bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psalm 2 In The Context Of Biblical Theology
Authors: Watts James W.
Published: March 2012

Psalm 2 is an intersection in which a variety of issues in biblical theology meet. The psalm impacts upon our understanding of monotheism in ancient Israel, the religious nature of Judah's royal ideology, the origins of eschatology, and New Testament Christology. Theological reflection on Ps 2 should therefore not only consider the recent exegetical discussions of the text, but also the theological issues raised by the Old Testament context, the New Testament's use of the psalm, and the history of the psalm's interpretation. In what follows, a survey of all these aspects will lay the basis for a theological construal of this biblical text.
WE BELIEVE IN GOD... MAKER OF HEAVEN AND EARTH Metaphor, Scripture, and Theology
Authors: Ollenburger Ben C.
Published: March 2012

"We believe in God..., Maker of heaven and earth," is a confession of the Christian church. As such, and since its cardinal terms are taken directly from the Old Testament, it invites an immediate investigation of those texts themselves. Such an investigation would seem to be my responsibility in this consultation, and it would certainly be what I am best equipped to do. However, this paper is also to reflect on the relation of biblical and theological studies. Since that relation is so crucial, and in the current situation so unclear, I have found it necessary to devote all my attention to what should be merely prolegomena. Thus, I must begin, in violation of good rhetorical form, with an apology for what I will and will not do: I will not deal with those texts that are, in great measure, the reason for our gathering; and I will engage in what may seem to be nothing more than "the endless methodological foreplay" that Jeffrey Stout sees as the bane of academic theology.1 Even so, I will have nothing to say about method. My aim is simply stated: it is to locate the interpretation of scripture in relation to theology. I will pursue that aim by reflecting on what is entailed in the confession that forms the rubric of this consultation and the title of this paper. The first two sections of the paper represent parallel probes, the first more abstract and the second more concrete, into the same topic.
Israel Among the Nations
Authors: Noble Paul
Published: March 2012

Although Amos' oracles concerning the nations (Amos 1.3-2.16) have been the subject of numerous historical, form-critical, and literary studies, their distinctive theology has so far received relatively little attention. This is the issue that I shall address here. The main theological focus of this article concerns the standing before Yahweh of Israel vis-a-vis the other nations of the world. I shall therefore begin by examining two recent theories about the basis upon which Amos1 considered the foreign nations indicted in chapters 1 and 2 (i.e., excluding Judah and Israel) to be subject to Yahweh's judgements. These theories are: (i) That since these nations are (former) members of an (idealised) Davidic Empire, they are regarded as Yahweh's 'vassals'; and (ii) That there are certain universal standards of human decency which all nations ought to observe. After discussing these theories in sections I and II, I shall then examine the literary structure of Amos 1-2, arguing that this makes an essential contribution to the theology of these chapters.2
The Poverty of Paradigms: Subcultures, Trading Zones and the Case of Liberal Socialism in Interwar International Relations
Authors: Ashworth Lucian M.
Published: March 2012

In a recent article in International Affairs Duncan Bell argued that the work of Peter Galison in the history of science could be usefully applied to the study of the history of International Relations (IR). In this article I take up Bell’s challenge, claiming that Galison’s post-Kuhnian history of science approach can be used both to understand the history of IR and to replace the ultimately confusing notion of ‘paradigm’ in the study of IR theory. Galison’s method of using ‘microhistories’ to explore the workings of ‘subcultures’ in science is applied to the case study of liberal socialism in interwar IR. Through this case I argue that microhistories can help us understand why certain subcultures in IR theory thrive, and others decline. This understanding in turn could help us comprehend the state of currently active subcultures in IR, and give us an alternative to the intellectually unhelpful concept of ‘paradigm’.
China in the Age of American Primacy
Authors: Kucharski Milosz
Published: March 2012

Recent literature on soft balancing predicts an increased occurrence of soft balancing against Washington at times when the United States acts unilaterally in foreign policy. At the same time, realist literature in IR suggests that interest violations should trigger opposition by states whose interests are being violated, unless there are unacceptable costs associated with soft balancing. In contrast to these views, this article demonstrates that interest violation and unilateralism, both individually and together, are weak predictors of soft balancing. Instead, based on the cases analyzed, I argue that soft balancing is most likely to occur when interest violations go hand in hand with perceptions of predatory intentions.
Cation ordering incis-andtrans-vacant dioctahedral smectites and its implications for growth mechanisms
Authors: Marchel C. , Stanjek H.
Published: March 2012

Different types of dioctahedral smectites (nontronite, beidellite, montmorillonite) were investigated by X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF) and Fourier transmission infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Starting with the chemical composition of the octahedral sheet, the occupancies within the octahedral sheet were adjusted by computer simulations to fit the occupancies derived from FTIR. For bothcis-andtrans-vacant smectites the AlAl and FeFe pairs are mainly randomly distributed but seem to be aligned along OH-bonded directions. Relative to the chemical composition, AlFe pairs are enriched incis-vacant smectites and depleted in nontronites. This behaviour can be explained by the necessity to dehydrate and hydrolyse cations when they become incorporated into the structure during crystal growth. The first and second hydrolysis steps are necessary for incorporating cations intrans-vacant smectites, whereas only the first hydrolysis step is necessary forcis-vacant smectites. The corresponding difference in energy may explain why mostlycis-vacant smectites occur in low-temperature environments.
Clay minerals associations in palaeoweathering profiles from Central Spain: genesis and implications
Authors: Doval M. , Martín-García R. , La Iglesia Á. , Alonso-Zarza A. M.
Published: March 2012

This study examines part of the thick palaeoweathering mantle that formed on the northern area of the Spanish Central System. The study of a compound profile indicates that despite weathering processes, the primary structure of the metamorphic rocks is preserved, and is only partially lost in some intervals of the upper part of the compound profile. Macro/micromorphology, mineralogy and geochemical changes within the profiles revealed two weathering paths. In the first path, Fe-chlorite weathered to chlorite-smectite mixed-layer/smectite/kaolinite+ iron oxides. In the second path, biotite and/or muscovite weathered to kaolinite + iron oxides. The profiles show a progressive decrease, from base to top, in mica and mixed-layers and an increase in smectite and kaolinite. Thus, the profiles only comprise the lower or intermediate zones of the weathering mantle. The weathering occurred under humid climates; the lower zones of the profiles were poorly drained, whereas the topmost zones were better drained and more oxidizing. The results obtained indicate that detailed mineralogical studies are very useful to reconstruct the characteristics of the weathering mantles, and as palaeogeographic and palaeoclimatic indicators.
Mineralogy and geochemistry of hydrothermal kaolins from the Adelita mine, Patagonia (Argentina); relation to other mineralization in the area
Authors: Grecco L. E. , Marfil S. A. , Maiza P. J.
Published: March 2012

The kaolin deposit at the Adelita mine, located in the province of Rí;o Negro (Patagonia, Argentina), was studied. Petrographic studies on thin sections and chemical analyses of major, minor and trace elements on bulk samples were carried out. The kaolin content of the rock ranges from 31% to 65%. The mineralogy of the working front, which is about 45 m thick, varies from the upper zone, where the rock is strongly silicified, stained with iron oxides and carbonated, grading downwards to a kaolinized zone, with a quartz-kaolinite-dickite assemblage with relict lithic particles and a smaller amount of iron oxides, and ending in the deepest zone where dickite, alunite, diaspore, quartz and scarce associated kaolinite occur.

The kaolin mineralogy was determined by SEM, XRD, DTA-TG, IR and δ18O and δD isotope analyses. The S, Ba and Sr contents are enriched during hydrothermal alteration, whereas Cr, Nb, Ti and lanthanide elements are concentrated mainly during weathering. The (Ba+Sr) concentrations in the samples studied vary between 600 and 6000 ppm and (Ce+Y+La) between 2 and 150 ppm; (Cr+Nb) remains constant for all the samples, whereas (TiO2+Fe2O3) is below 0.3%. In the hypogene deposits P2O5 is also more abundant and increases with the degree of alteration. Chondritenormalized rare earth element diagram shows a marked enrichment in LREE relative to HREE, with negative europium anomalies and D18O values range between 3.8‰ and 7.7‰ and δD between –123‰ and –103‰, suggesting that kaolin formed from the hydrothermal alteration of rhyolitic tuffs.
Characterization of natural- and organobentonite by XRD, SEM, FT-IR and thermal analysis techniques and its adsorption behaviour in aqueous solutions
Authors: Ikhtiyarova G. A. , Özcan A. S. , Gök Ö. , Özcan A.
Published: March 2012

In this study, natural bentonite was modified with hexadecyltrimethylammonium (HDTMA) bromide to obtain organobentonite (HDTMA-bentonite). Bentonite and HDTMA-bentonite were then characterized using XRD, XRF, SEM, FT-IR, thermogravimetric (TG) analysis, elemental analysis and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area techniques. The HDTMA+ cation was found to be located on the surface and enters the interlayer spaces of smectite according to the XRD and SEM results. FT-IR spectra indicated the existence of HDTMA functional groups on the bentonite surface. The BET surface area significantly decreased after the modification due to the coverage of the pores of natural bentonite. After the characterization, the adsorption of a textile dye, Reactive Blue 19 (RB19), onto bentonite and HDTMA-bentonite was investigated. The maximum adsorption capacity of HDTMA-bentonite for RB19 was 502 mg g-1 at 20°C. The adsorption process followed a pseudo-second-order kinetic model and it was exothermic and physical in nature.
Mineralogical characteristics and geological significance of Albian (Early Cretaceous) glauconite in Zanda, southwestern Tibet, China
Authors: Li Xiang , Cai Yuanfeng , Hu Xiumian , Huang Zhicheng , Wang Jiangang
Published: March 2012

Early Cretaceous glauconite from the Xiala section, southwestern Tibet, China, was investigated by petrographic microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and electron probe microanalysis (EPMA). The investigations revealed that the glauconite in both sandstones and limestone is highly evolved. The glauconite in sandstone is autochthonous, but in limestone it may be derived from the underlying glauconitic sandstone. Based on analyses of the depositional environments and comparisons of glauconite-bearing strata in Zanda with sequences in adjacent areas, we conclude that the glauconitization at Zanda was probably associated with rising sea levels during the Late Albian, which represent the final separation of the Indian continent from the Australian-Antarctic continent. After the separation of the Indian continent from the Australian-Antarctic continent, cooling of the Indian continent resulted in subsidence and northward subduction of the Indian plate. A gradually rising sea level in Zanda, located along the northern margin of the Indian continent, was the cause of the low sedimentation rate. Continued transgression resulted in the occurrence of the highly evolved glauconite in this area.
An unusually thermally stable magnetite from a niobium mine in Brazil
Authors: Silva A. C. , Pereira M. C. , Oliveira L. C. A. , Cavalcante L. C. D. , Fabris J. D. , Murad E.
Published: March 2012

Magnetite-rich waste from a niobium mine near Araxá, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil, was heated to 500°C and 1000°C under an O2atmosphere. The original waste and its oxidized products were characterized by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), room-temperature57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TG) and temperature-programmed reduction (TPR).

Semiquantitative analyses by EDS and quantitative chemical analyses showed the waste to be constituted primarily of Fe with minor amounts of Ti, Ba, Al, Si, Nb, Mn, S and P. Mössbauer and XRD showed the waste to consist predominantly of magnetite and hematite. The magnetite content decreases when the temperature increases due to its direct conversion to hematite. However, at 500°C only 10 wt.% of original magnetite was converted to hematite, confirming the high stability of this magnetite, which could still be detected at 1000°C. The TG profile shows no significant weight gain on heating, indicating a high stability of the magnetite. The TPR profiles show that the hematite in the waste is sintered after treatment at 1000°C and the reduction peaks are consequently shifted to higher temperatures. This high thermal stability is attributed to a moderate isomorphous replacement of Fe by other cations present in the Nb mining waste.
Removal of Mg from spring water using natural clinoptilolite
Authors: Tomić S. , Rajić N. , Hrenović J. , Povrenović D.
Published: March 2012

Natural zeolitic tuff from Brus (Serbia) consisting mostly of clinoptilolite (about 90%) has been investigated for the reduction of the Mg concentration in spring water. The sorption capacity of the zeolite is relatively low (about 2.5 mg Mg g-1for the initial concentration of 100 mg Mg dm-3). The zeolitic tuff removes Mg from water solutions by ion exchange, which has been demonstrated by energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDS). The extent of ion exchange was influenced by the pH and the initial Mg concentration. Kinetic studies revealed that Lagergen's pseudo-second order model was followed. Intra-particle diffusion of Mg2+influenced the ion exchange, but it is not the rate-limiting step. Rather than having to dispose of the Mg-loaded (waste) zeolite, a possible application was tested. Addition to a wastewater with a low concentration of Mg showed that it could successfully make up for the lack of Mg micronutrient and, accordingly, enabled the growth of phosphate-accumulating bacteriaA. Junii, increasing the amount of phosphate removed from the wastewater.
Testes-specific hemoglobins in Drosophilaevolved by a combination of sub- and neofunctionalization after gene duplication
Authors: Gleixner Eva , Herlyn Holger , Zimmerling Stefan , Burmester Thorsten , Hankeln Thomas
Published: March 2012

Background

For a long time the presence of respiratory proteins in most insects has been considered unnecessary. However, in recent years it has become evident that globins belong to the standard repertoire of the insect genome. Like most other insect globins, the glob1 gene of Drosophila melanogaster displays a conserved expression pattern in the tracheae, the fat body and the Malpighian tubules.

Results

Here we show that the recently discovered D. melanogaster globin genes glob2 and glob3 both display an unusual male-specific expression in the reproductive tract during spermatogenesis. Both paralogs are transcribed at equivalent mRNA levels and largely overlap in their cellular expression patterns during spermatogenesis. Phylogenetic analyses showed that glob2 and glob3 reflect a gene duplication event that occurred in the ancestor of the Sophophora subgenus at least 40 million years ago. Therefore, flies of the Drosophila subgenus harbor only one glob2/3-like gene.

Conclusions

Phylogenetic and sequence analyses indicate an evolution of the glob2 and glob3 duplicates by a combination of sub- and neofunctionalization. Considering their restricted, testes-specific expression, an involvement of both globins in alleviating oxidative stress during spermatogenesis is conceivable.
Quantitative molecular assessment of chimerism across tissues in marmosets and tamarins
Authors: Sweeney Carolyn G , Curran Elizabeth , Westmoreland Susan V , Mansfield Keith G , Vallender Eric J
Published: March 2012

Background

Marmosets are playing an increasingly large and important role in biomedical research. They share genetic, anatomical, and physiological similarities with humans and other primate model species, but their smaller sizes, reproductive efficiency, and amenability to genetic manipulation offer an added practicality. While their unique biology can be exploited to provide insights into disease and function, it is also important that researchers are aware of the differences that exist between marmosets and other species. The New World monkey family Callitrichidae, containing both marmoset and tamarin species, typically produces dizygotic twins that show chimerism in the blood and other cells from the hematopoietic lineage. Recently, a study extended these findings to identify chimerism in many tissues, including somatic tissues from other lineages and germ cells. This has raised the intriguing possibility that chimerism may play an increasingly pervasive role in marmoset biology, ranging from natural behavioral implications to increased variability and complexity in biomedical studies.

Results

Using a quantitative PCR based methodology, Y-chromosomes can be reliably detected in the females with male fraternal twins allowing for a relative quantification of chimerism levels between individuals and tissues. With this approach in common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) and cotton-top tamarins (Saguinus oedipus), chimerism was detected across a broad array of tissues. Chimerism levels were significantly higher in tissues primarily derived from the hematopoietic lineage, while they were lower, though still detectable, in tissues with other origins. Interestingly, animals with a characteristic marmoset wasting disease show higher levels of chimerism in those tissues affected. Fibroblast cell lines from chimeric individuals, however, are not found to be chimeric themselves.

Conclusion

Taken together, the levels of chimerism in tissues of different origins coupled with other lines of evidence suggest that indeed only hematopoietic cell lineages are chimeric in callitrichids. The chimerism detected in other tissues is likely the result of blood or lymphocytic infiltration. Using molecular methods to detect chimerism in a tissue sample seems to have allowed a substantial increase in the ability to detect these minor cell populations.
Burden of community-acquired and nosocomial rotavirus gastroenteritis in the pediatric population of Western Europe: a scoping review
Authors: Ogilvie Isla , Khoury Hanane , Goetghebeur Mireille M , El Khoury Antoine C , Giaquinto Carlo
Published: March 2012

Background

Rotavirus affects 95% of children worldwide by age 5 years and is the leading cause of severe dehydrating diarrhea. The objective of this review was to estimate the burden of rotavirus gastroenteritis (RVGE) in the Western European pediatric population.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search (1999-2010) was conducted in PubMed and other sources (CDC; WHO, others). Data on the epidemiology and burden of RVGE among children < 5 years-old in Western Europe --including hospital-acquired disease--were extracted.

Results

76 studies from 16 countries were identified. The mean percentage of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) cases caused by rotavirus ranged from 25.3%-63.5% in children < 5 years of age, peaking during winter. Incidence rates of RVGE ranged from 1.33-4.96 cases/100 person- years. Hospitalization rates for RVGE ranged from 7% to 81% among infected children, depending on the country. Nosocomial RVGE accounted for 47%-69% of all hospital-acquired AGE and prolonged hospital stays by 4-12 days. Each year, RVGE incurred $0.54- $53.6 million in direct medical costs and $1.7-$22.4 million in indirect costs in the 16 countries studied. Full serotyping data was available for 8 countries. G1P[8], G2P[4], G9P[8], and G3P[8] were the most prevalent serotypes (cumulative frequency: 57.2%- 98.7%). Serotype distribution in nosocomial RVGE was similar.

Conclusions

This review confirms that RVGE is a common disease associated with significant morbidity and costs across Western Europe. A vaccine protecting against multiple serotypes may decrease the epidemiological and cost burden of RVGE in Western Europe.
Multimorbidity prevalence and patterns across socioeconomic determinants: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Agborsangaya Calypse B , Lau Darren , Lahtinen Markus , Cooke Tim , Johnson Jeffrey A
Published: March 2012

Background

Studies on the prevalence of multimorbidity, defined as having two or more chronic conditions, have predominantly focused on the elderly. We estimated the prevalence and specific patterns of multimorbidity across different adult age groups. Furthermore, we examined the associations of multimorbidity with socio-demographic factors.

Methods

Using data from the Health Quality Council of Alberta (HQCA) 2010 Patient Experience Survey, the prevalence of self reported multimorbidity was assessed by telephone interview among a sample of 5010 adults (18 years and over) from the general population. Logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the association between a range of socio-demographic factors and multimorbidity.

Results

The overall age- and sex-standardized prevalence of multimorbidity was 19.0% in the surveyed general population. Of those with multimorbidity, 70.2% were aged less than 65 years. The most common pairing of chronic conditions was chronic pain and arthritis. Age, sex, income and family structure were independently associated with multimorbidity.

Conclusions

Multimorbidity is a common occurrence in the general adult population, and is not limited to the elderly. Future prevention programs and practice guidelines should take into account the common patterns of multimorbidity.
Effects of a combined strengthening, stretching and functional training program versus usual-care on gait biomechanics and foot function for diabetic neuropathy: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Sartor Cristina Dallemole , Watari Ricky , Pássaro Anice Campos , Picon Andreja Paley , Hasue Renata Haydée , Sacco Isabel CN
Published: March 2012

Background

Polyneuropathy is a complication of diabetes mellitus that has been very challenging for clinicians. It results in high public health costs and has a huge impact on patients' quality of life. Preventive interventions are still the most important approach to avoid plantar ulceration and amputation, which is the most devastating endpoint of the disease. Some therapeutic interventions improve gait quality, confidence, and quality of life; however, there is no evidence yet of an effective physical therapy treatment for recovering musculoskeletal function and foot rollover during gait that could potentially redistribute plantar pressure and reduce the risk of ulcer formation.

Methods/Design

A randomised, controlled trial, with blind assessment, was designed to study the effect of a physiotherapy intervention on foot rollover during gait, range of motion, muscle strength and function of the foot and ankle, and balance confidence. The main outcome is plantar pressure during foot rollover, and the secondary outcomes are kinetic and kinematic parameters of gait, neuropathy signs and symptoms, foot and ankle range of motion and function, muscle strength, and balance confidence. The intervention is carried out for 12 weeks, twice a week, for 40-60 min each session. The follow-up period is 24 weeks from the baseline condition.

Discussion

Herein, we present a more comprehensive and specific physiotherapy approach for foot and ankle function, by choosing simple tasks, focusing on recovering range of motion, strength, and functionality of the joints most impaired by diabetic polyneuropathy. In addition, this intervention aims to transfer these peripheral gains to the functional and more complex task of foot rollover during gait, in order to reduce risk of ulceration. If it shows any benefit, this protocol can be used in clinical practice and can be indicated as complementary treatment for this disease.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01207284
Crystal structures from the Plasmodium peroxiredoxins: new insights into oligomerization and product binding
Authors: Qiu Wei , Dong Aiping , Pizarro Juan C , Botchkarsev Alexei , Min Jinrong , Wernimont Amy K , Hills Tanya , Hui Raymond , Artz Jennifer D
Published: March 2012

Background

Plasmodium falciparum is the protozoan parasite primarily responsible for more than one million malarial deaths, annually, and is developing resistance to current therapies. Throughout its lifespan, the parasite is subjected to oxidative attack, so Plasmodium antioxidant defences are essential for its survival and are targets for disease control.

Results

To further understand the molecular aspects of the Plasmodium redox system, we solved 4 structures of Plasmodium peroxiredoxins (Prx). Our study has confirmed Pv Trx-Px1 to be a hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-sensitive peroxiredoxin. We have identified and characterized the novel toroid octameric oligomer of Py Trx-Px1, which may be attributed to the interplay of several factors including: (1) the orientation of the conserved surface/buried arginine of the NNLA(I/L)GRS-loop; and (2) the C-terminal tail positioning (also associated with the aforementioned conserved loop) which facilitates the intermolecular hydrogen bond between dimers (in an A-C fashion). In addition, a notable feature of the disulfide bonds in some of the Prx crystal structures is discussed. Finally, insight into the latter stages of the peroxiredoxin reaction coordinate is gained. Our structure of Py Prx6 is not only in the sulfinic acid (RSO2H) form, but it is also with glycerol bound in a way (not previously observed) indicative of product binding.

Conclusions

The structural characterization of Plasmodium peroxiredoxins provided herein provides insight into their oligomerization and product binding which may facilitate the targeting of these antioxidant defences. Although the structural basis for the octameric oligomerization is further understood, the results yield more questions about the biological implications of the peroxiredoxin oligomerization, as multiple toroid configurations are now known. The crystal structure depicting the product bound active site gives insight into the overoxidation of the active site and allows further characterization of the leaving group chemistry.
Do medical student attitudes towards patients with chronic low back pain improve during training? a cross-sectional study
Authors: Morris Hayley , Ryan Cormac , Lauchlan Douglas , Field Max
Published: March 2012

Background

Health care professionals with positive attitudes towards the functional abilities of patients with low back pain are more likely to encourage activity and avoidance of rest as per recommended guidelines. This study investigated whether medical student training fosters positive attitudes towards patients with back pain and their ability to function.

Methods

First (n = 202) and final (n = 146) year medical students at the University of Glasgow completed the Health Care Professionals' Pain and Impairment Relationship Scale (HC-PAIRS) questionnaire. This measures attitudes of clinicians towards the functional ability of patients with back pain. A group of first (n = 62) and final year (n = 61) business students acted as non-health care controls. Attitudes were compared using two-way ANOVA with year of study and discipline of degree as independent variables.

Results

Both year of study [F(1,465) = 39.5, p < 0.01] and discipline of degree [F(1,465) = 43.6, p < 0.01] had significant effects on total HC-PAIRS scores and there was a significant interaction effect [F(1,465) = 9.5, p < 0.01]. Medical students commenced their course with more positive attitudes than non-health care students (65.7 vs. 69.2 respectively; p < 0.01) - lower scores translating into more positive attitudes. In their final year, the difference between the two student groups had widened (56.4 vs. 65.3; p < 0.01).

Conclusions

Undergraduate medical training promotes positive attitudes towards the functional ability of patients with back pain, suggesting that students may be more likely to develop an evidence-based approach to this patient group after qualification. Some adjustments to training may be warranted to encourage a more positive shift in attitudes.
Prevalence of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in European populations based on cross-validated diagnostic thresholds
Authors: Kloch-Badelek Malgorzata , Kuznetsova Tatiana , Sakiewicz Wojciech , Tikhonoff Valérie , Ryabikov Andrew , González Arantxa , López Begoña , Thijs Lutgarde , Jin Yu , Malyutina Sofia , Stolarz-Skrzypek Katarzyna , Casiglia Edoardo , Díez Javier , Narkiewicz Krzysztof , Kawecka-Jaszcz Kalina , Staessen Jan A ,   the European Project On Genes in Hypertension (EPOGH) Investigators
Published: March 2012

Background

Different diagnostic criteria limit comparisons between populations in the prevalence of diastolic left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. We aimed to compare across populations age-specific echocardiographic criteria for diastolic LV dysfunction as well as their correlates and prevalence.

Methods

We measured the E and A peaks of transmitral blood flow by pulsed wave Doppler and the e' and a' peaks of mitral annular velocities by tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) in 2 cohorts randomly recruited in Belgium (n = 782; 51.4% women; mean age, 51.1 years) and in Italy, Poland and Russia (n = 476; 55.7%; 44.5 years).

Results

In stepwise regression, the multivariable-adjusted correlates of the transmitral and TDI diastolic indexes were similar in the 2 cohorts and included sex, age, body mass index, blood pressure and heart rate. Similarly, cut-off limits for the E/A ratio (2.5th percentile) and E/e' ratio (97.5th percentile) in 338 and 185 reference subjects free from cardiovascular risk factors respectively selected from both cohorts were consistent within 0.02 and 0.26 units (median across 5 age groups). The rounded 2.5th percentile of the E/A ratio decreased by ~0.10 per age decade in these apparently healthy subjects. The reference subsample provided age-specific cut-off limits for normal E/A and E/e' ratios. In the 2 cohorts combined, diastolic dysfunction groups 1 (impaired relaxation), 2 (possible elevated LV filling pressure) and 3 (elevated E/e' and abnormally low E/A) encompassed 114 (9.1%), 135 (10.7%), and 40 (3.2%) subjects, respectively.

Conclusions

The age-specific criteria for diastolic LV dysfunction were highly consistent across the study populations with an age-standardized prevalence of 22.4% vs. 25.1%.
The effects of male age on sperm analysis by motile sperm organelle morphology examination (MSOME)
Authors: Silva Liliane FI , Oliveira Joao Batista A , Petersen Claudia G , Mauri Ana L , Massaro Fabiana C , Cavagna Mario , Baruffi Ricardo LR , Franco José G
Published: March 2012

Background

This study aimed to investigate the influence of age on sperm quality, as analysed by motile sperm organelle morphology examination (MSOME).

Methods

Semen samples were collected from 975 men undergoing evaluation or treatment for infertility. Sperm cells were evaluated at 8400× magnification using an inverted microscope equipped with Nomarski (differential interference contrast) optics. Two forms of spermatozoa were considered: normal spermatozoa and spermatozoa with large nuclear vacuoles (LNV, defined as vacuoles occupying > 50% of the sperm nuclear area). At least 200 spermatozoa per sample were evaluated, and the percentages of normal and LNV spermatozoa were determined. The subjects were divided into three groups according to age: Group I, less than or equal to 35 years; Group II, 36-40 years; and Group III, greater than or equal to 41 years.

Results

There was no difference in the percentages of normal sperm between the two younger (I and II) groups (P > 0.05). The percentage of normal sperm in the older group (III) was significantly lower than that in the younger (I and II) groups (P < 0.05). There was no difference in the percentage of LNV spermatozoa between the younger (I and II) groups (P > 0.05). The percentage of LNV spermatozoa was significantly higher in the older group (III) than in the younger (I and II) groups (P < 0.05). Regression analysis demonstrated a significant decrease in the incidence of normal sperm with increasing age (P < 0.05; r = -0.10). However, there was a significant positive correlation between the percentage of spermatozoa with LNV and male age (P < 0.05, r = 0.10).

Conclusion

The results demonstrated a consistent decline in semen quality, as reflected by morphological evaluation by MSOME, with increased age. Considering the relationship between nuclear vacuoles and DNA damage, these age-related changes predict that increased paternal age should be associated with unsuccessful or abnormal pregnancy as a consequence of fertilisation with damaged spermatozoa. Given that sperm nuclear vacuoles can be evaluated more precisely at high magnification, these results support the routine use of MSOME for ICSI as a criterion for semen analysis.
Dendrimer-entrapped gold nanoparticles as potential CT contrast agents for blood pool imaging
Authors: Wang Han , Zheng Linfeng , Guo Rui , Peng Chen , Shen Mingwu , Shi Xiangyang , Zhang Guixiang
Published: March 2012

The purpose of this study was to evaluate dendrimer-entrapped gold nanoparticles [Au DENPs] as a molecular imaging [MI] probe for computed tomography [CT]. Au DENPs were prepared by complexing AuCl4
- ions with amine-terminated generation 5 poly(amidoamine) [G5.NH2] dendrimers. Resulting particles were sized using transmission electron microscopy. Serial dilutions (0.001 to 0.1 M) of either Au DENPs or iohexol were scanned by CT in vitro. Based on these results, Au DENPs were injected into mice, either subcutaneously (10 μL, 0.007 to 0.02 M) or intravenously (300 μL, 0.2 M), after which the mice were imaged by micro-CT or a standard mammography unit. Au DENPs prepared using G5.NH2 dendrimers as templates are quite uniform and have a size range of 2 to 4 nm. At Au concentrations above 0.01 M, the CT value of Au DENPs was higher than that of iohexol. A 10-μL subcutaneous dose of Au DENPs with [Au] ≥ 0.009 M could be detected by micro-CT. The vascular system could be imaged 5 and 20 min after injection of Au DENPs into the tail vein, and the urinary system could be imaged after 60 min. At comparable time points, the vascular system could not be imaged using iohexol, and the urinary system was imaged only indistinctly. Findings from this study suggested that Au DENPs prepared using G5.NH2 dendrimers as templates have good X-ray attenuation and a substantial circulation time. As their abundant surface amine groups have the ability to bind to a range of biological molecules, Au DENPs have the potential to be a useful MI probe for CT.
Causal diagrams in systems epidemiology
Authors: Joffe Michael , Gambhir Manoj , Chadeau-Hyam Marc , Vineis Paolo
Published: March 2012

Methods of diagrammatic modelling have been greatly developed in the past two decades. Outside the context of infectious diseases, systematic use of diagrams in epidemiology has been mainly confined to the analysis of a single link: that between a disease outcome and its proximal determinant(s). Transmitted causes ("causes of causes") tend not to be systematically analysed.

The infectious disease epidemiology modelling tradition models the human population in its environment, typically with the exposure-health relationship and the determinants of exposure being considered at individual and group/ecological levels, respectively. Some properties of the resulting systems are quite general, and are seen in unrelated contexts such as biochemical pathways. Confining analysis to a single link misses the opportunity to discover such properties.

The structure of a causal diagram is derived from knowledge about how the world works, as well as from statistical evidence. A single diagram can be used to characterise a whole research area, not just a single analysis - although this depends on the degree of consistency of the causal relationships between different populations - and can therefore be used to integrate multiple datasets.

Additional advantages of system-wide models include: the use of instrumental variables - now emerging as an important technique in epidemiology in the context of mendelian randomisation, but under-used in the exploitation of "natural experiments"; the explicit use of change models, which have advantages with respect to inferring causation; and in the detection and elucidation of feedback.
Progesterone Produces Antinociceptive and Neuroprotective Effects in Rats with Microinjected Lysophosphatidic Acid in the Trigeminal Nerve Root
Authors: Kim Min Ji , Shin Hea Jung , Won Kyoung Ae , Yang Kui Ye , Ju Jin Sook , Park Yoon Yub , Park Jae Sik , Bae Yong Cheol , Ahn Dong Kuk
Published: March 2012

Background:

In our present study, we studied the role of demyelination of the trigeminal nerve root in the development of prolonged nociceptive behavior in the trigeminal territory.

Results:

Under anesthesia, the Sprague-Dawley rats were mounted onto a stereotaxic frame and 3 μL of lysophosphatidic acid (LPA, 1 nmol) was injected into the trigeminal nerve root to produce demyelination. This treatment decreased the air-puff thresholds, persisted until postoperative day 130, and then returned to the preoperative levels 160 days after LPA injection. The LPA-treated rats also showed a significant hyper-responsiveness to pin-prick stimulation. We further investigated the antinociceptive and neuroprotective effects of progesterone in rats undergoing demyelination of the trigeminal nerve root. Progesterone (8, 16 mg/kg/day) was administered subcutaneously, beginning on the operative day, for five consecutive days in the LPA-treated rats. Treatment with progesterone produced significant early anti-allodynic effects and delayed prolonged anti-allodynic effects. The expression of protein zero (P0) and peripheral myelin protein 22 (PMP22) were significantly downregulated in the trigeminal nerve root on postoperative day 5 following LPA injection. This down-regulation of the P0 and PMP22 levels was blocked by progesterone treatment.

Conclusions:

These results suggest that progesterone produces antinociceptive effects through neuroprotective action in animals with LPA-induced trigeminal neuropathic pain. Moreover, progesterone has potential utility as a novel therapy for trigeminal neuropathic pain relief at an appropriate managed dose and is therefore a possible future treatment strategy for improving the recovery from injury.
In planta assays involving epigenetically silenced genes reveal inhibition of cytosine methylation by genistein
Authors: Arase Sachiko , Kasai Megumi , Kanazawa Akira
Published: March 2012

Background

Cytosine methylation is involved in epigenetic control of gene expression in a wide range of organisms. An increasing number of examples indicate that changing the frequency of cytosine methylation in the genome is a feasible tool to engineer novel traits in plants. Although demethylating effects of compounds have been analyzed in human cultured cells in terms of suppressing cancer, their effect in plant cells has not been analyzed extensively. Here, we developed in planta assay systems to detect inhibition of cytosine methylation using plants that contain a transgene transcriptionally silenced by an epigenetic mechanism.

Results

Seeds of two transgenic plants were used: a petunia line that has been identified as a revertant of the co-suppression of the chalcone synthase-A (CHS-A) gene and contains CHS-A transgenes whose transcription is repressed; Nicotiana benthamiana plants that contain the green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter gene whose transcription is repressed through virus-induced transcriptional gene silencing. Seeds of these plants were sown on a medium that contained a demethylating agent, either 5-azacytidine or trichostatin A, and the restoration of the transcriptionally active state of the transgene was detected in seedlings. Using these systems, we found that genistein, a major isoflavonoid compound, inhibits cytosine methylation, thus restoring transgene transcription. Genistein also restored the transcription of an epigenetically silenced endogenous gene in Arabidopsis plants.

Conclusions

Our assay systems allowed us to assess the inhibition of cytosine methylation, in particular of maintenance of methylation, by compounds in plant cells. These results suggest a novel role of flavonoids in plant cells and that genistein is useful for modifying the epigenetic state of plant genomes.
Criminal charges prior to and after initiation of office-based buprenorphine treatment
Authors: Harris Elizabeth E , Jacapraro Janet Soeffing , Rastegar Darius A
Published: March 2012

Background

There is little data on the impact of office-based buprenorphine therapy on criminal activity. The goal of this study was to determine the impact of primary care clinic-based buprenorphine maintenance therapy on rates of criminal charges and the factors associated with criminal charges in the 2 years after initiation of treatment.

Methods

We collected demographic and outcome data on 252 patients who were given at least one prescription for buprenorphine. We searched a public database of criminal charges and recorded criminal charges prior to and after enrollment. We compared the total number of criminal cases and drug cases 2 years before versus 2 years after initiation of treatment.

Results

There was at least one criminal charge made against 38% of the subjects in the 2 years after initiation of treatment; these subjects were more likely to have used heroin, to have injected drugs, to have had any prior criminal charges, and recent criminal charges. There was no significant difference in the number of subjects with any criminal charge or a drug charge before and after initiation of treatment. Likewise, the mean number of all cases and drug cases was not significantly different between the two periods. However, among those who were opioid-negative for 6 or more months in the first year of treatment, there was a significant decline in criminal cases. On multivariable analysis, having recent criminal charges was significantly associated with criminal charges after initiation of treatment (adjusted odds ratio 3.92); subjects who were on opioid maintenance treatment prior to enrollment were significantly less likely to have subsequent criminal charges (adjusted odds ratio 0.52).

Conclusions

Among subjects with prior criminal charges, initiation of office-based buprenorphine treatment did not appear to have a significant impact on subsequent criminal charges.
FE65 as a link between VLDLR and APP to regulate their trafficking and processing
Authors: Dumanis Sonya B , Chamberlain Kelly A , Jin Sohn Yoo , Jin Lee Young , Guénette Suzanne Y , Suzuki Toshiharu , Mathews Paul M , Pak Daniel TS , Rebeck G William , Suh Yoo-hun , Park Hee-Sae , Hoe Hyang-Sook
Published: March 2012

Background

Several studies found that FE65, a cytoplasmic adaptor protein, interacts with APP and LRP1, altering the trafficking and processing of APP. We have previously shown that FE65 interacts with the ApoE receptor, ApoER2, altering its trafficking and processing. Interestingly, it has been shown that FE65 can act as a linker between APP and LRP1 or ApoER2. In the present study, we tested whether FE65 can interact with another ApoE receptor, VLDLR, thereby altering its trafficking and processing, and whether FE65 can serve as a linker between APP and VLDLR.

Results

We found that FE65 interacted with VLDLR using GST pull-down and co-immunoprecipitation assays in COS7 cells and in brain lysates. This interaction occurs via the PTB1 domain of FE65. Co-transfection with FE65 and full length VLDLR increased secreted VLDLR (sVLDLR); however, the levels of VLDLR C-terminal fragment (CTF) were undetectable as a result of proteasomal degradation. Additionally, FE65 increased cell surface levels of VLDLR. Moreover, we identified a novel complex between VLDLR and APP, which altered trafficking and processing of both proteins. Furthermore, immunoprecipitation results demonstrated that the presence of FE65 increased the interaction between APP and VLDLR in vitro and in vivo.

Conclusions

These data suggest that FE65 can regulate VLDLR trafficking and processing. Additionally, the interaction between VLDLR and APP altered both protein's trafficking and processing. Finally, our data suggest that FE65 serves as a link between VLDLR and APP. This novel interaction adds to a growing body of literature indicating trimeric complexes with various ApoE Receptors and APP.
Susceptibility testing of Atopobium vaginae for dequalinium chloride
Authors: Lopes dos Santos Santiago Guido , Grob Philipp , Verstraelen Hans , Waser Florian , Vaneechoutte Mario
Published: March 2012

Background

Atopobium vaginae and Gardnerella vaginalis are major markers for bacterial vaginosis. We aimed to determine the MIC and MBC range of the broad-spectrum anti-infective and antiseptic dequalinium chloride for 28 strains, belonging to 4 species of the genus Atopobium, i.e. A. vaginae, A. minutum, A. rimae and A. parvulum.

Methods

The MIC was determined with a broth microdilution assay.

Results

The MIC and MBC for Atopobium spp. for dequalinium chloride ranged between < 0.0625 and 2 μg/ml.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that dequalinium chloride inhibits and kills clinical isolates of A. vaginae at concentrations similar to those of clindamycin and lower than those of metronidazole.