bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Both Low and High Serum IGF-1 Levels Associate With Increased Risk of Cardiovascular Events in Elderly Men
Authors: Carlzon Daniel , Svensson Johan , Petzold Max , Karlsson Magnus K. , Ljunggren Östen , Tivesten Åsa , Mellström Dan , Ohlsson Claes
Published: July 2014

Context:

Most previous prospective studies suggest that low serum IGF-1 associates with increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) events whereas other studies suggest that high serum IGF-1 associates with increased risk of CVD events.

Objective:

We tested the hypothesis that not only low, but also high serum IGF-1 levels associate with increased risk of CVD events in elderly men.

Setting and Design:

Serum IGF-1 levels were measured in 2901 elderly men (age 69–81 years) included in the Swedish cohort of the prospective, population-based Osteoporotic Fractures in Men Study (MrOS), Sweden cohort. Data for CVD events were obtained from national Swedish registers with no loss of followup.

Results:

During followup (median, 5.1 y) 589 participants experienced a CVD event. The association between serum IGF-1 and risk of CVD events was nonlinear, and restricted cubic spline Cox regression analysis revealed a U-shaped association between serum IGF-1 levels and CVD events (P < .01 for nonlinearity). Low as well as high serum IGF-1 (quintile 1 or 5 vs quintiles 2–4) significantly associated with increased risk for CVD events (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.25, 95% confidence interval, [CI], 1.02–1.54; and HR = 1.35, 95% CI 1.10–1.66, respectively). These associations remained after adjustment for prevalent CVD and multiple risk factors. High serum IGF-1 associated with increased risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) events but not with risk of cerebrovascular events.

Conclusions:

Both low and high serum IGF-1 levels are risk markers for CVD events in elderly men. The association between high serum IGF-1 and CVD events is mainly driven by CHD events.
ErbB4, a Receptor Tyrosine Kinase, Coordinates Organization of the Seminiferous Tubules in the Developing Testis
Authors: Naillat Florence , Veikkolainen Ville , Miinalainen Ilkka , Sipilä Petra , Poutanen Matti , Elenius Klaus , Vainio Seppo J.
Published: July 2014

Although close to every fifth couple nowadays has difficulty conceiving, the molecular mechanisms behind the decline in human reproduction remain poorly understood. We report here that the receptor tyrosine kinase Erbb4 is a candidate causal gene, because it is expressed in a sexually dimorphic manner and is abundant in the developing and adult testes in the mouse. Sertoli cell–specific Erbb4-knockout mice have a compromised 3-dimensional organization of the testicular seminiferous tubules that affects their fertility. More specifically, adhesion defects are observed in the absence of Erbb4, which are characterized by changes in the expression of laminin-1, N-cadherin, claudin-3, and certain cell-cell junction components between the Sertoli and germ cells. Interestingly, Erbb4 knockout also had an effect on the Leydig cells, which suggests a paracrine influence of Sertoli cells expressing ErbB4. Many of the defects observed in Erbb4-knockout mice are rescued in targeted ERBB4 gain-of-function mice, pointing to a coordination role for ErbB4 in the developing testis. Thus, the ErbB4 receptor tyrosine kinase promotes seminiferous tubule development by controlling Sertoli cell and germ cell adhesion.
Fatty Acid Synthesis and Oxidation in Cumulus Cells Support Oocyte Maturation in Bovine
Authors: Sanchez-Lazo Laura , Brisard Daphné , Elis Sébastien , Maillard Virginie , Uzbekov Rustem , Labas Valérie , Desmarchais Alice , Papillier Pascal , Monget Philippe , Uzbekova Svetlana
Published: July 2014

Oocyte meiotic maturation requires energy from various substrates including glucose, amino acids, and lipids. Mitochondrial fatty acid (FA) β-oxidation (FAO) in the oocyte is required for meiotic maturation, which is accompanied by differential expression of numerous genes involved in FAs metabolism in surrounding cumulus cells (CCs) in vivo. The objective was to elucidate components involved in FAs metabolism in CCs during oocyte maturation. Twenty-seven genes related to lipogenesis, lipolysis, FA transport, and FAO were chosen from comparative transcriptome analysis of bovine CCs before and after maturation in vivo. Using real-time PCR, 22 were significantly upregulated at different times of in vitro maturation (IVM) in relation to oocyte meiosis progression from germinal vesicle breakdown to metaphase-II. Proteins FA synthase, acetyl-coenzyme-A carboxylase, carnitine palmitoyltransferase, perilipin 2, and FA binding protein 3 were detected by Western blot and immunolocalized to CCs and oocyte cytoplasm, with FA binding protein 3 concentrated around oocyte chromatin. By mass spectrometry, CCs lipid profiling was shown to be different before and after IVM. FAO inhibitors etomoxir and mildronate dose-dependently decreased the oocyte maturation rate in vitro. In terms of viability, cumulus enclosed oocytes were more sensitive to etomoxir than denuded oocytes. In CCs, etomoxir (150μM) led to downregulation of lipogenesis genes and upregulated lipolysis and FAO genes. Moreover, the number of lipid droplets decreased, whereas several lipid species were more abundant compared with nontreated CCs after IVM. In conclusion, FAs metabolism in CCs is important to maintain metabolic homeostasis and may influence meiosis progression and survival of enclosed oocytes.
Dispersion of Fullerene in Neat Synthesized Liquid-state Oligo(p-phenyleneethynylene)s
Authors: Adachi Naoya , Itagaki Ryo , Sugeno Masafumi , Norioka Takayuki
Published: July 2014

We used Sonogashira coupling to synthesize oligo(p-phenyleneethynylene)s (OPEs) with branched alkyl side chains, which were determined to be in liquid state at ambient temperatures, and investigated their thermal and optical properties. Solvent-free OPE exhibited strong fluorescence and could be used to disperse fullerene (C60).
Psychological and Pedagogical Features related to Professional Training of Officers of Special Units of the Ministry of the Interior of the Russian Federation
Authors: ����������  , Zhovtovskiy Fedor , ���������  , Romanenko Inna
Published: July 2014

Psychological and pedagogical features related to professional training of officers of special units of the Ministry of the Interior of the Russian Federation have been considered in this paper. The paper�s aim is to identify psychological and pedagogical features of professional trainings and prospects of professional training organization for officers of the Ministry of the Interior of the Russian Federation in general and special units� officers in particular according to identified circumstances. The paper�s significance is determined by ascertaining of stress conditions dominating in employment activity of officers of special units of Ministry of the Interior of the Russian Federation. These conditions that affects negatively the results of professional in-service trainings as well as the employment activity effectiveness in units� permanent and temporary dislocation, especially in the North Caucasus region of the Russian Federation. The paper emphasizes on a functional conditions classification of the Special Rapid Response Unit (SOBR) and Special Police Forces (OMON) in stressful situations that reflects urgent and objective need to improve a professionalism of special units� officers based on training modernization.
Advanced Information Technologies in School Education
Authors: Новиков  , Novikov Aleksandr
Published: July 2014

The paper considers advanced approaches, enabling to integrate methods of active teaching and the use of information technologies (IT), aimed at cultivating communication skills, opening opportunities and encouraging learners to eagerly express their ideas.
Premature termination in couple therapy as a part of therapeutic process.
Authors: Jurek Joanna , Janusz Bernadetta , Chwal Martyna , de Barbaro Bogdan
Published: July 2014

Aim of the study

The aim of the study: The paper presents the qualitative study of premature termination in couple therapy. The aim of the research was to answer why couples drop-out from couple therapy at the early stage of treatment.

Subject or material and methods

To understand the complexity of this event the researchers decided to examine the phenomenon of early drop-out from three different perspectives, that is: from therapists and both spouses point of view.The therapists and couples that ended the therapy prematurely were interviewed. Among examined drop-out cases, there were selected three which fulfilled the criteria for early drop–out. Data were analyzed according to the method of cross-case analysis.

Results

As a result common categories were singled out which were characteristic for those three cases of drop-out.

Discussion

The distinguished categories of ‘the split of the working alliance’ and ‘the split of the therapeutic bond’ show that the conflict which the couple brought to the therapy was reflected in their experience of the therapy and the therapist.

Conclusions

Premature termination in couple therapy is a part of therapeutic process.
Attending to the spiritual in dementia care nursing
Authors: Daly Louise , Fahey-McCarthy Elizabeth
Published: July 2014

Spirituality is a complex and subjective concept. However, spiritual wellness is an important component in a person's overall well-being and the spiritual support of patients is central to nursing care. People with dementia may not be well-supported in this aspect of care; this may lead to spiritual distress. Spiritual needs may be identified by taking the person's spiritual history or, in the case of advanced dementia, by asking a person's significant others about the important spiritual aspects of the person's life. Spiritual care for people with dementia involves reflective practice and meaningful engagement with the person with dementia, so as to facilitate shared understanding. Furthermore, the support of the spiritual and religious beliefs of the person need to be facilitated within an individualised or personcentred approach to care and delivered within a multi-disciplinary collaborative context.
Sedation and its psychological effects following intensive care
Authors: Croxall Clare , Tyas Moira , Garside Joanne
Published: July 2014

Significant psychological impacts, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), have been associated with patients under sedation in intensive care units (ICUs). However, it remains unknown if and how sedation is related to post-ICU psychological outcomes. This literature review explores the relationships between sedation, the depth of sedation and psychological disorders. A review of existing literature was undertaken systematically with key terms and included peer-reviewed primary research and randomised controlled trials (RCTs). To ensure subject relevance pre-2006, non-English and paediatric-based research was excluded. Findings highlighted that reduced sedation levels did not significantly reduce the outcome of PTSD, yet reduced ICU length of stay and length of mechanical ventilation (MV) were both associated with lighter sedation. Further research is recommended into more specific factual and delusional memories post ICU in relation to the level of sedation and to psychological distress.
Airway management in odontogenic infections
Authors: McKernon David , McKernon Sarah
Published: July 2014

Odontogenic infections progress rapidly and patients can deteriorate quickly. Deterioration is due to airway compromise and, if this is not addressed urgently, death from asphyxiation can result. Aggressive airway management reduces morbidity and mortality.
Valid consent: principles and practice
Authors: Toy Andrew
Published: July 2014

Ensuring valid consent is becoming increasingly important and complicated due to social and demographic changes, and as more elective and elaborate treatments are provided. Having a sound, ethical consent process can give your practice an advantage
Impact of transient ischaemic attack and minor stroke on daily life
Authors: Kellett Naomi , Drummond Avril ER , Palmer Tracy , Munshi Sunil , Lincoln Nadina B
Published: July 2014

Background:

The aim of this study was to identify functional, emotional and cognitive problems following transient ischaemic attack (TIA) and minor stroke (mS).

Methods:

Participants were recruited from patients who were attending a TIA and minor stroke clinic. A control group of healthy adults was recruited through community groups. Participants were asked to complete questionnaire measures to assess independence in activities of daily living, mood, fatigue and quality of life.

Findings:

Questionnaires were returned by 106 people with TIA or minor stroke and 67 healthy controls. Those with TIA or minor stroke scored significantly lower on the Nottingham Extended Activities of Daily Living Scale compared with the control group (P<0.001). Difficulties were most frequently reported in leisure activities and mobility tasks. A high proportion of participants with TIA or minor stroke reported clinically significant levels of fatigue (41%), anxiety (31%) and depression (28%). There were significant differences between those with TIA or minor stroke and healthy controls on these questionnaire measures (P<0.05).

Conclusions:

People with TIA and minor stroke have residual functional impairments and high levels of distress. Further longitudinal research is recommended to establish the nature of persisting symptoms and potential treatments.
Fall risks: the importance of staff communication
Authors: Sherratt Amanda , Bell Andrew
Published: July 2014

Falls pose a significant risk to residents in care homes. In this article, Amanda Sherratt and Andrew Bell look at the factors affecting fall risk and identify how communication processes can be used to facilitate information sharing following accidental falls
Dysphagia: helping vulnerable people to eat and drink
Authors: Dark Joanna , Sander Ruth
Published: July 2014

For some people the everyday activity of eating can be very difficult. Ruth Sander and Joanna Dark recommend ways in which to allow vulnerable older people to eat and drink in a safe and pleasurable environment
Emerging technology: nurse call systems
Authors: Dewsbury Guy , Ballard Debbie
Published: July 2014

Nurse call systems can benefit staff in a variety of ways, be it through improved patient care, improved communication or nurse efficiency. Guy Drewsbury and Debbie Ballard give an overview of this essential service
Innovations in care planning documentation
Authors: Welford Claire , Shortt Sue
Published: July 2014

Claire Welford and Sue Shortt describe the design, development and implementation of a new approach to care planning for older people in residential care
Gene expression profiles induced by growth factors in in vitro cultured osteoblasts
Authors: Robubi A. , Berger C. , Schmid M. , Huber K. R. , Engel A. , Krugluger W.
Published: July 2014

Objectives

Effects of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1), fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) and bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) on the expression of genes involved in the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts in culture were analysed. The best sequence of growth factor addition that induces expansion of cells before their differentiation was sought.

Methods

Primary human osteoblasts in in vitro culture were treated with IGF1, BMP2 or FGF2 (10 ng/ml) for 24 hours (IGF1) or 48 hours (BMP2 and FGF2). Experiments were performed during the exponential growth phase with approximately 1e7 cells per 75 cm2 flask. mRNA was reverse transcribed directly and analysed using RT-PCR Taqman assays. Expression levels of key genes involved in cell growth and differentiation (CDH11, TNFRSF11B, RUNX2, POSTN, ALP, WNT5A, LEF1, HSPA5, FOS, p21) were monitored using RT-PCR with gene-specific Taqman probes.

Results

Autocrine expression of BMP2 is stimulated by FGF2 and BMP2 itself. BMP2 and FGF2 act as proliferative factors as indicated by reduced expression of ALP and POSTN, whereas IGF1 exhibits a more subtle picture: the Wingless und Int-1 (Wnt) signalling pathway and the Smad pathway, but not p38 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase signalling, were shown to be activated by IGF1, leading to proliferation and differentiation of the cells.

Conclusions

For future use of autologous bone cells in the management of bony defects, new treatment options take advantage of growth factors and differentiation factors. Thus, our results might help to guide the timely application of these factors for the expansion and subsequent differentiation of osteoblastic cells in culture. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2014;3:236–40.
Differentiation of Aflatoxigenic and Non-Aflatoxigenic Strains of Aspergilli by FT-IR Spectroscopy
Authors: Atkinson Curtis , Pechanova Olga , Sparks Darrell L. , Brown Ashli , Rodriguez Jose M.
Published: July 2014

Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) is a well-established and widely accepted methodology to identify and differentiate diverse microbial species. In this study, FT-IR was used to differentiate 20 strains of ubiquitous and agronomically important phytopathogens of Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. By analyzing their spectral profiles via principal component and cluster analysis, differentiation was achieved between the aflatoxin-producing and nonproducing strains of both fungal species. This study thus indicates that FT-IR coupled to multivariate statistics can rapidly differentiate strains of Aspergilli based on their toxigenicity.
Discrimination among Melanoma, Nevi, and Normal Skin by Using Synchronous Luminescence Spectroscopy
Authors: Zeković Ivana , Dramićanin Tatjana , Lenhardt Lea , Bandić Jadran , Dramićanin Miroslav D.
Published: July 2014

Novel optical spectroscopy and imaging methods may be valuable in the early detection of cancer. This paper reports differences in the luminescence responses of pigmented skin lesions (melanomas and nevi) and apparently normal non-pigmented human skin, based on analyses of synchronous luminescence spectroscopy measurements. Measurements were performed in the excitation range of 330–545 nm, with synchronous intervals varying from 30– 120 nm. Normal skin, nevi, and melanomas differ in the way they fluoresce, and these differences are more distinct in the synchronous fluorescence spectra than in the conventional emission and excitation spectra. The differences in the fluorescence characteristics of pigmented and normal skin samples were ascribed to differences in concentrations of endogenous fluorophores and chromophores. Principal component and linear discriminant analysis of the synchronous spectra measured at different synchronous intervals showed that the greatest variance among the sample groups was at the 70 nm interval spectra. These spectra were then used to create partial least squares discriminant analysis-based classification models. Evaluation of the quality of these models from the receiver operating characteristic curves showed they performed well, with a maximum value of 1 for the area under the curve for melanoma detection. Hence, synchronous luminescence spectroscopy coupled with statistical methods may be advantageous in the early detection of skin cancer.
Soil Organic Carbon Content Estimation with Laboratory-Based Visible–Near-Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy: Feature Selection
Authors: Shi Tiezhu , Chen Yiyun , Liu Huizeng , Wang Junjie , Wu Guofeng
Published: July 2014

This study, with Yixing (Jiangsu Province, China) and Honghu (Hubei Province, China) as study areas, aimed to compare the successive projection algorithm (SPA) and the genetic algorithm (GA) in spectral feature selection for estimating soil organic carbon (SOC) contents with visible-near-infrared (Vis-NIR) reflectance spectroscopy and further to assess whether the spectral features selected from one site could be applied to another site. The SOC content and Vis-NIR reflectance spectra of soil samples were measured in the laboratory. Savitzky–Golay smoothing and log10(1/R) (R is reflectance) were used for spectral preprocessing. The reflectance spectra were resampled using different spacing intervals ranging from 2 to 10 nm. Then, SPA and GA were conducted for selecting the spectral features of SOC. Partial least square regression (PLSR) with full-spectrum PLSR and the spectral features selected by SPA (SPA-PLSR) and GA (GA-PLSR) were calibrated and validated using independent datasets, respectively. Moreover, the spectral features selected from one study area were applied to another area. Study results showed that, for the two study areas, the SPA-PLSR and GA-PLSR improved estimation accuracies and reduced spectral variables compared with the full spectrum PLSR in estimating SOC contents; GA-PLSR obtained better estimation results than SPA-PLSR, whereas SPA was simpler than GA, and the spectral features selected from Yixing could be well applied to Honghu, but not the reverse. These results indicated that the SPA and GA could reduce the spectral variables and improve the performance of PLSR model and that GA performed better than SPA in estimating SOC contents. However, SPA is simpler and time-saving compared with GA in selecting the spectral features of SOC. The spectral features selected from one dataset could be applied to a target dataset when the dataset contains sufficient information adequately describing the variability of samples of the target dataset.
A Modified Transmission Tip-Enhanced Raman Scattering (TERS) Setup Provides Access to Opaque Samples
Authors: Deckert-Gaudig Tanja , Richter Marc , Knebel Detlef , Jähnke Torsten , Jankowski Tilo , Stock Erik , Deckert Volker
Published: July 2014

The combination of scanning probe microscopy and Raman spectroscopy enables chemical characterization of surfaces at highest spatial resolution. This so-called tip-enhanced Raman scattering (TERS) can be employed for a variety of samples where a label-free characterization or identification of constituents on the nanometer scale is pursued. Present TERS setup geometries are always a compromise for specific dedicated applications and show different advantages and disadvantages: Transmission back-reflection setups, when using immersion objectives with a high numerical aperture, intrinsically provide the highest collection efficiency but cannot be applied for opaque samples. Those samples demand upright setups, at the cost of lower collection efficiency, even though very efficient systems using a parabolic mirror for illumination and collection have been demonstrated. In this contribution it is demonstrated that the incorporation of a dichroic mirror to a transmission TERS setup provides easy access to opaque samples without further modification of the setup.
Detection of Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) Targets Using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and Paper Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) Chromatography
Authors: Hoppmann Eric P. , Yu Wei W. , White Ian M.
Published: July 2014

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) enables multiplex detection of analytes using simple, portable equipment consisting of a single excitation source and detector. Thus, in theory, SERS is ideally suited to replace fluorescence in assays that screen for numerous deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) targets, but in practice, SERS-based assays have suffered from complexity and elaborate processing steps. Here, we report an assay in which a simple inkjetfabricated plasmonic paper device enables SERS-based detection of multiple DNA targets within a single polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In prior work, we demonstrated the principles of chromatographic separation and SERS-based detection on inkjet-fabricated plasmonic paper. The present work extends that capability for post-PCR gene sequence detection. In this design, hydrolysis DNA probes with 5′ Raman labels are utilized; if the target is present, the probe is hydrolyzed during PCR, freeing the reporter. After applying the PCR sample to a paper SERS device, an on-device chromatographic separation and concentration is conducted to discriminate between hydrolyzed and intact probes. SERS is then used to detect the reporter released by the hydrolyzed probes. This simple separation and detection on paper eliminates the need for complex sample processing steps. In this work, we simultaneously detect the methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus genes mecA and femB to illustrate the concept. We envision that this approach could contribute to the development of multiplex DNA diagnostic tests enabling screening for several target sequences within a single reaction, which is necessary for cases in which sample volume and resources are limited.
Comunicación familiar y desempeño académico en estudiantes universitarios
Authors: Guzmán Arteaga Ramiro , Pacheco Lora Martha Cecilia
Published: July 2014

Este artículo muestra los resultados de un estudio acerca de la relación comunicación familiar y desempeño académico en estudiantes universitarios, con el objetivo de formular una teoría de la comunicación social y un modelo pedagógico con valor en la competencia comunicacional para el desarrollo sociocultural en el Caribe Colombiano. El estudio examinó los resultados del análisis categorial. :comunicación familiar en la enseñanza–aprendizaje; factores personales, sociales e institucionales implicados en el desempeño académico; ámbito universitario; comportamiento y expectativas de la familia; e interacción entre educación, universidad, familia y sociedad a partir de un procedimiento metodológico interpretativo generado a través de grupos de discusión conformado por estudiantes y padres de familia, y entrevistas a profesores y expertos de programas académicos de la Universidad del Sinú de Montería, Colombia. La comprensión de los elementos del proceso comunicativo de la base teórica fundamentada junto con la discusión- interpretación y el análisis reflexivo de las unidades hermenéuticas comprueban un proceso de comprensión entre comunicación familiar, desempeño académico y desarrollo sociocultural.
El proyecto de trabajo de grado: una experiencia discursiva universitaria
Authors: Arnáez Muga Pablo
Published: July 2014

Este trabajo analiza los elementos de un Proyecto de Trabajo de Grado (PTG) y las variables que intervienen en su elaboración. La comprensión y la producción textual están en relación con el área de conocimiento del escritor, pues la práctica discursiva se ejecuta en la esfera social de los maestrantes. El estudio comprende: análisis del proyecto, descripción de sus elementos, exposición de las características textuales y valoración de lectura y escritura en los textos universitarios. De la investigación se deriva: el PTG constituye un producto que demanda capacidades comprensivas y productivas; requiere del saber lingüístico y disciplinar; involucra a las diversas propiedades textuales y su heterogeneidad temática deviene de los diversos saberes humanos. En suma, el PTG es una experiencia discursiva universitaria e implica un trabajo interdisciplinar en el que la lectura y la escritura se imbrican con otros conocimientos para elaborar un producto valorado por la comunidad científica.
Heroes in endocrinology: Nobel Prizes
Authors: de Herder Wouter W
Published: July 2014

The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was first awarded in 1901. Since then, the Nobel Prizes in Physiology or Medicine, Chemistry and Physics have been awarded to at least 33 distinguished researchers who were directly or indirectly involved in research into the field of endocrinology. This paper reflects on the life histories, careers and achievements of 11 of them: Frederick G Banting, Roger Guillemin, Philip S Hench, Bernardo A Houssay, Edward C Kendall, E Theodor Kocher, John J R Macleod, Tadeus Reichstein, Andrew V Schally, Earl W Sutherland, Jr and Rosalyn Yalow. All were eminent scientists, distinguished lecturers and winners of many prizes and awards.
Low-dose PTH increases osteoblast activity via decreased Mef2c/Sost in senescent osteopenic mice
Authors: Saidak Zuzana , Le Henaff Carole , Azzi Sofia , Marty Caroline , Marie Pierre J
Published: July 2014

Intermittent administration of parathyroid hormone (PTH) 1–34 at a standard dose has been shown to induce anabolic effects in bone. However, whether low-dose PTH promotes bone formation during senescence is unknown. To address this issue, we determined the effects of low-dose PTH and analysed the underlying mechanisms in prematurely senescent mice that display osteopenia. Treatment of 9-week-oldSamp6mice for 6 weeks with PTH at a standard dose (100 μg/kg per day) increased vertebral and femoral bone mass and improved bone microarchitecture as a result of increased bone-forming surfaces and mineral apposition rate (MAR). At a tenfold lower dose (10 μg/kg per day), PTH increased axial bone volume and trabecular thickness, as detected by bone histomorphometry but not by micro-computed tomography analysis. This anabolic effect resulted from increased osteoblast activity, as reflected by increased serum N-terminal propeptide of type 1 procollagen (P1NP) levels and MAR, with unchanged bone-forming surface or osteoblast surface. Mechanistically, low-dose PTH increased the expression of osteoblast markers in bone marrow stromal cells and mature osteoblasts, which was associated with increased expression of the Wnt effectorWisp1. Moreover, low-dose PTH decreased the expression of theMef2ctranscription factor, resulting in decreasedSostexpression in osteoblasts/osteocytes. These results indicate that PTH at a low dose is effective at promoting bone formation and increased bone volume in senescent osteopenic mice through increased osteoblast activity and modulation of specific Wnt effectors, which raises the potential therapeutic use of intermittent PTH at low dose to increase bone forming activity and bone mass in skeletal senescence.
PACAP is essential for the adaptive thermogenic response of brown adipose tissue to cold exposure
Authors: Diané Abdoulaye , Nikolic Nikolina , Rudecki Alexander P , King Shannon M , Bowie Drew J , Gray Sarah L
Published: July 2014

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) is a widely distributed neuropeptide that acts as a neurotransmitter, neuromodulator, neurotropic factor, neuroprotectant, secretagogue,and neurohormone. Owing to its pleiotropic biological actions, knockout ofPacap(Adcyap1) has been shown to induce several abnormalities in mice such as impaired thermoregulation. However, the underlying physiological and molecular mechanisms remain unclear. A previous report has shown that cold-exposedPacapnull mice cannot supply appropriate levels of norepinephrine (NE) to brown adipocytes. Therefore, we hypothesized that exogenous NE would rescue the impaired thermogenic response ofPacapnull mice during cold exposure. We compared the adaptive thermogenic capacity ofPacap−/−toPacap+/+mice in response to NE when housed at room temperature (24 °C) and after a 3.5-week cold exposure (4 °C). Biochemical parameters, expression of thermogenic genes, and morphological properties of brown adipose tissue (BAT) and white adipose tissue (WAT) were also characterized. Results showed that there was a significant effect of temperature, but no effect of genotype, on the resting metabolic rate in conscious, unrestrained mice. However, the normal cold-induced increase in the basal metabolic rate and NE-induced increase in thermogenesis were severely blunted in cold-exposedPacap−/−mice. These changes were associated with altered substrate utilization, reduced β3-adrenergic receptor (β3-Ar(Adrb3)) and hormone-sensitive lipase (Hsl(Lipe)) gene expression, and increased fibroblast growth factor 2 (Fgf2) gene expression in BAT. Interestingly,Pacap−/−mice had depleted WAT depots, associated with upregulated uncoupling protein 1 expression in inguinal WATs. These results suggest that the impairment of adaptive thermogenesis inPacapnull mice cannot be rescued by exogenous NE perhaps in part due to decreased β3-Ar-mediated BAT activation.
Systematic Literature Review of Adverse Reproductive Outcomes Associated with Physiotherapists' Occupational Exposures to Non‐ionising Radiation
Authors: Shah Syed Ghulam Sarwar , Farrow Alexandra
Published: July 2014

Systematic Literature Review of Adverse Reproductive Outcomes Associated with Physiotherapists' Occupational Exposures to Non‐ionising Radiation: Syed Ghulam Sarwar SHAH, et al. School of Health Sciences and Social Care, Brunel University London, UK—

Objectives

To review empirical research on adverse health and pregnancy outcomes associated with physiotherapists' occupational exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF EMFs) from shortwave (SWD) and microwave (MWD) diathermy devices.

Methods

A systematic review of peer reviewed literature published from 1990 to 2010 in the English language searched in eight online bibliographic databases: CINAHL, EBSCOhost, ISI Web of Knowledge, Medline, OSH UPDATE, PubMed Central, Science Direct, and Scopus.

Results

Findings suggest that physiotherapists' occupational exposure to SWD was statistically significantly associated with delayed time to pregnancy (>6 months), still birth, altered gender ratio (low ratio of boys to girls), congenital malformations and low birth weight (<2,500 g) among physiotherapists' offspring. Physiotherapists' exposure to MWD was also found to be statistically significantly associated with spontaneous abortion. However, causal mechanisms for these statistical associations are unknown. The present systematic review has found these adverse reproductive outcomes and health effects associations with RF EMFs from therapeutic diathermy devices to be inconsistent.

Conclusions

A number of studies did not find statistically significant results to replicate associations with such adverse outcomes, and therefore further research, preferably prospective studies of cohorts of physiotherapists, is warranted.
Rheology of Sodium‐montmorillonite suspensions
Authors: Tarchitzky J. , Chen Y.
Published: July 2014

Organic matter (OM) is considered to act as a soil structure stabilizer. However, under certain conditions, either in suspension or in soils, addition of low concentrations of humic substances (HS) can result in particle dispersion. In this research, the rheology of montmorillonite suspensions was studied as a function of exchangeable cation, HS concentration (0–4000 mg L−1) and pH (4–10). The Na‐montmorillonite suspensions exhibited non‐Newtonian rheology at all pH values. The differential viscosity of the clay suspension decreased with increasing pH. The pseudoplastic non‐Newtonian flow resulted from the associations between clay platelets. Addition of HS to clay suspensions changed the flow behavior from non‐Newtonian to Newtonian as the HS concentration increased. At a shear stress of 0.1 Pa, the differential viscosity of the Na‐montmorillonite was 33.7 mPa s. At a HS concentration of 100 mg L−1, the suspension showed a decrease in differential viscosity to 11.6 mPa s, and a further increase in HA concentration to 400 mg L−1 reduced the differential viscosity to 3.92 mPa s. Addition of 100 mg L−1 HS at the lower pH values (4, 6, and 8) caused a decrease in the attraction forces between the clay particles resulting in reduced differential viscosity at low shear stress (0.1 Pa). This phenomenon is in accordance with the edge‐charge reversal mechanisms (from positive to negative) reported previously. An additional mechanism influences the differential viscosity of the suspensions. This mechanism is possibly associated with the formation of mixed micelles of HS with the clay platelets.
Synergistic Inhibition Effect Between Capsella bursa-pastoris Extracts and Iodide Ions for Q235 Mild Steel in 1 M HCl Solution
Authors: Hu Qin , Qiu Yubing , Zhang Guoan , Guo Xingpeng
Published: July 2014

The inhibition effect of Capsella bursa-pastoris extracts (CBE) and its synergistic effect with KI (CBEK) for
Q235 mild steel in 1 M HCl solution were studied by electrochemical measurements. Both CBE and CBEK can serve as
eco-friendly, mixed-type inhibitors, and the inhibition efficiency increases with the concentration and temperature. The
synergistic parameter (SI) indicates a cooperative mechanism between the iodide anions and CBE molecules at lower
temperature. The associated thermodynamic and kinetic data suggest the presence of CBEK on metal surface mainly
through chemisorption at higher temperature. The adsorption processes follow Langmuir isotherm.
Advanced Optimization Design of Cross Beams Structure
Authors: Zhang Ke , Mu Xuan , Zhao Dehong , Wu Yuhou
Published: July 2014

Solid Isotropic Microstructure with Penalization(SIMP) in topology optimization was deeply analyzed, and thus SIMP topology optimization criteria algorithm was deduced. Simulation analysis to the results was also conducted by Ansys, so as the structural lightweight design to machine crossbeams of the HTM series gantry. By verifying, the structure was 3.8% lower than the traditional structure quality, stiffness increased by 16.07%, and the overall inherent frequency was improved. By applying topology optimization method to the design process of the machining center HTM series, ma-terial utilization is improved and production costs were reduced.
Comparative Effect of Atorvastatin and Rosuvastatin on 25-hydroxy-Vitamin D Levels in Non-diabetic Patients with Dyslipidaemia: A Prospective Randomized Open-label Pilot Study
Authors: Anagnostis Panagiotis , Adamidou Fotini , Slavakis Aristidis , Polyzos Stergios A , Selalmatzidou Despina , Panagiotou Athanasios , Athyros Vasilios G , Karagiannis Asterios , Kita Marina
Published: July 2014

Aims:

Low 25-hydroxy-vitamin D [25(ΟΗ)D] levels have been associated with increased risk for cardiovascular disease. Conflicting data exist regarding the effect of statins on [25(OH)D] levels. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of atorvastatin and rosuvastatin on 25(OH)D levels in non-diabetic patients with dyslipidaemia.

Methods:

This was a prospective randomized open-label study. Patients were assigned to atorvastatin 20 mg⁄day (n=28, age: 56.1±2.2 years, 22 females) or rosuvastatin 10 mg⁄day (n=24, age: 57.4±1.9 years, 20 females). Total cholesterol (TC), low- (LDL-C) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides (TG), fasting plasma glucose, insulin, glycosylated haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels were measured, and homeostatic model of assessment insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was calculated at baseline and 12 weeks post-treatment.

Results:

There were no within or between group significant differences in 25(OH)D levels (atorvastatin: 21.7±1.9 ng/ml at baseline and 23.5±2.3 ng/ml at week 12; rosuvastatin: 25.3±1.8 and 27.0±2.4 ng/ml, respectively; p=0.172 and p=0.306 for between groups, respectively). Both statins significantly reduced TC, TG and LDL-C levels, with a greater LDL-C reduction being observed by rosuvastatin.

Conclusion:

Atorvastatin and rosuvastatin did not significantly affect 25(OH)D levels in this study.
Parameters Associated with Elevated Systolic Blood Pressure Levels in
Greek Military Pilots
Authors: Platsas G. , Kourianidis G. , Toutouzas P. , Stefanadis C. , Vyssoulis G.
Published: July 2014

Background:

Elevated blood pressure levels (BP) continue to comprise one of the most important public health problems worldwide. Hypertension is among the most serious risk factors that relates to myocardial infarction, stroke and kidney failure. The purpose of the study was to examine factors that may contribute to presentation of hypertension in military jet pilots.

Methods:

This is a cross-sectional study of 300 jet pilots of Greek Air-Force. Several data were retrieved from medical files. Participants filled in a questionnaire about demographics, dietary habits and lifestyle factors. Arterial BP was also measured. Spearman’s r was used for correlations. Also, multivariate linear regression analysis was performed.

Results:

All pilots presented systolic and diastolic BP within normal range (mean: 117.5 mmHg and 77.0 mmHg, respectively). 200 pilots presented optimal BP, 80 normal BP and 20 had marginally normal BP. Most pilots were exercising up to two times weekly (66.9%), however, some reported they didn’t exercise at all (12%) and mentioned exercising for a mean period of 12.0 (±7.6) years, mainly (62.1%) outdoors with aerobic (52.4%), anaerobic exercises (5.6%) or both (42%). Factors that influenced systolic BP levels were body mass index, flight hours, HDL values and exercise intensity.

Conclusion:

Pilots’ medical monitoring seems adequate since there weren’t any abnormal BP values. Emphasis should be placed on the continuation of programs already in place with further refinement according to specific needs. Smoking cessation interventions are needed as well as promotion of measures that can effectively lead to long standing life-style changes and dietary modifications.
The Four Most Pernicious Myths in Asbestos Litigation: Part I: Safe Chrysotile and Idiopathic Mesothelioma
Authors: Meisenkothen Christopher
Published: July 2014

The now well documented phenomenon of “doubt science” has crept into litigation generally, but has had a particularly deleterious effect in asbestos litigation, giving rise to pernicious myths that are told and re-told every day in legal briefs and in court proceedings. Defendants routinely challenge the admissibility of testimony from plaintiffs' expert witnesses when those experts testify about certain key concepts in asbestos medicine and asbestos science. Defendants boldly proclaim plaintiffs' experts' opinions to be “junk science” and seek to have them precluded regardless of how well documented, well researched, well supported and well accepted those opinions are. This has become all too routine in asbestos litigation, where defendants predictably seek to preclude testimony about medical and scientific issues that have been settled for decades and that are not legitimately disputed outside of litigation by the unbiased scientific community of national and international regulatory agencies and scientific organizations.
NIDDK International Conference Report on Diabetes and Depression: Current Understanding and Future Directions
Authors: Holt Richard I.G. , de Groot Mary , Lucki Irwin , Hunter Christine M. , Sartorius Norman , Golden Sherita H.
Published: July 2014

Comorbid diabetes and depression are a major clinical challenge as the outcomes of each condition are worsened by the other. This article is based on the presentations and discussions during an international meeting on diabetes and depression convened by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) in collaboration with the National Institute of Mental Health and the Dialogue on Diabetes and Depression. While the psychological burden of diabetes may contribute to depression in some cases, this explanation does not sufficiently explain the relationship between these two conditions. Shared biological and behavioral mechanisms, such as hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activation, inflammation, autonomic dysfunction, sleep disturbance, inactive lifestyle, poor dietary habits, and environmental and cultural risk factors, are important to consider in understanding the link between depression and diabetes. Both individual psychological and pharmacological depression treatments are effective in people with diabetes, but the current range of treatment options is limited and has shown mixed effects on glycemic outcomes. More research is needed to understand what factors contribute to individual differences in vulnerability, treatment response, and resilience to depression and metabolic disorders across the life course and how best to provide care for people with comorbid diabetes and depression in different health care settings. Training programs are needed to create a cross-disciplinary workforce that can work in different models of care for comorbid conditions.
Physical Activity at Altitude: Challenges for People With Diabetes
Authors: de Mol Pieter , de Vries Suzanna T. , de Koning Eelco J.P. , Gans Reinold O.B. , Bilo Henk J.G. , Tack Cees J.
Published: July 2014

BACKGROUND

A growing number of subjects with diabetes take part in physical activities at altitude such as skiing, climbing, and trekking. Exercise under conditions of hypobaric hypoxia poses some unique challenges on subjects with diabetes, and the presence of diabetes can complicate safe and successful participation in mountain activities. Among others, altitude can alter glucoregulation. Furthermore, cold temperatures and altitude can complicate accurate reading of glucose monitoring equipment and storage of insulin. These factors potentially lead to dangerous hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia. Over the last years, more information has become available on this subject.

PURPOSE

To provide an up-to-date overview of the pathophysiological changes during physical activity at altitude and the potential problems related to diabetes, including the use of (continuous) blood glucose monitors and insulin pumps. To propose practical recommendations for preparations and travel to altitude for subjects with diabetes.

DATA SOURCES AND SYNTHESIS

We researched PubMed, medical textbooks, and related Internet sites, and extracted human studies and data based on relevance for diabetes, exercise, and altitude.

LIMITATIONS

Given the paucity of controlled trials regarding diabetes and altitude, we composed a narrative review and filled in areas lacking diabetes-specific studies with data obtained from nondiabetic subjects.

CONCLUSIONS

Subjects with diabetes can take part in activities at high, and even extreme, altitude. However, careful assessment of diabetes-related complications, optimal preparation, and adequate knowledge of glycemic regulation at altitude and altitude-related complications is needed.
Acute methoxetamine and amphetamine poisoning with fatal outcome: A case report
Authors: Wiergowski Marek , Anand Jacek , Krzyżanowski Maciej , Jankowski Zbigniew
Published: July 2014

Methoxetamine (MXE) is a psychoactive substance distributed mostly via the Internet and is not liable to legal regulation in Poland. MXE has a toxicity profile similar to that of ketamine but longer-lasting effects. The paper describes a case of acute poisoning that resulted from recreational use of MXE and amphetamine and ended in death. In mid-July 2012, a 31-year old man was admitted to the clinical toxicology unit in Gdańsk because of poisoning with an unknown psychoactive substance. The patient was transported to the emergency department (ED) at 5:15 a.m. in a very poor general condition, in a deep coma, with acute respiratory failure, hyperthermia (> 39°C) and generalized seizures. Laboratory tests showed marked leukocytosis, signs of massive rhabdomyolysis, hepatic failure and beginning of acute renal failure. Despite intensive therapy, the patient died 4 weeks after the poisoning in the course of multi-organ dysfunction syndrome. Chemical and toxicological studies of serum and urine samples collected on the poisoning day at 1:40 p.m. confirmed that amphetamine and MXE had been taken earlier that day. Concentration of amphetamine in the serum (0.06 μg/ml) was within the non-toxic range, while MXE (0.32 μg/ml) was within the toxic range of concentrations. Amphetamine was also detected in the patient’s hair, which suggested a possibility of its use within the last dozen weeks or so. The serious clinical course of intoxication and co-existence of amphetamine and MXE in the patient’s blood and urine suggest the possibility of adverse interactions between them.