bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MicroRNA expressions associated with progression of prostate cancer cells to antiandrogen therapy resistance
Authors: Ottman Richard , Nguyen Camha , Lorch Robert , Chakrabarti Ratna
Published: January 2014

Background

Development of resistance to androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is a major obstacle for the management of advanced prostate cancer. Therapies with androgen receptor (AR) antagonists and androgen withdrawal initially regress tumors but development of compensatory mechanisms including AR bypass signaling leads to re-growth of tumors. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small regulatory RNAs that are involved in maintenance of cell homeostasis but are often altered in tumor cells.

Results

In this study, we determined the association of genome wide miRNA expression (1113 unique miRNAs) with development of resistance to ADT. We used androgen sensitive prostate cancer cells that progressed to ADT and AR antagonist Casodex (CDX) resistance upon androgen withdrawal and treatment with CDX. Validation of expression of a subset of 100 miRNAs led to identification of 43 miRNAs that are significantly altered during progression of cells to treatment resistance. We also show a correlation of altered expression of 10 proteins targeted by some of these miRNAs in these cells.

Conclusions

We conclude that dynamic alterations in miRNA expression occur early on during androgen deprivation therapy, and androgen receptor blockade. The cumulative effect of these altered miRNA expression profiles is the temporal modulation of multiple signaling pathways promoting survival and acquisition of resistance. These early events are driving the transition to castration resistance and cannot be studied in already developed CRPC cell lines or tissues. Furthermore our results can be used a prognostic marker of cancers with a potential to be resistant to ADT.
Epicardial adipose excision slows the progression of porcine coronary atherosclerosis
Authors: McKenney Mikaela L , Schultz Kyle A , Boyd Jack H , Byrd James P , Alloosh Mouhamad , Teague Shawn D , Arce-Esquivel Arturo A , Fain John N , Laughlin M Harold , Sacks Harold S , Sturek Michael
Published: January 2014

Background

In humans there is a positive association between epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) volume and coronary atherosclerosis (CAD) burden. We tested the hypothesis that EAT contributes locally to CAD in a pig model.

Methods

Ossabaw miniature swine (n = 9) were fed an atherogenic diet for 6 months to produce CAD. A 15 mm length by 3–5 mm width coronary EAT (cEAT) resection was performed over the middle segment of the left anterior descending artery (LAD) 15 mm distal to the left main bifurcation. Pigs recovered for 3 months on atherogenic diet. Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) was performed in the LAD to quantify atheroma immediately after adipectomy and was repeated after recovery before sacrifice. Coronary wall biopsies were stained immunohistochemically for atherosclerosis markers and cytokines and cEAT was assayed for atherosclerosis-related genes by RT-PCR. Total EAT volume was measured by non-contrast CT before each IVUS.

Results

Circumferential plaque length increased (p < 0.05) in the proximal and distal LAD segments from baseline until sacrifice whereas plaque length in the middle LAD segment underneath the adipectomy site did not increase. T-cadherin, scavenger receptor A and adiponectin were reduced in the intramural middle LAD. Relative to control pigs without CAD, 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11βHSD-1), CCL19, CCL21, prostaglandin D2 synthase, gp91phox [NADPH oxidase], VEGF, VEGFGR1, and angiotensinogen mRNAs were up-regulated in cEAT. EAT volume increased over 3 months.

Conclusion

In pigs used as their own controls, resection of cEAT decreased the progression of CAD, suggesting that cEAT may exacerbate coronary atherosclerosis.
Adolescent risk factors for purging in young women: findings from the national longitudinal study of adolescent health
Authors: Stephen Eric M , Rose Jennifer , Kenney Lindsay , Rosselli-Navarra Francine , Weissman Ruth Striegel
Published: January 2014

Background

There exists a dearth of prospective adolescent eating disorder studies with samples that are large enough to detect small or medium sized effects for risk factors, that are generalizable to the broader population, and that follow adolescents long enough to fully capture the period of development when the risk of eating disorder symptoms occurring is highest. As a result, the purpose of this study was to examine psychosocial risk factors for purging for weight control in a nationally representative sample of adolescents. Data were extracted from the restricted-use data sets of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Waves I-III), selecting females with valid demographic and purging information (N = 5,670).

Results

The prevalence of purging was 0.88% at Wave II and 0.56% at Wave III. In multivariable multinomial logistic regressions, purging at Wave II was predicted by parental poverty and low levels of self-esteem at Wave I; purging at Wave III was predicted by body mass index and the frequency of delinquent behaviors at Wave I.

Conclusions

Individuals with high body mass index, individuals with low self-esteem, and individuals in families experiencing economic hardship appear specifically at risk for the development of purging behaviors in later years and may benefit from more targeted prevention efforts.
The Early Modern Idea of Scientific Doctrine and Its Early Christian Origins
Authors: Gaukroger Stephen
Published: January 2014

One of most surprising aspects of the shift from scholastic natural philosophy to the new mechanist natural philosophies in the early decades of the seventeenth century is the retention of a doctrinal conception of knowledge. There was an assumption not only among scholastics, but also among many of their seventeenth-century opponents, that philosophy—and especially natural philosophy—had to take a doctrinal form. This is despite the fact that many of the considerations that motivated this view among the scholastics were rejected or ignored by their modernist opponents. The central argument of this essay is that doctrine is not something at the core of religions in general, but rather something of specific concern to Christianity. In looking at how this specific concern informs the development of natural philosophy in the seventeenth century, it emerges that it is not a one-way process: in entering into a symbiotic relation, Christianity and natural philosophy are both affected. Christianity becomes largely reduced to its cognitive content, becoming both more science-like and more focused on its doctrinal core, while at the same time the cognitive content of natural philosophy, already somewhat doctrinal in nature, now has this reinforced, as it becomes more like Christianity in its aspirations.
Is There a Universal Understanding of Vulnerability? Experiences with Russian and Romanian Trainees in Research Ethics
Authors: Loue Sana , Loff Bebe
Published: January 2014

Vulnerability of participants in research and the provision of special protections for vulnerable research participants are key concepts in research ethics. Despite international consensus requiring special protections for vulnerable research participants, both the concept of vulnerability and the nature and adequacy of strategies to reduce vulnerability remain vague and, consequently, are subject to varying interpretations. We report on observations of the challenges faced in understanding this key concept by 20 Russian and Romanian trainees participating in a one-year M.A. training program in research ethics from 2000 through 2011. We describe how trainees' understanding of and appreciation for the need for special protections of vulnerable research participants was nurtured. This paper is part of a collection of papers analyzing the Fogarty International Center's International Research Ethics Education and Curriculum Development program.
The Herth Hope Index—A Psychometric Study Among Cognitively Intact Nursing Home Patients
Authors: Haugan Gørill , Utvær Britt Karin Støen , Moksnes Unni Karin
Published: January 2014

Background and Purpose: Hope is seen as the act by which the temptation of despair is actively overcome and has thus been interpreted as an inner strength and an available resource for living in the present. An understanding of hope and its meaning in the lives of institutionalized older adults may aid in developing interventions to enhance hope and well-being in the nursing home setting. This study aimed to investigate the psychometric properties of the Norwegian version of the Herth Hope Index among cognitively intact nursing home patients. Methods: Cross-sectional data was obtained in 2008 and 2009 from 202 of 250 patients who met the inclusion criteria in 44 different nursing homes. Results: Exploratory factor analysis revealed 3 internal consistent dimensions of hope, explaining 51.2% of the variance. The 1-factor, 2-factor, and the originally 3-factor solutions of the Herth Hope Index were tested by means of confirmatory factor analysis. A 2-factor construct comprising 11 items came out with the best model fit. Conclusions: The Herth Hope Index was found to be a reliable and valid instrument for assessing hope in nursing home patients. The 2-factor structure was psychometrically superior the original 3-factor construct of hope in this particular sample. The Herth Hope Index might be used to assess hope and changes in the hope process during long-term nursing home care. An enhanced understanding of hope in this population might contribute to increased quality of nursing home care.
The Witnessing of Disenfranchised Grief: Reliability and Validity
Authors: St. Clair Jean S.
Published: January 2014

Background and Purpose: To examine the psychometric properties of a newly designed instrument: Witnessing of Disenfranchised Grief (WDG). Methods: The 22-item questionnaire was administered to a community-based sample of convenience (N= 201). Each subject reported having experienced a loss by death or miscarriage. There was no stipulation regarding the timing of the loss. Results: The tool was found to be one dimensional with factor loadings of 0.40–0.78, inter-item correlation ranging fromp< .01 top< .05, and a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.91. A loss that was viewed as witnessed resulted in decreased manifestation of some grief symptoms. Conclusions: The WDG is a measure of the degree to which one who grieves perceives their loss to be witnessed.
Psychometric Validation of the Revised Clinical Cultural Competency Questionnaire
Authors: Mareno Nicole , Hart Patricia L. , VanBrackle Lewis
Published: January 2014

Background and Purpose: Growing diversity in health care requires culturally competent care. Assessing nurses’ cultural competence is the first step in designing cultural competency education. The Clinical Cultural Competency Questionnaire (CCCQ) is one instrument to assess nurses’ cultural competence. Methods: The psychometric properties and factor structure of the revised CCCQ-PRE (CCCQ-PRE-R) for nurses was examined. Results: A 1-factor solution was noted for the knowledge and skills subscales. A 2-factor solution was discovered for the comfort and awareness subscales: differentiating between comfort in dealing with positive and negative cross-cultural encounters/situations, and differentiating between importance awareness and self-awareness. Cronbach’s alpha coefficients were high for all subscales. Conclusions: The findings support the use of the revised CCCQ-PRE-R with nurses. Further testing in larger, more diverse nursing populations is warranted.
The Effect of Antihypertensive Drugs on Arterial Stiffness and Central Hemodynamics: Not All Fingers are Made the Same
Authors: Doumas M. , Gkaliagkousi E. , Katsiki N. , Reklou A. , Lazaridis A. , Karagiannis A.
Published: January 2014

Arterial stiffness and central hemodynamics attract increasing scientific interest within the hypertensive community
during the last decade. Accumulating evidence indicates that aortic stiffness is a strong and independent predictor
of cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality in hypertensive patients, and its predictive value extends beyond traditional
risk factors. The role of central hemodynamics and augmentation index (a marker of reflected waves), remains less
established and requires further investigation. Several lines of evidence indicate that antihypertensive therapy results in
significant reductions of pulse wave velocity and central hemodynamics. However, beta-blockers seem to be the only exception
with significant within-class differences. Conventional beta-blockers, although equally effective in reducing pulse
wave velocity, seem to be less beneficial on central hemodynamics and augmentation index than the other antihypertensive
drug categories, whereas the newer vasodilating beta-blockers seem to share the benefits of the other antihypertensive
drugs. In conclusion, aortic stiffness seems ready for ‘prime-time’ in the management of essential hypertension, while further
research is needed for central hemodynamics and augmentation index.
Towards a low cost adaptation of educational games for people with disabilities
Authors: Torrente Javier , del Blanco , Serrano-Laguna Ángel , Vallejo-Pinto José , Moreno-Ger Pablo , Fernández-Manjón Baltasar
Published: January 2014

In this paper we analyze how to increase the level of accessibility in
videogames by adding support for it in game authoring software. This approach
can reduce the effort required to make a game accessible for people with
disabilities, resulting in significant savings. A case study is presented to
support the approach based on the eAdventure educational game authoring
platform, which allows semi-automatic adaptation of the games. The game, "My
First Day At Work", was made accessible for students with different
disability profiles, mainly blindness, low vision and limited mobility,
although hearing and cognitive disabilities are also considered. Results show
that the effort needed to make the games accessible is moderate in comparison
to the total effort dedicated to game development. Although the specific
solutions proposed are optimized for educational games, they could be
generalized to other game frameworks and purposes (e.g. entertainment,
advertising, etc.).
Slicepedia: Content-agnostic slicing resource production for adaptive hypermedia
Authors: Levacher Killian , Lawless Seamus , Wade Vincent
Published: January 2014

The production of resources supporting the needs of Adaptive Hypermedia
Systems (AHSs) is labor-intensive. As a result, content production is focused
upon meeting the needs of resources with higher demand, which limits the
extent to which numerous and diverse content requirements of AHSs can be met.
Open Corpus Slicing attempts to convert the wealth of information available
on the web, into customisable information objects. This approach could
provide the basis of an open corpus supply service meeting more diverse and
unpredictable content requirements of AHSs. This paper takes a case study
approach, focusing on an educational sector of adaptive hypermedia, to test
out the effect of using Slicepedia, a service which enables the reuse and
customisation of open corpus resources. An architecture and implementation of
the system is presented along with two user-trial evaluations, involving 91
participants, which suggest that slicing techniques represent a valid content
production supply for AHSs.
Rule-based solution for context-aware reasoning on mobile devices
Authors: Nalepa Grzegorz , Bobek Szymon
Published: January 2014

With the rapid evolution of mobile devices, the concept of context aware
applications has gained a remarkable popularity in recent years. Smartphones
and tablets are equipped with a variety of sensors including accelerometers,
gyroscopes, and GPS, pressure gauges, light and GPS sensors. Additionally,
the devices become computationally powerful which allows real-time processing
of data gathered by their sensors. Universal network access viaWiFi hot-spots
and GSM network makes mobile devices perfect platforms for ubiquitous
computing. Most of existing frameworks for context-aware systems, are usually
dedicated to static, centralized, clientserver architectures. However, mobile
platforms require from the context modeling language and inference engine to
be simple and lightweight. The model should also be powerful enough to allow
not only solving simple context identification tasks but more complex
reasoning. The original contribution of the paper is a proposal of a new
rule-based context reasoning platform tailored to the needs of such
intelligent distributed mobile computing devices. It contains a proposal of a
learning middleware supporting context acquisition. The platform design is
based on a critical review and evaluation of existing solutions given in this
paper. A preliminary evaluation of the platform is given along with use cases
including a social system supporting crime detection and investigation.
How to combine text-mining methods to validate induced Verb-Object relations?
Authors: Béchet Nicolas , Chauché Jacques , Prince Violaine , Roche Mathieu
Published: January 2014

This paper describes methods using Natural Language Processing approaches to
extract and validate induced syntactic relations (here restricted to the
Verb-Object relation). These methods use a syntactic parser and a semantic
closeness measure to extract such relations. Then, their validation is based
on two different techniques: A Web Validation system on one part, then a
Semantic-Vectorbased approach, and finally different combinations of both
techniques in order to rank induced Verb-Object relations. The Semantic
Vector approach is a Roget-based method which computes a syntactic relation
as a vector. Web Validation uses a search engine to determine the relevance
of a syntactic relation according to its popularity. An experimental protocol
is set up to judge automatically the relevance of the sorted induced
relations. We finally apply our approach on a French corpus of news by using
ROC Curves to evaluate the results.
Heavy metal content of soil in urban parks of Belgrade
Authors: Kuzmanoski Maja , Todorovic Marija , Anicic-Urosevic Mira , Rajsic Slavica
Published: January 2014

This study focuses on soil pollution in four urban parks of Belgrade. The
sampling locations within each park were chosen based on proximity to streets
characterized by heavy traffic, and soil samples were taken at different
depths down to 50 cm. Concentrations of six heavy metals (Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni
and Zn) were measured using Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence (EDXRF)
spectrometer. The following average abundance order of heavy metals was
found: Fe >> Mn > Zn > Cr > Ni > Cu in topsoil samples. The highest
enrichment in topsoil was observed for Zn. Copper and Zn, metals mainly
related to traffic emissions, exhibited the highest concentrations at the
sampling location close to a bus and trolleybus terminus. The highest Ni and
Cr concentrations were observed in a park located in a city suburb, where a
large number of individual heating units is present. The largest decrease in
concentrations with soil dept was observed for Zn and Cu, followed by Ni and
Cr, in the parks with the highest concentrations of these elements in
topsoil. Generally high topsoil Cr and Ni concentrations were observed in
comparison with average values reported in literature for other world cities.
Contactless Impedance Cardiography Using Embedded Sensors
Authors: Pinheiro E. , Postolache O. , Girão P.
Published: January 2014

Impedance cardiography is a technique developed with the intent of monitoring cardiac output. By inspecting a few properties of the obtained signal (impedance cardiogram (ICG), the left ventricular ejection time can be derived with certainty, and an estimate of cardiac output is available. This signal is nowadays used in non-invasive monitoring, requiring the placement of electrodes over the subject’s skin, either ECG-type or in the form of encircling bands. The work here reported describes the implementation steps and the results obtained when embedding the ICG circuitry in a wheelchair’s backrest. The subject is seated normally, is normally dressed, and is completely unaware that monitoring is taking place. That means that the variation of tenths of ohm produced due to the cardiac cycle has to be detected with electrodes having substantial coupling impedance. Contactless ICG with embedded sensors was developed and tested on fourteen healthy subjects. The signal was always acquired, although respiratory activity is also important, constituting a noteworthy innovation in the area.
Additions to the moss flora of the Taita Hills and Mount Kasigau, Kenya
Authors: Enroth Johannes , Nyqvist Petri , Malombe Itambo , Pellikka Petri , Rikkinen Jouko
Published: January 2014

Based on our recent collections we report 43 moss species as new to the Taita Hills and Mount Kasigau in SE Kenya, 15 of the species being also new to the country. The number of moss species known from the region rises from the previously reported 85 to 128, and from 506 to 521 for the whole country. The most noteworthy findings are Fissidens splendens Brugg.-Nann., previously known only from Tanzania, and Barbella capillicaulis (Renauld & Cardot) Cardot var. capillicaulis (Renauld & Cardot) Cardot, previously reported from Mauritius, Madagascar and Uganda. The taxa reported represent the families Anomodontaceae (1 sp.), Brachytheciaceae (3 spp.), Calymperaceae (3 spp.), Dicranaceae (8 spp.), Erpodiaceae (1 sp.), Fissidentaceae (3 spp.), Hedwigiaceae (1 sp.), Hookeriaceae (1 sp.), Hypnaceae (3 spp.), Leucodontaceae (1 sp.), Meteoriaceae (3 spp.), Neckeraceae (5 spp.), Orthotrichaceae (1 sp.), Pilotrichaceae (1 sp.), Polytrichaceae (1 sp.), Pterigynandraceae (1 sp.), Pterobryaceae (2 spp.), Pylaisiadelphaceae (1 sp.), Sematophyllaceae (1 sp.), Stereophyllaceae (1 sp.), and Thuidiaceae (1 sp.).
A new species of Porroglossum (Orchidaceae, Pleurothallidinae) from Colombia
Authors: Kolanowska Marta , Szlachetko Dariusz L.
Published: January 2014

The Neotropical orchid genus Porroglossum Schltr. is one of most poorly recognized genera within Pleurothallidinae, partly due to an insufficiency of herbarium material. An examination of material collected recently in the Colombian department of Putumayo revealed the existence of a new species of Porroglossum which is described, illustrated and placed within a key to identification of Colombian Porroglossum species.
Far-Flung Places: A Conversation about the Theatre of Human Cargo
Authors: Garfinkel Jonathan
Published: January 2014

A conversation between the writer Jonathan Garfinkel and actor, director, playwright and artistic director Christopher Morris. The dialogue focuses on the work of Mr. Morris’ theatre company, Human Cargo. It is also a discussion about their processes as theatre artists, viz a viz their focus on internationally-based themes. Morris and Garfinkel co-wrote ‘Dust’, a play based on interviews they conducted in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Petawawa, Ontario. They talk about this process as well as other experiences both home and abroad.
Assessing Physical Therapy Students' Performance during Clinical Practice
Authors: Murphy Sue , Dalton Megan , Dawes Diana
Published: January 2014

Purpose: To assess the feasibility and acceptability of using the Assessment of Physiotherapy Practice (APP) instrument to assess physiotherapy students' clinical competencies. Methods: A convenience sample of clinical educators (CEs) and students from the University of British Columbia (UBC) in Vancouver, Canada, completed the instrument currently in use, the Physical Therapist Clinical Performance Instrument (PT-CPI), and the APP. A cross-sectional survey of CEs and physiotherapy students was conducted from 2011 to 2012; the survey included questions worded to elicit opinions about the two instruments when used in the clinical environment with students at different stages of training. Questions addressed various aspects of the instruments, including ease of use, provision of feedback, and completion time. Results: Data were analyzed from 63 CEs from a variety of settings; sufficient data were recorded on 71 student PT-CPI and APP forms. A grading comparison between the PT-CPI and the APP demonstrated equivalence of entry-to-practice standard. Mean completion time was 80 (SD 53) minutes for the PT-CPI and 23 (13) minutes for the APP; mean time difference was 57 (95% CI, 39–75). Students would prefer (82%) that the APP be used to provide feedback and assess their performance on clinical placements. Conclusions: It is feasible and acceptable to use the APP to assess physiotherapy students' clinical competencies at the University of British Columbia.
Peripheral nerve injuries due to osteochondromas: analysis of 20 cases and review of the literature
Authors: Göçmen Selçuk , Topuz Ali Kıvanç , Atabey Cem , Şimşek Hakan , Keklikçi Kenan , Rodop Osman
Published: January 2014

Object

Nerve compressions due to osteochondromas are extremely rare. The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate the mechanisms, diagnostic evaluations, and treatment of nerve lesions due to osteochondromas, and to review the literature.

Methods

The authors retrospectively reviewed their clinic data archive from 1998 through 2008, and 20 patients who were operated on due to peripheral nerve injuries caused by osseous growth were enrolled in the study. Patients' age, duration of symptoms, localizations, intraoperative findings, and modified British Medical Research Council (MRC) and electromyography data obtained from hospital records were evaluated. The literature on this topic available in PubMed was also reviewed. All 20 patients underwent surgery, which consisted of tumor excision performed by orthopedic surgeons and nerve decompression performed by neurosurgeons.

Results

There were 17 men and 3 women included in the study, with a mean age of 21 years (range 18–25 years). Three patients had multiple hereditary exostoses, and 17 had a solitary exostosis. All of the patients underwent en bloc resection. The most common lesion site was the distal femur (45%). The peroneal and posterior tibial nerves were the structures that were affected the most frequently. The mean follow-up was 3.9 years (range 2–7 years). After the surgery, all patients (100%) experienced good sensory recovery (modified MRC Grade S4 or S5).

Conclusions

To the authors' knowledge, no large series have reported peripheral nerve compression due to exostoses. The authors have several recommendations as a result of their findings. First, all patients with peripheral nerve compression due to an osteochondroma should undergo surgery. Second, preoperative electromyographic examinations and radiographic evaluation, consisting of MRI and CT to provide optimal information about the lesion, are crucially important. Third, immediate treatment is mandatory to regain the best possible recovery. And fourth, performing nerve decompression first and en bloc resection of osteochondroma consecutively in a multidisciplinary fashion is strongly recommended to avoid peripheral nerve injury.
Inducing transient language disruptions by mapping of Broca's area with modified patterned repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation protocol
Authors: Rogić Maja , Deletis Vedran , Fernández-Conejero Isabel
Published: January 2014

Object

Until now there has been no reliable stimulation protocol for inducing transient language disruptions while mapping Broca's area. Despite the promising data of only a few studies in which speech arrest and language disturbances have been induced, certain concerns have been raised. The purpose of this study was to map Broca's area by using event-related navigated transcranial magnetic stimulation (nTMS) to generate a modified patterned nTMS protocol.

Methods

Eleven right-handed subjects underwent nTMS to Broca's area while engaged in a visual object-naming task. Navigated TMS was triggered 300 msec after picture presentation. The modified patterned nTMS protocol consists of 4 stimuli with an interstimulus interval of 6 msec; 8 or 16 of those bursts were repeated with a burst repetition rate of 12 Hz. Prior to mapping of Broca's area, the primary motor cortices (M1) for hand and laryngeal muscles were mapped. The Euclidian distance on MRI was measured between cortical points eliciting transient language disruptions and M1 for the laryngeal muscle.

Results

On stimulating Broca's area, transient language disruptions were induced in all subjects. The mean Euclidian distance between cortical spots inducing transient language disruptions and M1 for the laryngeal muscle was 17.23 ± 4.73 mm.

Conclusions

The stimulation paradigm with the modified patterned nTMS protocol was shown to be promising and might gain more widespread use in speech localization in clinical and research applications.
Biomechanics of lateral lumbar interbody fusion constructs with lateral and posterior plate fixation
Authors: Fogel Guy R. , Parikh Rachit D. , Ryu Stephen I. , Turner Alexander W. L.
Published: January 2014

Object

Lumbar interbody fusion is indicated in the treatment of degenerative conditions. Laterally inserted interbody cages significantly decrease range of motion (ROM) compared with other cages. Supplemental fixation options such as lateral plates or spinous process plates have been shown to provide stability and to reduce morbidity. The authors of the current study investigate the in vitro stability of the interbody cage with a combination of lateral and spinous process plate fixation and compare this method to the established bilateral pedicle screw fixation technique.

Methods

Ten L1–5 specimens were evaluated using multidirectional nondestructive moments (± 7.5 N·m), with a custom 6 degrees-of-freedom spine simulator. Intervertebral motions (ROM) were measured optoelectronically. Each spine was evaluated under the following conditions at the L3–4 level: intact; interbody cage alone (stand-alone); cage supplemented with lateral plate; cage supplemented with ipsilateral pedicle screws; cage supplemented with bilateral pedicle screws; cage supplemented with spinous process plate; and cage supplemented with a combination of lateral plate and spinous process plate. Intervertebral rotations were calculated, and ROM data were normalized to the intact ROM data.

Results

The stand-alone laterally inserted interbody cage significantly reduced ROM with respect to the intact state in flexion-extension (31.6% intact ROM, p < 0.001), lateral bending (32.5%, p < 0.001), and axial rotation (69.4%, p = 0.002). Compared with the stand-alone condition, addition of a lateral plate to the interbody cage did not significantly alter the ROM in flexion-extension (p = 0.904); however, it was significantly decreased in lateral bending and axial rotation (p < 0.001). The cage supplemented with a lateral plate was not statistically different from bilateral pedicle screws in lateral bending (p = 0.579). Supplemental fixation using a spinous process plate was not significantly different from bilateral pedicle screws in flexion-extension (p = 0.476). The combination of lateral plate and spinous process plate was not statistically different from the cage supplemented with bilateral pedicle screws in all the loading modes (p ≥ 0.365).

Conclusions

A combination of lateral and spinous process plate fixation to supplement a laterally inserted interbody cage helps achieve rigidity in all motion planes similar to that achieved with bilateral pedicle screws.
Prenatal latex sensitization in patients with spina bifida: a pilot study
Authors: Boettcher Michael , Goettler Susanne , Eschenburg Georg , Kracht Thorben , Kunkel Philip , Von der Wense Axel , Reinshagen Konrad
Published: January 2014

Object

Patients with spina bifida are particularly vulnerable to developing immunoglobulin E (IgE)–mediated latex sensitization. Even though many risk factors leading to latex allergy in these patients have been described, it is still unclear whether the increased prevalence of latex sensitization is disease associated or due to the procedures used to treat spina bifida. The aim of this study was to assess prenatal latex sensitization in patients with spina bifida by examining IgE levels in umbilical cord blood.

Methods

Patients with spina bifida and matched healthy infants were recruited from the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf and Children's Hospital Altona. Latex-specific and total IgE were assessed in umbilical cord blood using ImmunoCAP testing to evaluate the degree of prenatal latex sensitization.

Results

Twenty-two subjects, 10 with spina bifida and 12 healthy individuals, were included. Subjects were selected after matching for sex, gestational age, weight, parental allergy profile, number of prenatal examinations, and utilization of latex tools during pregnancy (propensity score estimates, p = 0.36). In patients with spina bifida, latex-specific and total IgE levels were significantly higher than those in healthy individuals (p = 0.001). After normalization to total IgE, latex-specific IgE levels were higher, yet not significantly increased (p = 0.085).

Conclusions

Perinatally, there is a significant augmentation of total and latex-specific IgE in patients with spina bifida. After correcting for total IgE, latex-specific IgE was increased, yet not significantly higher than in matched, healthy controls. This pilot study gives novel insights in the immunological reactions related to spina bifida. The increased latex-specific IgE levels could possibly be associated with the occurrence of a latex allergy in the future.
Relationships of the Trade Unions with the Media: The Lithuanian Case
Authors: Krašenkienė Asta , Kazokienė Lina , Susnienė Dalia
Published: January 2014

The various practices of different countries show that, in order to achieve trade unions’ goals, working relationships with the media are very important, especially in terms of influencing public (stakeholder) opinion, as well as instilling confidence in trade unions. This paper presents some examples and empirical research results that prove the significance of such relationships. The situation in Lithuania is analyzed based on qualitative research results. The results reveal that Lithuanian trade unions do not have effective tools at their disposal for the promotion of their activity. Moreover, their notion of their relationships with the media is limited to a narrow understanding such as “the article or broadcast in media”. Due to this and other reasons, the promotion of employers’ concessions is weak. Different situations can be noticed by analyzing the independent trade unions which use other practices and systems.
Toward an A Priori Sustainable Architecture
Authors: Scardigno Nicola
Published: January 2014

After decades of belief in the principles that man has absolute dominion over nature, and thus, in the separation of natural and anthropic processes, humanity is at the beginning of a new era characterized by the search for a renewed pact between man and the environment. This search has yielded new terminology to indicate sustainable ways of transforming the anthropic environment: zero-energy development, bioclimatic architecture, eco-buildings and low carbon footprint. Apparently, this new linguistic phenomenon is symptomatic of two trends: firstly, of a sort of amnesia, in the sense that traditional architecture was already sustainable, not out of choice, but out of survival needs (via its ties to local climate and materials); and secondly, of an identity crisis among designers caused by the difficulty in finding specific boundaries for the discipline of architecture and urban design. Reflecting on these aspects and through the description of two recent projects, this article addresses the renewed interest in re-establishing an inseparable relationship between natural and anthropic processes. The goal is to elucidate a localized form of sustainability by recovering and upgrading traditional knowledge.
Optimal Sizing of Battery Storage Systems for Industrial Applications when Uncertainties Exist
Authors: Carpinelli Guido , Di Fazio Anna , Khormali Shahab , Mottola Fabio
Published: January 2014

Demand response (DR) can be very useful for an industrial facility, since it allows noticeable reductions in the electricity bill due to the significant value of energy demand. Although most industrial processes have stringent constraints in terms of hourly active power, DR only becomes attractive when performed with the contemporaneous use of battery energy storage systems (BESSs). When this option is used, an optimal sizing of BESSs is desirable, because the investment costs can be significant. This paper deals with the optimal sizing of a BESS installed in an industrial facility to reduce electricity costs. A four-step procedure, based on Decision Theory, was used to obtain a good solution for the sizing problem, even when facing uncertainties; in fact, we think that the sizing procedure must properly take into account the unavoidable uncertainties introduced by the cost of electricity and the load demands of industrial facilities. Three approaches provided by Decision Theory were applied, and they were based on: (1) the minimization of expected cost; (2) the regret felt by the sizing engineer; and (3) a mix of (1) and (2). The numerical applications performed on an actual industrial facility provided evidence of the effectiveness of the proposed procedure.
Smoke-Free Laws and Direct Democracy Initiatives on Smoking Bans in Germany: A Systematic Review and Quantitative Assessment
Authors: Kohler Stefan , Minkner Philipp
Published: January 2014

Background: Germany’s 16 states regulate smoking differently within health protection principles laid down in the federal law. All state smoke-free laws in Germany have undergone at least one change since taking effect. Methods: We systematically review federal and state laws regulating smoking, as well as petitions, popular initiatives and referenda that aimed at changing statutory smoking bans. Data generated through the systematic review were correlated with state smoking rates. Results: The protection from the dangers of secondhand smoke is the primary motive for smoking bans in Germany. The first smoke-free laws affecting smoking in pubs, restaurants and several other public places were introduced in 2007. In 2008, the Federal Constitutional Court of Germany ruled in a leading decision on the smoke-free laws of two states that some common smoking ban exemptions of the introduced smoke-free laws violate the basic right to freely exercise a profession and mandated revisions. All states but Bavaria and Saarland, whose smoking bans were more and less comprehensive than those judged by the constitutional court, respectively, needed to change the smoking ban exemptions to reconcile their smoke-free laws with the constitution. Direct democracy initiatives to change smoking bans were only successful in Bavaria in 2010, but a total of 15 initiatives by citizens’ or interest groups attempted to influence non-smokers protection legislation through direct democratic procedures. Early ratification of a smoking ban in a federal state correlates with a higher reduction in the smoking rate from 2005 to 2009 (Spearman’s ρ = 0.51, p = 0.04). Conclusions: The federal government structure and direct democratic participation in smoke-free legislation in Germany has produced a diversity of local smoking bans and exemptions.
Pigeons: A Novel GUI Software for Analysing and Parsing High Density Heterologous Oligonucleotide Microarray Probe Level Data
Authors: Lai Hung-Ming , May Sean , Mayes Sean
Published: January 2014

Genomic DNA-based probe selection by using high density oligonucleotide arrays has recently been applied to heterologous species (Xspecies). With the advent of this new approach, researchers are able to study the genome and transcriptome of a non-model or an underutilised crop species through current state-of-the-art microarray platforms. However, a software package with a graphical user interface (GUI) to analyse and parse the oligonucleotide probe pair level data is still lacking when an experiment is designed on the basis of this cross species approach. A novel computer program called Pigeons has been developed for customised array data analysis to allow the user to import and analyse Affymetrix GeneChip® probe level data through XSpecies. One can determine empirical boundaries for removing poor probes based on genomic hybridisation of the test species to the Xspecies array, followed by making a species-specific Chip Description File (CDF) file for transcriptomics in the heterologous species, or Pigeons can be used to examine an experimental design to identify potential Single-Feature Polymorphisms (SFPs) at the DNA or RNA level. Pigeons is also focused around visualization and interactive analysis of the datasets. The software with its manual (the current release number version 1.2.1) is freely available at the website of the Nottingham Arabidopsis Stock Centre (NASC).
The Mediterranean Diet and Nutritional Adequacy: A Review
Authors: Castro-Quezada Itandehui , Román-Viñas Blanca , Serra-Majem Lluís
Published: January 2014

The Mediterranean dietary pattern, through a healthy profile of fat intake, low proportion of carbohydrate, low glycemic index, high content of dietary fiber, antioxidant compounds, and anti-inflammatory effects, reduces the risk of certain pathologies, such as cancer or Cardiovascular Disease (CVD). Nutritional adequacy is the comparison between the nutrient requirement and the intake of a certain individual or population. In population groups, the prevalence of nutrient inadequacy can be assessed by the probability approach or using the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) cut-point method. However, dietary patterns can also be used as they have moderate to good validity to assess adequate intakes of some nutrients. The objective of this study was to review the available evidence on the Nutritional Adequacy of the Mediterranean Diet. The inclusion of foods typical of the Mediterranean diet and greater adherence to this healthy pattern was related to a better nutrient profile, both in children and adults, with a lower prevalence of individuals showing inadequate intakes of micronutrients. Therefore, the Mediterranean diet could be used in public health nutrition policies in order to prevent micronutrient deficiencies in the most vulnerable population groups.
Monitoring Architectural Heritage by Wireless Sensors Networks: San Gimignano — A Case Study
Authors: Mecocci Alessandro , Abrardo Andrea
Published: January 2014

This paper describes a wireless sensor network (WSN) used to monitor the health state of architectural heritage in real-time. The WSN has been deployed and tested on the “Rognosa” tower in the medieval village of San Gimignano, Tuscany, Italy. This technology, being non-invasive, mimetic, and long lasting, is particularly well suited for long term monitoring and on-line diagnosis of the conservation state of heritage buildings. The proposed monitoring system comprises radio-equipped nodes linked to suitable sensors capable of monitoring crucial parameters like: temperature, humidity, masonry cracks, pouring rain, and visual light. The access to data is granted by a user interface for remote control. The WSN can autonomously send remote alarms when predefined thresholds are reached.
Strengthening the Competitiveness and Sustainability of a Semiconductor Manufacturer with Cloud Manufacturing
Authors: Chen Toly
Published: January 2014

Cloud manufacturing (CMfg) is a new-generation service-oriented networked manufacturing model that provides distributed users centralized managed manufacturing resources, ability, and services. CMfg is applied here to a semiconductor manufacturing factory. Benefits are classified into five aspects: cost savings, efficiency, additional data analysis capabilities, flexibility, and closer partner relationships. A strength, weakness, opportunity, and threat (SWOT) analysis is done which guides a semiconductor manufacturer in planning CMfg implementation projects. Simulation of a wafer fabrication factory (wafer fab) is used as an example. Several CMfg services are proposed for assisting the fab simulation activities through the collaboration of cloud service providers, software vendors, equipment suppliers, and the wafer fab. The connection with the competitiveness and sustainability of a wafer fab is also stressed.
Cytotoxic Proteins and Therapeutic Targets in Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions
Authors: Su Shih-Chi , Chung Wen-Hung
Published: January 2014

Severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs), such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrosis (TEN), are rare but life-threatening conditions induced mainly by a variety of drugs. Until now, an effective treatment for SJS/TEN still remains unavailable. Current studies have suggested that the pathobiology of drug-mediated SJS and TEN involves major histocompatibility class (MHC) I-restricted activation of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) response. This CTLs response requires several cytotoxic signals or mediators, including granulysin, perforin/granzyme B, and Fas/Fas ligand, to trigger extensive keratinocyte death. In this article, we will discuss the cytotoxic mechanisms of severe cutaneous adverse reactions and their potential applications on therapeutics for this disease.
Simultaneous Effect of Temperature and Irradiance on Growth and Okadaic Acid Production from the Marine Dinoflagellate Prorocentrum belizeanum
Authors: López-Rosales Lorenzo , Gallardo-Rodríguez Juan , Sánchez-Mirón Asterio , Cerón-García María , Belarbi El , García-Camacho Francisco , Molina-Grima Emilio
Published: January 2014

Benthic marine dioflagellate microalgae belonging to the genus Prorocentrum are a major source of okadaic acid (OA), OA analogues and polyketides. However, dinoflagellates produce these valuable toxins and bioactives in tiny quantities, and they grow slowly compared to other commercially used microalgae. This hinders evaluation in possible large-scale applications. The careful selection of producer species is therefore crucial for success in a hypothetical scale-up of culture, as are appropriate environmental conditions for optimal growth. A clone of the marine toxic dinoflagellate P. belizeanum was studied in vitro to evaluate its capacities to grow and produce OA as an indicator of general polyketide toxin production under the simultaneous influence of temperature (T) and irradiance (I0). Three temperatures and four irradiance levels were tested (18, 25 and 28 °C; 20, 40, 80 and 120 µE·m−2·s−1), and the response variables measured were concentration of cells, maximum photochemical yield of photosystem II (PSII), pigments and OA. Experiments were conducted in T-flasks, since their parallelepipedal geometry proved ideal to ensure optically thin cultures, which are essential for reliable modeling of growth-irradiance curves. The net maximum specific growth rate (µm) was 0.204 day−1 at 25 °C and 40 µE·m−2·s−1. Photo-inhibition was observed at I0 > 40 μEm−2s−1, leading to culture death at 120 µE·m−2·s−1 and 28 °C. Cells at I0 ≥ 80 µE·m−2·s−1 were photoinhibited irrespective of the temperature assayed. A mechanistic model for µm-I0 curves and another empirical model for relating µm-T satisfactorily interpreted the growth kinetics obtained. ANOVA for responses of PSII maximum photochemical yield and pigment profile has demonstrated that P. belizeanum is extremely light sensitive. The pool of photoprotective pigments (diadinoxanthin and dinoxanthin) and peridinin was not able to regulate the excessive light-absorption at high I0-T. OA synthesis in cells was decoupled from optimal growth conditions, as OA overproduction was observed at high temperatures and when both temperature and irradiance were low. T-flask culture observations were consistent with preliminary assays outdoors.