bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Feasibility of Identification of Gamma Knife Planning Strategies by Identification of Pareto Optimal Gamma Knife Plans
Authors: Giller Cole A.
Published: October 2014

The use of conformity indices to optimize Gamma Knife planning is common, but does not address important tradeoffs between dose to tumor and normal tissue. Pareto analysis has been used for this purpose in other applications, but not for Gamma Knife (GK) planning. The goal of this work is to use computer models to show that Pareto analysis may be feasible for GK planning to identify dosimetric tradeoffs. We define a GK plan A to be Pareto dominant to B if the prescription isodose volume of A covers more tumor but not more normal tissue than B, or if A covers less normal tissue but not less tumor than B. A plan is Pareto optimal if it is not dominated by any other plan. Two different Pareto optimal plans represent different tradeoffs between dose to tumor and normal tissue, because neither plan dominates the other. ‘GK simulator’ software calculated dose distributions for GK plans, and was called repetitively by a genetic algorithm to calculate Pareto dominant plans. Three irregular tumor shapes were tested in 17 trials using various combinations of shots. The mean number of Pareto dominant plans/trial was 59 ± 17 (sd). Different planning strategies were identified by large differences in shot positions, and 70 of the 153 coordinate plots (46%) showed differences of 5mm or more. The Pareto dominant plans dominated other nearby plans. Pareto dominant plans represent different dosimetric tradeoffs and can be systematically calculated using genetic algorithms. Automatic identification of non-intuitive planning strategies may be feasible with these methods.
A Randomized Controlled Trial of an Electronic Informed Consent Process
Authors: Rothwell Erin , Wong Bob , Rose Nancy C. , Anderson Rebecca , Fedor Beth , Stark Louisa A. , Botkin Jeffrey R.
Published: October 2014

A pilot study assessed an electronic informed consent model within a randomized controlled trial (RCT). Participants who were recruited for the parent RCT project were randomly selected and randomized to either an electronic consent group ( n = 32) or a simplified paper-based consent group ( n = 30). Results from the electronic consent group reported significantly higher understanding of the purpose of the study, alternatives to participation, and who to contact if they had questions or concerns about the study. However, participants in the paper-based control group reported higher mean scores on some survey items. This research suggests that an electronic informed consent presentation may improve participant understanding for some aspects of a research study.
Female principals leading at disadvantaged schools in Johannesburg, South Africa
Authors: Naidoo Bhaigiavathie , Perumal Juliet
Published: October 2014

South African democracy precipitated many changes and excavated many dormant issues, one of which was equity in the workplace. This extended into the sphere of education - a sector in which women were rarely seen in leadership positions. Following the implementation of several redress policies, women have managed to penetrate the gender equity barrier and assume leadership positions in schools. This article reports on a study that investigated how female principals experience leadership at schools in disadvantaged communities in the Gauteng East District, in Johannesburg, South Africa. Nesting itself within a qualitative research paradigm, the study explored ways in which women principals navigate gender and cultural challenges and highlights how stereotypes shape their leadership styles. Observations, field notes and semi-structured interviews were used to elicit data. These findings provide insight into the following themes: leadership styles; the principal as a curriculum leader; socio-economic profile of the school community and its impact on curriculum; balancing family and school responsibilities; and stakeholder participation and support.
Sonography of Sports Injuries of the Hip
Authors: Dawes Aaron R. L. , Seidenberg Peter H.
Published: October 2014

Context:

Sports-related injuries of the hip are a common complaint of both competitive and recreational athletes of all ages. The anatomic and biomechanical complexity of the hip region often cause diagnostic uncertainty for the clinicians evaluating these injuries. Therefore, obtaining additional diagnostic information is often crucial for providing injured athletes with a prompt and accurate diagnosis so they can return to activity as soon as possible. Musculoskeletal ultrasound is becoming increasingly important in evaluating and treating sports-related injuries of the hip.

Evidence Acquisition:

The PubMed database was searched in May of 2013 for English-language articles pertaining to sonography of sports injuries of the hip using the following keywords in various combinations: musculoskeletal, ultrasound, hip, hip sonography, and sports.

Study Design:

Clinical review.

Level of Evidence:

Level 4.

Results:

Musculoskeletal ultrasound is currently being used for both diagnosis and treatment in a wide range of acute and chronic conditions affecting the hip, including tendinosis, tendon/muscle strains, ligamentous sprains, enthesopathies, growth plate injuries, fractures, bursitis, effusions, synovitis, labral tears, and snapping hip. Therapeutically, it is used to guide injections, aspirations, and biopsies.

Conclusion:

Musculoskeletal ultrasound use is expanding and will likely continue to do so as more clinicians realize its capabilities. Characteristics, including accessibility, portability, noninvasiveness, dynamic examination, power Doppler examination, and low cost highlight the potential of ultrasound.
‘It makes you think’ – exploring the impact of qualitative films on pain clinicians
Authors: Toye Francine , Jenkins Sue
Published: October 2014

Background:

Researchers need to consider the impact and utility of their findings. Film is an accessible medium for qualitative research findings and can facilitate learning through emotional engagement.

Aim:

We aimed to explore the usefulness of a short film presenting findings from a published qualitative synthesis of adults’ experience of chronic musculoskeletal pain for pain education. In particular, we were interested in the impact of the film on clinician’s understanding of patients’ experience of chronic pain and how this knowledge might be used for improved healthcare for people with pain.

Methods:

Focus groups with healthcare professionals enrolled in a pain management foundation course explored healthcare professionals’ experience of watching the film. A constructivist grounded theory approach was adopted by the researchers.

Findings:

This article presents one thematic exemplar from a wider study. Participants reflected upon the pitfalls of judging by appearances and the value of seeing the person beneath his or her performance.

Conclusion:

There is a danger that the impact of qualitative findings is under-valued in clinical education. We present one exemplar from a study exploring knowledge mobilisation, which demonstrates that qualitative research, specifically qualitative films, can make us think about the care that we provide to people with chronic pain.
Convergence theorems for continuous pseudocontractive mappings in Banach spaces
Authors: Guo Weiping , Choi Min Seok , Cho Yeol Je
Published: October 2014

In this paper, we prove some strong and weak convergence theorems for continuous pseudocontractive mapping and a weak convergence theorem for nonexpansive mapping in real uniformly convex Banach spaces. As an application of the strong convergence theorem, we give an interesting example.
Cell-adhesive RGD peptide-displaying M13 bacteriophage/PLGA nanofiber matrices for growth of fibroblasts
Authors: Shin Yong Cheol , Lee Jong Ho , Jin Linhua , Kim Min Jeong , Oh Jin-Woo , Kim Tai Wan , Han Dong-Wook
Published: October 2014

Background

M13 bacteriophages can be readily fabricated as nanofibers due to non-toxic bacterial virus with a nanofiber-like shape. In the present study, we prepared hybrid nanofiber matrices composed of poly(lactic-
co
-glycolic acid, PLGA) and M13 bacteriophages which were genetically modified to display the RGD peptide on their surface (RGD-M13 phage).

Results

The surface morphology and chemical composition of hybrid nanofiber matrices were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Raman spectroscopy, respectively. Immunofluorescence staining was conducted to investigate the existence of M13 bacteriophages in RGD-M13 phage/PLGA hybrid nanofibers. In addition, the attachment and proliferation of three different types of fibroblasts on RGD-M13 phage/PLGA nanofiber matrices were evaluated to explore how fibroblasts interact with these matrices. SEM images showed that RGD-M13 phage/PLGA hybrid matrices had the non-woven porous structure, quite similar to that of natural extracellular matrices, having an average fiber diameter of about 190 nm. Immunofluorescence images and Raman spectra revealed that RGD-M13 phages were homogeneously distributed in entire matrices. Moreover, the attachment and proliferation of fibroblasts cultured on RGD-M13 phage/PLGA matrices were significantly enhanced due to enriched RGD moieties on hybrid matrices.

Conclusions

These results suggest that RGD-M13 phage/PLGA matrices can be efficiently used as biomimetic scaffolds for tissue engineering applications.
Attenuated transforming growth factor beta signaling promotes metastasis in a model of HER2 mammary carcinogenesis
Authors: Novitskiy Sergey V , Forrester Elizabeth , Pickup Michael W , Gorska Agnieszka E , Chytil Anna , Aakre Mary , Polosukhina Dina , Owens Philip , Yusupova Dilyara R , Zhao Zhiguo , Ye Fei , Shyr Yu , Moses Harold L
Published: October 2014

Introduction

Transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) plays a major role in the regulation of tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis. It is depended on the type II TGFβ receptor (TβRII) for signaling. Previously, we have shown that deletion of TβRII in mammary epithelial of MMTV-PyMT mice results in shortened tumor latency and increased lung metastases. However, active TGFβ signaling increased the number of circulating tumor cells and metastases in MMTV-Neu mice. In the current study, we describe a newly discovered connection between attenuated TGFβ signaling and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) signaling in mammary tumor progression.

Methods

All studies were performed on MMTV-Neu mice with and without dominant-negative TβRII (DNIIR) in mammary epithelium. Mammary tumors were analyzed by flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence staining. The levels of secreted proteins were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Whole-lung mount staining was used to quantitate lung metastasis. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) datasets were used to determine the relevance of our findings to human breast cancer.

Results

Attenuated TGFβ signaling led to a delay tumor onset, but increased the number of metastases in MMTVNeu/DNIIR mice. The DNIIR tumors were characterized by increased vasculogenesis, vessel leakage, and increased expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). During DNIIR tumor progression, both the levels of CXCL1/5 and the number of CD11b+Gr1+ cells and T cells decreased. Analysis of TCGA datasets demonstrated a significant negative correlation between TGFBR2 and VEGF genes expression. Higher VEGFA expression correlated with shorter distant metastasis-free survival only in HER2+ patients with no differences in HER2-, estrogen receptor +/- or progesterone receptor +/- breast cancer patients.

Conclusion

Our studies provide insights into a novel mechanism by which epithelial TGFβ signaling modulates the tumor microenvironment, and by which it is involved in lung metastasis in HER2+ breast cancer patients. The effects of pharmacological targeting of the TGFβ pathway in vivo during tumor progression remain controversial. The targeting of TGFβ signaling should be a viable option, but because VEGF has a protumorigenic effect on HER2+ tumors, the targeting of this protein could be considered when it is associated with attenuated TGFβ signaling.
Focal adhesion kinase is required for synovial fibroblast invasion, but not murine inflammatory arthritis
Authors: Shelef Miriam A , Bennin David A , Yasmin Nihad , Warner Thomas F , Ludwig Thomas , Beggs Hilary E , Huttenlocher Anna
Published: October 2014

Introduction

Synovial fibroblasts invade cartilage and bone, leading to joint destruction in rheumatoid arthritis. However, the mechanisms that regulate synovial fibroblast invasion are not well understood. Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) has been implicated in cellular invasion in several cell types, and FAK inhibitors are in clinical trials for cancer treatment. Little is known about the role of FAK in inflammatory arthritis, but, given its expression in synovial tissue, its known role in invasion in other cells and the potential clinical availability of FAK inhibitors, it is important to determine if FAK contributes to synovial fibroblast invasion and inflammatory arthritis.

Methods

After treatment with FAK inhibitors, invasiveness of human rheumatoid synovial fibroblasts was determined with Matrigel invasion chambers. Migration and focal matrix degradation, two components of cellular invasion, were assessed in FAK-inhibited rheumatoid synovial fibroblasts by transwell assay and microscopic examination of fluorescent gelatin degradation, respectively. Using mice with tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα)-induced arthritis in which fak could be inducibly deleted, invasion and migration by FAK-deficient murine arthritic synovial fibroblasts were determined as described above and arthritis was clinically and pathologically scored in FAK-deficient mice.

Results

Inhibition of FAK in human rheumatoid synovial fibroblasts impaired cellular invasion and migration. Focal matrix degradation occurred both centrally and at focal adhesions, the latter being a novel site for matrix degradation in synovial fibroblasts, but degradation was unaltered with FAK inhibitors. Loss of FAK reduced invasion in murine arthritic synovial fibroblasts, but not migration or TNFα-induced arthritis severity and joint erosions.

Conclusions

FAK inhibitors reduce synovial fibroblast invasion and migration, but synovial fibroblast migration and TNFα-induced arthritis do not rely on FAK itself. Thus, inhibition of FAK alone is unlikely to be sufficient to treat inflammatory arthritis, but current drugs that inhibit FAK may inhibit multiple factors, which could increase their efficacy in rheumatoid arthritis.
Increased Mortality in Patients With Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia Due to 21-Hydroxylase Deficiency
Authors: Falhammar Henrik , Frisén Louise , Norrby Christina , Hirschberg Angelica Lindén , Almqvist Catarina , Nordenskjöld Agneta , Nordenström Anna
Published: October 2014

Context:

Reports on mortality in patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) are lacking.

Objective:

This study sought to study mortality and causes of death in CAH.

Design, Setting, and Participants:

We studied patients with CAH (21-hydroxylase deficiency, n = 588; CYP21A2 mutations known, >80%), and compared them with controls (n = 58 800). Data were derived through linkage of national population-based registers.

Main Outcome Measures:

Mortality and causes of death.

Results:

Mean age of death was 41.2 ± 26.9 years in patients with CAH and 47.7 ± 27.7 years in controls (P < .001). Among patients with CAH, 23 (3.9%) had deceased compared with 942 (1.6%) of controls. The hazard ratio (and 95% confidence interval) of death was 2.3 (1.2–4.3) in CAH males and 3.5 (2.0–6.0) in CAH females. Including only patients born 1952–2009, gave similar total results but only patients with salt wasting (SW) or with unclear phenotype had an increased mortality. The causes of death in patients with CAH were adrenal crisis (42%), cardiovascular (32%), cancer (16%), and suicide (10%). There were seven additional deaths in CAH individuals with incomplete or reused personal identification number that could not be analyzed using linkage of registers. Of the latter, all except one were deceased before the introduction of neonatal screening in 1986, and most of them in the first weeks of life, probably in an adrenal crisis.

Conclusions:

CAH is a potentially lethal condition and was associated with excess mortality due to adrenal crisis. The SW phenotype also seemed to have worse outcome in children and adults due to adrenal crisis and not only before the introduction of neonatal screening.
Encoding wide-field motion and direction in the central complex of the cockroach, Blaberous discoidalis
Authors: Kathman Nicholas D. , Kesavan Malavika , Ritzmann Roy E.
Published: October 2014

In the arthropod brain, the central complex (CX) receives various forms of sensory signals and is associated with motor functions, but its precise role in behavior is controversial. The optomotor response is a highly conserved turning behavior directed by visual motion. In tethered cockroaches, 20% procaine injected into the CX reversibly blocked this behavior. We then used multichannel extracellular recording to sample unit activity in the CX in response to wide-field visual motion stimuli, moving either horizontally or vertically at various temporal frequencies. For the 401 units we sampled, we identified five stereotyped response patterns: tonically inhibited or excited responses during motion, phasically inhibited or excited responses at the initiation of motion, and phasically excited responses at the termination of motion. 67% of the units responded to horizontal motion, while only 19% responded to vertical motion. 38% of responding units were directionally selective to horizontal motion. Response type and directional selectivity were sometimes conditional with other stimulus parameters, such as temporal frequency. For instance, 16% of the units that responded tonically to low temporal frequencies responded phasically to high temporal frequencies. In addition, we found 26% of wide-field motion responding units showed a periodic response that was entrained to the temporal frequency of the stimulus. Our results show a diverse population of neurons within the CX that are variably tuned to wide-field motion parameters. Our behavioral data further suggest that such CX activity is required for effective optomotor responses.
Activity artifacts in drug discovery and different facets of compound promiscuity
Authors: Bajorath Jürgen
Published: October 2014

Compounds with apparent activity in a variety of assays might disable target proteins or produce false assay signals in the absence of specific interactions. In some instances, such effects are easy to detect, in others they are not. Observed promiscuity of compounds might be due to such non-specific assay artifacts. By contrast, promiscuity might also result from specific interactions with multiple targets. In the latter case, promiscuous compounds can be attractive candidates for certain therapeutic applications. However, compounds with artificial activity readouts are often not recognized and are further progressed, which presents a substantial problem for drug discovery. In this context, the concept of PAINS (pan-assay interference compounds) should be seriously considered, which makes it possible to eliminate flawed compounds from the discovery pipeline, even if their activities appear to be sound at a first glance.
Estimating Processing Times of Harvesters in Thinning Operations in Maine
Authors: Hiesl Patrick , Benjamin Jeffrey G.
Published: October 2014

Although harvester use in recent years has increased in Maine, in the past 25 years no productivity or cycle time information was made available for harvesters operating in Maine's softwood stands. In order to update regional production and cost models it was necessary to develop cycle time equations for harvesters. Time and motion studies of harvesters in thinning operations were conducted during the summer of 2012 at four harvest sites under a variety of stand and site conditions common to central Maine. Results show cycle time differences for harvesters based on stem size as well as hardwood and softwood species groupings. A linear mixed-effects model was developed to explain the influence of stem size and species on processing time. The combination of operator, machine, and site conditions was used as a random effect in this model, which explained 5 percent of data variance. The adjusted R2 for this model was 0.20, and the model was validated using two independent harvester time studies conducted in 2013. Validation results show that the developed model predicts total harvest time within 5 to 25 percent of the observed time. This model will allow for updated logging cost predictions by land managers and logging contractors, but it also clearly shows the effect of stem size on time consumption and subsequently on productivity.
Crossover Formation During Rice Meiosis Relies on Interaction of OsMSH4 and OsMSH5
Authors: Zhang Lei , Tang Ding , Luo Qiong , Chen Xiaojun , Wang Hongjun , Li Yafei , Cheng Zhukuan
Published: October 2014

MSH4 encodes a MutS protein that plays a specialized role in meiosis. In eukaryotic species, such as budding yeast, mice, Caenorhabditis elegans, and Arabidopsis, msh4 mutants display meiotic defects with a reduced number of chiasmata. Here, we characterized rice MSH4 by map-based cloning. In Osmsh4 mutants, the chiasma frequency was dramatically decreased to ∼10% of the wild type, but the synaptonemal complex was normally installed. The double mutant analysis showed that in the Osmsh4 Osmsh5 mutant, the reduction of chiasmata was greater than other zmm mutants. This was consistent with the absence of localization for OsZIP4 and OsMER3 in Osmsh4 and suggests an earlier role for OsMSH4 and OsMSH5 than other ZMM proteins where they may be required to stabilize progenitor Holliday junctions. Using yeast two-hybrid and pull-down assays, we verified the direct physical association between OsMSH4 and OsMSH5 and OsMSH5 and HEI10 in plants for the first time. The MSH4–MSH5 heterodimer has been demonstrated in mammals to stabilize the formation of progenitor and double Holliday junctions that may be resolved as crossovers (COs). We propose that OsMSH4 interacts with OsMSH5 to promote formation of the majority of COs in rice.
Yield and Yield Gaps in Central U.S. Corn Production Systems
Authors: Egli D. B. , Hatfield J. L.
Published: October 2014

The magnitude of yield gaps (YGs) (potential yield – farmer yield) provides some indication of the prospects for increasing crop yield. Quantile regression analysis was applied to county corn (Zea mays L.) yields (1972–2011) from Kentucky, Iowa, and Nebraska (irrigated) (total of 115 counties) to estimate the attainable potential yield (APY) (yield in the most favorable environments in the 40‐yr record) for each county. The YG for each year was the difference between the APY and the county yield. Potential productivity (40‐yr mean county yield) varied substantially within and among states (579–1001 g m−2). The mean relative yield gap (RYG) varied from 9 to 24% of APY and decreased linearly (p < 0.0001) as the mean county yield increased for each state. Large YGs were partially related to very low yields that occurred in some years and may reflect the ability of the soil to supply water to the crop; other soil or management factors may also be involved since irrigation did not reduce the RYG in Nebraska to zero. The highest mean county APY was 30% (Kentucky), 22% (Iowa) and 14% (Nebraska) higher than the lowest county APY. This second YG occurred in favorable environments. Reducing the first YG in Kentucky and Iowa will probably require irrigation. Reducing the second YG may be more difficult if it is related to intractable soil characteristics. These results suggest that soil conditions may play an important role in determining the size of YGs in Midwestern corn production systems.
Frequency and temperature dependence behaviour of impedance, modulus and conductivity of BaBi4Ti4O15 aurivillius ceramic
Authors: Badapanda Tanmaya , Harichandan Ranjan , Nayak Sudhasu , Mishra Avinna , Anwar Sahid
Published: October 2014

In this work, we report the dielectric, impedance, modulus and conductivity
study of BaBi4Ti4O15 ceramic synthesized by solid state reaction. X-ray
diffraction (XRD) pattern showed orthorhombic structure with space group
A21am confirming it to be an m=4 member of the Aurivillius oxide. The
frequency dependence dielectric study shows that the value of dielectric
constant is high at lower frequencies and decreases with increase in
frequency. Impedance spectroscopy analyses reveal a non-Debye relaxation
phenomenon since relaxation frequency moves towards the positive side with
increase in temperature. The shift in impedance peaks towards higher
frequency side indicates conduction in material and favouring of the long
rangemotion of mobile charge carriers. The Nyquist plot from complex
impedance spectrum shows only one semicircular arc representing the grain
effect in the electrical conduction. The modulus mechanism indicates the
non-Debye type of conductivity relaxation in the material, which is supported
by impedance data. Relaxation times extracted using imaginary part of complex
impedance (Z??) and modulus (M??) were also found to follow Arrhenius law.
The frequency dependent AC conductivity at different temperatures indicates
that the conduction process is thermally activated. The variation of DC
conductivity exhibits a negative temperature coefficient of resistance
behaviour.
Examining the Rhetoric: A Comparison of How Sustainability and Young Children's Participation and Agency are Framed in Australian and Swedish Early Childhood Education Curricula
Authors: Ärlemalm-Hagsér Eva , Davis Julie
Published: October 2014

This article scrutinises the ways in which young children are described and supported as active participants for change within the Australian and Swedish national steering documents for early childhood education. A critical theory lens was applied, in combination with document analysis that looked for concepts related to environment and sustainability – i.e. the environmental, social, economic and political dimension of development, human place in nature, and environmental stewardship. Concepts concerned with critical thinking and children as active participants for change were used as specific dimensions of curriculum interpretation. The analyses show that, while both the Australian and Swedish curricula deal with content connected to environmental, social and cognitive dimensions, there is limited or no discussion of the political dimensions of human development, such as children as active citizens with political agency. In other words, children are not recognised as competent beings or agents of change for sustainability within these early childhood curriculum frameworks. Hence, these supposedly contemporary early childhood education documents lack curricular leadership to support children to contribute their voices and actions to civic and public spheres of participation as equal citizens.
Niche-Dependent Regulations of Metabolic Balance in High-Fat Diet–Induced Diabetic Mice by Mesenchymal Stromal Cells
Authors: Ji Andrea Tung-Qian , Chang Yun-Chuang , Fu Yun-Ju , Lee Oscar K. , Ho Jennifer H.
Published: October 2014

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have great potential to maintain glucose homeostasis and metabolic balance. Here, we demonstrate that in mice continuously fed with high-fat diet (HFD) that developed non–insulin-dependent diabetes, two episodes of systemic MSC transplantations effectively improve glucose tolerance and blood glucose homeostasis and reduce body weight through targeting pancreas and insulin-sensitive tissues and organs via site-specific mechanisms. MSCs support pancreatic islet growth by direct differentiation into insulin-producing cells and by mitigating the cytotoxicity of interleukin 1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the pancreas. Localization of MSCs in the liver and skeletal muscles in diabetic animals is also enhanced and therefore improves glucose tolerance, although long-term engraftment is not observed. MSCs prevent HFD-induced fatty liver development and restore glycogen storage in hepatocytes. Increased expression of IL-1 receptor antagonist and Glut4 in skeletal muscles after MSC transplantation results in better blood glucose homeostasis. Intriguingly, systemic MSC transplantation does not alter adipocyte number, but it decreases HFD-induced cell infiltration in adipose tissues and reduces serum levels of adipokines, including leptin and TNF-α. Taken together, systemic MSC transplantation ameliorates HFD-induced obesity and restores metabolic balance through multisystemic regulations that are niche dependent. Such findings have supported systemic transplantation of MSCs to correct metabolic imbalance.
Patient-Reported Outcomes Associated With Use of Physical Therapist Services by Older Adults With a New Visit for Back Pain
Authors: Rundell Sean D. , Sherman Karen J. , Heagerty Patrick J. , Mock Charles , Jarvik Jeffrey G.
Published: October 2014

Background

Among older adults, it is not clear how different types or amounts of physical therapy may be associated with improvements in back pain and function.

Objective

The study objective was to investigate the association between types or amounts of physical therapist services and 1-year outcomes among older adults with back pain.

Design

This was a prospective cohort study.

Methods

A total of 3,771 older adults who were enrolled in a cohort study and who had a new primary care visit for back pain participated. Physical therapy use was ascertained from electronic health records. The following patient-reported outcomes were collected over 12 months: back-related disability (Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire) and back and leg pain intensity (11-point numerical rating scale). Marginal structural models were used to estimate average effects of different amounts of physical therapy use on disability and pain for all types of physical therapy and for active, passive, and manual physical therapy.

Results

A total of 1,285 participants (34.1%) received some physical therapy. There was no statistically significant gradient in relationships between physical therapy use and back-related disability score. The use of passive or manual therapy was not consistently associated with pain outcomes. Higher amounts of active physical therapy were associated with decreased back and leg pain and increased odds of clinically meaningful improvements in back and leg pain relative to results obtained with no active physical therapy.

Limitations

The fact that few participants had high amounts of physical therapy use limited precision and the ability to test for nonlinear relationships for the amount of use.

Conclusions

Higher amounts of active physical therapy were most consistently related to the greatest improvements in pain intensity; however, as with all observational studies, the results must be interpreted with caution.
Widening of the basilar bifurcation angle: association with presence of intracranial aneurysm, age, and female sex
Authors: Tütüncü Fatih , Schimansky Sarah , Baharoglu Merih I. , Gao Bulang , Calnan Daniel , Hippelheuser James , Safain Mina G. , Lauric Alexandra , Malek Adel M.
Published: October 2014

Object

Arterial bifurcations represent preferred locations for aneurysm formation, especially when they are associated with variations in divider geometry. The authors hypothesized a link between basilar apex aneurysms and basilar bifurcation (α) and vertebrobasilar junction (VBJ) angles.

Methods

The α and VBJ angles were measured in 3D MR and rotational angiographic volumes using a coplanar 3-point technique. Angle α was compared between age-matched cohorts in 45 patients with basilar artery (BA) aneurysms, 65 patients with aneurysms in other locations (non-BA), and 103 nonaneurysmal controls. Additional analysis was performed in 273 nonaneurysmal controls. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations were performed on parametric BA models with increasing angles.

Results

Angle α was significantly wider in patients with BA aneurysms (146.7° ± 20.5°) than in those with non-BA aneurysms (111.7° ± 18°) and in controls (103° ± 20.6°) (p < 0.0001), whereas no difference was observed for the VBJ angle. A wider angle α correlated with BA aneurysm neck width but not dome size, which is consistent with CFD results showing a widening of the impingement zone at the bifurcation apex. BA bifurcations hosting even small aneurysms (< 5 mm) had a significantly larger α angle compared with matched controls (p < 0.0001). In nonaneurysmal controls, α increased with age (p < 0.0001), with a threshold effect above 35 years of age and a steeper dependence in females (p = 0.002) than males (p = 0.04).

Conclusions

The α angle widens with age during adulthood, especially in females. This angular widening is associated with basilar bifurcation aneurysms and may predispose individuals to aneurysm initiation by diffusing the flow impingement zone away from the protective medial band region of the flow divider.
Biosensor Applications of MAPLE Deposited Lipase
Authors: Califano Valeria , Bloisi Francesco , Aronne Antonio , Federici Stefania , Nasti Libera , Depero Laura , Vicari Luciano
Published: October 2014

Matrix Assisted Pulsed Laser Evaporation (MAPLE) is a thin film deposition technique derived from Pulsed Laser Deposition (PLD) for deposition of delicate (polymers, complex biological molecules, etc.) materials in undamaged form. The main difference of MAPLE technique with respect to PLD is the target: it is a frozen solution or suspension of the (guest) molecules to be deposited in a volatile substance (matrix). Since laser beam energy is mainly absorbed by the matrix, damages to the delicate guest molecules are avoided, or at least reduced. Lipase, an enzyme catalyzing reactions borne by triglycerides, has been used in biosensors for detection of β-hydroxyacid esters and triglycerides in blood serum. Enzymes immobilization on a substrate is therefore required. In this paper we show that it is possible, using MAPLE technique, to deposit lipase on a substrate, as shown by AFM observation, preserving its conformational structure, as shown by FTIR analysis.
Detection of the Inflammation Biomarker C-Reactive Protein in Serum Samples: Towards an Optimal Biosensor Formula
Authors: Fakanya Wellington , Tothill Ibtisam
Published: October 2014

The development of an electrochemical immunosensor for the biomarker, C-reactive protein (CRP), is reported in this work. CRP has been used to assess inflammation and is also used in a multi-biomarker system as a predictive biomarker for cardiovascular disease risk. A gold-based working electrode sensor was developed, and the types of electrode printing inks and ink curing techniques were then optimized. The electrodes with the best performance parameters were then employed for the construction of an immunosensor for CRP by immobilizing anti-human CRP antibody on the working electrode surface. A sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was then constructed after sample addition by using anti-human CRP antibody labelled with horseradish peroxidase (HRP). The signal was generated by the addition of a mediator/substrate system comprised of 3,3,5',5'-Tetramethylbenzidine dihydrochloride (TMB) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Measurements were conducted using chronoamperometry at −200 mV against an integrated Ag/AgCl reference electrode. A CRP limit of detection (LOD) of 2.2 ng·mL−1 was achieved in spiked serum samples, and performance agreement was obtained with reference to a commercial ELISA kit. The developed CRP immunosensor was able to detect a diagnostically relevant range of the biomarker in serum without the need for signal amplification using nanoparticles, paving the way for future development on a cardiac panel electrochemical point-of-care diagnostic device.
Intersection of AHR and Wnt Signaling in Development, Health, and Disease
Authors: Schneider Andrew , Branam Amanda , Peterson Richard
Published: October 2014

The AHR (aryl hydrocarbon receptor) and Wnt (wingless-related MMTV integration site) signaling pathways have been conserved throughout evolution. Appropriately regulated signaling through each pathway is necessary for normal development and health, while dysregulation can lead to developmental defects and disease. Though both pathways have been vigorously studied, there is relatively little research exploring the possibility of crosstalk between these pathways. In this review, we provide a brief background on (1) the roles of both AHR and Wnt signaling in development and disease, and (2) the molecular mechanisms that characterize activation of each pathway. We also discuss the need for careful and complete experimental evaluation of each pathway and describe existing research that explores the intersection of AHR and Wnt signaling. Lastly, to illustrate in detail the intersection of AHR and Wnt signaling, we summarize our recent findings which show that 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD)-induced disruption of Wnt signaling impairs fetal prostate development.
Shangai dancing (extrait)
Authors: Castro Brian
Published: October 2014

Résumé Extrait inédit de Shanghai Dancing, le dernier livre de Brian Castro, qui doit paraître dans quelques mois en Australie.
Savants et politiques
Authors: Confavreux Joseph , Doubre Olivier , Grelet Stany , Mangeot Philippe
Published: October 2014

Résumé entretien avec Isabelle Sommier
Le « crédit des travailleurs » : un aperçu du crédit populaire en France de 1848 à 1914
Authors: Chaïbi Olivier
Published: October 2014

Au xix e siècle se sont développées en France des banques de crédit essentiellement tournées vers la grande industrie ou le grand commerce. À la même période, les petits artisans, commerçants ou agriculteurs s’émancipent des organismes de crédit traditionnels (Mont-de-piété, prêteurs sur gages), en impulsant des formes de coopération et mutualisme bancaire, soutenues par des philanthropes et parfois liées aux courants socialistes. Mais minorées par les répressions successives, elles ont été dépassées par les influences étrangères qui ont été déterminantes dans la naissance du Crédit agricole ou du Crédit mutuel.
The Programmed Death-1 Immune-Suppressive Pathway: Barrier to Antitumor Immunity
Authors: Ostrand-Rosenberg Suzanne , Horn Lucas A. , Haile Samuel T.
Published: October 2014

Programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1, also known as B7 homolog 1 or CD274) is a major obstacle to antitumor immunity because it tolerizes/anergizes tumor-reactive T cells by binding to its receptor programmed death-1 (CD279), renders tumor cells resistant to CD8+ T cell– and FasL-mediated lysis, and tolerizes T cells by reverse signaling through T cell–expressed CD80. PD-L1 is abundant in the tumor microenvironment, where it is expressed by many malignant cells, as well as by immune cells and vascular endothelial cells. The critical role of PD-L1 in obstructing antitumor immunity has been demonstrated in multiple animal models and in recent clinical trials. This article reviews the mechanisms by which PD-L1 impairs antitumor immunity and discusses established and experimental strategies for maintaining T cell activation in the presence of PD-L1–expressing cells in the tumor microenvironment.
Hepatoprotective effects of Paeonia anomala against acetaminophen-induced cell damage through activation of anti-oxidant system
Authors: Sarangerel O , Kang K , Lee SB , Yun JH , Batsuren D , Tunsag J , Nho CW
Published: October 2014

Overdose of the analgesic and anti-pyretic acetaminophen causes a potentially fatal hepatic necrosis due to a high toxicity and depletion of cellular defense mechanisms. In the present work, the potential hepatoprotective effect of the fruit extract of Paeonia anomala against acetaminophen induced cell damages was evaluated in cultured HepG2 cells and compared to the root extract. The fruit extract showed a potent protection against acetaminophen induced cell death, while the root extract showed a weak protection. Particularly, the pre-treatment of lower doses of the fruit extract, 10 μg/ mL and 20 μg/mL, significantly enhanced cell viability. The level of total glutathione in HepG2 cells treated with the fruit extract prior to the treatment of 40 mM acetaminophen was enhanced, however, the root extract failed for this activity. In addition, activities of quinone reductase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase were increased and protein levels of glutathione peroxidase 1 and superoxide dismutase 1 were enhanced in the cells treated with 10-20 μg/mL of the fruit extract. Furthermore, the protein level of Nrf2, a crucial regulator for detoxifying and antioxidant systems, was increased by the fruit extract treatment. These results suggest that the fruit extract of P. anomala exerts protective effects against acetaminophen-induced toxicity through activation of key antioxidant systems.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5564/mjc.v14i0.190 Mongolian Journal of Chemistry 14 (40), 2013, p.5-11
Chemical composition and biological activities of the Agaricus mushrooms
Authors: Munkhgerel L , Erdenechimeg N , Tselmuungarav B , Amartuvshin B , Bolor Ts , Regdel D , Odonmajig P
Published: October 2014

Two species of Agaricus mushroom grown in Mongolia were analyzed for their element content. Biological activity and chemical components study of Agaricus, grown in the Mongolian flora has been investigated for the first time. The ethanol extracts of dried Agaricus sp. mushrooms were analyzed for antioxidant activity on 1,1-diphenyl-2- picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals and interferon-like activity. The ethanol extracts from Agaricus arvensis showed the most potent radical scavenging activity. The IC50 of A. silvaticus and A. arvensis were 216 and 17.75 g/ml respectively. Among the twenty three mushroom extracts, the extracts from A. silvatisus and A. arvensis have shown the interferon-like activity. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5564/mjc.v14i0.197Mongolian Journal of Chemistry 14 (40), 2013, p41-45
Fatty acids and their esters from Cicuta virosa L.
Authors: Jargalsaikhan U , Javzan S , Selenge D , Nedelcheva D , Philipov S , Nadmid J
Published: October 2014

n-Hexane and chloroform fractions of aerial parts and roots of Cicuta virosa L. were investigated by GC-MS. As a result of the study 25 fatty acids and their esters have been identified. Two unsaturated esters such as linoleic acid ethyl ester (IX, 16.66%), and n- hexadecanoic acid ethyl ester (VII, 10.12%), the fatty acid n-hexadecanioc acid (VI, 8.10%) made up the bulk of the aerial parts. Four unsaturated esters such as linoleic acid ethyl ester (IX, 10.15%), dibutylphthalate (XII, 9.55%), n-hexadecanoic acid ethyl ester (VII, 8.19%) and 9, 12, 15 - octadecatrienoic acid ethyl ester (X, 5.9%), two fatty acids as n-hexadecanoic acid (VI, 8,15%) and 9,12-octadecadienoic acid (VIII, 4,5%) predominated in the roots of Cicuta virosa L. These known fatty acids and their esters were found for the first time in this plant species. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5564/mjc.v14i0.203 Mongolian Journal of Chemistry 14 (40), 2013, p71-74
Physical and chemical characteristics and fatty acids composition of seeds oil isolated from Camelina sativa (L) cultivated in Mongolia
Authors: Chantsalnyam B , Otgonbayar Ch , Enkhtungalag O , Odonmajig P
Published: October 2014

Camelina sativa L is a cruciferous oilseed plant. This plant is cultivated as an oilseed crop mainly in Europe and in North America and over the past years the cultivation has arranged in our country. The analyzed oil is obtained from the seeds of Camelina sativa L, growing in Bornuur, Tuv province. The goal of this study was to determine the physical and chemical characteristics and fatty acids composition of Camelina sativa L seed oil cultivated in Mongolia. According to our analysis total lipid was determined 38.52 %, moisture 4.80 % and total mineral elements 4.02 %, respectively. Mineral elements in Camelina sativa L seeds contain calcium (0.56 %), phosphorous (1.22 %), potassium (1.39 %), magnesium (0.53 %) in dominated amounts; iron, zinc, manganese and copper in trace amounts. Eight nonessential amino acids in seeds of this plant with total amount of 75.9 % were identified; phenylalanine was detected in highest amount among the all identified amino acids, while lysine, tryptophan and arginine are followed. The following characteristics in Camelina sativa seeds oil were determined. The refractive index was 1.4774 at 20°C, the peroxide value of fresh oil was 0.03 meq H2O2 /kg, saponification value 185.8 mg KOH/g, iodine value 143.33 g J2 and acidic value 6.27 mg KOH /g. Carotenoid was determined as 16.77 mg %, by spectrometry in Camelina sativa seeds oil. The analysis of fatty acids composition showed that there are 12.5 % saturated and 87.5 % unsaturated fatty acids. In particular, oleic acid (C18:1) 14.0 %, linoleic acid (C18:2) 9.0 %, α-linolenic acid (C18:3) 10.5 % and gondoic acid (C20:1) 32.8 %, were composed the major part of unsaturated fatty acids. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5564/mjc.v14i0.205 Mongolian Journal of Chemistry 14 (40), 2013, p80-83
Competencias por el uso del agua en la provincia de Alicante: experiencias de gestión en la armonización de usos urbano-turísticos y agrícolas
Authors: Rico Amorós Antonio M. , Olcina Cantos Jorge , Baños Castiñeira Carlos J.
Published: October 2014

La disponibilidad de agua en cantidad y calidad es un factor decisivo para atender las demandas urbanas, turísticas y agrícolas en territorios con escasez natural de recursos. En la provincia de Alicante, a fin de garantizar estas demandas se ha recurrido a soluciones hidráulicas tradicionales, como trasvases y explotación de acuíferos, unidas al creciente empleo de fuentes no convencionales y al incremento de la eficiencia del uso del agua, así como a otras basadas en la armonización de distintos usos. Se analizan los modelos más importantes desarrollados en Alicante para la armonización de usos del agua urbanoturísticos y agrícolas: la gestión colectiva de acuíferos sobreexplotados (Junta Central de Usuarios del Vinalopó) y los acuerdos suscritos entre el medio urbano y los agricultores basados en el intercambio de aguas depuradas y aguas limpias para su empleo en el regadío y los usos urbano-turísticos, respectivamente (Consorcio de Aguas de la Marina Baja). Se pone de manifiesto la importancia creciente de las aguas residuales regeneradas para la armonización de usos urbano-turísticos y agrícolas del agua.
Paniagua, A.; Bryant, R. and Kizos, T. (eds.) (2012). The Political Ecology of Depopulation: Inequality, Landscape and People
Authors: Zografos Christos
Published: October 2014

Paniagua, A.; Bryant, R. and Kizos, T. (eds.) (2012)The Political Ecology of Depopulation: Inequality, Landscape and PeopleZaragoza: CEDDAR, 311 p.ISBN 978-84-92582-77-8