and lung were highly induced by VitC treatement under normal and HS conditions. The HO-1 activity in tissues was enhanced by both VitC pre- and post-treatment, which was shown to improve the organ injuries and inhibit the inflammatory response in the HS model of rats. Of note, the beneficial effects of VitC were abolished after HO-1 activity was blocked by Znpp.

Conclusions

VitC led to a profound induction of HO-1 in multiple organs including the kidney, liver and lung, and this property might be responsible for the organ protection and inflammation inhibitory effects of both pre- and post-treatment with VitC in HS.
Synthesis and field emission studies of tower-like GaN nanowires
Authors: Liu Yihe , Meng Xianquan , Wan Xiang , Wang Zelong , Huang Huihui , Long Hao , Song Zengcai , Fang Guojia
Published: November 2014

Tower-like GaN nanowires were successfully fabricated on Au-coated Si substrates by chemical vapor deposition. The tower-like nanowire consisted of a nanowire at the center and microcrystal layers stacked one by one around the nanowire. The tower-like nanowires grew along the [0001] direction, and the exposed surfaces of the microcrystal layers are

10

1
¯

1

and

10

1
¯

1
¯

facets. The growth mechanism of the tower-like GaN nanowires was proposed. The field emission property of tower-like GaN nanowires was tested. Due to the sharp tips, nearly vertical alignment and rough surfaces caused by the microcrystal layers, the tower-like GaN nanowires show excellent performance in field emission with a turn-on field of 2.44 V/μm which is lower than those of other GaN one-dimensional (1D) nanomaterials.

PACS

81.15.Gh; 68.37.Lp; 68.37.Vj
Enhancement of X-ray detection by single-walled carbon nanotube enriched flexible polymer composite
Authors: Han Heetak , Lee Sanggeun , Seo Jungmok , Mahata Chandreswar , Cho Sung Hwan , Han A-Reum , Hong Keun-Sung , Park Joon-Ho , Soh Myung-Jin , Park Cheolmin , Lee Taeyoon
Published: November 2014

Although organic-based direct conversion X-ray detectors have been developed, their photocurrent generation efficiency has been limited by recombination of excitons due to the intrinsically poor electrical properties of organic materials. In this report, we fabricated a polymer-based flexible X-ray detector and enhanced the X-ray detection sensitivity using a single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) enriched polymer composite. When this SWNT enriched polymer composite was used as the active layer of an X-ray detector, it efficiently separated charges at the interface between the SWNTs and polymer, preventing recombination of X-ray-induced excitons. This increased the photocurrent generation efficiency, as measured from current-voltage characteristics. Therefore, X-ray-induced photocurrent and X-ray detection sensitivity were enhanced as the concentration of SWNTs in the composite was increased. However, this benefit was counterbalanced by the slow and unstable time-dependent response at high SWNT concentrations, arising from reduced Schottky barrier heights between the active layer and electrodes. At high SWNT concentration, the dark current also increased due to the reduced Schottky barrier height, leading to decrease the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the device. Experimental results indicated that 0.005 wt.% SWNT in the composite was the optimum composition for practical X-ray detector operation because it showed enhanced performance in both sensitivity and SNR. In mechanical flexibility tests, the device exhibited a stable response up to a bending radius of 0.5 cm, and the device had no noticeable change in diode current after 1,000 bending cycles.

PACS code

8.67.Sc
CD8+ CD122+ PD-1− effector cells promote the development of diabetes in NOD mice
Authors: Arndt Bo¨rge , Witkowski Lukas , Ellwart Joachim , Seissler Jochen
Published: November 2014

It is well established that CD4 and CD8 T cells are required for the initiation of autoimmune diabetes in NOD mice. However, different subsets of CD4 or CD8 cells may play different roles in the initiation of insulitis. In this study, we evaluated the role of the previously described CD8+ CD122+ in this process. We found that prediabetic NOD mice have an almost 50% reduction of CD8+ CD122+ T cells in their secondary lymphoid organs compared with BL/6 or Balb/c mouse strains. This reduction is explained by the lack of the regulatory CD8+ CD122+ PD-1+ cell population in the NOD mice, as we found that all CD8+ CD122+ T cells from prediabetic NOD mice lack PD-1 expression and regulatory function. Depletion of CD8+ CD122+ PD-1− cells through injection of anti-CD122 mAb in prediabetic female NOD mice reduced the infiltration of mononuclear cells into the Langerhans islets and delayed the onset and decreased the incidence of overt diabetes. In addition, we found that transfer of highly purified and activated CD8+ CD122+ PD-1− cells, together with diabetogenic splenocytes from NOD donors to NOD SCID recipients, accelerates the diabetes development in these mice. Together, these results demonstrate that CD8+ CD122+ PD-1− T cells from NOD mice are effector cells that are involved in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diabetes.
Complement protein C1q bound to apoptotic cells suppresses human macrophage and dendritic cell-mediated Th17 and Th1 T cell subset proliferation
Authors: Clarke Elizabeth V , Weist Brian M , Walsh Craig M , Tenner Andrea J
Published: November 2014

A complete genetic deficiency of the complement protein C1q results in SLE with nearly 100% penetrance in humans, but the molecular mechanisms responsible for this association have not yet been fully determined. C1q opsonizes ACs for enhanced ingestion by phagocytes, such as Mφ and iDCs, avoiding the extracellular release of inflammatory DAMPs upon loss of the membrane integrity of the dying cell. We previously showed that human monocyte-derived Mφ and DCs ingesting autologous, C1q-bound LALs (C1q-polarized Mφ and C1q-polarized DCs), enhance the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines, and reduce proinflammatory cytokines relative to Mφ or DC ingesting LAL alone. Here, we show that C1q-polarized Mφ have elevated PD-L1 and PD-L2 and suppressed surface CD40, and C1q-polarized DCs have higher surface PD-L2 and less CD86 relative to Mφ or DC ingesting LAL alone, respectively. In an MLR, C1q-polarized Mφ reduced allogeneic and autologous Th17 and Th1 subset proliferation and demonstrated a trend toward increased Treg proliferation relative to Mφ ingesting LAL alone. Moreover, relative to DC ingesting AC in the absence of C1q, C1q-polarized DCs decreased autologous Th17 and Th1 proliferation. These data demonstrate that a functional consequence of C1q-polarized Mφ and DC is the regulation of Teff activation, thereby “sculpting” the adaptive immune system to avoid autoimmunity, while clearing dying cells. It is noteworthy that these studies identify novel target pathways for therapeutic intervention in SLE and other autoimmune diseases.
Adenosine stimulates angiogenesis by up-regulating production of thrombospondin-1 by macrophages
Authors: Ernens Isabelle , Bousquenaud Me´lanie , Lenoir Be´ne´dicte , Devaux Yvan , Wagner Daniel R
Published: November 2014

Increase of blood capillary density at the interface between normal and ischemic tissue after acute MI reduces infarct size and improves cardiac function. Cardiac injury triggers the production of the matricellular component TSP-1, but its role in angiogenesis is not clear, as both anti- and proangiogenic properties have been reported. It is unknown whether TSP-1 is modulated by other factors released during cardiac injury. Among these, Ado is a well-known promoter of angiogenesis. This study determined whether Ado modulates TSP-1 expression and the implication on angiogenesis. Ado dose dependently increased the production of TSP-1 by human macrophages. With the use of agonists and antagonists of AdoRs, coupled to RNA interference, we observed that this effect is mediated via A2AR and A2BR. The Ado effect was reproduced by cholera toxin (Gs protein activator) and forskolin (adenylate cyclase activator) and blocked by the PKA inhibitor H89. Conditioned medium from Ado-treated macrophages stimulated microvessel outgrowth from aortic ring explants by 400%, and induced vessel formation in matrigel plugs. Microvessel outgrowth and vessel formation were blocked completely by addition of anti-TSP-1 antibodies to conditioned medium. Chronic administration of Ado to rats after MI maintained long-term expression of TSP-1 in the infarct border zone, and this was associated with enhanced border-zone vascularization. Ado up-regulates TSP-1 production by macrophages, resulting in stimulation of angiogenesis. The mechanism involves A2AR and A2BR and is mediated through the cAMP/PKA pathway. This information may be important when designing Ado-based therapies of angiogenesis.
Tfap2a-dependent changes in facial morphology result in clefting that can be ameliorated by a reduction inFgf8gene dosage
Authors: Green Rebecca M. , Feng Weiguo , Phang Tzulip , Fish Jennifer L. , Li Hong , Spritz Richard A. , Marcucio Ralph S. , Hooper Joan , Jamniczky Heather , Hallgrímsson Benedikt , Williams Trevor
Published: November 2014

Failure of facial prominence fusion causes cleft lip and palate (CL/P), a common human birth defect. Currently there are two major hypotheses to explain cleft occurrence. The first holds that the epithelium at these locations is somehow defective for fusion while the second is that the prominences are dysplastic and unable to appose and fuse. Here, using geometric morphometrics, we analyzed facial outgrowth and shape change over time in a novel mouse model exhibiting fully penetrant bilateral CL/P. This robust model is based upon mutations in Tfap2a, the gene encoding transcription factor AP-2α, which has been implicated in both syndromic and non-syndromic human CL/P. Our findings indicate that aberrant morphology and subsequent misalignment of the facial prominences underlies the inability of the mutant prominences to fuse. Exencephaly also occurs in some of the Tfap2a mutants and we observe additional morphometric differences that indicate an influence of neural tube closure defects on facial shape. Molecular analysis of the CL/P model indicates that Fgf signaling is misregulated in the face, and that reducing Fgf8 gene dosage can attenuate the clefting pathology by generating compensatory changes. Further, mutations in either Tfap2a or Fgf8 increase variance in facial shape, but the combination of these mutations restores variance to normal levels. The alterations in variance provide a potential mechanistic link between clefting and the evolution and diversity of facial morphology. Overall, our findings suggest that CL/P can result from small gene expression changes that alter the shape of the facial prominences and uncouple their coordinated morphogenesis, which is necessary for normal fusion.
The impact of low-magnitude high-frequency vibration on fracture healing is profoundly influenced by the oestrogen status in mice
Authors: Wehrle Esther , Liedert Astrid , Heilmann Aline , Wehner Tim , Bindl Ronny , Fischer Lena , Haffner-Luntzer Melanie , Jakob Franz , Schinke Thorsten , Amling Michael , Ignatius Anita
Published: November 2014

Fracture healing is impaired in aged and osteoporotic individuals. Because adequate mechanical stimuli are able to increase bone formation, one therapeutical approach to treat poorly healing fractures could be the application of whole-body vibration, including low-magnitude high-frequency vibration (LMHFV). We investigated the effects of LMHFV on fracture healing in aged osteoporotic mice. Female C57BL/6NCrl mice (n=96) were either ovariectomised (OVX) or sham operated (non-OVX) at age 41 weeks. When aged to 49 weeks, all mice received a femur osteotomy that was stabilised using an external fixator. The mice received whole-body vibrations (20 minutes/day) with 0.3 g peak-to-peak acceleration and a frequency of 45 Hz. After 10 and 21 days, the osteotomised femurs and intact bones (contra-lateral femurs, lumbar spine) were evaluated using bending-testing, micro-computed tomography (μCT), histology and gene expression analyses. LMHFV disturbed fracture healing in aged non-OVX mice, with significantly reduced flexural rigidity (-81%) and bone formation (-80%) in the callus. Gene expression analyses demonstrated increased oestrogen receptor β (ERβ, encoded by Esr2) and Sost expression in the callus of the vibrated animals, but decreased β-catenin, suggesting that ERβ might mediate these negative effects through inhibition of osteoanabolic Wnt/β-catenin signalling. In contrast, in OVX mice, LMHFV significantly improved callus properties, with increased flexural rigidity (+1398%) and bone formation (+637%), which could be abolished by subcutaneous oestrogen application (0.025 mg oestrogen administered in a 90-day-release pellet). On a molecular level, we found an upregulation of ERα in the callus of the vibrated OVX mice, whereas ERβ was unaffected, indicating that ERα might mediate the osteoanabolic response. Our results indicate a major role for oestrogen in the mechanostimulation of fracture healing and imply that LMHFV might only be safe and effective in confined target populations.
PHD3-SUMO conjugation optimizes HIF1 repression independently of PHD3 catalytic activity
Authors: Núñez-OMara Analía , Gerpe-Pita Almudena , Pozo Sara , Carlevaris Onintza , Urzelai Bakarne , Lopitz-Otsoa Fernando , Rodríguez Manuel S. , Berra Edurne
Published: November 2014

By controlling HIFα hydroxylation and stability, the PHDs (Prolyl Hydroxylase Domain containing proteins) are essential to maintain oxygen homeostasis and therefore, these enzymes are tightly regulated. Small Ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) is a 10kDa protein readily conjugated to lysine residues of the targeted proteins in a process termed SUMOylation. In this study, we introduce SUMO conjugation as a novel PHD3 regulator. PHD3 SUMOylation occurs at a cluster of four lysines at the C-terminal end of the protein. Furthermore, PHD3 SUMOylation by SUMO2/3 contributes to PHD3-mediated repression of HIF1-dependent transcriptional activity. Interestingly, PHD3-SUMO conjugation does not affect PHD3 hydroxylase activity or HIF1α stability, providing new evidence for a dual role of PHD3 on HIF1 regulation. Moreover, we show that hypoxia modulates PHD3-SUMO conjugation and this modification inversely correlates with HIF1 activation. PHD3 SUMOylation highlights as a new and additional layer of regulation likely required to fine-tune HIF function.
Negative feedback regulation of the Wnt pathway by conductin/axin2 involves insensitivity to upstream signalling
Authors: Bernkopf Dominic B. , Hadjihannas Michel V. , Behrens Jürgen
Published: November 2014

Axin and conductin/axin2 are structurally related inhibitors of Wnt/β-catenin signalling that promote degradation of β-catenin. Whereas axin is constitutively expressed, conductin is a Wnt target gene implicated in negative feedback regulation. Here we show that axin and conductin differ in their functional interaction with the upstream Wnt pathway component Dvl. Conductin shows reduced binding to Dvl2 compared to axin, and degradation of β-catenin by conductin is only poorly blocked by Dvl2. We propose that insensitivity to Dvl is an important feature of conductin's role as a negative feedback regulator of Wnt signalling.
ATR suppresses apoptosis after UVB light by controlling both translesion synthesis and alternative tolerance pathways
Authors: Andrade-Lima Leonardo C. , Andrade Luciana N. , Menck Carlos F. M.
Published: November 2014

Ultraviolet (UV) light can stall replication forks due to the formation of bulky lesions in the DNA. Replication across these blocking lesions occurs via translesion DNA synthesis, and cells activate the ATR damage responses to UV. However, it remains unclear whether lesion bypass requires the replication checkpoint because ATR is not necessary for PCNA ubiquitination. We observed that ATR knockdown by siRNA increased replication stress and promoted early induction of apoptosis following UVB light in SV40-immortalized human cells, including cells from XP-V and XP-C patients. XP-V cells were further sensitized by silencing, indicating that DNA polymerase η (Pol η) remains active despite ATR control. However, following UVB irradiation, ATR-depleted cells were unable to achieve mitosis, as would be expected after the loss of a DNA checkpoint control. Thus, ATR also regulates replication arrest recovery following UVB light, independently of Pol η in SV40-immortalized cell lines. ATR-mediated DNA damage response regulates replication and different tolerance pathways, and in these cells, ATR depletion induces replication catastrophe, which contributes to explain the potential of ATR inhibition to protect against UVB light-induced carcinogenesis.