bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sarcopenia and Physical Function: In Overweight Patients with Advanced Cancer
Authors: Prado Carla M.M. , Lieffers Jessica R. , Bowthorpe Lindsay , Baracos Vickie E. , Mourtzakis Marina , McCargar Linda J.
Published: May 2013

Advanced cancer is associated with numerous metabolic abnormalities that may lead to significant body composition changes, particularly muscle loss or sarcopenia. Sarcopenia in cancer has been associated with poor clinical outcomes, including poor physical function. Accurate tools to assess body composition are expensive and not readily available in clinical settings. Unfortunately, little is known about the efficacy of affordable and portable techniques to assess functional status in patients with cancer. We investigated the prevalence of sarcopenia and its association with different portable and low-cost functional status measurement tools (i.e., handgrip strength testing, a two-minute walking test, and a self-report questionnaire) in overweight/obese patients (body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m2) with advanced cancer. Twenty-eight patients (68% men) aged 64.5 ± 9.5 years with advanced lung or colorectal cancer were included. Sarcopenia was assessed by measuring appendicular skeletal muscle (ASM) adjusted by height (ASM index), using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Approximately 36% of patients had sarcopenia. Average handgrip strength was greater in men without sarcopenia than in men with it (p=0.035). In men, ASM index was positively correlated with average (r=0.535, p=0.018) and peak handgrip strength (r=0.457, p=0.049). No differences were observed among female patients. Handgrip strength was associated with sarcopenia in male patients with advanced cancer, and therefore it may be used as a portable and simple nutritional screening tool.
The Role of Registered Dietitians: In Health Promotion
Authors: Olstad Dana Lee , Raine Kim D. , McCargar Linda J.
Published: May 2013

We used our experience assisting in the development of and evaluating the Alberta Nutrition Guidelines for Children and Youth (ANGCY) as a basis for exploring roles that registered dietitians (RDs) can play within health promotion, and how others perceive the RD role. Data were generated via 12 key informant interviews and observations during a multiple case study of recreation facilities that had and had not adopted the ANGCY. We also drew on dialogue and personal observations during development of the ANGCY. Dietitians working in government, academia, community settings, private practice, and industry played an important role throughout the development and implementation of the ANGCY. Some sectors proactively sought RD expertise, while others with less ability to pay accessed RDs’ services less. Informants generally regarded RDs in a positive light. Findings indicate the profession should incrementally adjust training models to reflect emerging areas of practice, and highlight the need for RDs to proactively seek new avenues in which to apply their skills. These actions will help RDs remain the trusted source of food and nutrition information, not only in health care, but also within health promotion settings.
Challenges in Planning Long-term Care Menus: That Meet Dietary Recommendations
Authors: Viveky Navita , Billinsky Jennifer , Thorpe Lilian , Alcorn Jane , Hadjistavropoulos Thomas , Whiting Susan J.
Published: May 2013

Purpose: Long-term care (LTC) homes plan menus based on Eating Well with Canada’s Food Guide (CFG) recommendations for older adults. To determine whether recommended CFG servings and nutrients were being provided, we analyzed the menu of a large LTC facility in a metropolitan area and compared our analysis with a similar one conducted in 2000.

Methods: A full week’s menu from a large Saskatoon LTC facility was analyzed and compared with CFG and recent Dietary Recommended Intake nutrient recommendations. The menu was analyzed using The Food Processor SQL. The 2011 menu was compared with the similar 2000 menu analysis to permit an evaluation of changes over a decade.

Results: The 2011 menu demonstrated a significant improvement in servings of vegetables and fruit (4.6 to 7.2 servings). Servings of grain products had declined from 4.9 to 3.6 and servings of milk and alternatives had declined from 2.4 to 1.2 since 2000. Servings of meat and alternatives, total carbohydrate, and protein were not significantly different. Foods on the 2011 menu were lower in fat and higher in dietary fibre and offered more vitamins and minerals.

Conclusions: Greater attention to the planning of LTC menus may explain improvements in the 2011 LTC menu. The current menu, however, needs to overcome the challenges that prevent it from meeting CFG recommendations for older adults.
Dietetic Students’ Understanding: Of What Becoming a Dietitian Means
Authors: MacLellan Debbie , Lordly Daphne
Published: May 2013

Purpose: We explored dietetic students’ beliefs about what becoming a dietitian means.

Methods: A phenomenological approach to inquiry was used. Thirteen undergraduate students enrolled in a dietetics program were interviewed, and data were analyzed thematically.

Results: The overarching theme was students’ expectations of what being a dietitian means and how those expectations change throughout their education. Exposure to a variety of dietitians in practice helped shape participants’ understanding of being a dietitian.

Conclusions: For dietetic students to develop a strong identity as dietitians and to strengthen the profession, they must be exposed to practising professionals early and often.
Leadership in Hard Times: Germany, France, and the Management of the Eurozone Crisis
Authors: Schild Joachim
Published: May 2013

France and Germany played a highly visible leadership role during the management of the Euro crisis and the efforts to design a reform governance framework for the Euro area. This article provides a conceptualization of this bilateral leadership, which is then applied to trace the process of Franco-German leadership during the ongoing crisis of the Euro area. Franco-German leadership grew ever more important as the crisis deepened. After the French presidential election of 2012, however, the divergences between the two core states of the Euro area deepened and made the exercise of joint leadership more difficult to achieve. I consider this leadership role to be based on a compromise by proxy logic in which France and Germany, starting from divergent positions, strike bilateral compromises acceptable to other member states that feel their own interests are represented by either France or Germany. Their common capacity to find suitable remedies to cope with crisis, however, is not beyond doubt. The Franco-German approach followed an additive logic, combining the temporary and permanent financial support schemes-a French preference-with a concomitant strengthening of fiscal rules advocated by Germany. In the end, the two governments did not develop a common comprehensive strategy based on a shared conceptual framework.
The Élysée Treaty and European Integration Theory
Authors: Karagiannis Yannis
Published: May 2013

According to neoliberal institutionalism, states create international institutions to limit information asymmetries, monitor compliance, and ensure the credibility of commitments to agreed-upon policies-in short, to minimize transaction costs. Although this view can help explain the delegation of powers to supranational bodies such as the European Commission, it cannot account for the signature of the Élysée Treaty between France and Germany in January 1963, which reversed the logic of supranational delegation. Understanding the causes and the consequences of this apparently anomalous event is therefore a major challenge facing scholars of international organizations, European integration, and German foreign policy alike. To start addressing the issue, this article develops an explanation based on incomplete contracts theory. In a nutshell, I argue that the Élysée Treaty aimed at securing the equal treatment of French and German interests in the process of European integration, thereby allowing the deepening of European integration.
The Élysée Treaty in the Context of Franco-German Socio-cultural Relations
Authors: Defrance Corine
Published: May 2013

Even though the terms “culture“ and “reconciliation“ are absent in the Élysée Treaty, this article looks at forms of cooperation that the Treaty nevertheless generated in the fields of education and youth, as well as foreign affairs and defense. In fact, the Treaty was quite important for the development of cultural and socio-cultural relations between France and Germany and the interactions between states and civil societies. Yet, contrary to the political rhetoric often heard, the Élysée Treaty was not the “year zero“ of Franco-German rapprochement. The Treaty also has to be evaluated in terms of the new impetus it provided for societal initiatives, as well as its limits in the cultural field. The article also assesses recent debates among intellectuals in the two countries: Do the two nations still have something to share at the cultural level or have they distanced themselves from each other? Has the Élysée Treaty really exhausted its integrative capacities regarding socio-cultural matters? In sum, the Treaty has become an important framework for Franco-German socio-cultural cooperation, even if “culture“ was not its main aim, and governments are far from having been the main actors in this field. But, thanks to the joint process of consultation and institutionalization, experiments with bilateral forms of exchanges and cooperation often occurred before being re-applied to a larger framework.
Changing Partners at Fifty? French Security Policy after Libya in Light of the Élysée Treaty
Authors: Mazzucelli Colette
Published: May 2013

The 2011 Libya campaign highlighted the divergence of interests between France and Germany within the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in matters of Middle East and global security. This divergence calls for a reassessment of the meaning of their bilateral cooperation, as defined in the Treaty of Friendship between France and Germany, otherwise known as the Élysée Treaty, signed on 22 January 1963 by Chancellor Konrad Adenauer and President Charles de Gaulle. This article focuses on France, which engaged militarily in Libya cooperating with the United Kingdom as its principal European partner. Germany, for reasons explained by its history, political culture, and the nature of its federal system, chose to abstain in the United Nations vote to authorize the campaign. These differences between France and Germany suggest a contrast in their respective security and, particularly defense, policy objectives on the fiftieth anniversary of the Élysée Treaty.
Atención a las mujeres desplazadas víctimas de la violencia sexual por actores del confl icto armado interno: Seguimiento del Auto 092 de la Corte Constitucional en Colombia
Authors: Moreno Sara Yaneth Fernández
Published: May 2013

Hasta 2004, la población desplazada en Colombia estaba expuesta a la vulneración masiva y sostenida de varios derechos constitucionales, y a la prolongada omisión de las autoridades del Estado en el cumplimiento de sus obligaciones y en garantizar los derechos y las acciones institucionales necesarias para evitar la vulneración de los derechos de esta población, cada vez más creciente en el país.1 En ese mismo año, se expide la Sentencia T-025/2004 de la Corte Constitucional colombiana, donde declara el “estado de cosas inconstitucional,” reitera los derechos constitucionales de la población afectada por el desplazamiento forzado, e imparte una serie de órdenes para proteger los derechos de la población afectada por el fenómeno.
Book Reviews
Authors: Naranjo Gloria Elena , Gal Fabian Andras
Published: May 2013

Zapata-Barrero, R. y Gallardo-Ferrer, X. (Eds.) (2012). Fronteras en movimiento. Migraciones hacia la Unión Europea en el contexto Mediterráneo.
Reseña por Gloria Elena Naranjo

Kühnhardt, L. (2010). Region-building: The global proliferation of regional integration (Vol.1).
Review by Fabian Andras Gal
Cancer, Cancer Control and Bangladesh
Authors: Kalam Md Abul , Ahmed Tanveer
Published: May 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bdjps.v3i1.14994 Bangladesh Journal of Plastic Surgery 2012, 3(1): 1-2
A Study of Primary Skin Closure by Intradermal Stitches with and Without Adhesive Tapes
Authors: Sarker B , Lenin LK , Khundkar SK
Published: May 2013

The study was done to evaluate whether adhesive tape after intradermal skin closure in face and neck produces better aesthetic scar than intradermal skin closure in face and neck without adhesive tape. It was a prospective, interventional, purposive study and was done in department of Plastic Surgery, Dhaka Medical College Hospital (D.M.C.H.) from July 2005 to October 2007. A total of 90 patients was included in the study. In one group (A), face and neck skin was closed by intradermal stitches with Vicryl. In other group (B), face and neck skin was closed by intradermal stitches with Vicryl 6/0, cutting body needle with adhesive tape (Nichistrip). The study included 76 patients. The age range was from 13-45 years. 34 patients were male and 42 patients were female. None of the baseline variables like age and gender was found to be different in two groups (p> 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between two groups in the distribution of Incision along Langers line, Length of incisions, Gapping and Swelling (p>0.05). Group B (intradermal skin closure in face and neck lesions with adhesive tape) had statistically highly significant difference (p<0.001) visual analogue score than group A (intradermal skin closure in face and neck lesions without adhesive tape). It can be said that intradermal skin closure in face and neck lesions causes better aesthetic scar than intradermal skin closure in face and neck lesions without adhesive tape. Adhesive skin tape has definite value in the plastic surgery and can be regarded as a specific modality for aesthetic scars in face and neck.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bdjps.v3i1.14999 Bangladesh Journal of Plastic Surgery 2012, 3(1): 7-12
Results of Dynamic Claw Correction in Ulnar nerve Palsy
Authors: Biswas D , Kalam MA , Roy A , Aolad FR
Published: May 2013

Normal hand function is a balance between the extrinsic-intrinsic and extensor-flexor group of musculature. Although individually the intrinsics are very small muscles, collectively they contribute about 50% of grip strength. Total 19 patents with claw deformity were corrected by 4 different techniques. 11 claws were due to high ulnar nerve palsy and 8 were due to low palsy. Result was excellent in 9 (47.36%), good in 7(36.84%), fair in 2(10.52%) and poor in 1(05.26%) patient. Zancollis Lasso was the most common procedure used for correction of claw deformity. 1(05.26%) patient developed swan neck deformity treated by FDS 4 tail procedure of low lesion group and final result was fair, another 1 (05.26%) patient developed contracture of the PIP joint. Though exact biomechanical correction of claw is complicated yet function of the hand can be improved with different techniques of tendon transfer.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bdjps.v3i1.15000 Bangladesh Journal of Plastic Surgery 2012, 3(1): 13-18
"Bacteriological Status of Pressure Sore - A Study of 50 Cases"
Authors: Hossain SI , Khundkar SH
Published: May 2013

Background of the study: Pressure sores are major cause of morbidity and mortality in the patients of the long term care facility. Infected pressure sores are very difficult to treat. Managing pressure sore needs care and expertise. Objectives: To study the bacteriological status of pressure sore by qualitative and quantitative culture and to find out the sensitivity pattern of the isolated bacteria to the various antibiotics. Methods: 50 patients were included in this study. Wound swabs were collected from pressure sore and deep tissue specimen sampled from pressure sore for quantitative culture in 1st and 3rd visit at 20 days interval. Patients with pressure sore were followed up for healing and their wound healing rate according to PUSH Tool 3.0 is correlated with the bacterial load in the pressure sore. Results were summarized in data table and analyzed. Results: Pseudomonas species were found to be most frequent bacterial isolate followed by E.Coli. Next leading isolated bacteria were Staph. Aureus and Proteus. Ceftazidime, Amikacin, Ciprofloxacin and Gentamycin showed higher percentage of sensitivity and organisms mostly resistant to Ampicillin,Amoxycillin, Co trimoxazole,Flucloxacillin, Ceftriaxone. Quantitative culture of the pressure sore revealed that 40.5% of the sore had bacterial load >105 CFU/ gm of tissue and 59.5% had bacterial load <105 CFU/gm of tissue on 1st visit. On 3rd visit quantitative culture of the pressure sore after 20 days showed decrease in frequency of >105 CFU/ gm of tissue to 21( 28.37%). No statistically significant decrease of bacterial load from 1st to 3rd visit noted. No significant difference in healing also noted in between two groups and in different bacterial species.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bdjps.v3i1.15002 Bangladesh Journal of Plastic Surgery 2012, 3(1): 19-23
Lipoma in Penis : A Rare Case Report
Authors: Ahmed T , Kalam MA , Mannan II , Simi MA
Published: May 2013

In this article we report one case of lipoma of the penis in a twenty three years old young male. This site of lipoma is rare. A case of a young male patient who consulted for removal of a penile lump is presented. The small, regular, wellcircumscribed pedunculated tumor localized on the ventral aspect of the penis was excised. The histopathological analysis showed a benign lipoma. A review of the literature showed lipoma of the penis to be very uncommon. For this reason, we were prompted to report this case.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bdjps.v3i1.15003 Bangladesh Journal of Plastic Surgery 2012, 3(1): 24-25
Correlation of Troponin-I with Angiographic Profile in Patients of Unstable Angina
Authors: Akteruzzaman M , Rahman A , Rahman A , Miah MNA , Haque J , Rahman A
Published: May 2013

Bangladesh Journal of Medicine, Vol 24 No 1, 2013, Page 5-9 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjmed.v24i1.15028
Risk Factors of Suicide and Para Suicide in Rural Bangladesh
Authors: Reza AM Selim , Feroz AHM , Islam SM Nurul , Karim Md. Nazmul , Rabbani Md. Golam , Alam Md. Shah , Rahamn AKM Mujibur , Rahman Md. Ridwanur , Ahmed Helal Uddin , Bhowmik Avra Das , Khan Muhammad Zillur Rahman , Sarkar Mekhala , Alam Mohammad Tariqul , Uddin MM Jalal
Published: May 2013

Bangladesh Journal of Medicine, Vol 24 No 1, 2013, Page 14-19 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjmed.v24i1.15030
Multiple Breast Lumps: A Rare Presentation of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia
Authors: Siddiqui MR , Islam QT
Published: May 2013

Bangladesh Journal of Medicine, Vol 24 No 1, 2013, Page 29-30 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjmed.v24i1.15033
Professor Taimur A.K. Mahmud
Authors: Editor The
Published: May 2013

Bangladesh Journal of Medicine, Vol 24 No 1, 2013, Page 41 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjmed.v24i1.15038
Efficacy of Pulse Therapy of Oral Fluconazole in the Treatment of Seborrheic Dermatitis
Authors: Khondker LI , Wahab MA , Khan MSI
Published: May 2013

An interventional study was carried out for a period of total two years in the department of Dermatology and Venereology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh. Total sixty five patients of seborrheic dermatitis were selected and were treated with oral fluconazole 150mg in a single dose per week for 4 weeks. Follow up were done at the end of 4th week and 8th week. Among the patients, 31-45 years age group was highest 44%, highest 54% males and 21 (32%) had positive family history and 44 (68%) had negative family history of seborrheic dermatitis. Among the sixty five patients, mild form was 54%, moderate was 22% and severe was 12%. Highest patients of seborrheic dermatitis 51% had the duration of lesion 1 to 3 years and next 38% had the duration 4 to 6 years. Regarding site of lesions, maximum patients of seborrheic dermatitis 92% had involvement of scalp; next 46% had involvement in the eyebrow. The study showed that the response was very good in 31.5 of cases, good response was found in 24.5% of cases, fair in 26% of cases and poor response was observed in 18.5% of cases. The study showed that 83% of study population was seen without clinical side-effect and only 17% were seen with side-effect(anorexia and dydpepsia) and it was showed that very good improvement 35% observed on the 1st follow up visit at the fourth week, 30% had good, 15% fair and poor improvement 20% respectively. On the 2nd follow up visit at the end of eight week, very good improvement was 39% cases; good, fair and poor improvement was 26%, 20% and 17% respectively. The results of this study indicate that fluconazole provides benefit for the therapy of seborrheic dermatitis. However, larger studies using different dosages and durations of therapy, fluconazole may provide a rationale for systemic use of fluconazole in seborrheic dermatitis.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/medtoday.v24i2.15009 Medicine Today 2012 Vol.24(2): 66-69
Term Viable Abdominal Pregnancy- A Case Report
Authors: Yasmin N , Daise TA , Begum MH , Sultana J
Published: May 2013

A lady of 24 years was presented with the complains of 40 weeks pregnancy and abdominal pain for 3 days. Her abdominal examination revealed that abdomen was tense, tender,uterine contour could not be ascertained. A lining foetus of transverse lie was felt in the upper part of abdomen. Liquor was seems to be insufficient. Her USG findings was term pregnancy, oligohydramnions,transvers lie with central placenta previa. Her laperatomy finding was intact shiny amniotic sac was present at the upper part of abdomen, uterus was 12 weeks size and was in normal position that is within the pelvic cavity. Lie of the foetus was transverse,placenta was found to be implanted on the fundus of uterus. Baby was delivered by breech extraction. Subtotal hysterectomy was done due to profuse uncontrolled bleeding from placental implantation site. Her post operative period was uneventful and recovery was good. She was discharged on 8th post operative day.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/medtoday.v24i2.15015 Medicine Today 2012 Vol.24(2): 85-86
Associer la recherche à la clinique au sein d'une équipe pluridisciplinaire : l'expérience de l'équipe SOS-Enfants Saint-Luc (Bruxelles)
Authors: de Becker Emmanuel
Published: May 2013

Associer, au sein d’une équipe pluridisciplinaire chargée d’évaluer et de traiter les situations de maltraitance d’enfants, les prises en charge cliniques et le développement d’une étude empirique représente à la fois un défi et une opportunité. L’article expose le cadre légal et le contexte des missions dévolues à l’équipe spécialisée puis développe l’objet de la recherche spécifique et ses apports. L’étude a consisté, en respectant le canevas d’intervention, à confronter les éléments issus des entretiens cliniques à ceux issus des différents instruments standardisés. Pratiquement, partant d’une allégation de maltraitance, qu’elle soit physique, sexuelle ou psychologique, tenue par cent enfants, plusieurs tests, à savoir le CBCL, l’AAPI, le MMPI-2, le FAST, le FAT, ont été proposés, en retenant le SVA (Statement Validity Analysis) comme critère externe. In fine, nous constatons de réelles retombées positives tant pour les bénéficiaires de l’aide que pour les professionnels impliqués.
Penser la gestation pour autrui à l'aide d'un nouveau modèle théorique
Authors: Cailleau Françoise
Published: May 2013

La pratique de la gestation pour autrui n’entre dans aucun réseau symbolique permettant de comprendre les liens qui se constituent. Afin d’aborder la spécificité et la complexité de ces situations, nous avons élaboré un modèle théorique paradigmatique qui propose un rapport dialogique entre les concepts de filiation et de parentalité. Présenté sous forme matricielle, le modèle nous permet de connecter les savoirs issus de diverses disciplines. Il ouvre également sur la possibilité de repenser nos schémas conceptuels à l’ère des modifications de la reproduction, de la gestation et de la naissance.
Characterisation and identification of enzyme-producing autochthonous bacteria from the gastrointestinal tract of two Indian air-breathing fish
Authors: Banerjee G. , Ray A.K. , Askarian F. , Ringø E.
Published: May 2013

Characterisation and identification of autochthonous enzyme-producing bacteria isolated from the proximal intestine and distal intestine of two species of Indian air-breathing fish, murrel (Channa punctatus) and stinging catfish (Heteropneustes fossilis), were investigated using conventional culture technique. Population levels of proteolytic strains were highest in the digestive tract of stinging catfish. In both species, the viable counts of amylase-producing bacteria were somewhat higher than cellulase-producing bacteria. Among the gut bacteria isolated, 8 strains (4 from murrel and 4 from stinging catfish) were selected as potent enzyme-producers on the basis of quantitative enzyme assays. All these strains were Gram-positive rods, but only four isolates (CPF4, CPH6, CPH7 and HFH4) were capable of forming endospores. The tested bacteria grew in wide range of temperatures and pH. The strains were further identified by 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. Two strains, CPF3 (isolated from murrel) and HFH4 (isolated from stinging catfish) showed high similarity to Bacillus sp., strain HFH7 (isolated from the stinging catfish) was most closely related to Bacillus subtilis, while five strains belonged to Bacillus licheniformis. Based on the results of the present study, we suggest that incorporation of autochthonous enzyme-producing bacteria in aquafeeds merits further investigations.
Bifidobacterium fermented milk and galacto-oligosaccharides lead to improved skin health by decreasing phenols production by gut microbiota
Authors: Miyazaki K. , Masuoka N. , Kano M. , Iizuka R.
Published: May 2013

A questionnaire survey found that women suffering from abnormal bowel movements have many skin problems such as a high frequency of dry skin. Although there are similarities between the structure and barrier function mechanism of the gut and skin, experimental data are insufficient to show an association between the intestinal environment and skin conditions. Phenols, for example phenol and p-cresol, as metabolites of aromatic amino acids produced by gut bacteria, are regarded as bioactive toxins and serum biomarkers of a disturbed gut environment. Recent studies have demonstrated that phenols disturb the differentiation of monolayer-cultured keratinocytes in vitro, and that phenols produced by gut bacteria accumulate in the skin via the circulation and disrupt keratinocyte differentiation in hairless mice. Human studies have demonstrated that restriction of probiotics elevated serum free p-cresol levels and harmed skin conditions (reduced skin hydration, disrupted keratinisation). In contrast, daily intake of the prebiotic galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) restored serum free p-cresol levels and skin conditions in adult women. Moreover, a double-blind placebo-controlled trial demonstrated that the daily intake of fermented milk containing the probiotic Bifidobacterium breve strain Yakult and prebiotic GOS reduced serum total phenol levels and prevented skin dryness and disruption of keratinisation in healthy adult women. It is concluded that phenols produced by gut bacteria are one of the causes of skin problems. Probiotics and/or prebiotics, such as B. breve strain Yakult and/or GOS, are expected to help maintain a healthy skin by decreasing phenols production by gut microbiota. These findings support the hypothesis that probiotics and prebiotics provide health benefits to the skin as well as the gut.
Survival of Lactobacillus delbrueckii UFV H2b20 in fermented milk under simulated gastric and intestinal conditions
Authors: da Conceição L.L. , Leandro E.S. , Freitas F.S. , de Oliveira M.N.V. , Ferreira-Machado A.B. , Borges A.C. , de Moraes C.A.
Published: May 2013

The survival of Lactobacillus delbrueckii UFV H2b20 was assessed in fermented milk, both during the storage period and after exposure to simulated gastric and intestinal juices, as well the detection of the gene fbpA involved in adherence to human gastrointestinal tract. L. delbrueckii UFV H2b20 remained stable and viable for 28 days under refrigerated storage conditions. After one day of storage, that strain exhibited a one-log population reduction following exposure in tandem to simulated gastric and intestinal juices. After 14 days of storage, a two-log reduction was observed following 90 min of exposure to the simulated gastric conditions. However, the strain did not survive following exposure to the simulated intestinal juice. The observed tolerance to storage conditions and resistance to the simulated gastric and intestinal conditions confirm the potential use of L. delbrueckii UFV H2b20 as a probiotic, which is further reinforced by the detection of fbpA in this strain.
What is a health benefit? An evaluation of EFSA opinions on health benefits with reference to probiotics
Authors: Binnendijk K.H. , Rijkers G.T.
Published: May 2013

Probiotics are microorganisms that have a beneficial effect on the health of the host. However, before these effects can be referred to as beneficial to human health, such claims need to be evaluated by regulatory institutes such as the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). The EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and allergies (NDA) has published their opinions regarding health claims including probiotics, most of which were rejected in the past years. Using the EFSA database, the NDA dossiers published between 2005 and 2013 were analysed to provide an overview on what grounds certain health effects were accepted as beneficial and others not. The NDA Panel distinguishes between claims that are definitely beneficial, possibly beneficial or non-beneficial to human health. Overall, 78% of all analysed health claims are considered by the NDA Panel as (possibly) beneficial to human health, in particular the gut health effects. Since, in many cases, the scientific substantiation of a particular health claim was deemed insufficient, most applications were turned down. For future health claim applications concerning probiotics to be successful, they should include specific statements on what exactly the microorganism affects, and the scientific substantiation of the particular health claim should be based on the targeted (general) population.
Critical evaluation of LC-MS-based methods for simultaneous determination of deoxynivalenol, ochratoxin A, zearalenone, aflatoxins, fumonisins and T-2/HT-2 toxins in maize
Authors: De Girolamo A. , Solfrizzo M. , Lattanzio V.M.T. , Stroka J. , Alldrick A. , van Egmond H.P. , Visconti A.
Published: May 2013

The results of a proficiency test for the LC-MS/(MS) determination of up to 11 mycotoxins (aflatoxins B1, B2, G1 and G2, fumonisins B1 and B2, ochratoxin A, deoxynivalenol, T-2 and HT-2 toxins and zearalenone) in maize were evaluated to identify possible strengths and weaknesses of various methodologies used by the 41 participating laboratories. The majority of laboratories (56%) used mixtures of acetonitrile:water for extraction. Other laboratories used methanol:water mixtures (17%) or performed two consecutive extractions with phosphate buffer solution (PBS) followed by methanol (15%). Few laboratories used mixtures of acetonitrile:water:methanol (7%), water:ethyl acetate (2.5%) or PBS alone (2.5%). The majority of laboratories (58%) used a clean-up step prior to chromatography. The remaining laboratories analysed crude extracts (37%) or used a mixed approach (5%). The amount of sample equivalent injected into LC-MS/(MS) ranged between 0.1-303 mg for purified extracts and 0.08-20 mg for directly analysed crude extracts. External (54%), matrix-matched (22%) or stable isotope-labelled internal standards calibration (24%) were used for toxin quantification. In general, extraction mixtures of water with acetonitrile, methanol or both provided good results for quantitative extraction of mycotoxins from maize. Laboratories using sample extract clean-up reported acceptable results for the majority of mycotoxins. Good results were also obtained by laboratories that analysed crude extracts although a high variability of results was observed for all tested mycotoxins. Matrix-matched calibration or isotope-labelled internal standards efficiently compensated matrix effects whereas external calibration gave reliable results by injecting ≤10 mg of matrix equivalent amounts. Unacceptable high recovery and high variability of fumonisin results were obtained by the majority of laboratories, which could not be explained and thus require further investigation. These findings provide the basis for the optimization and selection of methods to be used in future interlaboratory validation studies to derive their performance characteristics for simultaneous determination of mycotoxins in maize.
Identificando los limitantes de generación de efectivo: bases para una metodología de mejora continua
Authors: Rivera Igor , Morúa Ramírez Juan
Published: May 2013

Dentro de las organizaciones encontramos limitantes que hacen del proceso de generación de efectivo un largo y penoso camino. Nuestro objetivo en este artículo es hacer una revisión teórica sobre los limitantes de generación de efectivo (LGE), desde el proceso de transformación hasta el valor añadido. Esta revisión establece un punto de vista diferente a aquella establecida por la teoría clásica del management y está enfocada a las pequeñas y medianas empresas (Pymes) de manufactura que no sean de reciente creación. Finalmente, el escrito menciona pautas para proponer una mejora continua, con respecto a la generación de efectivo: El análisis retrospectivo y la identificación del proceso crítico; La definición de parámetros clave y el pilotaje estratégico; La identificación dentro del proceso crítico del principal elemento que limita la generación de efectivo; La definición de un plan de acción para poder reducir, controlar o eliminar el limitante de generación. El establecer los pasos anteriores como un ciclo continuo.
El tricornio de la Guardia Civil como símbolo literario en los relatos de viajeros de habla inglesa del siglo XX
Authors: Ruiz Mas José
Published: May 2013

La presencia en la literatura en lengua inglesa del sombrero de la Guardia Civil, más conocido popularmente como ‘tricornio’, empezó mediante una mera descripción visual de una prenda difícil de ‘aprehender’ (‘three-cornered hat’ o ‘cocked hat’) y se fue paulatinamente cargando de significado y matices, variables según la época y el viajero, sobre todo durante el siglo XX. Se fue complementando con el tiempo con variable adjetivación, numerosas impresiones personales del viajero e interpretaciones más o menos rocambolescas sobre su origen o uso: referencias a su utilidad para permitir a los guardias pegarse a la pared y así atrapar a los malhechores; su escaso valor como protector de la lluvia pero su utilidad para proteger las orejas de su portador; su vinculación con la guerra de Independencia, con Napoleón o Goya, con la Gendarmería francesa; su arcaísmo; su parecido a los gorros de los monigotes de feria u operetas, etc. La presencia constante del ‘tricornio’ en el paisaje literario español según los viajeros anglófonos resulta valiosa para entender la España contemporánea.
El consumo de información en Humanidades
Authors: Osca-Lluch Julia , Veyrat Ana , Morales Jesús
Published: May 2013

Se analizan los hábitos de publicación y de citación de los investigadores en ciencias humanas, a través de los trabajos publicados en una selección de revistas españolas de humanidades durante los años 2006 y 2007. El objetivo del estudio es conocer la tipología de los principales documentos que genera y consulta este colectivo de científicos en el desarrollo de sus investigaciones, así como identificar algunas de las características que definen su actividad científica. El estudio pone de manifiesto la importancia que para este colectivo de investigadores tienen los libros frente a los artículos de revistas, actas de congresos, artículos de prensa y actas de congresos, como documentos de publicación y de consulta.
Host B7-H4 Regulates Antitumor T Cell Responses through Inhibition of Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells in a 4T1 Tumor Transplantation Model
Authors: Leung Joanne , Suh Woong-Kyung
Published: May 2013

B7-H4, a member of the B7 family of T cell immunomodulatory proteins, has been shown to inhibit T cell responses and neutrophil expansion during bacterial infections. However, the role of B7-H4 in the immune response during tumor growth has been unclear. In this study, we examined the host immune responses in B7-H4–deficient (knockout [KO]) or sufficient (wild-type [WT]) BALB/cJ mice upon transplantation of murine 4T1 carcinoma cells that had little B7-H4 expression. We reveal that host B7-H4 not only dampens the antitumor Th1 responses, but also inhibits the protumor function of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC). We observed increased expression of both antitumor immune effectors and protumor MDSC-associated transcripts in 4T1 tumors grown in B7-H4 KO mice compared with those grown in WT hosts. Consistently, MDSCs derived from B7-H4 KO mice suppressed T cell proliferation more potently than their WT counterparts. Although the primary growth of 4T1 tumors in B7-H4 KO hosts was similar to that in WT mice, tumors that had grown in B7-H4 KO hosts grew much slower than those from WT mice when subsequently transplanted into WT hosts. Importantly, this differential tumor growth during the secondary transplantation was abrogated when recipient mice lacked T cells, indicating that the immune environment in B7-H4 KO hosts allowed outgrowth of 4T1 tumors with reduced immune-evasive capacities against T cells. Thus, B7-H4 can inhibit both antitumor T cells and protumor MDSCs, influencing the immune-evasive character of the outgrowing tumors. These factors should be considered if B7-H4 blockade is to be used for cancer immunotherapy.
Cross Talk between Follicular Th Cells and Tumor Cells in Human Follicular Lymphoma Promotes Immune Evasion in the Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: Rawal Seema , Chu Fuliang , Zhang Min , Park Hyun Jun , Nattamai Durga , Kannan Shibichakravarthy , Sharma Rakesh , Delgado David , Chou Tina , Lin Heather Y. , Baladandayuthapani Veerabhadran , Luong Amber , Vega Francisco , Fowler Nathan , Dong Chen , Davis R. Eric , Neelapu Sattva S.
Published: May 2013

The microenvironment of human follicular lymphoma (FL), an incurable B cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, is thought to play a major role in its pathogenesis and course. Microenvironmental cells of likely importance include follicular Th cells (TFH) and regulatory T cells (Tregs), and understanding their interactions with FL tumor cells is necessary to develop novel therapeutic strategies. We found that IL-4 and CD40L are expressed by intratumoral TFH and induce production of CCL17 and CCL22 by FL tumor cells. IL-4 alone induces only CCL17 but enhances stimulation by CD40L of both CCL17 and CCL22. Consistent with our in vitro results, mRNA transcripts of IL-4 correlated with CCL17, but not CCL22, in gene expression profiling studies of FL biopsies, whereas CD40L correlated with both CCL17 and CCL22. Tumor supernatants induced preferential migration of Tregs and IL-4–producing T cells rather than IFN-γ–producing T cells, and Abs to CCR4 significantly abrogated the migration of Tregs. Our results suggest that through two distinct mechanisms, intratumoral TFH induce production of CCL17 and CCL22 by FL tumor cells and facilitate active recruitment of Tregs and IL-4–producing T cells, which, in turn, may stimulate more chemokine production in a feed-forward cycle. Thus, TFH appear to play a major role in generating an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment that promotes immune escape and tumor survival and growth. Our results provide novel insights into the cross talk among TFH, tumor cells, and Tregs in FL, and offer potential targets for development of therapeutic strategies to overcome immune evasion.
Reciprocal Negative Cross-Talk between Liver X Receptors (LXRs) and STAT1: Effects on IFN-γ–Induced Inflammatory Responses and LXR-Dependent Gene Expression
Authors: Pascual-García Mónica , Rué Laura , León Theresa , Julve Josep , Carbó José María , Matalonga Jonathan , Auer Herbert , Celada Antonio , Escolà-Gil Joan Carles , Steffensen Knut R. , Pérez-Navarro Esther , Valledor Annabel F.
Published: May 2013

Liver X receptors (LXRs) exert key functions in lipid homeostasis and in control of inflammation. In this study we have explored the impact of LXR activation on the macrophage response to the endogenous inflammatory cytokine IFN-γ. Transcriptional profiling studies demonstrate that ∼38% of the IFN-γ–induced transcriptional response is repressed by LXR activation in macrophages. LXRs also mediated inhibitory effects on selected IFN-γ–induced genes in primary microglia and in a model of IFN-γ–induced neuroinflammation in vivo. LXR activation resulted in reduced STAT1 recruitment to the promoters tested in this study without affecting STAT1 phosphorylation. A closer look into the mechanism revealed that SUMOylation of LXRs, but not the presence of nuclear receptor corepressor 1, was required for repression of the NO synthase 2 promoter. We have also analyzed whether IFN-γ signaling exerts reciprocal effects on LXR targets. Treatment with IFN-γ inhibited, in a STAT1-dependent manner, the LXR-dependent upregulation of selective targets, including ATP-binding cassette A1 (ABCA1) and sterol response element binding protein 1c. Downregulation of ABCA1 expression correlated with decreased cholesterol efflux to apolipoprotein A1 in macrophages stimulated with IFN-γ. The inhibitory effects of IFN-γ on LXR signaling did not involve reduced binding of LXR/retinoid X receptor heterodimers to target gene promoters. However, overexpression of the coactivator CREB-binding protein/p300 reduced the inhibitory actions of IFN-γ on the Abca1 promoter, suggesting that competition for CREB-binding protein may contribute to STAT1-dependent downregulation of LXR targets. The results from this study suggest an important level of bidirectional negative cross-talk between IFN-γ/STAT1 and LXRs with implications both in the control of IFN-γ–mediated immune responses and in the regulation of lipid metabolism.
Inhibition of Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3 Increases NKG2D Ligand MICA Expression and Sensitivity to NK Cell–Mediated Cytotoxicity in Multiple Myeloma Cells: Role of STAT3
Authors: Fionda Cinzia , Malgarini Giulia , Soriani Alessandra , Zingoni Alessandra , Cecere Francesca , Iannitto Maria Luisa , Ricciardi Maria Rosaria , Federico Vincenzo , Petrucci Maria Teresa , Santoni Angela , Cippitelli Marco
Published: May 2013

Engagement of NKG2D and DNAX accessory molecule-1 (DNAM-1) receptors on lymphocytes plays an important role for anticancer response and represents an interesting therapeutic target for pharmacological modulation. In this study, we investigated the effect of inhibitors targeting the glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK3) on the expression of NKG2D and DNAM-1 ligands in multiple myeloma (MM) cells. GSK3 is a pleiotropic serine–threonine kinase point of convergence of numerous cell-signaling pathways, able to regulate the proliferation and survival of cancer cells, including MM. We found that inhibition of GSK3 upregulates both MICA protein surface and mRNA expression in MM cells, with little or no effects on the basal expression of the MICB and DNAM-1 ligand poliovirus receptor/CD155. Moreover, exposure to GSK3 inhibitors renders myeloma cells more efficient to activate NK cell degranulation and to enhance the ability of myeloma cells to trigger NK cell–mediated cytotoxicity. We could exclude that increased expression of β-catenin or activation of the heat shock factor-1 (transcription factors inhibited by active GSK3) is involved in the upregulation of MICA expression, by using RNA interference or viral transduction of constitutive active forms. On the contrary, inhibition of GSK3 correlated with a downregulation of STAT3 activation, a negative regulator of MICA transcription. Both Tyr705 phosphorylation and binding of STAT3 on MICA promoter are reduced by GSK3 inhibitors; in addition, overexpression of a constitutively active form of STAT3 significantly inhibits MICA upregulation. Thus, we provide evidence that regulation of the NKG2D-ligand MICA expression may represent an additional immune-mediated mechanism supporting the antimyeloma activity of GSK3 inhibitors.
Programmed Death-1 Shapes Memory Phenotype CD8 T Cell Subsets in a Cell-Intrinsic Manner
Authors: Charlton Joanna J. , Chatzidakis Ioannis , Tsoukatou Debbie , Boumpas Dimitrios T. , Garinis George A. , Mamalaki Clio
Published: May 2013

Memory phenotype T cells, found in unimmunized mice, display phenotypic and functional traits of memory cells and provide essential protection against infections, playing a role in both innate and adaptive immune responses. Mechanisms governing homeostasis of these memory phenotype T cells remain ill-defined. In this study, we reveal a crucial role of the negative costimulator programmed death-1 (PD-1) in regulating developmental fates of memory phenotype cells. Thus, in lymphoid organs and tissues of PD-1 knockout (KO) mice a marked accumulation of functional effector memory (TEM) phenotype CD8 T cells was observed. TEM phenotype cells from PD-1 KO mice exhibit decreased proliferation but increased survival potential. These cells could produce effector molecules constitutively, in response to phorbol esters or through bystander activation by innate stimuli. Similarly, in lymphopenia-induced proliferating CD8 T cells, whereby normally naive T cells acquire a memory phenotype, skewing toward a TEM phenotype was prominent in the absence of PD-1. Acquisition of the TEM phenotype was a CD8 T cell–intrinsic phenomenon as demonstrated by mixed bone marrow transfer experiments. Importantly, adoptively transferred PD-1 KO CD8 central memory T (TCM) cells converted into the TEM phenotype, indicating that PD-1 sets a major checkpoint in the TCM to TEM phenotype differentiation process. This was reflected by distinct patterns of gene expression of PD-1 KO TCM phenotype cells revealed by global transcriptional analysis. Additionally, adoptively transferred PD-1 KO TEM phenotype cells converted to a lesser degree to a TCM phenotype. Collectively, these data suggest that PD-1 shapes memory phenotype CD8 T cell subsets.