bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of conservative management in patients with right colonic diverticulitis
Authors: Ha Gi Won , Lee Min Ro , Kim Jong Hun
Published: March 2015

Background

Although right colonic diverticulitis is more common than sigmoid diverticulitis, and its incidence has been increasing in Asian countries, there is no definitive treatment strategy for right colonic diverticulitis. This retrospective clinical study assessed the effect of conservative management in patients with right colonic diverticulitis.

Methods

Of the 169 patients who were diagnosed with right colonic diverticulitis at Chonbuk National University Hospital, South Korea, from 2005 to 2012, 152 patients evaluated by abdominopelvic computed tomography (CT) and managed conservatively were included. CT findings were categorized by modified Hinchey classification, with stages Ib, II, III and IV, as well as fistula and obstruction defined as complicated diverticulitis. Factors associated with recurrence of diverticulitis were determined.

Results

The mean age of 152 patients (87 males, 65 females) was 42.9 ± 13.8 years, median follow‐up interval was 61 months (range, 17–113 months). At diagnosis, five patients (3.3%) had complicated diverticulitis. After treatment of first attack, 15 patients (9.9%) experienced recurrence of right colonic diverticulitis, including 10 (6.6%) within 12 months. Fourteen of these patients were successfully treated conservatively, whereas one failed conservative management and required surgical resection. Statistical analysis found no variables related to recurrence of right colonic diverticulitis.

Conclusion

Right colonic diverticulitis has a low rate of complicated diverticulitis at first attack and a low recurrence rate, with most recurrences being uncomplicated. Therefore, conservative management is effective in patients with right colonic diverticulitis. Close follow‐up of patients for 12 months is required because most recurrences may occur within 12 months.
Young pupils', their teacher's and classroom assistants' experiences of iPads in a Northern Ireland school: “Four and five years old, who would have thought they could do that?”
Authors: Clarke Linda , Abbott Lesley
Published: March 2015

This paper describes an iPad project in a Northern Ireland primary school. It evaluates how the technology impacted on learning in literacy, numeracy and in pupil skills. The youngest pupils were asked about their iPad experiences using small‐group interviews based on the circle time approach. Their teacher and two classroom assistants were interviewed about organisational, pedagogical and pupil skill patterns. The teacher reported improvements and greater readiness in pupils' ability to grasp initial key concepts in literacy and numeracy, including lower ability and special needs children. Motivation, concentration and confidence grew, as did spontaneous peer collaboration and the early stages of peer assessment. Classroom assistants had an innovative role in supporting iPad use and noted improved pupil communication, listening and fine motor skills. The children said that iPads helped them with writing, counting and drawing. They understood the purpose of specific apps, how to navigate them and what learning occurred.
A reconstruction of the palaeohydrological conditions of a flood‐plain: a multi‐proxy study from the Grabia River valley mire, central Poland
Authors: Pawłowski Dominik , Kowalewski Grzegorz , Milecka Krystyna , Płóciennik Mateusz , Woszczyk Michał , Zieliński Tomasz , Okupny Daniel , Włodarski Wojciech , Forysiak Jacek
Published: March 2015

This study investigated the Grabia River valley mire in central Poland to reconstruct its palaeoenvironmental conditions from the Younger Dryas to the present. We analysed sedimentological, biological and geochemical data from the palaeo‐oxbow lake and valley mire to identify the principal hydrological trends, especially episodes of high water level. During the Lateglacial and Holocene, the Grabia River had a meandering channel, and its hydraulic parameters and the channel dimensions changed in response to climatic oscillations and vegetation development. We identified phases of high flood intensity and high groundwater level that correlate with regional and supraregional climatic events. The frequency and timing of palaeohydroclimatic oscillations show strong similarities to records from other sites in Poland and the rest of Europe. We show that various analytical methods, namely, pollen, plant macrofossils, Cladocera, Chironomidae, sedimentological, geochemical and radiocarbon data, can be effective tools for reconstructing past hydroclimatic changes in palaeo‐oxbow lakes and investigating the effects of past climate changes on river environments. The high sensitivity of the biota, especially Cladocera, to changes in water level permits the reconstruction of palaeoecological changes, especially flood episodes that occurred in the river valley. In particular, the increase in the proportion of sediment‐associated Cladocera and pelagic taxa was closely correlated with floods. Through comparisons with the palaeobiological data, geochemical data allowed the identification of humid phases within the fen associated with a rising groundwater table, direct fluvial activity (floods) and alluvial deposition. We also discuss the limitations of palaeohydrological reconstructions based on these proxies, especially on fossil aquatic invertebrates.
Quantitative Proteomic Analysis of Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells in Ankylosing Spondylitis by iTRAQ
Authors: Cai Anji , Qi Suwen , Su Zhuowa , Shen Huaqing , Yang Yu , He Liang , Dai Yong
Published: March 2015

This study was designed to identify and quantify the different proteins expression levels in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and to explore the pathogenesis of AS. We performed isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) coupled with multiple chromatographic fractionation and tandem mass spectrometry to detect the proteins profiling in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from AS patients and healthy controls. Mascot software and the International Protein Index and the Gene Ontology (GO) database were used to conduct the bioinformatics analysis. The differentially expressed proteins were validated by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A total of 1,232 proteins were identified by iTRAQ, of which 183 showed differential expression and 18 differentially expressed proteins were acute phase reactants. Upon mapping of the differentially expressed proteins to GO database, we found four differentially expressed proteins involved in the biological process of cell killing, including up‐regulated cathepsin G (CTSG), neutrophil defensin3 (DEFA3), protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type C (PTPRC), and down‐regulated peroxiredoxin‐1(PRDX1),which were consistent with the verified results of ELISA. Our proteomic analyses suggested that the proteins involved in the biological process of cell killing might play an important role in the pathogenesis of AS.
Designing a CTSA‐Based Social Network Intervention to Foster Cross‐Disciplinary Team Science
Authors: Vacca Raffaele , McCarty Christopher , Conlon Michael , Nelson David R.
Published: March 2015

This paper explores the application of network intervention strategies to the problem of assembling cross‐disciplinary scientific teams in academic institutions. In a project supported by the University of Florida (UF) Clinical and Translational Science Institute, we used VIVO, a semantic‐web research networking system, to extract the social network of scientific collaborations on publications and awarded grants across all UF colleges and departments. Drawing on the notion of network interventions, we designed an alteration program to add specific edges to the collaboration network, that is, to create specific collaborations between previously unconnected investigators. The missing collaborative links were identified by a number of network criteria to enhance desirable structural properties of individual positions or the network as a whole. We subsequently implemented an online survey (N = 103) that introduced the potential collaborators to each other through their VIVO profiles, and investigated their attitudes toward starting a project together. We discuss the design of the intervention program, the network criteria adopted, and preliminary survey results. The results provide insight into the feasibility of intervention programs on scientific collaboration networks, as well as suggestions on the implementation of such programs to assemble cross‐disciplinary scientific teams in CTSA institutions.
Novel use of platelet‐rich fibrin matrix and MTA as an apical barrier in the management of a failed revascularization case
Authors: Yadav Pankaj , Pruthi Preeti Jain , Naval Ruchika Roongta , Talwar Sangeeta , Verma Mahesh
Published: March 2015

Method

We report management of a failed revascularization/revitalization case, which could be due to inadequate removal of biofilm and bacteria in dentinal tubules. The use of an apical matrix barrier in form of a platelet‐rich fibrin (PRF) membrane for stabilization of MTA in root end apexification procedure is described. The canal was cleansed of old MTA present in the cervical third using H files, irrigated using saline and finally irrigated with 2.5% NaOCl and saline. To obtain canal disinfection, calcium hydroxide paste was temporized in the canal. In subsequent appointments, PRF was placed at the root tip followed by 5‐mm apical plug with mineral trioxide aggregate. One week later, the root canal was obturated with thermoplasticized gutta‐percha. A 6‐month and a 2‐year follow ups showed reduction of periapical radiolucency and adequately functional tooth.

Results

One‐visit apexification techniques provide an alternative treatment for failed revascularization cases. Follow up confirmed complete healing periradicularly.

Conclusion

Apexification in one step using an apical barrier of PRF and a plug of MTA can be considered a predictable treatment and may be an alternative to long‐term revascularization failures.
Alcohol and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a possible neuroprotective effect
Authors: Chiò A. , Swash M.
Published: March 2015

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Treatment of vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency with ergocalciferol is associated with reduced vascular access dysfunction in chronic hemodialysis patients
Authors: Agarwal Gaurav , Vasquez Karina , Penagaluru Neena , Gelfond Jonathan , Qunibi Wajeh Y.
Published: March 2015

Vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency is highly prevalent among patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). This study aims to determine the relationship between vitamin D and frequency of vascular access dysfunction (VAD) in hemodialysis (HD) patients. We reviewed medical records of all HD patients who had serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) levels at 4 outpatient dialysis facilities between January 2011 and January 2012. Patients were included if they were ≥18 years of age, had been on maintenance dialysis for ≥3 months, and had native arteriovenous fistula or synthetic polytetrafluoroethylene grafts for dialysis access. Patients with catheters were excluded. 25‐Hydroxyvitamin D levels <30 ng/mL were documented in 183 patients (86%). Median and interquartile range [Q1, Q3] of 25OHD level was 16 [11, 25] ng/mL. Among 213 dialysis patients, 102 had VAD. Median 25OHD level was significantly lower in patients who had VAD than in those without VAD (14.5 [10, 22] vs. 19 [12, 27.5] ng/mL; P = 0.003). There was significant association between VAD and the lowest quartile relative to the highest quartile of 25OHD level. A 25OHD level <12 ng/mL was associated with more than doubling of risk for VAD (OR 2.56; 95% CI [1.05–6.23], P < 0.05). Of 213 patients, 140 were treated with ergocalciferol and 73 were not treated. Treatment was associated with significant reduction in VAD (OR = 0.36; 95% CI [0.19–0.68], P = 0.002). Vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency is an independent risk factor for VAD in HD patients; its treatment with ergocalciferol is associated with decreased VAD.
Howard, Pratt and Beyond: Assessing the Value of Carceral Tours as a Comparative Method
Authors: PAKES FRANCIS
Published: March 2015

Prison visits by academics are controversial. While they can provide an insight into penal practice, prisoner researchers warn against such visits as spectacles of degradation. In this article I examine the value of a series of prison visits for comparative research. Drawing on my own experiences and those of, among others, John Howard and John Pratt, I argue that prison visits, if ethically conducted and reflectively considered, offer benefits for investigating comparative penal practice. They can consider the self‐presentation of the prison, material conditions (including the sounds, smells and the sights), and possibly, where the script allows it, a glimpse beyond the façade of official prison discourse. As such, they have merit, in particular in the early stages of a comparative project.
A Latent Class Analysis of Psychopathic Traits in Civil Psychiatric Patients: The Role of Criminal Behaviour, Violence, and Gender
Authors: DHINGRA KATIE , BODUSZEK DANIEL , KOLA‐PALMER SUSANNA
Published: March 2015

This study aimed to determine whether distinct subgroups of psychopathic traits exist in a sample of civil psychiatric patients, using data from the MacArthur Violence Risk Assessment Project (n = 810), by means of latent class analysis. Multinomial logistic regression was used to interpret the nature of the latent classes, or groups, by estimating the associations with criminal behaviour, violence, and gender. The best fitting latent class model was a 4‐class solution: a ‘high psychopathy class’ (class 1; 26.4%), an ‘intermediate psychopathy class’ (class 2; 16.0%), a ‘low affective‐interpersonal and high antisocial‐lifestyle psychopathy class’ (class 3; 31.3%), and a ‘normative class’ (class 4; 26.3%). Each of the latent classes was predicted by differing external variables. Psychopathy is not a dichotomous entity, rather it falls along a skewed continuum that is best explained by four homogenous groups that are differentially related to gender, and criminal and violent behaviour.
Trace determination of lead in lipsticks and hair dyes using microwave‐assisted dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction and graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry
Authors: Sharafi K. , Fattahi N. , Pirsaheb M. , Yarmohamadi H. , Fazlzadeh Davil M.
Published: March 2015

Synopsis

Objective

A novel microwave‐assisted dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction (MADLLME) technique according to the solidification of a floating organic droplet (SFO) and graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS) used for the extraction and determination of lead ions in lipsticks and hair dyes made in different countries. Lipstick and hair dye samples of different brands and colours were collected from local market in Kermanshah, Iran.

Methods

After sample treatment with microwave‐assisted acid digestion, an appropriate mixture of acetone, 1‐undecanol and diethyl dithiophosphoric acid was injected rapidly into the aqueous sample containing lead ions, and as a result, cloudy mixture was formed. After centrifugation, the test tube was cooled for few minutes. The solidified 1‐undecanol on top of the solution was transferred into a suitable vial and injected into the analytical instrument.

Results

Under the optimum experimental conditions (extraction solvent: 30 μL of 1‐undecanol; disperser solvent: 500 μL of acetone; ligand concentration: 0.15% (v/v); pH: ~1.5 and without salt added), the enhancement factor of 96 was obtained. The calibration graphs were linear in the range of 0.3–50 μg kg−1 with a correlation coefficient (r2) more than 0.995. The detection limit was 0.1 μg kg−1. Consequently, the developed method was successfully applied to extract and determine lead ions in the lipsticks and hair dyes, and favourable results were obtained. The proposed method which applied in cosmetics showed excellent relative recoveries (90–109.7%) with relative standard deviations <8.3% (n = 3) for all samples.

Conclusion

The study revealed that the concentration of lead found in lipsticks and hair dyes on the Kermanshah market is far below the recommended limits as applied in Germany (20 mg kg−1) and Canada (10 mg kg−1) and confirmed that very low levels of lead are technically available in the final cosmetic products.
SLIT2/ROBO1‐miR‐218‐1‐RET/PLAG1: a new disease pathway involved in Hirschsprung's disease
Authors: Tang Weibing , Tang Junwei , He Jun , Zhou Zhigang , Qin Yufeng , Qin Jingjing , Li Bo , Xu Xiaoqun , Geng Qiming , Jiang Weiwei , Wu Wei , Wang Xinru , Xia Yankai
Published: March 2015

Hirschsprung's disease (HSCR) is a rare congenital disease caused by impaired proliferation and migration of neural crest cells. We investigated changes in expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) and the genes they regulate in tissues of patients with HSCR. Quantitative real‐time PCR and immunoblot analyses were used to measure levels of miRNA, mRNAs, and proteins in colon tissues from 69 patients with HSCR and 49 individuals without HSCR (controls). Direct interactions between miRNAs and specific mRNAs were indentified in vitro, while the function role of miR‐218‐1 was investigated by using miR‐218 transgenic mice. An increased level of miR‐218‐1 correlated with increased levels of SLIT2 and decreased levels of RET and PLAG1 mRNA and protein. The reductions in RET and PLAG1 by miR‐218‐1 reduced proliferation and migration of SH‐SY5Y cells. Overexpression of the secreted form of SLIT2 inhibited cell migration via binding to its receptor ROBO1. Bowel tissues from miR‐218‐1 transgenic mice had nerve fibre hyperplasia and reduced numbers of gangliocytes, compared with wild‐type mice. Altered miR‐218‐1 regulation of SLIT2, RET and PLAG1 might be involved in the pathogenesis of HSCR.
Long non‐coding RNA MALAT1 regulates hyperglycaemia induced inflammatory process in the endothelial cells
Authors: Puthanveetil Prasanth , Chen Shali , Feng Biao , Gautam Anirudh , Chakrabarti Subrata
Published: March 2015

To examine whether the long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA) metastasis associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) is altered in the endothelial cells in response to glucose and the significance of such alteration. We incubated human umbilical vein endothelial cells with media containing various glucose levels. We found an increase in MALAT1 expression peaking after 12 hrs of incubation in high glucose. This increase was associated with parallel increase in serum amyloid antigen 3 (SAA3), an inflammatory ligand and target of MALAT1 and was further accompanied by increase in mRNAs and proteins of inflammatory mediators, tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α) and interleukin 6 (IL‐6). Renal tissue from the diabetic animals showed similar changes. Such cellular alterations were prevented following MALAT1 specific siRNA transfection. Results of this study indicate that LncRNA MALAT1 regulates glucose‐induced up‐regulation of inflammatory mediators IL‐6 and TNF‐α through activation of SAA3. Identification of such novel mechanism may lead to the development of RNA‐based therapeutics targeting MALAT1 for diabetes‐induced micro and macro vascular complications.
Clinical, histopathological, dermatoscopic and digital microscopic features of dermatofibroma: a retrospective analysis of 200 lesions
Authors: Şenel E. , Yuyucu Karabulut Y. , Doğruer Şenel S.
Published: March 2015

Background

Dermatology literature lacks a study investigating both histopathological and dermatoscopic features of dermatofibroma.

Objective

To analyse histopathological, dermatoscopic and digital microscopic features of dermatofibromas.

Methods

Two hundred dermatofibromas and 190 patients were included and retrospectively evaluated. Nine histopathological and ten dermatoscopic patterns were used to classify the lesions. We identified four different types of dermatofibroma in digital microscopy.

Results

The mean age of the patients was 42.18 ± 13.72 years. Dermatofibroma was more common in females (67%) and the male to female ratio was 1 : 1.97. The most common location was leg (41%). The most frequent histopathological variant was fibrocollagenous type (49%). Grenz zone was the most common histopathological finding (89%). The most frequent digital microscopic type was type 1 (63%).

Conclusions

We found that palisading variant displayed only pattern 6 in dermatoscopy and cellular variant showed type 3 significantly in digital microscopy.
The influence of various reef sounds on coral‐fish larvae behaviour
Authors: Parmentier E. , Berten L. , Rigo P. , Aubrun F. , Nedelec S. L. , Simpson S. D. , Lecchini D.
Published: March 2015

The swimming behaviour of coral‐reef fish larvae from 20 species of 10 different families was tested under natural and artificial sound conditions. Underwater sounds from reef habitats (barrier reef, fringing reef and mangrove) as well as a white noise were broadcasted in a choice chamber experiment. Sixteen of the 20 species tested significantly reacted to at least one of the habitat playback conditions, and a range of responses was observed: fishes were (1) attracted by a single sound but repelled by none (e.g. white‐banded triggerfish Rhinecanthus aculeatus was attracted by the barrier‐reef sound), (2) repelled by one or more sounds but attracted by none (e.g. bridled cardinalfish Pristiapogon fraenatus was repelled by the mangrove and the bay sounds), (3) attracted by all sounds (e.g. striated surgeonfish Ctenochaetus striatus), (4) attracted and repelled by several sounds (e.g. whitetail dascyllus Dascyllus aruanus was attracted by the barrier‐reef sound and repelled by the mangrove sound) and (5) not influenced by any sound (e.g. convict surgeonfish Acanthurus triostegus). Overall, these results highlight two settlement strategies: a direct selection of habitats using sound (45% of the species), or a by‐default selection by avoidance of certain sound habitats (35%). These results also clearly demonstrated the need to analyse the influence of sounds at the species‐specific level since congeneric and confamilial species can express different behaviours when exposed to the same sounds.
Dental therapists’ expanded scope of practice in Australia: a 12‐month follow‐up of an educational bridging program to facilitate the provision of oral health care to patients 26+ years
Authors: Hopcraft Matthew , Martin‐Kerry Jacqueline M. , Calache Hanny
Published: March 2015

Objectives

Prior to 2009, dental therapists’ scope of clinical practice in Victoria was limited to patients 25 years or younger. However, increases in dental demand by adults 26+ years required an alternative approach to service delivery. This paper outlines the self‐reported confidence and knowledge level of dental therapists at 3, 6, and 12 months postcompletion of an educational program aimed at providing them with the skills to treat adults aged 26+ years. The study also surveyed dentists in the practice about the dental therapists’ knowledge and the impact of their extended scope of practice on the clinics’ operation.

Methods

After completion of their educational program, the dental therapists who participated were surveyed at 3, 6, and 12 months postcompletion to assess their self‐reported confidence levels and knowledge. Senior dentists at the clinic were surveyed to understand the impact of the subsequent change in practice of the dental therapists who undertook this training, as well as any concerns of perceived educational gaps.

Results

Surveys showed increased self‐reported confidence levels by the dental therapists at 3, 6, and 12 months after completion of the program. Dental therapists and mentoring dentists identified that further education was needed in areas such as oral medicine, pathology, medically compromised patients, medications, prosthodontics, and referrals.

Conclusions

Dental therapists felt confident and knowledgeable postprogram to treat patients 26+ years, within their scope of practice. Dentists generally felt that dental therapists, after completing the educational program, were confident and knowledgeable. Educational areas to focus on in future programs were identified.
Melatonin enhances the occurrence of autophagy induced by oxidative stress in Arabidopsis seedlings
Authors: Wang Ping , Sun Xun , Wang Na , Tan Dun‐Xian , Ma Fengwang
Published: March 2015

The beneficial effect that melatonin has against mitochondrial dysfunctioning seems to be linked to mitophagy. Roles for melatonin have been demonstrated in promoting health and preventing disease, as well as activating the process of autophagy in general. However, no reports have been made about how the application of melatonin regulates that process when plants are exposed to oxidative stress. We investigated the influence of different concentrations of melatonin (0.0, 0.5, 5.0, 10.0, or 50.0 μm) on autophagy under methyl viologen (MV)‐induced oxidative stress. Arabidopsis seedlings that were pretreated with 5 or 10 μm melatonin underwent relatively strong induction of autophagy, as evidenced by the number of monodansylcadaverine (MDC)‐stained autophagosomes in root samples. Pretreatment with 10 μm melatonin also alleviated MV‐induced photo‐oxidation damage and significantly reduced the accumulation of oxidized proteins. Those responses might have been due to the strong upregulation of genes that involved in AtATG8‐PE conjugation pathway, which enhanced the capacity for autophagy. Histochemical staining revealed that both and H2O2 were highly accumulated upon MV exposure, although the response did not differ significantly between control and melatonin‐pretreated seedlings. By contrast, exogenous melatonin upregulated the expression of two genes for H2O2‐scavenging enzymes, that is, AtAPX1 and AtCATs. The activation of autophagy by melatonin without an alteration in ROS production may be part of a survival mechanism that is enhanced by melatonin after cellular damage. Therefore, it represents a second level of defense to remove damaged proteins when antioxidant activities are compromised.
Acute atorvastatin is hepatoprotective against ischaemia‐reperfusion injury in mice by modulating eNOS and microparticle formation
Authors: Ajamieh Hussam , Farrell Geoffrey C. , McCuskey Robert S. , Yu Jun , Chu Eagle , Wong Heng‐Jian , Lam Wesley , Teoh Narci C.
Published: March 2015

Background & Aims

Steatosis accentuates the severity of hepatic ischaemia‐reperfusion injury (IRI); ‘statins’ (HMG‐CoA reductase inhibitors) protect the heart and brain against post‐ischaemic injury. We tested whether short‐term administration of atorvastatin protects fatty livers in obese mice against IRI.

Methods

Mice with dietary or genetic simple steatosis (SS) or non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) were subjected to 60 min partial hepatic ischaemia/24 h reperfusion. Atorvastatin was injected intravenously (5 mg/kg) 1 h before IRI. Liver injury, Toll‐like receptor‐4 (TLR4), cytokines/chemokines, iNOS/eNOS expression, eNOS activity and thromboxane B2 (TXB2) production were determined.

Results

Ischaemia‐reperfusion injury was exaggerated by two‐ to five‐fold in SS and NASH compared with lean liver. Atorvastatin pretreatment conferred 70–90% hepatic protection in all animals. Atorvastatin increased post‐ischaemic eNOS mRNA/protein and strikingly enhanced eNOS activity (by phospho‐eNOS). It also attenuated microparticle (MP) production, NF‐κB activation, significantly dampened post‐ischaemic thromboxane B2 production, induction of TNF‐α, IL‐6, MIP‐1a, MCP‐1, GM‐CSF and vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 (VCAM), with a resultant reduction on macrophage and polymorphonuclear neutrophil recruitment. Up‐regulation of HMGB1 and TLR4 after IRI was marked in fatty livers; 1 h pretreatment with atorvastatin reduced HMGB1 and TLR4 expression in all livers.

Conclusions

Acute (1 h) atorvastatin administration is highly hepatoprotective against IRI in NASH, fatty and lean livers. Key mechanisms include suppression of inflammation by prevention of NF‐κB activation, microvascular protection via eNOS activation and suppression of TXB2 and MP release. Short‐term intravenous statin treatment is a readily available and effective preventive agent against hepatic IRI, irrespective of obesity and fatty liver disease, and merits clinical trials in at‐risk patients.
Binding of a biosynthetic intermediate to AtrA modulates the production of lidamycin by Streptomyces globisporus
Authors: Li Xingxing , Yu Tengfei , He Qing , McDowall Kenneth J. , Jiang Bingya , Jiang Zhibo , Wu Linzhuan , Li Guangwei , Li Qinglian , Wang Songmei , Shi Yuanyuan , Wang Lifei , Hong Bin
Published: March 2015

The control of secondary production in streptomycetes involves the funneling of environmental and physiological signals to the cluster‐situated (transcriptional) regulators (CSRs) of the biosynthetic genes. For some systems, the binding of biosynthetic products to the CSR has been shown to provide negative feedback. Here we show for the production of lidamycin (C‐1027), a clinically relevant antitumor agent, by Streptomyces globisporus that negative feedback can extend to a point higher in the regulatory cascade. We show that the DNA‐binding activity of the S. globisporus orthologue of AtrA, which was initially described as a transcriptional activator of actinorhodin biosynthesis in S. coelicolor, is inhibited by the binding of heptaene, a biosynthetic intermediate of lidamycin. Additional experiments described here show that S. globisporus AtrA binds in vivo as well as in vitro to the promoter region of the gene encoding SgcR1, one of the CSRs of lidamycin production. The feedback to the pleiotropic regulator AtrA is likely to provide a mechanism for coordinating the production of lidamycin with that of other secondary metabolites. The activity of AtrA is also regulated by actinorhodin. As AtrA is evolutionarily conserved, negative feedback of the type described here may be widespread within the streptomycetes.
Secretome of gingival epithelium in response to subgingival biofilms
Authors: Bostanci N. , Bao K. , Wahlander A. , Grossmann J. , Thurnheer T. , Belibasakis G.N.
Published: March 2015

Periodontitis is the chronic inflammatory destruction of periodontal tissues as a result of bacterial biofilm formation on the tooth surface. Proteins secreted by the gingival epithelium challenged by subgingival biofilms represent an important initial response for periodontal inflammation. The aim of this in vitro study was to characterize the whole secreted proteome of gingival epithelial tissue challenged by subgingival biofilms, and to evaluate the differential effects of the presence of the red‐complex species in the biofilm. Multi‐layered human gingival epithelial cultures were challenged with a 10‐species in vitro biofilm model or its seven‐species variant excluding the red complex. Liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry for label‐free quantitative proteomics was applied to identify and quantify the secreted epithelial proteins in the culture supernatant. A total of 192 proteins were identified and quantified. The biofilm challenge resulted in more secreted proteins being downregulated than upregulated. Even so, presence of the red complex in the biofilm was responsible for much of this downregulatory effect. Over 24 h, the upregulated biological processes were associated with inflammation and apoptosis, whereas the downregulated processes were associated with the disruption of epithelial tissue integrity and impairment of tissue turnover. Over 48 h, negative regulation of several metabolic processes and degradation of various molecular complexes was further intensified. Again, many of these biological regulations were attributed to the presence of the red complex. In conclusion, the present study provides the secreted proteome profile of gingival epithelial tissue to subgingival biofilms, and identifies a significant role for the red‐complex species in the observed effects.
A Detailed View on Pacemaker Lead Parameters Remotely Transmitted after Magnetic Resonance
Authors: WOLLMANN CHRISTIAN G. , STEINER ERICH , KLEINJUNG FRANK , MAYR HARALD
Published: March 2015

Background

The purpose of this study was to analyze potential influences of magnetic resonance (MR) on the course of automatically device‐based assessed lead parameters remotely transmitted in patients who were implanted with MR‐conditional permanent pacemakers (PMs) and who had nondiagnostic brain and lumbar spine MR (1.5T) within the ProMRI single center pilot study.

Methods

The ProMRI study evaluated the feasibility of the Evia PMs with Safio S leads (Biotronik SE&Co KG, Berlin, Germany) in the MR environment. All patients were equipped with remote monitoring on the day of MR. Atrial (RA) und ventricular (RV) lead parameters (sensing, pacing capture threshold [PCT], pacing impedance) were automatically assessed and remotely transmitted on a daily or event‐triggered basis for 3 months post MR. Remotely transmitted data were normalized for potential differences between at‐daytime (in‐office) and at‐night‐time (remotely) assessed parameters using the 1‐month follow‐up data for each patient. Confidence intervals of continuous data were calculated day‐wise with one sample t‐tests of post‐MR/pre‐MR differences, respectively.

Results

A total of 2,428 data sets (mean 80 ± 20 per patient) were transmitted. Mean values for the different lead parameters were (RA/RV) 3.3 ± 2.0/14.4 ± 6.9 mV for sensing, 0.65 ± 0.17/0.78 ± 0.23 V/0.4 ms for PCT, and 516 ± 60/607 ± 47 Ω for pacing impedance. No significant differences were found compared with pre‐MR measurements. No atrial PCT increases ≥0.5 V compared with pre‐MR were observed, and in only one patient the ventricular PCT increased by ≥0.5 V from day 76 post‐MR, presumably based on new antiarrhythmic therapy with amiodarone.

Conclusion

Our analyses of automatically assessed and remotely transmitted PM lead parameters after MR show that sensing amplitudes, PCTs, and pacing impedances are not affected in a clinically relevant way by MR.
Clinical Significance of Nonsustained Ventricular Tachycardia on Routine Monitoring of Pacemaker Patients
Authors: SETH NIKHIL , KAPLAN RACHEL , BUSTAMANTE EDUARDO , KULKARNI CHIRAAG , SUBACIUS HARIS , ROSENTHAL JAMES E. , PASSMAN ROD
Published: March 2015

Background

Permanent pacemakers (PPMs) are capable of recording tachyarrhythmic events including nonsustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT), though the clinical significance of NSVT on routine PPM evaluation is unknown. Our goals: assess the prevalence of NSVT on routine PPM follow‐up and survival of PPM patients with NSVT, without NSVT, and with ventricular high rate (VHR) episodes of undefined origin.

Methods

A single‐center retrospective, cohort study was performed on patients implanted with PPMs capable of recording NSVT, defined as ≥5 consecutive ventricular beats at ≥170/minutes lasting <30 seconds. Patients were categorized: (1) no NSVT; (2) NSVT; or (3) VHR episodes of uncertain etiology. The primary endpoint was all‐cause mortality within 6 months of last follow‐up.

Results

Note that in 1,125 enrollees (51.8% male, age 74.2 ± 15.5 years, ejection fraction 57.0 ± 9.0%), 742 (66%) had no NSVT, 223 had NSVT (20%), and 160 (14%) had VHR. There were no differences in ejection fraction, diabetes, hypertension, coronary disease, prior myocardial infarction, baseline creatinine, QRS duration, prevalence of left bundle branch block, or β‐blocker use among groups. “No NSVT” patients were older (P = 0.013), NSVT patients had more males (P = 0.012); atrial fibrillation and digoxin use were more prevalent in VHR patients (P < 0.01). During median follow‐up of 2.8 years there were 93 deaths within 6 months of last follow‐up with no differences in survival among groups (log rank P = 0.47). Age, ejection fraction at time of implant, and β‐blocker use were independent predictors of survival.

Conclusion

NSVT detected on routine PPM follow‐up in this patient population with a preserved ejection fraction is not associated with long‐term mortality.
Catheter Ablation of Ventricular Arrhythmias using a Fluoroscopy Image Integration Module
Authors: REENTS TILKO , BUIATTI ALLESSANDRA , AMMAR SONIA , DILLIER ROGER , SEMMLER VERENA , TELISHEVSKA MARTA , BOURIER FELIX , LENNERZ CARSTEN , GREBMER CHRISTIAN , KAESS BERNHARDT , KOLB CHRISTOF , HESSLING GABRIELE , DEISENHOFER ISABEL
Published: March 2015

Background

The impact of the CartoUnivu™ technology (Biosense Webster, Diamond Bar, CA, USA) on fluoroscopy exposure compared to a conventional approach using electroanatomical mapping (Carto 3™) was evaluated in patients undergoing radiofrequency ablation for ventricular tachyarrhythmias (VT).

Methods and Results

We prospectively evaluated 23 patients undergoing VT ablation using the CartoUnivu™ technology. The CartoUnivu™ Module integrates fluoroscopic images and cine loops into the electroanatomical mapping system. As a control group, 23 out of 88 VT patients (ablated using conventional fluoroscopy supplemented by electromagnetic mapping with the Carto 3™ System) were matched for age, gender, body surface area, operator, redo‐procedure, presence of coronary artery disease, and left ventricular dysfunction using propensity score matching. A significant reduction in fluoroscopy exposure was observed in the CartoUnivu™ group when compared to the conventional group (10.57 ± 7.93 minutes vs 18.52 ± 11.24 minutes, P_= 0.008; 611 cGy/cm2 vs 1650 cGy/cm2, P = 0.001). In multivariate analysis, the CartoUnivu™ module was an independent predictor of reduced fluoroscopy use.

Conclusion

This is a report on the clinical application of the CartoUnivu system for VT ablation. CartoUnivu™ markedly reduced fluoroscopy time and dose compared to conventional fluoroscopy/electroanatomical mapping.
Caste: Religion and Society in India
Authors: Llewellyn J. E.
Published: March 2015

References to caste are common in religious texts from the classical period in South Asian history and even before. In the colonial era, caste was understood by the British as a defining characteristic of social life, and in independent India it has taken on new salience in the political mobilization especially of lower caste communities. Clearly, caste is an institution that must be reckoned with by students who seek to understand religion in India. This article will introduce some of the basics about caste, proceeding more or less in reverse chronological order from the more recent times backwards, with a section at the end on theories about caste.
Prophecy and the Royal Court in the Ancient Near East
Authors: Stökl Jonathan
Published: March 2015

Most ancient Near Eastern prophetic texts were found in royal archives, and therefore, they largely deal with the figure and person of the king in his interaction with the world around him. There is a great emphasis on war and succession, two key crisis moments for ancient Near Eastern monarchs. While the Neo‐Assyrian oracles focus on these two areas using a lot of metaphors, the Old Babylonian texts from Mari also show an interest in the diplomatic relationships of the king.
Persistent Median Artery As A Cause Of Nonmaturing AV Fistula
Authors: Jalandhara Nishant , Balamuthusamy Saravanan , Skaria Sunil , Jalandhara Priyanka , Hansen John , Waiganjo Nancy
Published: March 2015

A 68‐year‐old right handed male with End‐Stage Renal Disease with a left radiocephalic fistula created 8 months ago was referred for the evaluation of a nonmaturing access. Patient had an arterial anastomosis lesion that underwent successful angioplasty. Diagnostic arteriogram of the AV access extremity revealed the presence of a short radial artery and dominant common interosseous artery manifesting as a persistent median artery in the distal forearm and was anastomosed to the fistula and then continues as the median‐ulnar superficial arch in the palm. Balloon angioplasty of the common interosseous artery led to a complication when the distal 30 cm of the 0.018 guide wire fractured and had to be retrieved using a snare device. In addition to anticipating and treating the common complications of vascular access procedures, it is also important to be aware of the anomalies of the distal forearm arterial anatomy and perform a detailed arterial evaluation prior to creating the arterio‐venous anastomosis.
Humor styles and personality: A meta‐analysis of the relation between humor styles and the Big Five personality traits
Authors: Mendiburo‐Seguel Andrés , Páez Darío , Martínez‐Sánchez Francisco
Published: March 2015

This research summarizes the knowledge generated in social psychology and positive psychology about the relationship between humor styles, personality and wellbeing. Specifically, a meta‐analysis was performed with the results of 15 studies on humor styles measured by the Humor Styles Questionnaire (Martin, Puhlik‐Doris, Larsen, Gray & Weir, 2003) in correlation with the personality traits measured by the Big Five Personality model (measured with different scales). Following the steps presented by Rosenthal (1991) for meta‐analysis in the case of correlational research, we calculated the total mean r as an indicator of effect size. Results show that affiliative humor has a strong and homogeneous relation to neuroticism and extraversion. The homogeneity and heterogeneity found between variables and possible explanations are discussed in the conclusion.
Facial pigmentation as a biomarker of carotid atherosclerosis in middle‐aged to elderly healthy Japanese subjects
Authors: Miyawaki S. , Kohara K. , Kido T. , Tabara Y. , Igase M. , Miki T. , Sayama K.
Published: March 2015

Background/purpose

Perceived age may be a better predictor of mortality rate than chronological age. We have demonstrated that perceived age was a significant biomarker for carotid atherosclerosis in Japanese. However, it remains to be determined which skin parameter is associated with atherosclerosis. The purpose of this study is to analyze the relationship between 10 facial skin‐aging parameters and atherosclerosis in 169 middle‐aged to elderly Japanese women who participated.

Methods

Facial photographs were taken under a shadowless lamp from three directions using a high‐resolution digital camera. The digital images of each subject were analyzed using computer software and various parameters of skin aging such as pigmentation, wrinkles, and skin color were quantified. Carotid intima‐media thickness (IMT) and brachial‐ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) were measured as indices for atherosclerosis.

Results

Facial pigmentation showed a significant correlation with carotid IMT, even after correction for age (r = 0.13, P = 0.03), and with visceral fat area. Stepwise regression analysis indicated that facial pigmentation was associated with carotid IMT via visceral fat area.

Conclusion

Facial pigmentation may be a useful biomarker for carotid atherosclerosis in Japanese women.
Two novel HLA alleles, HLA‐A*30:02:01:03 and HLA‐C*08:113, identified in a South African bone marrow donor
Authors: Hayhurst J. D. , du Toit E. D. , Borrill V. , Schlaphoff T. E. A. , Brosnan N. , Marsh S. G. E.
Published: March 2015

Genomic sequencing of HLA‐A*30:02:01:03, an intronic variant, and HLA‐C*08:113, an exonic variant.
Gene expression changes in HLA mismatched mixed lymphocyte cultures reveal genes associated with allorecognition
Authors: Nicolaidou V. , Stylianou C. , Koumas L. , Vassiliou G. S. , Bodman‐Smith K. B. , Costeas P.
Published: March 2015

Human leucocyte antigen (HLA) compatibility is the main factor determining the occurrence of graft‐vs‐host disease (GVHD) in patients. It has also been shown that minor histocompatibility antigen differences as well as genetic polymorphisms that are not sequenced by standard methodology for HLA typing can play a role. We used mixed lymphocyte cultures (MLCs) as a functional cellular test and investigated gene expression changes driven by HLA incompatibility in an effort to better understand the mechanisms involved in the disease. Gene expression profile of HLA matched and HLA mismatched MLC identified differentially regulated genes and pathways. We found that a great number of genes related to immune function were differentially regulated; these genes were also found to be associated with GVHD and graft rejection. The majority of differentially regulated genes were interferon‐gamma (IFNγ)‐inducible genes and IFNγ neutralisation in MLCs abrogated their induction. The microRNA‐155, a recently identified target for acute GVHD (aGVHD), was also found to be significantly induced in HLA mismatched MLC but not in the matched setting and its induction was not diminished by blocking IFNγ. In this proof‐of‐principle study we show gene expression changes in mismatched MLC that represent alloreactive responses, correlate with markers involved in GVHD and can potentially be useful in the study of the biological processes involved in this disease.
Transcriptional ‘memory’ of a stress: transient chromatin and memory (epigenetic) marks at stress‐response genes
Authors: Avramova Zoya
Published: March 2015

Drought, salinity, extreme temperature variations, pathogen and herbivory attacks are recurring environmental stresses experienced by plants throughout their life. To survive repeated stresses, plants provide responses that may be different from their response during the first encounter with the stress. A different response to a similar stress represents the concept of ‘stress memory’. A coordinated reaction at the organismal, cellular and gene/genome levels is thought to increase survival chances by improving the plant's tolerance/avoidance abilities. Ultimately, stress memory may provide a mechanism for acclimation and adaptation. At the molecular level, the concept of stress memory indicates that the mechanisms responsible for memory‐type transcription during repeated stresses are not based on repetitive activation of the same response pathways activated by the first stress. Some recent advances in the search for transcription ‘memory factors’ are discussed with an emphasis on super‐induced dehydration stress memory response genes in Arabidopsis.
Household Animal and Human Medicine Use and Animal Husbandry Practices in Rural Bangladesh: Risk Factors for Emerging Zoonotic Disease and Antibiotic Resistance
Authors: Roess A. A. , Winch P. J. , Akhter A. , Afroz D. , Ali N. A. , Shah R. , Begum N. , Seraji H. R. , El Arifeen S. , Darmstadt G. L. , Baqui A. H. ,   the Bangladesh Projahnmo Study Group
Published: March 2015

Animal antimicrobial use and husbandry practices increase risk of emerging zoonotic disease and antibiotic resistance. We surveyed 700 households to elicit information on human and animal medicine use and husbandry practices. Households that owned livestock (n = 265/459, 57.7%) reported using animal treatments 630 times during the previous 6 months; 57.6% obtained medicines, including antibiotics, from drug sellers. Government animal healthcare providers were rarely visited (9.7%), and respondents more often sought animal health care from pharmacies and village doctors (70.6% and 11.9%, respectively), citing the latter two as less costly and more successful based on past performance. Animal husbandry practices that could promote the transmission of microbes from animals to humans included the following: the proximity of chickens to humans (50.1% of households reported that the chickens slept in the bedroom); the shared use of natural bodies of water for human and animal bathing (78.3%); the use of livestock waste as fertilizer (60.9%); and gender roles that dictate that females are the primary caretakers of poultry and children (62.8%). In the absence of an effective animal healthcare system, villagers must depend on informal healthcare providers for treatment of their animals. Suboptimal use of antimicrobials coupled with unhygienic animal husbandry practices is an important risk factor for emerging zoonotic disease and resistant pathogens.