bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sociodemographic Characteristics of Domestic Violence in China
Authors: Cao YuPing , Yang ShiChang , Wang GuoQiang , Zhang YaLin
Published: November 2013

A population case-control study of domestic violence in China was conducted to examine the relationship between individual- and household-level characteristics and violence perpetration and victimization. Demographic comparisons were conducted between perpetrators and victims ( n = 624), perpetrators and matched controls ( n = 628), and perpetrator households and control households ( n = 620). A multivariate model of demographic risk was tested, integrating individual- and household-level correlates of violence perpetration. Compared with victims, perpetrators were more likely to be older, male, and have lower levels of education. In the final model, violence perpetration was more likely among individuals who earned more income, contributed a lower proportion of the household income, had a family member who was unemployed or lived in households with an authoritarian or independent power structure.
Response Quality of Self-Administered Questionnaires
Authors: Rada Vidal Díaz de , Domínguez-Álvarez Juan Antonio
Published: November 2013

The objective of this article is to analyze the quality of the information collected by a self-administered survey addressed to citizens of Andalusia, who were offered the possibility of answering using the post or Internet. The study showed the advantages of using web-based self-administered questionnaires. Web surveys showed a low number of unanswered questions, more detailed answers to open questions, and longer answers to questions than those generated from paper questionnaires. The five open questions with text showed longer answers from the web survey, around 63 characters more. In the open questions with numerical answers, the use of drop-box (select list) generated better response than the use of a blank space left in the paper questionnaire.
A Transpersonal Approach to Care
Authors: Hurdle Caitlin E. , Quinlan Margaret M.
Published: November 2013

The arts have a history of relaxing and calming patients in the hospital setting, yet research is limited on how arts may aid in the healing process. DooR to DooR was established to bring comfort, respite, and healing to hospitalized patients, family members, and health care staff. DooR to DooR is located in the University of North Carolina Hospitals at Chapel Hill, North Carolina; professional performing artists visit there, spending 5 to 10 minutes with each patient, family member, and health care staff. The purpose of this qualitative study is to understand performers’ experiences and of how arts-based programs can facilitate improved patient outcomes in the hospitalized setting to help nurses better use the arts in their care of patients and families. Three overarching themes were identified: (a) the arts are therapeutic for all involved, (b) the arts transforms the hospital environment, and (c) nurses and the other medical staff play an important role. The significance of this study for nursing practice is that the arts are a plausible intervention for the hospital because they may help improve patient outcomes by reducing pain and depression and by relieving stress among staff and family members. More research is needed to determine the level of arts-as-an-intervention knowledge among nurses.
Paracrine factors of human mesenchymal stem cells increase wound closure and reduce reactive oxygen species production in a traumatic brain injury in vitro model
Authors: Torrente D , Avila MF , Cabezas R , Morales L , Gonzalez J , Samudio I , Barreto GE
Published: November 2013

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) consists of a primary and a secondary insult characterized by a biochemical cascade that plays a crucial role in cell death in the brain. Despite the major improvements in the acute care of head injury victims, no effective strategies exist for preventing the secondary injury cascade. This lack of success might be due to that most treatments are aimed at targeting neuronal population, even if studies show that astrocytes play a key role after a brain damage. In this work, we propose a new model of in vitro traumatic brain-like injury and use paracrine factors released by human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) as a neuroprotective strategy. Our results demonstrate that hMSC-conditioned medium increased wound closure and proliferation at 12 h and reduced superoxide production to control conditions. This was accompanied by changes in cell morphology and polarity index, as both parameters reflect the ability of cells to migrate toward the wound. These findings indicate that hMSC is an important regulator of oxidative stress production, enhances cells migration, and shall be considered as a useful neuroprotective approach for brain recovery following injury.
Masculinities, Work, and Retirement Among Older Men Who Experience Depression
Authors: Oliffe John L. , Rasmussen Brian , Bottorff Joan L. , Kelly Mary T. , Galdas Paul M. , Phinney Alison , Ogrodniczuk John S.
Published: November 2013

The high incidence of depression among older men has been linked to numerous factors. In this qualitative descriptive study of 30 older, Canadian-based men who experienced depression, we explored the connections between participants’ depression, masculinities, work, and retirement. Our analyses revealed three thematic findings. The recursive relationship between depression and work was reflected in depression impeding and emerging from paid work, whereby men’s careers and work achievements were negatively impacted by depression amid assertions that unfulfilling work could also invoke depression. Lost or unrealized empires highlighted the centrality of wealth accumulation and negative impact of many participants’ unfulfilled paid work aspirations. Retirement as loss and the therapeutic value of work reflected how masculine ideals influenced men to continue working to avoid the losses they associated with retirement. The findings confirm the need to support men’s work-related transitions by affirming a diversity of masculine identities beyond traditional workman/breadwinner roles.
Calculation of overall equipment effectiveness weight by Taguchi method with simulation
Authors: Yuniawan Dani , Ito Teruaki , Bin Mohamad E
Published: November 2013

Overall equipment effectiveness is a comprehensive performance measurement that is used to measure equipment effectiveness on the production line. Overall equipment effectiveness is a key performance indicator to measure the implementation of total productive maintenance. Nevertheless, as the time passes, the usage of overall equipment effectiveness is transformed to a system that analyses production data, to identify potential areas of improvement and support lean initiatives. Therefore, overall equipment effectiveness characteristically advances from being a base measure of efficiency as its initial purpose, to being a tool that improves effectiveness. Even though overall equipment effectiveness appears to be a complete performance measurement indicator, it still requires proper modification. Many researches related to overall equipment effectiveness improvement have used weighted overall equipment effectiveness to advance this performance measurement for production line use. Until now, only a few researches have been conducted by other researchers related to overall equipment effectiveness improvement. Several overall equipment effectiveness improvements have included the cost variable into the overall equipment effectiveness calculation; others have attempted to develop a new technique to set up the weights of overall equipment effectiveness. Since several researches of overall equipment effectiveness improvement have met with difficulty when determining the proper weight for each overall equipment effectiveness element, this research proposes a new procedure to cover this drawback. The baseline for weighting overall equipment effectiveness elements in this research refers to overall equipment effectiveness element characteristics that are obtained by a combined result of simulation and experiment, through the Taguchi method. The research outcome proves that this combination of methods gives a more accurate result for providing characteristic data of a production line related to overall equipment effectiveness and for obtaining a weight calculation of overall equipment effectiveness elements.
Inflammatory Pseudotumor Containing Kayexalate Crystals
Authors: Romano Ryan C. , Thirumala Seshadri , Cushman Walter H. , Mounajjed Taofic
Published: November 2013

Kayexalate (sodium polystyrene sulfonate), a cation exchange resin often used to treat hyperkalemia, is known to produce gastrointestinal complications in a minority of patients. These complications range from mild gastrointestinal bleeding to perforation with acute abdomen. The typical histopathologic findings include mucosal ulceration, necrosis, and the presence of polygonal basophilic refractile crystals with a “fish scale” appearance. We present a unique case of Kayexalate crystals embedded in a perihepatic inflammatory pseudotumor, developing adjacent to a colostomy site in a 62-year-old woman following Kayexalate treatment. Microscopically, the lesion demonstrated a myofibroblastic proliferation rich in histiocytes and inflammation (lymphocytes, plasma cells, and eosinophils) as well as the presence of scattered typical Kayexalate crystals. This is the first report of extraintestinal Kayexalate identification in association with an inflammatory pseudotumor.
Myocardial Protection Provided by Chronic Skeletal Muscle Ischemia Is Not Further Enhanced by Ischemic Pre- or Postconditioning
Authors: Bibli Sofia-Iris , Andreadou Ioanna , Lazaris Evangelos , Zoga Anastasia , Varnavas Varnavas , Andreou Constantinos C. , Dagres Nikolaos , Iliodromitis Efstathios K. , Kyriakides Zenon S.
Published: November 2013

Chronic skeletal muscle ischemia protects the ischemic heart by preserving coronary flow and inducing arterioangiogenesis. We sought to determine the effect and the underlying molecular mechanisms of preconditioning (PreC) and postconditioning (PostC), applied in a model of chronic skeletal muscle ischemia. Male rabbits were divided into 3 series. In each series, the animals were subjected either to severe hind limb (HL) ischemia, by excision of the femoral artery, or to sham operation (SHO). After 4 weeks, all the animals underwent 30 minutes of regional heart ischemia and 3 hours reperfusion. The animals of the first series received no further intervention (HL and SHO groups), those of the second series underwent PreC (HL + PreC and SHO + PreC), and of the third series PostC (HL + PostC and SHO + PostC). Infarct size (I) and risk zones (R) were determined, and their ratio was calculated in percentage. Three additional series of experiments were performed with respective interventions up to the 10th minute of reperfusion, where sample tissue was obtained for assessment of protein kinase B (Akt), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β), p44/42, signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 3, and STAT5. All groups demonstrated significantly smaller percentage of I/R compared with the SHO group (HL: 14.4% ± 3.7%, HL + PreC: 13.1% ± 1.0%, SHO + PreC: 21.3% ± 1.6%, HL + PostC: 18.0% ± 1.1%, and SHO + PostC: 24.3% ± 1.7%, P < .05 vs 35.7% ± 4.4% in SHO). The PreC and PostC did not further reduce the infarct size in HL groups. The Akt, eNOS, GSK3β, p44/42, and STAT3 were activated in all PreC or PostC groups regardless of the infarct size reduction. The STAT5 was activated only in the HL groups compared with the SHO groups. In conclusion, chronic skeletal muscle ischemia results in effective cardioprotection, which is not further enhanced with application of PreC or PostC. The Akt, eNOS, GSK3β, p44/42, and STAT3 may only be considered as indicators of the intracellular changes taking place during protection. Activation of STAT5 is possibly the end effector, which is responsible for infarct size reduction provided by chronic skeletal muscle ischemia.
Characterization of the Noncancer Hazards of Gas Oils
Authors: McKee Richard H. , Schreiner Ceinwen A. , White Russell , Saperstein Mark , Charlap Jeffrey H. , O'Neill Thomas P. , Goyak Katy Olsavsky , Nicolich Mark
Published: November 2013

Gas oils, used to manufacture diesel fuel and residential heating oil, are complex hydrocarbon substances with carbon numbers of C9-C30 and boiling ranges of approximately 150°C to 450°C. Target organ (liver enlargement, reduced thymus weights, and reductions in hematological parameters) and developmental (reduced fetal viability, increased resorption frequency, and reduced fetal weights) effects are associated with aromatic constituents present in some gas oils. Two types of gas oils were tested for repeated-dose and developmental toxicity following repeated dermal administration. A blend of commercial diesel fuels containing 26% aromatics, primarily single-ring compounds, did not cause either target organ or developmental effects at levels up to 600 mg/kg/d. “Cracked” gas oils containing higher levels of aromatic constituents were also tested. Because of limited sample availability, 2 cracked gas oil samples were tested, one for systemic effects and the other for developmental toxicity. The sample tested in the repeated-dose toxicity study (81% aromatics including approximately 10% 3-ring compounds) produced increased liver weights, reduced thymus weights, and reductions in hematological parameters. The overall no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) was 100 mg/kg/d. The sample tested for developmental toxicity (65% aromatics including approximately 5% 3-ring compounds) resulted in significant reductions in fetal survival, significant increases in resorption frequency, and significant reductions in fetal weights with an overall NOAEL of 100 mg/kg/d. In summary, gas oils may or may not cause target organ and/or developmental effects depending on the levels and types of aromatic constituents that they contain.
Fostering Resistance, Cultivating Decolonization
Authors: Schwan Kaitlin Jessica , Lightman Ernie
Published: November 2013

Using a case study of a social circus program developed for Inuit youth in Northern Quebec, this research analyzes how social service programs developed for indigenous youth must be understood and designed in relation to colonial history. Focusing on the program’s contradictory and complex role in assimilation, acculturation, and cultural preservation, we analyze how colonial dynamics can be recapitulated despite best intentions. Youths’ acts of resistance to the program are analyzed as microinteractional efforts toward decolonization rather than instances of “maladaptive” behavior. We discuss how such programs can foster decolonization and the implications of such an approach for program evaluation.
Diminazene aceturate (Berenil) modulates LPS induced pro-inflammatory cytokine production by inhibiting phosphorylation of MAPKs and STAT proteins
Authors: Kuriakose Shiby , Muleme Helen , Onyilagha Chukwunonso , Okeke Emeka , Uzonna Jude E
Published: November 2013

Although diminazene aceturate (Berenil) is widely used as a trypanolytic agent in livestock, its mechanisms of action remain poorly understood. We previously showed that Berenil treatment suppresses pro-inflammatory cytokine production by splenic and liver macrophages leading to a concomitant reduction in serum cytokine levels in mice infected with Trypanosoma congolense or challenged with LPS. Here, we investigated the molecular mechanisms through which Berenil alters pro-inflammatory cytokine production by macrophages. We show that pre-treatment of macrophages with Berenil dramatically suppressed IL-6, IL-12 and TNF-α production following LPS, CpG and Poly I:C stimulation without altering the expression of TLRs . Instead, it significantly down-regulated phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (p38, extracellular signal-regulated kinase and c-Jun N-terminal kinases), signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) proteins (STAT1 and STAT3) and NF-кB p65 activity both in vitro and in vivo. Interestingly, Berenil treatment up-regulated the phosphorylation of STAT5 and the expression of suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1) and SOCS3, which are negative regulators of innate immune responses, including MAPKs and STATs. Collectively, these results show that Berenil down-regulates macrophage pro-inflammatory cytokine production by inhibiting key signaling pathways associated with cytokine production and suggest that this drug may be used to treat conditions caused by excessive production of inflammatory cytokines.
Mediated Naming: The Case of Unconventional Anthroponyms (UA)
Authors: Felecan Daiana
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe present paper deals with mediation, a particular linguistic mechanism of designating referents, which is different from conventional naming (performed by means of official proper names) and which relies on (synthetic or analytic) nomination auxiliaries. In the cases discussed, a referent’s identity is established indirectly, by means of unconventional names, the discursive functions of which are identified contextually. To be more precise, the attention is focused on mechanisms of fixing references through alterity, locative, and property.Theoretically, this article is based on descriptive semantics, pragmatics, and philosophy of language, whereas the field of investigation to which the study pertains is that of anthroponymy.The corpus analyzed consists of unconventional anthroponymic structures from Romanian public space and from the Bible.
Jr. Naming Etiquette
Authors: Abel Ernest Lawrence
Published: November 2013

AbstractThis article discusses the etiquette ‘rules’ governing the name suffixes, Jr. and Roman numerals II, III, and so on. One of the main issues considered is how those suffixes change upon the death of a parent or relative. Other issues consider punctuation and formatting.
Eradication of non-Hodgkin lymphoma through the induction of tumor-specific T-cell immunity by CD20-Flex BiFP
Authors: Zhao Lei , Tong Qin , Qian Weizhu , Li Bohua , Zhang Dapeng , Fu Tuo , Duan Shuyan , Zhang Xueguang , Zhao Jian , Dai Jianxin , Wang Hao , Hou Sheng , Guo Yajun
Published: November 2013

Key Points

Targeting of both CD20 and Flt3 proteins by CrossMab technology can efficiently evoke tumor-specific T-cell immunity. Induction of tumor-specific T-cell response by CD20–Flt3 ligand extracellular domain BiFP provides a long-lasting protection from tumor recurrence.
Measuring central pulmonary pressures during exercise in COPD: how to cope with respiratory effects
Authors: Boerrigter Bart G. , Waxman Aaron B. , Westerhof Nico , Vonk-Noordegraaf Anton , Systrom David M.
Published: November 2013

Respiratory influences are major confounders when evaluating central haemodynamics during exercise. We studied four different methods to assess mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) in cases of respiratory swings.

Central haemodynamics were measured simultaneously with oesophageal pressure during exercise in 30 chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. mPAP and PCWP were assessed at the end of expiration, averaged over the respiratory cycle and corrected for the right atrial pressure (RAP) waveform estimated intrathoracic pressure, and compared with the transmural pressures.

Bland–Altman analyses showed the best agreement of mPAP averaged over the respiratory cycle (bias (limits of agreement) 2.5 (-6.0–11.8) mmHg) and when corrected with the nadir of RAP (-3.6 (-11.2–3.9) mmHg). Measuring mPAP at the end of expiration (10.3 (0.5–20.3) mmHg) and mPAP corrected for the RAP swing (-9.3 (-19.8–2.1) mmHg) resulted in lower levels of agreement. The respiratory swings in mPAP and PCWP were similar (r2=0.82, slope±se0.95±0.1).

Central haemodynamics measured at the end of expiration leads to an overestimation of intravascular pressures in exercising COPD patients. Good measurement can be acquired even when oesopghageal pressure is omitted, by averaging pressures over the respiratory cycle or using the RAP waveform to correct for intrathoracic pressure. Assessment of the pulmonary gradient is unaffected by respiratory swings.
Longitudinal relationship between physical activity and lung health in patients with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Schneiderman Jane E. , Wilkes Donna L. , Atenafu Eshetu G. , Nguyen Thanh , Wells Greg D. , Alarie Nancy , Tullis Elizabeth , Lands Larry C. , Coates Allan L. , Corey Mary , Ratjen Felix
Published: November 2013

Exercise is beneficial for patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) but long-term effects of physical activity on lung function evolution are unknown. We evaluated the longitudinal relationship between changes in habitual physical activity (HPA) and rate of decline in lung function in patients with CF.

We tracked HPA using the Habitual Activity Estimation Scale, forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and Stage I exercise tests in 212 patients with CF over a 9-year period.

Adjusting for sex, baseline age and FEV1, mucoidPseudomonas aeruginosaand CF-related diabetes, mean±sdFEV1% predicted decreased by 1.63±0.08% per year (p<0.0001) while mean±sdHPA increased by 0.28±0.03 h·day−1per year (p<0.0001) over the study period. A greater increase in HPA was associated with a slower rate of decline in FEV1(r=0.19, p<0.0069). Dividing subjects into “high” and “low” activity (above or below the mean rate of change of activity, respectively), a steeper rate of FEV1decline was observed for low (-1.90% per year) compared to high (-1.39% per year) (p=0.002).

Increases in HPA are feasible despite progression of lung disease and are associated with a slower rate of decline in FEV1, highlighting the benefit of regular physical activity, and its positive impact on lung function in patients with CF.
IDSA/ATS minor criteria aid pre-intensive care unit resuscitation in severe community-acquired pneumonia
Authors: Lim Hui Fang , Phua Jason , Mukhopadhyay Amartya , Ngerng Wang Jee , Chew Mei Ying , Sim Tiong Beng , Kuan Win Sen , Mahadevan Malcolm , Lim Tow Keang
Published: November 2013

The effect of employing severity scores to identify severe community-acquired pneumonia (SCAP) cases for early aggressive resuscitation is unknown. Optimising pre-intensive care unit (ICU) care may improve outcomes in patients at risk of SCAP.

We conducted a before-and-after study of patients classified into control and intervention groups (January 2004 to December 2007 and January 2008 to December 2010, respectively). Our intervention was two-pronged, using the 2007 Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA)/American Thoracic Society (ATS) minor criteria to identify SCAP for aggressive emergency department resuscitation. Patients with SCAP, defined as those with three or more IDSA/ATS minor criteria, were targeted. Differences in mortality, triage and compliance with emergency department resuscitation were compared between the groups.

The hospital mortality rate was lower in the interventionversusthe control group (5.7%versus23.8%, p<0.001). On multivariate analysis, the intervention group was associated with lower mortality (OR 0.24, 95% CI 0.09–0.67). ICU admission rates decreased from 52.9% to 38.6% (p=0.008) and inappropriately delayed ICU admissions decreased from 32.0% to 14.8% (p<0.001). There was increased compliance with the aggressive resuscitation protocol after the intervention.

A combined intervention, using a pneumonia score to identify those at risk of SCAP early and an aggressive pre-ICU resuscitation protocol may reduce mortality and ICU admissions.
Dual bronchodilation with QVA149 reduces patient-reported dyspnoea in COPD: the BLAZE study
Authors: Mahler Donald A. , Decramer Marc , D'Urzo Anthony , Worth Heinrich , White Tracy , Alagappan Vijay K.T. , Chen Hungta , Gallagher Nicola , Kulich Károly , Banerji Donald
Published: November 2013

We evaluated the effect of QVA149, a dual bronchodilator combining indacaterol and glycopyrronium, on direct patient-reported dyspnoea in patients with moderate-to-severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

In this multicentre, blinded, double-dummy, three-period crossover study, 247 patients were randomised to once-daily QVA149 110/50 μg, placebo or tiotropium 18 μg. Superiority of QVA149versusplacebo (primary objective) and tiotropium (secondary objective) was assessed for improvement in dyspnoeaviathe self-administered computerised (SAC) version of the Baseline and Transition Dyspnoea Index after 6 weeks. Secondary end-points included lung function, rescue medication use and safety.

After 6 weeks, the SAC Transition Dyspnoea Index total score was significantly higher with QVA149versusplacebo (least squares mean (LSM) treatment difference 1.37, p<0.001) and tiotropium (LSM treatment difference 0.49, p=0.021). QVA149 provided significant improvements in lung function, with higher forced expiratory volume in 1 s area under the curve from 0–4 h post-doseversusplacebo and tiotropium at day 1 and week 6 (all p<0.001). Rescue medication use was significantly lower with QVA149versusplacebo (p<0.001) and tiotropium (p=0.002). All treatments were well tolerated.

Once-daily QVA149 provided superior improvements in patient-reported dyspnoea and lung functionversusplacebo and tiotropium. These benefits were associated with improvements in other symptoms and reduced use of rescue medication.
A low-cost, multiplexable, automated flow cytometry procedure for the characterization of microbial stress dynamics in bioreactors
Authors: Brognaux Alison , Han Shanshan , Sørensen Søren J , Lebeau Frédéric , Thonart Philippe , Delvigne Frank
Published: November 2013

Background

Microbial cell population heterogeneity is now recognized as a major source of issues in the development and optimization of bioprocesses. Even if single cell technologies are available for the study of microbial population heterogeneity, only a few of these methods are available in order to study the dynamics of segregation directly in bioreactors. In this context, specific interfaces have been developed in order to connect a flow cytometer directly to a bioreactor for automated analyses. In this work, we propose a simplified version of such an interface and demonstrate its usefulness for multiplexed experiments.

Results

A low-cost automated flow cytometer has been used in order to monitor the synthesis of a destabilized Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) under the regulation of thefispromoter and propidium iodide (PI) uptake. The results obtained showed that the dynamics of GFP synthesis are complex and can be attributed to a complex set of biological parameters, i.e. on the one hand the release of protein into the extracellular medium and its uptake modifying the activity of the fis promoter, and on the other hand the stability of the GFP molecule itself, which can be attributed to the protease content and energy status of the cells. In this respect, multiplexed experiments have shown a correlation between heat shock and ATP content and the stability of the reporter molecule.

Conclusion

This work demonstrates that a simplified version of on-line FC can be used at the process level or in a multiplexed version to investigate the dynamics of complex physiological mechanisms. In this respect, the determination of new on-line parameters derived from automated FC is of primary importance in order to fully integrate the power of FC in dedicated feedback control loops.
NLRP3 promotes autophagy of urate crystals phagocytized by human osteoblasts
Authors: Allaeys Isabelle , Marceau François , Poubelle Patrice E
Published: November 2013

Introduction

Monosodium urate (MSU) microcrystals present in bone tissues of chronic gout can be ingested by nonprofessional phagocytes like osteoblasts (OBs) that express NLRP3 (nucleotide-binding domain and leucine-rich repeat region containing family of receptor protein 3). MSU is known to activate NLRP3 inflammasomes in professional phagocytes. We have identified a new role for NLRP3 coupled to autophagy in MSU-stimulated human OBs.

Methods

Normal human OBs cultured in vitro were investigated for their capacity for phagocytosis of MSU microcrystals by using confocal microscopy. Subsequent mineralization and matrix metalloproteinase activity were evaluated, whereas regulatory events of phagocytosis were deciphered by using signaling inhibitors, phosphokinase arrays, and small interfering RNAs. Statistics were carried out by using paired or unpaired t tests, and the one-way ANOVA, followed by multiple comparison test.

Results

Most of the OBs internalized MSU in vacuoles. This process depends on signaling via PI3K, protein kinase C (PKC), and spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk), but is independent of Src kinases. Simultaneously, MSU decreases phosphorylation of the protein kinases TOR (target of rapamycin) and p70S6K. MSU activates the cleavage of microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3)-I into LC3-II, and MSU microcrystals are coated with GFP-tagged LC3. However, MSU-stimulated autophagy in OBs absolutely requires the phagocytosis process. We find that MSU upregulates NLRP3, which positively controls the formation of MSU-autophagosomes in OBs. MSU does not increase death and late apoptosis of OBs, but reduces their proliferation in parallel to decreasing their competence for mineralization and to increasing their matrix metalloproteinase activity.

Conclusions

MSU microcrystals, found locally encrusted in the bone matrix of chronic gout, activate phagocytosis and NLRP3-dependent autophagy in OBs, but remain intact in permanent autophagosomes while deregulating OB functions.
Ixmyelocel-T, an expanded multicellular therapy, contains a unique population of M2-like macrophages
Authors: Ledford Kelly J , Zeigler Frank , Bartel Ronnda L
Published: November 2013

Introduction

M2 macrophages promote tissue repair and regeneration through various mechanisms including immunomodulation and scavenging of tissue debris. Delivering increased numbers of these cells to ischemic tissues may limit tissue injury and promote repair. Ixmyelocel-T is an expanded, autologous multicellular therapy cultured from bone-marrow mononuclear cells (BMMNCs). The purpose of this study was to characterize further a unique expanded population of M2-like macrophages, generated in ixmyelocel-T therapy.

Methods

Approximately 50 ml of whole bone marrow was obtained from healthy donors and shipped overnight. BMMNCs were produced by using density-gradient separation and cultured for approximately 12 days to generate ixmyelocel-T. CD14+ cells were isolated from ixmyelocel-T with positive selection for analysis. Cell-surface phenotype was examined with flow cytometry and immunofluorescence, and expression of cytokines and chemokines was analyzed with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Quantitative real-time PCR was used to analyze expression of genes in BMMNCs, ixmyelocel-T, the CD14+ population from ixmyelocel-T, and M1 and M2 macrophages. Ixmyelocel-T was cultured with apoptotic BMMNCs, and then visualized under fluorescence microscopy to assess efferocytosis.

Results

Macrophages in ixmyelocel-T therapy expressed surface markers of M2 macrophages, CD206, and CD163. These cells were also found to express several M2 markers, and few to no M1 markers. After stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), they showed minimal secretion of the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-12 (IL-12) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) compared with M1 and M2 macrophages. Ixmyelocel-T macrophages efficiently ingested apoptotic BMMNCs.

Conclusions

Ixmyelocel-T therapy contains a unique population of M2-like macrophages that are characterized by expression of M2 markers, decreased secretion of proinflammatory cytokines after inflammatory stimuli, and efficient removal of apoptotic cells. This subpopulation of cells may have a potential role in tissue repair and regeneration.
Potential beneficial effects of ixmyelocel-T in the treatment of atherosclerotic diseases
Authors: Ledford Kelly J , Murphy Nikki , Zeigler Frank , Bartel Ronnda L
Published: November 2013

Introduction

Advanced atherosclerotic lesions are characterized by lipid accumulation, inflammation, and defective efferocytosis. An ideal therapy should address all aspects of this multifactorial disease. Ixmyelocel-T therapy, an expanded autologous multicellular therapy showing clinical promise in the treatment of diseases associated with advanced atherosclerosis, includes a novel population of M2-like macrophages. Here, we examine the macrophages of ixmyelocel-T and determine their ability to influx modified cholesterol in an atheroprotective manner, maintaining cholesterol homeostasis and preventing cellular dysfunction and death, ultimately promoting reverse cholesterol efflux.

Methods

Approximately 50 ml of whole bone marrow was obtained from healthy donors and shipped overnight. Bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMNCs) were produced by using density gradient separation and cultured for approximately 12 days to generate ixmyelocel-T. CD14+ cells were isolated from ixmyelocel-T via positive selection for analysis. Ixmyelocel-T and human leukemia monocyte (THP-1) cells were loaded with acetylated low-density lipoprotein (Ac-LDL) for analysis. Flow cytometry and immunofluorescence were used to examine Ac-LDL uptake, expression of cytokines was analyzed by enzyme-linked immunofluorescence assay (ELISA), and quantitative real-time PCR was used to analyze expression of cholesterol-transport genes. Both the in vitro cholesterol efflux assay and in vivo reverse cholesterol transport assay were used to examine cholesterol transport.

Results

Ixmyelocel-T macrophages take up acetylated low-density lipoprotein and express the scavenger receptors CD36 and scavenger receptor-B1 (SR-B1). Ixmyelocel-T did not become apoptotic or proinflammatory after lipid loading. The cholesterol transporter genes ABAC1 and ABCG1 were both statistically significantly upregulated when ixmyelocel-T macrophages were loaded with cholesterol. Ixmyelocel-T also exhibited enhanced apolipoprotein A-I (ApoAI)-mediated cholesterol efflux. In addition, in vivo reverse cholesterol-transport assay demonstrated that ixmyelocel-T was able to efflux cholesterol in this model.

Conclusions

Ixmyelocel-T macrophages influx modified cholesterol, remained anti-inflammatory in the face of lipid loading and inflammatory challenge, and displayed enhanced cholesterol efflux capabilities. These combined features suggest that this autologous multicellular therapy may exert beneficial effects in atherosclerotic diseases.
Use of seclusion for managing behavioural disturbance in
patients
Authors: Newton-Howes Giles
Published: November 2013

Seclusion is a tool used by psychiatrists primarily to manage aggressive and
disturbed behaviour that is presumed to be due to the patient's mental
disorder. In most parts of the world there are guidelines to using seclusion
that are designed to maximise a patient's freedoms and protect their liberty
while providing a safe environment. Arguments against the use of seclusion
revolve around the deprivation of liberty, the potential for misuse and the
concept of seclusion as a form of social control, and patients generally
report seclusion as a negative, coercive experience. There is little
evidence that seclusion provides long-term benefits in terms of treating
symptoms or reducing aggression, although the literature is mixed in this
regard. Expert opinion recommends a combination of national policy, ward
management and patient-centred interventions to reduce seclusion rates.
A guide to intellectual disability psychiatry assessments in the
community
Authors: Eng Bennett , Addison Paul , Ring Howard
Published: November 2013

Psychiatric assessment in the community is an important part of both the
initial assessment process and delivery of follow-up care in adult
intellectual disability services in the UK. This article examines how such
assessments can be carried out safely and explores the clinical skills
required to perform them effectively. Use of the psychiatric interview and
mental state examination to elicit information is discussed. Communication
difficulties experienced by people with intellectual disabilities and
strategies that may be employed to address these in the assessment process
are also explored. The article is directed at psychiatrists, in particular
specialty trainees, and other healthcare professionals who work with
intellectually disabled people.
Feminism as Agonistic Sorority
Authors: Watson Janell
Published: November 2013

In this interview, political theorist Bonnie Honig discusses her career and her influential writings on contemporary democratic theory, the politics of immigration, the figure of the foreigner, the figure of Antigone, and the tensions between sovereignty and law in times of emergency. Her interdisciplinary work draws on references as diverse as Friedrich Nietzsche, Hannah Arendt, Franz Rosenzweig, Jacques Derrida, Sophocles’s Antigone, and the Bible. She offers a poststructuralist and Nietzschean reading of Arendt. Other topics on which she has written include the figure of the lawgiver in political theory and popular culture and the politics and culture of emergency. Honig defines politics in terms of agonism, or struggle; she argues against a politics of convergence and consensus. However, agonism does not only name conflict but also names cooperation and mutuality that are always already ridden by strife; so never the consensual, but also never only conflictual. After discussing the place of political theory and feminism within the discipline of political science, Honig briefly discusses her new book project on public things. Her previous monographs include Political Theory and the Displacement of Politics; Feminist Interpretations of Hannah Arendt; Democracy and the Foreigner; Emergency Politics: Paradox, Law, Democracy; and, most recently, Antigone, Interrupted.
Quantifying Over Possibilities
Authors: Mackay John
Published: November 2013

A person of average height would assert a truth by the conditional ‘if I were seven feet tall, I would be taller than I am,’ in which an indicative clause ‘I am’ is embedded in a subjunctive conditional. By contrast, no one would assert a truth by ‘if I were seven feet tall, I would be taller than I would be’ or ‘if I am seven feet tall, I am taller than I am’. These examples exemplify the fact that whether a sentence's evaluation remains at the actual world in the scope of a modal or conditional depends on the combination of mood in the embedded and matrix clauses rather than, as is commonly thought, just on the presence of an operator ‘actually’. This essay argues that this phenomenon provides evidence that mood admits of bound and free readings along the lines of tenses and pronouns. It therefore favors the hypothesis that natural language contains variables and quantifiers for possible worlds in the object language. This, in turn, requires that the truth of a semantic value of a sentence (or whatever structure is embedded in a modal) be relativized to a sequence of worlds rather than to an individual world, and thus be distinguished from a proposition in the traditional sense. The essay also compares the framework defended with an alternative account of similar phenomena by Kai Wehmeier.
Addition of N-Acyliminium Ion Pools to Alkenes Having a Nucleophilic Moiety: Integration of Intermolecular and Intramolecular Reactions
Authors: Ashikari Yosuke , Kiuchi Yohei , Takeuchi Tomoya , Ueoka Koji , Suga Seiji , Yoshida Jun-ichi
Published: November 2013

The reaction of electrochemically generated N-acyliminium ion pools with alkenes bearing a heteroatom nucleophilic functionality such as a hydroxy group, a carboxy group, and an oxime moiety led to intermolecular carbon–carbon bond formation followed by intramolecular carbon–heteroatom bond formation to give the corresponding heterocyclic compounds such as cyclic ethers, lactones, and 2-isoxazolines, respectively.
Strategic and Organizational Aspects of Project Systems Management Considering Sustainable Development Concept
Authors: ������  , Anshin Valeriy
Published: November 2013

The paper reviews the issues of strategic management and activity arrangement of the company committed to the goal of sustainable development. The conceptual model of instituting the mechanism of company management is proposed. The author investigates the structure of organizational objectives in the context of sustainable development concept and analyzes the product, resource and operational strategies of the company in terms of sustainable development strategy. To facilitate analysis and elaboration of adequate managerial structures the author proposes three models to build structures for managing sustainable development of a company: reporting and monitoring model; active-task model and problem-distributed model. The strategies of sustainable development are implemented through two types of projects: sustainable projects and projects aimed to maintain stability. It is proposed to fine-tune project system to further implement sustainable development strategies through operational processes, functional areas, competencies and assessment of the project systems maturity.
Evaluation of Methods for Optimizing a Resource-Constrained Project. Part 1
Authors: �������  , Tsarkov Igor
Published: November 2013

Optimizing projects with constrained renewable resources is one of the most important issues in the theory of project schedule management, as such optimization allows to substantially reduce project completion period and to enhance project resource efficiency. Certain methods for solving this problem had been developed and practiced in the Soviet times, but regrettably their effectiveness still have not been compared to that of methods developed in the other countries. The author�s findings concerning the effectiveness of those Soviet-time optimization methods are presented in this paper. The results are obtained through internationally-recognized computer simulation technique and with the use of The Project Scheduling Problem Library (PSPLIB) databases.
Innovation Project Management: Methodological Issues and Peculiarities
Authors: ��������  , Yakovleva Anna
Published: November 2013

Considering the lack of systematized approaches for innovation project management, the author discusses urgent issues of creating methodological basis for the said field. Based on the analysis of scientific findings in the related fields of project management and innovation management, the author reveals how different types of innovations affect the control object within the innovation project, identifies peculiarities of project methods used depending on the specifics of a given innovation project, then confirms the necessity to explore innovation project environment � the so-called project �ecostystem� � and suggests directions for further research in this field.
Improving the efficiency of agricultural enterprises by raising the level of financial risk management
Authors: Галяутдинова  , Galyautdinova Gulshat
Published: November 2013

The inability to assess the potential risks and propose effective ways to overcome them reduces the efficiency of the company. Development strategy of agricultural enterprises suggests ways to improve the management of financial risks. The organization of risk management for agricultural enterprises can be carried out in three possible directions, depending on their size and legal forms. The first area involves the construction of its own risk management services to large enterprises. The second is aimed at creating a unified risk management services in the combined farms. The third area involves providing information and advisory services on risk management for agricultural enterprises. In our opinion, among the methods of the management of financial risks, outsourcing is of a particular importance, which can be considered as one of the effective ways to reduce the financial risks under conditions of uncertainty. Conceptually, outsourcing can be defined as the transfer of a business organization processes or functions that are not core to it, another company that specializes in the field and having to do all the necessary resources and expertise. The practice of outsourcing helps organizations and businesses to solve problems in the functioning and development of the market economy by reducing costs, faster adaptation to environmental conditions , improved product and service quality , reduce risk. Therefore , one of the fairly new directions undertaken by the Government of the Russian Federation , is the outsourcing of industry and agriculture.
Accounting operations of non-state pension provision
Authors: Козменкова  , Kozmenkova Svetlana , Грушин  , Grushin Ilya
Published: November 2013

The article considers the accounting of pension reserves in one of the core activities on state pension provision. In view of the upcoming reform of the pension, the question of safety of funds of depositors of non-state pension fund is becoming increasingly important. Pension reserves will be a guarantee of a sound, reliable and accounting will increase the transparency of operations with data and tools will enhance the credibility of non-state pension fund from potential participants. It should be noted that in the pension law the concept of “income” and “net financial result” is not disclosed to the extent that would definitely say that the result of the financial activities of non-state pension fund can be both profit and loss. Moreover, the interpretation of the concepts of “profit” and “loss” are absent in the pension legislation, and regulations on accounting, they also , in our opinion, is not disclosed to the fullest. Thus, we believe that the concept of “income” from the point of view of the special pension legislation, we believe that can be interpreted not only in the narrow sense, as the economic benefits , but also more broadly - as the financial results of non-state pension fund. The article assesses the use of the account 96 “Provisions for future expenses”. This recommendation is due to the lack of adapted chart of accounts for the non-state pension fund and is flawed and does not meet modern requirements of the law. The solution to this problem would be the formation of the adapted model chart of accounts in the preparation of which would be taken into account specifics of the non-state pension fund, as well as the opinions of experts in the field or making additions to the Ministry of Finance №110n. In our opinion the accounting for pension reserves must allocate a separate synthetic account with sub-accounts for these types of reserves.
The essence of public property commercialization
Authors: Семенова  , Semenova Olesya
Published: November 2013

Commercialization is one of the main ways to privatize public property in the countryside. The author considered the experience of commercialization of several Eastern and Eastern European countries. This article provides the implementation mechanism of the process of commercialization of public property in the agricultural sector. Having analyzed a number of legislative acts of the Russian Federation, having studied the scientific works of many scientists in the economic sphere, the author examined the effects of commercialization of public property and came to the following conclusions. We can say that the process of commercialization of public enterprises of agrarian and industrial complex is the process of separating enterprises on effective and ineffective, because it enables us to identify non-viable enterprises, that will be the subject to privatize. Commercialization results in the reduction of public deficit and of inflation as well as in the recovery of money economy in the country. This is due to either the reduction or the elimination of state subsidies and investments in commercialized companies. The commercialization process has to go to the next method of denationalisation of property that is to privatization. Therefore, it can be considered to be a transitional step towards privatization.