bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stuorravuonna/Karlebotn Sikringsundersøkelse av id. 7542, 17363, og 46956
Authors: Oppvang Janne , Kjellman Erik , Niemi Anja Roth
Published: July 2024

Sikringsprosjekt i forbindelse med vannledning som ble gravd gjennom tre lokaliteter i Karlebotn, Nesseby k. Universitetsmuseet inspiserte grøftekantene og samlet inn funn. I utvalgte områder ble det renset opp profiler. Det ble samlet inn både funn og prøver til datering. Det ble i løpet av arbeidet også oppdaget to nye lokaliteter, som ikke var tidligere registrert.
På Boinis ble det påvist en tuft som ble snittet av grøfta. Den gav dateringer til perioden 2570-2235 f.Kr. Dette sammenfaller med tidligere registreringer, løsfunn og eldre opplysninger om boplassen. Funn flere steder i grøfta gir grunn til å tro at det er flere tufter bevart på de to terrassene 18 og 21 moh.
Ved Nordli gikk grøfta i utkanten av lokaliteten. Det ble renset opp to store profiler, hvorav en gav en datering til 5209-4995 f.Kr. Det ble gjort funn av ett skår kamkeramikk og en tverrspiss. Lokaliteten er gravd ut i flere omganger fra tidligere, og funnene fra 2023 viser stor likhet både i materiale og dateringer med det som tidligere er funnet.
Ovenfor Gropbakkeengen ligger høyest av lokalitetene, her ble det samlet inn funn på overflater inntil grøfta, og i kantene. En mulig tangespiss og mikrostikkel dateres til tidlig mesolitikum, i likhet med tidligere registrering av boplassen. Det ble ikke observert kulturlag eller strukturer.
Videre sørover i grøfta ble det påvist to nye lokaliteter med bakgrunn i funn langs grøftekanten. Ovenfor Gropbakkengen II ligger lengst sør av de to, her ble det samlet inn en mikroflekkekjerne, en lansettmikrolitt og flekkemateriale. Kjernen kobles til trykkteknikkøstfra og materialet dateres til mellom mesolitikum. Ovenfor Karlebotn III ble oppdaget ved gjenlegging av grøfta og materialet ble samlet inn av Finnmark Fylkeskommune (tidligere TFFK).
Genome-wide identification of gene families related to miRNA biogenesis in Mangifera indica L. and their possible role during heat stress
Authors: López-Virgen Andrés G. , Dautt-Castro Mitzuko , Ulloa-Llanes Lourdes K. , Casas-Flores Sergio , Contreras-Vergara Carmen A. , Hernández-Oñate Miguel A. , Sotelo-Mundo Rogerio R. , Vélez-de la Rocha Rosabel , Islas-Osuna Maria A.
Published: July 2024

Mango is a popular tropical fruit that requires quarantine hot water treatment (QHWT) for postharvest sanitation, which can cause abiotic stress. Plants have various defense mechanisms to cope with stress; miRNAs mainly regulate the expression of these defense responses. Proteins involved in the biogenesis of miRNAs include DICER-like (DCL), ARGONAUTE (AGO), HYPONASTIC LEAVES 1 (HYL1), SERRATE (SE), HUA ENHANCER1 (HEN1), HASTY (HST), and HEAT-SHOCK PROTEIN 90 (HSP90), among others. According to our analysis, the mango genome contains five DCL, thirteen AGO, six HYL, two SE, one HEN1, one HST, and five putative HSP90 genes. Gene structure prediction and domain identification indicate that sequences contain key domains for their respective gene families, including the RNase III domain in DCL and PAZ and PIWI domains for AGOs. In addition, phylogenetic analysis indicates the formation of clades that include the mango sequences and their respective orthologs in other flowering plant species, supporting the idea these are functional orthologs. The analysis of cis-regulatory elements of these genes allowed the identification of MYB, ABRE, GARE, MYC, and MeJA-responsive elements involved in stress responses. Gene expression analysis showed that most genes are induced between 3 to 6 h after QHWT, supporting the early role of miRNAs in stress response. Interestingly, our results suggest that mango rapidly induces the production of miRNAs after heat stress. This research will enable us to investigate further the regulation of gene expression and its effects on commercially cultivated fruits, such as mango, while maintaining sanitary standards.
“También yo tengo mi cumbia, pero mi cumbia es chilena”: apuntes para una reconstrucción sociohistórica de la cumbia chilena desde el cuerpo
Authors: Karmy Bolton Eileen
Published: July 2024

Este ensayo estudia la “cumbia chilena” a partir de las particularidades coreográficas y rítmicas de su baile, considerando su arraigo y transversalización en nuestro país y comparándola con su origen folclórico. A partir de una investigación interdisciplinaria que incluye metodologías de la historia oral, se esboza una reconstrucción sociohistórica según la cual su asimilación y cristalización es el resultado de un proceso de apropiación ocurrido desde mediados de los años sesenta en Chile.
La reproducción de valores patriarcales a través de los textos de cuecas chilenas
Authors: Solís Poblete Felipe
Published: July 2024

Este artículo presenta un análisis de contenido cualitativo de una selección de textos de cuecas chilenas. A través del estudio de una parte de la producción discográfica nacional editada entre las décadas de 1920 y 1990, intento descubrir los roles públicos y privados que se asignan a las mujeres, así como las formas en que se presenta la violencia física y simbólica hacia ellas, los modos en que se considera deben expresar su afectividad y las estrategias retóricas que construyen identidades de género y transmiten valores patriarcales. Los resultados destacan la importancia superlativa que las letras le asignan al matrimonio, los modos de control del cuerpo femenino y la proscripción de comportamientos como la infidelidad, la prostitución y la homosexualidad.
Lo político de la vida consagrada. La pregunta por el futuro
Authors: Achondo Pedro Pablo
Published: July 2024

La vida consagrada está lejos de extinguirse, sin embargo, tanto su futuro como su significancia para la sociedad actual, no son del todo claros ni convincentes. Uno de los atributos más importantes ha sido su posibilidad creativa, su innovación como forma de vida y el ser una alternativa en sus múltiples manifestaciones carismáticas y apostólicas, respecto de la sociedad. Hoy aquello tampoco es tan claro y por lo tanto la pregunta por el futuro y, mejor aún, por ser propuesta de futuro está en cuestión. A esta dimensión se le ha denominado “política”, y el siguiente estudio busca esbozar algunas respuestas en lo referente al contexto latinoamericano. A partir de bibliografía especializada, de datos estadísticos, del aporte de otras disciplinas afines, –como la geografía, la ética y la antropología–, y una reflexión experiencial se presentan algunos potenciales caminos en vistas de que la dimensión política de la vida consagrada continúe siendo alternativa para otros mundos posibles.
Pesquisa qualitativa e seus fundamentos na investigação científica
Authors: Guerra Avaetê de Lunetta e Rodrigues , Stroparo Telma Regina , Costa Michel da , Castro Júnior Francisco Pires de , Lacerda Júnior Orivaldo da Silva , Brasil Melca Moura , Camba Mariangela
Published: July 2024

A pesquisa qualitativa é uma abordagem essencial na investigação científica, que se concentra na compreensão profunda e interpretação dos fenômenos estudados, explorando a complexidade e riqueza dos contextos sociais, culturais e individuais. Este artigo tem como objetivo, destacar a importância da pesquisa qualitativa na investigação científica, abordando suas justificativas e contribuições teóricas e práticas. A metodologia utilizada é a pesquisa bibliográfica, embasando teoricamente o trabalho e fornecendo referências que sustentam as argumentações apresentadas. Conclui-se que é crucial que os pesquisadores tenham uma compreensão sólida dos fundamentos teóricos e metodológicos da pesquisa qualitativa, incluindo a escolha adequada de métodos de coleta de dados e análise. Além disso, é fundamental que os pesquisadores sejam reflexivos, éticos e transparentes em relação ao seu papel e influência no processo de pesquisa, valorizando os múltiplos contextos e respeitando e valorizando a história e cultura dos participantes, não sendo considerando meros objetos.
Disputabilidad y equidad en los mercados digitales. Una visión de Derecho europeo
Authors: Cruz Rivero Diego Juan
Published: July 2024

El presente trabajo analiza la regulación europea de los prestadores de servicios básicos de plataforma que, por su posición en el mercado digital, han sido designados guardianes de acceso por la Comisión Europea. El Reglamento de Mercados Digitales impone a estos empresarios una serie de obligaciones y prohibiciones, creando un ordenamiento regulador del mercado paralelo al tradicional Derecho de la competencia. El Reglamento de Mercados Digitales se postula expresamente como garante de la disputabilidad y la equidad del mercado digital, lo que en el fondo supone asumir que el Derecho de la competencia es incapaz de salvaguardar estos valores. Tras presentar al protagonista de la mencionada norma, adentrándonos en los requisitos que justifican la consideración del prestador de servicios como guardián de acceso y en las características del mercado digital, se examinan las obligaciones más significativas que se imponen a estos nuevos actores económicos. Finalmente, indagaremos en la relación entre el Reglamento de Mercados Digitales y el Derecho de la competencia, poniendo en cuestión la conveniencia de promulgar una norma al margen de este sector del ordenamiento, en lugar de abordar su reforma integral para tener en cuenta las especialidades del sector digital.
Variación altitudinal de cargas de combustibles forestales en un bosque de Pino-Encino fragmentado en el Volcán Tacaná, México
Authors: Barrios Calderón Romeo de Jesús , Flores Garnica José Germán , Rodríguez Morales Juan Alberto , Torres Velázquez Jony Ramiro
Published: July 2024

La acumulación de combustibles forestales en el piso de los bosques es un factor determinante en el riesgo de incendios, principalmente cuando están dispuestos en forma continua. Se cuantificó la carga de combustibles (tanto leñosos como hojarasca) aplicando la técnica de intersecciones planares en un gradiente que abarca entre 3145 y 3825 m en un bosque fragmentado de pino-encino en la Reserva de Biósfera Volcán Tacaná, Chiapas, México. Para ello, se establecieron cuatro sitios de estudio y en cada sitio se colocaron 20 transectos lineales; los combustibles leñosos fueron evaluados en diferentes intervalos de longitud de cada línea. La hojarasca se evaluó en cuadros de 1 m2. Los resultados mostraron un aumento de las cargas de combustibles al incrementar la altitud, exceptuando la hojarasca que presentó una correlación negativa. Los sitios evaluados presentaron diferencias significativas en las cargas de combustibles leñosos, excepto para los combustibles de 10 h y 1000 h podridos, donde se observó mayor acumulación de combustibles totales a 3717 m de altitud (54.52 Mg ha-1; p = 0.0088). Los combustibles de hojarasca presentaron mayor carga en el sitio de menor altitud (3145 m), con un total de 27.576 Mg ha-1. La correlación entre la altitud y los combustibles de 1000 h fue baja. A excepción de la hojarasca, se rechaza la hipótesis planteada, ya que las cargas de combustibles aumentaron a medida que incrementó la altitud. Los resultados son de utilidad para definir estrategias de manejo de incendios forestales en la zona de estudio.
Importancia del medio subterráneo superficial (MSS) para el conocimiento de los Collembola (Arthropoda, Hexapoda) del Parque Nacional de la Sierra de Guadarrama (España)
Authors: Jordana Rafael , Baquero Enrique , Ortuño Vicente M.
Published: July 2024

Este trabajo presenta los resultados sobre biodiversidad de la clase Collembola, obtenidos a partir de un muestreo intensivo, en el Parque Nacional de la Sierra de Guadarrama, de lo que conocemos como medio subterráneo superficial (Mesovoid Shallow Substratum, o MSS) generado por depósitos coluviales. Para ello se utilizaron dispositivos de muestreo subterráneo (Subterranean Sampling Devices, o SSD). El trabajo reúne los resultados ya publicados en trabajos anteriores del grupo, y propone una importante aportación al conocimiento de la fauna del grupo que vive bajo la superficie, desconocida hasta ahora a pesar de que la superficie de la zona ha sido muestreada por muchos investigadores durante décadas. El estudio de 67 916 ejemplares ha permitido la identificación de 33 géneros y 77 especies, 15 de ellas nuevas para la ciencia. Es interesante que muchas de estas nuevas especies son las dominantes para el biotopo. Además, se expone de forma sucinta los antecedentes que han llevado a un mejor conocimiento de este grupo de Arthropoda.
Camelot: Una herramienta intuitiva para el manejo y procesamiento de imágenes de cámaras trampa utilizando inteligencia artificial
Authors: Rodas Trejo Jenner
Published: July 2024

Camelot: Una herramienta intuitiva para el manejo y procesamiento de imágenes de cámaras trampa utilizando inteligencia artificial
Diagnostic Dilemma in Differentiating Odontogenic Pain and Non Odontogenic Pain: A Case Series
Authors: Sood Shilpa Khullar , Jain Megha , Girdhar Divyam , Sharma Sakshi
Published: July 2024

Pain is one of the most common reasons why patients seek medical attention. When experiencing discomfort in the orofacial region, a dentist is usually the first medical professional consulted. While odontogenic factors are the most common causes of acute pain in the maxillofacial region, it can also be non odontogenic, making it challenging to differentiate between the two. However, with a thorough examination, taking a complete history, and ordering necessary diagnostic tests, a dentist can make an accurate diagnosis and evaluate the entire stomatognathic system and other relevant anatomical regions. Misdiagnosis can lead to unnecessary dental procedures and cause trauma to the patients. Case 1 (50-year-old female) and case 3 (63-year-old female) were finally diagnosed as Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN), which were initially misdiagnosed as odontogenic pain and were treated with unnecessary irreversible dental treatments like Randomised Controlled Clinical Trials (RCT). Case 2 ( 28-year-old female) was eventually diagnosed as a case of myofascial pain with loss of muscle tone, for which the patient required palliative physical therapy. Instead, the splint, which was worn day and night by the patient, and soft diet resulted in muscle atrophy. The present case series emphasises the importance of accurate diagnosis to prevent irreversible dental treatment and protect patients from harm.
Mesenteric and Omental Lymphatic Cysts in Children: A 23-Year Retrospective Descriptive Study from Central India
Authors: Ghritlaharey Rajendra Kumar
Published: July 2024

Introduction: Lymphatic cystic malformations occur in the mesentery of the small and large bowel, omentum and retroperitoneal area and are rare, benign, intra-abdominal cystic lesions. Aim: To review the demographics, clinical presentation and surgical outcomes of children’s mesenteric and omental lymphatic cystic lesions. Materials and Methods: A single-institution, retrospective descriptive study was conducted in the Department of Paediatric Surgery, Gandhi Medical College and Associated Hospitals, Bhopal, India, from January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2023. It included cases of lymphatic cystic lesions in infants and children below 12 years of age involving the mesentery of the small and large bowel and omentum. The details collected from the case records were the age, sex, clinical presentation, radiological investigations carried out, operative findings and the outcome of the operative intervention executed for mesenteric and omental lymphatic cysts in children. The results obtained from the present study are expressed in numbers and percentages. Results: The present study analysed 18 children aged ≤12 years who underwent surgery for lymphatic cysts of the mesentery of the small bowel (n=14), large bowel/mesocolon (n=1) and omentum (n=3) during the study period. There were 11 boys and 7 girls. More than four-fifths (n=15) of the children were ≤5 years old at the time of diagnosis and operative therapy provided. One-third (n=7) of the cases clinically presented with the clinical features of intestinal obstruction. The cysts involved the mesentery of the small bowel in three-fourths (n=14) of the cases. The complete excision of the lymphatic cysts was possible in three-fourths (n=14) of the cases. In 10 children, resection of the adjacent/involved small bowel segment was also required during the operative procedures. Fifty percentage of the cases revealed volvulus of the small bowel caused by mesenteric cysts involving the small bowel. More than half of the cases required resection of the adjacent/involved segment of the small bowel along with excision of the mesenteric cysts. Conclusion: Mesenteric cysts are rare abdominal pathology with diverse clinical presentations ranging from vague abdominal pain and lump to an acute abdomen. Early referral to higher centres, diagnosis and prompt surgical excision of the mesenteric cysts can prevent volvulus, one of the most common complications and requirements of an emergency surgical procedure.
The Risk For Mobility Limitation In Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional European Study
Authors: Moya Pablo ,   University of Castilla-La Mancha, Del Pozo Raúl , Ruiz Pablo ,   University of Castilla-La Mancha and GEAS,   University of Castilla-La Mancha and inCORE
Published: July 2024

In older people is of great interest understand the relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) and health risk factors. We developed the Risk for Mobility Limitation (RML) as an enhanced indicator to classify older adults. Then through concentration index (CI) and structural equation modelling we analyse the relationship between SES and RML. Based on CI, the results show RML distribution inequalities in all Europe and mediation analyses confirm these findings even the presence of mediating variables. Furthermore, vigorous physical activity is the most important mediating variable. Another significant role of SES in reducing RML is that of improving mental health.
The State of Extension Services Provisions in Urban Areas of Tanzania: A Case of Vegetable Growers in Morogoro Municipality
Authors: Yasin Yasin, , S.C. Haule, , Z. S. K. Mvena,
Published: July 2024

In urban areas of Tanzania, the extension service framework is deficient, marked by a decreasingly small number of public extension personnel when compared with rural areas; hence, many farmers still face challenges in accessing and utilizing them effectively. Consequently, farmers lack appropriate knowledge and skills in vegetable production. This study therefore examined the implication of extension services to urban vegetable production. A mixed-method research design was used to collect data from 60 respondents. Questionnaires and interviews were used in the data collection process. Descriptive analysis was used in analyzing quantitative data, while content analysis was used for qualitative data. The finding show that the mean score of respondent’s perceptions implied that there is inadequate provision of technical knowledge (3.28), limited extension services increase the difficulties in overcoming vegetable production challenges (4.38), public extension services is diluted by private extension services (2.30), low demonstration of modern crop production principles (2.20) and public extension services contribution is not appreciated (4.60). The study further found that 46.7% and 66.7% of the respondents were never visited by extension officers per month and had no access to public extension services during their vegetable production cycle, respectively. It also, found that there is a statistically significant relationship between access to extension services from extension agents and knowledge level in vegetable production with P-value= 0.000. The multiple linear regression model shows a statistically significant relationship between various socio-economic characteristics (household size (P = 0.014), marital status (P = 0.042), and age (P = 0.044)) and vegetable production. It is recommended that Morogoro Municipal Council reconsider increasing the number of public extension staffs in all wards in the urban area.
Impact of Seed Hardening and Foliar Application of Growth Substances on Morphological Parameters of Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)
Authors: Patel K. U. , Macwan S. J. , Bhanvadia A. S. , Ghadiali J. J.
Published: July 2024

An experiment was carried out during summer and kharif, 2022. A Factorial Randomized Block Design with three replications was used for an experiment that included seed hardening as one factor with nine levels while foliar spray of Chlorocholine Chloride @500 mg/L as another factor with two levels. Different morphological parameters were analyzed for the experiment at different time durations like 30, 50, 70, 90 DAS and at harvest. Days to initiation of flowering, days to 50% flowering, days to maturity were significantly minimum with GA3-150 mg/L seed hardening treatment. Meanwhile, plant height, number of primary branches per plant were also found significantly higher in seed hardening with GA3-150 mg/L while all these morphological parameters were found significantly lower after application of foliar spray of CCC @500 mg/L as compared to control. Thus seed hardening with GA3-150 mg/L and foliar application of CCC @500 mg/L is suitable for enhancing the yield of groundnut.
Micro‐Chemical Plants
Authors: Serra Christophe A. , Parida Dambarudhar , Bally Florence , Garg Dhiraj K. , Hoarau Yannick , Hessel Volker
Published: September 2013

In this article, different microchemical plants for the synthesis of polymers and copolymers composed of microdevices are described and commented. Owing to their unique characteristics, microdevices allow rapid heat removal and mixing. This significantly improves the control over the polymerization by reducing or eliminating mass transfer limitations and hot spot formation. As a consequence, macromolecules with better controlled characteristics (eg, specific molecular weights and narrower molecular weight distributions), compositions, and architectures are obtained. Most common microdevices include microchannel‐based and microtubular reactors used for heat‐sensitive reactions.

Micromixers are also an important class of microdevices from which polymerization processes sensitive to reactant mixing can benefit. The typical few milliseconds mixing achieved in these micromixers, facilitating a fast and efficient temperature control, together with the easy operation at high temperatures (and pressures) allow for new operating process windows (eg, high temperatures combined with short reaction times, higher reactant concentrations) and selective reaction pathways. Thus microdevices can produce higher yields and selectivity than batch technologies. Therefore, these microdevices are the element of choice in the intensification of polymerization processes with the hope to be implemented for chemical production after scaling‐out. In addition, microdevices are also useful tools for high throughput experiments to generate a number of (co)polymers and to rapidly assess the influence of different process parameters.
Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease in Hospitalized Patients With Systemic Sclerosis: Higher Mortality Than Patients With Lupus and Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Dave Amish J. , Fiorentino David , Lingala Bharathi , Krishnan Eswar , Chung Lorinda
Published: September 2013

Objective

Systemic sclerosis (SSc; scleroderma) patients have an increased risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), possibly mediated through inflammatory and fibrotic mechanisms affecting the macrovasculature and microvasculature. We utilized the US Nationwide Inpatient Sample to assess the frequency of and mortality risk associated with ASCVD among hospitalized SSc patients.

Methods

We examined the frequency and mortality associated with primary diagnoses and procedures related to ASCVD among adult SSc patients using data from 1993 to 2007. Using multivariate logistic regression (controlling for age, sex, nonelective admission, and modified Charlson Comorbidity Index), we compared the odds of death among hospitalized SSc patients with ASCVD to those with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or rheumatoid arthritis (RA), as well as to a control group that excluded patients with connective tissue diseases.

Results

A total of 308,452 hospitalizations of SSc patients were included, of which 5.4% were associated with a primary ASCVD diagnosis or procedure. ASCVD‐related SSc hospitalizations were more likely to result in death compared with non‐ASCVD SSc hospitalizations (odds ratio [OR] 1.3, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.1–1.4). Multivariate analyses showed that ASCVD‐related SSc hospitalizations were more likely to result in death than similar hospitalizations of SLE (OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.2–1.8), RA (OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.9–2.8), and control patients (OR 1.4, 95% CI 1.2–1.8) with ASCVD.

Conclusions

SSc patients with ASCVD have higher in‐hospital mortality than comparable groups of SLE and RA patients with ASCVD. Further research to elucidate the specific mechanisms underlying ASCVD in SSc is necessary.
Pilot Study of Reproductive Health Counseling in a Pediatric Rheumatology Clinic
Authors: Ronis Tova , Frankovich Jennifer , Yen Sophia , Sandborg Christy , Chira Peter
Published: September 2013

Objective

To assess perception and behavior after reproductive health counseling among adolescent patients in a tertiary care–based pediatric rheumatology clinic.

Methods

Adolescent females seen at a Stanford pediatric rheumatology clinic were prospectively enrolled during routine visits. At the study start, standard clinic procedures were reviewed with providers for the following: 1) the home, education, activities, drugs, sexual activity, and suicide/depression (HEADSS) assessment; 2) reproductive health counseling; and 3) medical record documentation. Patients were enrolled if providers indicated that they performed the HEADSS assessment and reproductive health counseling. At enrollment, patients completed a survey to assess their perceptions of reproductive health counseling. Chart reviews confirmed documented discussions. A followup survey performed 3–5 months after enrollment tracked reproductive health information–seeking behavior.

Results

In total, 90 females (mean ± SD age 17 ± 2 years) participated. Almost all patients (99%) agreed that reproductive health was discussed; 71% reported that pregnancy risks were discussed, 42% had recent concerns about reproductive health, and 33% reported their provider recommended that they seek further reproductive health care. Eighty‐four patients completed followup phone surveys, with 25% reporting seeking further information on reproductive health concerns, but with only 9.5% actually seeking further care. Only 18% of patients reported having ever asked their rheumatology provider for guidance regarding reproductive health care concerns.

Conclusion

Routine reproductive health discussion and counseling are necessary in a rheumatology clinic because, in our experience, a substantial number of adolescents have concerns and actively seek reproductive health information. Despite these discussions, adolescents rarely pursue further reproductive health care. Further work to bridge this gap is needed.
Psychometric Properties of the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score in a Community‐Based Study of Adults With and Without Osteoarthritis
Authors: Golightly Yvonne M. , DeVellis Robert F. , Nelson Amanda E. , Hannan Marian T. , Lohmander L. Stefan , Renner Jordan B. , Jordan Joanne M.
Published: September 2013

Objective

Foot and ankle problems are common in adults, and large observational studies are needed to advance our understanding of the etiology and impact of these conditions. Valid and reliable measures of foot and ankle symptoms and physical function are necessary for this research. This study examined psychometric properties of the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) subscales (pain, other symptoms, activities of daily living [ADL], sport and recreational function [sport/recreation], and foot‐ and ankle‐related quality of life [QOL]) in a large, community‐based sample of African American and white men and women ages ≥50 years.

Methods

Johnston County Osteoarthritis Project participants (n = 1,670) completed the 42‐item FAOS (mean age 69 years, 68% women, 31% African American, mean body mass index [BMI] 31.5 kg/m2). Internal consistency, test–retest reliability, convergent validity, and structural validity of each subscale were examined for the sample and for subgroups according to race, sex, age, BMI, presence of knee or hip osteoarthritis, and presence of knee, hip, or low back symptoms.

Results

For the sample and each subgroup, Cronbach's alpha coefficients ranged from 0.95–0.97 (pain), 0.97–0.98 (ADL), 0.94–0.96 (sport/recreation), 0.89–0.92 (QOL), and 0.72–0.82 (symptoms). Correlation coefficients ranged from 0.24–0.52 for pain and symptoms subscales with foot and ankle symptoms and from 0.30–0.55 for ADL and sport/recreation subscales with the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index function subscale. Intraclass correlation coefficients for test–retest reliability ranged from 0.63–0.81. Items loaded on a single factor for each subscale except symptoms (2 factors).

Conclusion

The FAOS exhibited sufficient reliability and validity in this large cohort study.
Autoantibodies to RuvBL1 and RuvBL2: A Novel Systemic Sclerosis–Related Antibody Associated With Diffuse Cutaneous and Skeletal Muscle Involvement
Authors: Kaji Kenzou , Fertig Noreen , Medsger Thomas A. , Satoh Takashi , Hoshino Kana , Hamaguchi Yasuhito , Hasegawa Minoru , Lucas Mary , Schnure Andrew , Ogawa Fumihide , Sato Shinichi , Takehara Kazuhiko , Fujimoto Manabu , Kuwana Masataka
Published: September 2013

Objective

To identify and characterize a novel systemic sclerosis (SSc)–related autoantibody directed against a complex consisting of RuvBL1 and RuvBL2 (RuvBL1/2) and to assess its clinical correlations.

Methods

We first analyzed 316 consecutive patients with SSc who were evaluated at Kanazawa University Hospital. Controls included 290 patients with other connective tissue diseases, interstitial lung disease alone, or autoimmune hepatitis, and 50 healthy subjects. Autoantibody specificities were analyzed using RNA and protein immunoprecipitation assays. Autoimmune targets were affinity purified using patients' sera and subjected to liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. SSc patients in another institution in Japan and the University of Pittsburgh cohort were also included in analysis for evaluating clinical correlations.

Results

By protein immunoprecipitation assay, 6 SSc sera (1.9%) reacted with doublets with molecular weights of ∼50 kd. Liquid chromatography mass spectrometry of the partially purified autoantigen and additional immunoblot‐based analyses revealed that this antibody specificity recognized RuvBL1/2. Anti‐RuvBL1/2 antibody was exclusively detected in SSc patients. SSc patients with anti‐RuvBL1/2 in both the Japanese and Pittsburgh cohorts consistently had higher frequencies of SSc in overlap with myositis and diffuse skin thickening than those without anti‐RuvBL1/2. Compared with other autoantibodies related to SSc/myositis overlap (anti–PM‐Scl and anti‐Ku), anti‐RuvBL1/2 was distinctive in terms of its associations with older age at SSc onset, male sex, and a high frequency of diffuse cutaneous involvement.

Conclusion

Anti‐RuvBL1/2 antibody is a novel SSc‐related autoantibody associated with a unique combination of clinical features, including myositis overlap and diffuse cutaneous involvement.
Strong Association of Health Literacy With Functional Status Among Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Caplan Liron , Wolfe Frederick , Michaud Kaleb , Quinzanos Itziar , Hirsh Joel M.
Published: September 2013

Objective

Studies linking health literacy to outcomes in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have been underpowered and have not adequately accounted for confounders. We examined the association of health literacy with functional status in 6,052 subjects participating in a prospective observational study, controlling for numerous important covariates.

Methods

Using linear regression, we analyzed the cross‐sectional association of health literacy, as measured by 2 validated single‐item literacy screening questions (SILS1 and SILS2), and functional status, assessed by the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) disability index. Subjects reported demographics, comorbidities, social support, educational attainment, visual problems, and memory problems, as well as use of prednisone, disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs, and biologic agents. Each SILS measure was forced into the final model.

Results

Low health literacy was present in 7.0% and 4.3% of subjects (per SILS1 and SILS2, respectively). When controlling for all covariates, low health literacy was associated with a 0.376‐point greater HAQ score, compared to subjects with adequate health literacy (95% confidence interval 0.306, 0.447; P < 0.001). This relationship persisted, even after modeling educational attainment. Results were similar for the 2 SILS instruments. Low health literacy was also associated with poorer self‐reported adherence to RA medications. Visual and memory problems were associated with worse functional status.

Conclusion

Health literacy was more strongly associated with functional status than prednisone use, smoking history, and biologic agent use, and independent of educational attainment. Health literacy may play an important role in understanding functional status in RA patients. Single‐item questions amenable to use in the clinical setting may identify subjects with low health literacy, who are at risk for poor RA outcomes.
Social Economic Costs and Health‐Related Quality of Life in Patients With Systemic Sclerosis in Spain
Authors: López‐Bastida Julio , Linertová Renata , Oliva‐Moreno Juan , Posada‐de‐la‐Paz Manuel , Serrano‐Aguilar Pedro
Published: September 2013

Objective

Cost‐of‐illness analysis is the main method of providing an overall vision of the economic impact of a disease. Such studies have been used to set priorities for health care policies and inform resource allocation. The aim of this study was to determine the economic burden from a societal perspective and health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) of patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc; scleroderma) in Spain.

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional, retrospective study of 147 patients with SSc. Data on demographic characteristics, health resource utilization, informal care, labor productivity losses, and HRQOL were collected from the questionnaires completed by patients or their caregivers. HRQOL was measured with the EuroQol 5‐domain (EQ‐5D) questionnaire.

Results

The average annual cost for an SSc patient was 荤21,042; the reference year for unit prices was 2011. Direct health care costs amounted to 荤8,235, direct non–health care costs were 荤5,503, and loss of labor productivity was 荤7,303. The largest expenditures were early retirement, informal care, and medication. There are sharp differences in the estimated cost according to the Barthel Index score observed. The mean EQ‐5D score for SSc patients was 0.68 and the mean EQ‐5D visual analog scale score was 64.

Conclusion

The main strengths of this study lie in our bottom‐up approach to costing and in the evaluation of SSc patients from a broad perspective (societal costs). This type of analysis is very scarce in international literature for rare diseases in comparison with other illnesses. We conclude that SSc patients incur considerable societal costs and experience substantial deterioration in HRQOL.
Suboptimal Inhibition of Platelet Cyclooxygenase 1 by Aspirin in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Association With Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Kawai Vivian K. , Avalos Ingrid , Oeser Annette , Oates John A. , Milne Ginger L. , Solus Joseph F. , Chung Cecilia P. , Stein C. Michael
Published: September 2013

Objective

Low‐dose aspirin prevents platelet aggregation by suppressing thromboxane A2 (TXA2) synthesis. However, in some individuals TXA2 suppression by aspirin is impaired, indicating suboptimal inhibition of platelet cyclooxygenase 1 (COX‐1) by aspirin. Because patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have increased risk of thrombotic events, many receive aspirin; however, the efficacy of aspirin in SLE has not been determined. We examined the hypothesis that aspirin response is impaired in SLE.

Methods

We assessed the effect of aspirin by measuring concentrations of the stable metabolite of TXA2, serum thromboxane B2 (sTXB2), before and after treatment with daily aspirin (81 mg) for 7 days in 34 patients with SLE and 36 control subjects. The inability to suppress sTXB2 synthesis to <10 ng/ml represents suboptimal inhibition of platelet COX‐1 by aspirin.

Results

Aspirin almost completely suppressed sTXB2 in control subjects to median 1.5 ng/ml (interquartile range [IQR] 0.8–2.7) but had less effect in patients with SLE (median 3.1 ng/ml [IQR 2.2–5.3]) (P = 0.002). A suboptimal effect of aspirin was present in 15% (5 of 34) of the patients with SLE but not in control subjects (0 of 36) (P = 0.023). Incomplete responders were more likely to have metabolic syndrome (P = 0.048), obesity (P = 0.048), and higher concentrations of C‐reactive protein (CRP) (P = 0.018).

Conclusion

The pharmacologic effect of aspirin is suboptimal in 15% of patients with SLE but in none of the control subjects, and the suboptimal response was associated with metabolic syndrome, obesity, and higher CRP concentrations.
Progressive Macromolecular Self‐Assembly: From Biomimetic Chemistry to Bio‐Inspired Materials
Authors: Zhao Yu , Sakai Fuji , Su Lu , Liu Yijiang , Wei Kongchang , Chen Guosong , Jiang Ming
Published: September 2013

Macromolecular self‐assembly (MSA) has been an active and fruitful research field since the 1980s, especially in this new century, which is promoted by the remarkable developments in controlled radical polymerization in polymer chemistry, etc. and driven by the demands in bio‐related investigations and applications. In this review, we try to summarize the trends and recent progress in MSA in relation to biomimetic chemistry and bio‐inspired materials. Our paper covers representative achievements in the fabrication of artificial building blocks for life, cell‐inspired biomimetic materials, and macromolecular assemblies mimicking the functions of natural materials and their applications. It is true that the current status of the deliberately designed and obtained nano‐objects based on MSA including a variety of micelles, multicompartment vesicles, and some hybrid and complex nano‐objects is at their very first stage to mimic nature, but significant and encouraging progress has been made in achieving a certain similarity in morphologies or properties to that of natural ones. Such achievements also demonstrate that MSA has played an important and irreplaceable role in the grand and long‐standing research of biomimetic and bio‐inspired materials, the future success of which depends on mutual and persistent efforts in polymer science, material science, supramolecular chemistry, and biology.
Hydrido‐Cobalt Catalyst as a Selective Tool for the Dimerisation of Arylacetylenes: Scope and Theoretical Studies
Authors: Ventre Sandrine , Derat Etienne , Amatore Muriel , Aubert Corinne , Petit Marc
Published: September 2013

A simple hydrido‐cobalt complex efficiently catalyses the highly regio‐ and stereoselective dimerisation of various terminal arylacetylenes under mild conditions. The corresponding (E)‐1,4‐enynes are obtained as sole isomers with good to excellent yields. DFT calculations revealed that the reaction proceeds via a CH activation/hydrocobaltation pathway.

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Cross validation of ROC generated thresholds for field assessed aerobic fitness related to weight status and cardiovascular disease risk in portuguese young people
Authors: Duncan Michael J. , Vale Susana , Santos Maria Paula , Ribeiro José Carlos , Mota Jorge
Published: September 2013

Objectives

To examine the efficacy of aerobic fitness thresholds in predicting weight status and cardiovascular disease risk (CVD) in young people.

Methods

A cross‐sectional school‐based study was conducted on 414 Portuguese young people (235 girls and 179 boys) aged 10–16 years (Mean age ± SD = 13.6 ± 1. 8 years). Height and mass were assessed to determine body mass index (BMI). The 20m multistage shuttle‐fitness test (MSFT) was used as an estimate of aerobic fitness. Capillary blood sampling was used to determine: total cholesterol, triglycerides, high‐, and low‐density lipoprotein. These were combined with measures of systolic blood pressure as z‐scores and summed to create a CVD risk score.

Results

Analysis of covariance, controlling for sexual maturation, indicated a significant main effect for BMI as a result of fitness category (P = 0.0001). When applied to CVD risk data, there was no difference between “fit” and “unfit” grioups (P = 0.136). Subsequent receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis indicated signifciant diagnostic accuracy of 20mMSFT performance for boys and girls (both P = 0.0001) with subsequent cut‐offs of estimated VO2 peak of 49.5 ml kg−1 min−1 for girls and 47.7 ml kg−1 min−1 for boys. When applied to BMI and CVD risk data, there was a significant main effect as a result of fitness category for BMI (P = 0.0001) and CVD risk score (P = 0.0001).

Conclusions

Recently established cut‐points proposed by Boddy et al. (Boddy et al. [2012]: PLoS One 7(9): e45755) show validity in distinguishing between weight status but not CVD risk in Portuguese young people. Alternative ROC generated cut points significantly predicted BMI and CVD risk in this sample. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 25:751–755, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Adipose tissue: Another target organ for lead accumulation? A study on sardinian children (Italy)
Authors: Vallascas Elisabetta , De Micco Alessandro , Deiana Fabrizio , Banni Sebastiano , Sanna Emanuele
Published: September 2013

Objectives

This study analyzes the relationship between lead levels and adipose tissue in Sardinian children. As an environmental pollutant, lead occurs in two different chemical forms: inorganic and organic lead; organic lead is present in the environment mainly as lead‐alkyls (tetramethyl and tetraethyl lead). The lead‐alkyls are characterized by their liposolubility; because of this characteristic, the behavior of organic Pb in the organism is similar to that of persistent organic pollutants (POPs). In fact, the high liposolubility of POPs, synthetic chemical substances highly resistant to biodegradation in both the environment and the human body, gives them a preferential tendency to accumulate in adipose tissue.

Methods

The study sample consisted of 759 children between 11 and 15 years resident in various municipalities of Sardinia. Hair lead levels (PbH) were used as the biomarker of exposure, while several anthropometric indexes were adopted to evaluate the adipose tissue: weight, body mass index, waist circumference, waist to hip circumference ratio, and sum of skinfolds (Σskf).

Results

The results of the multivariate ridge regression analysis, controlling for sex and age, show a significant positive relationship between logPbH and logΣskf but not the other adiposity indicators.

Conclusions

This results suggests that organic lead tends to accumulate in adipose tissue, although it would be appropriate to measure lead levels in the adipose tissue itself in order to verify the results. Hence this tissue could be considered a possible new biological matrix for the evaluation of environmental lead exposure. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 25:789–794, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Arboreal adaptations of body fat in wild toque macaques (Macaca sinica) and the evolution of adiposity in primates
Authors: Dittus Wolfgang P. J.
Published: September 2013

There is a paucity of information on body composition and fat patterning in wild nonhuman primates. Dissected adipose tissue from wild toque macaques (Macaca sinica) (WTM), feeding on a natural diet, accounted for 2.1% of body weight. This was far less than fatness reported for nonhuman primates raised in captivity or for contemporary humans. In WTM, fatness increased with age and diet richness, but did not differ by sex. In WTM (none of which were obese) intra‐abdominal fat filled first, and “excess” fat was stored peripherally in a ratio of about 6:1. Intermuscular fat was minimal (0.1%). The superficial paunch held <15% of subcutaneous fat weight in contrast to its much larger proportions in obese humans and captive monkeys where most added fat accumulates subcutaneously. With increasing total adiposity, accumulating fat shifted in its distribution among eight different main internal and peripheral deposit areas—consistent with maintaining body balance and a low center of gravity. The available data suggest that, in arboreal primates, adaptations for agile locomotion and terminal branch feeding set constraints on the quantity and distribution of fat. The absence of a higher percentage of body fat in females and neonates (as are typical of humans) suggests that arboreal adaptations preclude the development of fat‐dependent, large‐brained infants and the adipose‐rich mothers needed to sustain them. The lifestyle and body composition of wild primates represent a more appropriate model for early human foragers than well‐fed captive monkeys do. Am J Phys Anthropol 152:333–344, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Brief Report: Identification of BACH2 and RAD51B as Rheumatoid Arthritis Susceptibility Loci in a Meta‐Analysis of Genome‐Wide Data
Authors: McAllister Kate , Yarwood Annie , Bowes John , Orozco Gisela , Viatte Sebastian , Diogo Dorothée , Hocking Lynne J. , Steer Sophia , Wordsworth Paul , Wilson A. G. , Morgan Ann W. ,   UK Rheumatoid Arthritis Genetics Consortium, Rheumatoid Arthritis Consortium International, Kremer Joel M. , Pappas Dimitrios , Gregersen Peter , Klareskog Lars , Plenge Robert , Barton Anne , Greenberg Jeffrey , Worthington Jane , Eyre Stephen
Published: September 2013

Objective

A recent high‐density fine‐mapping (ImmunoChip) study of genetic associations in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) identified 14 risk loci with validated genome‐wide significance, as well as a number of loci showing associations suggestive of significance (P = 5 × 10−5 < 5 × 10−8), but these have yet to be replicated. The aim of this study was to determine whether these potentially significant loci are involved in the pathogenesis of RA, and to explore whether any of the loci are associated with a specific RA serotype.

Methods

A total of 16 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were selected for genotyping and association analyses in 2 independent validation cohorts, comprising 6,106 RA cases and 4,290 controls. A meta‐analysis of the data from the original ImmunoChip discovery cohort and from both validation cohorts was carried out, for a combined total of 17,581 RA cases and 20,160 controls. In addition, stratified analysis of patient subsets, defined according to their anti–cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti‐CCP) antibody status, was performed.

Results

A significant association with RA risk (P < 0.05) was replicated for 6 of the SNPs assessed in the validation cohorts. All SNPs in the validation study had odds ratios (ORs) for RA susceptibility in the same direction as those in the ImmunoChip discovery study. One SNP, rs72928038, mapping to an intron of BACH2, achieved genome‐wide significance in the meta‐analysis (P = 1.2 × 10−8, OR 1.12), and a second SNP, rs911263, mapping to an intron of RAD51B, was significantly associated in the anti‐CCP–positive RA subgroup (P = 4 × 10−8, OR 0.89), confirming that both are RA susceptibility loci.

Conclusion

This study provides robust evidence for an association of RA susceptibility with genes involved in B cell differentiation (BACH2) and DNA repair (RAD51B). The finding that the RAD51B gene exhibited different associations based on serologic subtype adds to the expanding knowledge base in defining subgroups of RA.