bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of serum hepatitis B surface antigen levels on predicting the clinical outcomes of chronic hepatitis B infection: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Qu Li‐Shuai , Liu Jin‐Xia , Zhang Hai‐Feng , Zhu Jing , Lu Cui‐Hua
Published: October 2014

Aim

The impact of serum hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) levels on the prognosis of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains unclear. This meta‐analysis aimed to determine whether serum HBsAg levels influenced the risk of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development. Furthermore, we explored the role played by serum HBsAg levels in prediction of spontaneous HBsAg seroclearance.

Methods

We performed this meta‐analysis including 11 studies to assess the effect of HBsAg levels on predicting clinical outcomes in chronic HBV carriers. The pooled odds ratios (OR) were calculated using a random or fixed effects model. PUBMED, EMBASE, MEDLINE and the Cochrane Database were searched for articles published from 1990 to May 2014.

Results

Our results showed that high HBsAg levels significantly increased the risk of developing cirrhosis (OR, 2.51; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.00–3.14; P < 0.01). Pooled data from two studies revealed that high HBsAg levels increased the risk of HCC occurrence (OR, 2.21; 95% CI, 1.52–3.22; P < 0.01). High HBsAg levels were associated with a significant increased risk of late HCC recurrence after curative resection (OR, 2.02; 95% CI, 1.48–2.77; P < 0.01), but not early recurrence (OR, 1.06; 95% CI, 0.89–1.27; P = 0.53). The pooled data indicated that low HBsAg levels were significantly in favor of spontaneous HBsAg seroclearance (OR, 7.89; 95% CI, 4.74–13.13; P < 0.01).

Conclusion

High HBsAg levels were associated with development of cirrhosis and HCC comparatively. Therefore, lower serum HBsAg levels were associated with a higher rate of spontaneous HBsAg seroclearance.
What is the impact of tumour size on dermoscopic diagnosis of BCC?
Authors: Popadić M. , Vukićević J.
Published: October 2014

Background

The effect of size on diagnostic performance of dermoscopy in basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) is yet to be determined.

Objectives

To investigate the differences in dermoscopic features between small‐ and large‐sized BCCs.

Methods

A total of 151 BCCs consecutively collected during a 2‐year period were analysed. These tumours were evaluated for the presence of various dermoscopic features (colours, structures and vessels) using the contact polarized dermoscopy. Differences in proportions were evaluated by means of chi‐squared test and Fisher's exact test, when appropriate.

Results

In all, 62 (41.1%) small (≤1 cm) and 89 (58.9%) large (>1 cm) BCCs were included. Arborizing vessels, short fine telangiectasias (SFT) and multiple small erosions were significantly (P < 0.05) more frequent in the group of large BCCs. Further analysis of the effect of size on dermoscopic features within the specific groups, nodular, superficial and ulcerated, found significant difference only in the group of nodular BCCs. Structureless hypopigmentation was significantly (P < 0.05) more frequent in the group of large nodular BCCs in comparison with the small ones.

Conclusions

Despite determined differences in vascular features and multiple erosions between the small and large BCCs, the results of further investigation within the specific groups indicate that dermoscopy is reliable for the diagnosis of BCC regardless of its size.
Oxytalan‐positive peripheral ossifying fibromas express runt‐related transcription factor 2, bone morphogenetic protein‐2, and cementum attachment protein. An immunohistochemical study
Authors: Tsiligkrou Ioanna A. , Tosios Konstantinos I. , Madianos Phoebus N. , Vrotsos Ioannis A. , Panis Vassilios G.
Published: October 2014

Background

The peripheral ossifying fibroma (POF) represents one of the most common lesions of the periodontal tissues that may originate from the gingival soft tissues, the periosteum, or the periodontal ligament.

Aim

To investigate the immunohistochemical expression of runt‐related transcription factor 2 (Runx‐2), bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (BMP‐2), and cementum attachment protein (CAP) in oxytalan‐positive POF, to establish the use of POF as an in vivo model for the study of the periodontal ligament.

Materials and Methods

Thirty tumors that presented clinical and histologic features of POF, as well as oxytalan fibers, were included in the study. Immunohistochemical expression of Runx‐2, BMP‐2, and CAP was evaluated by light microscopy.

Results

Runx‐2, BMP‐2, and CAP were abundantly expressed by POFs; 22 of 30 tumors expressed positive staining for Runx‐2, twenty‐six tumors for BMP‐2, and twenty‐five tumors for CAP. The expression of Runx‐2 was abundant in POFs where bone was histologically present (P = 0.04) and of BMP‐2 in POFs where dystrophic calcifications were present (P = 0.03).

Conclusion

It is suggested that oxytalan‐positive POFs, purportedly originating from the periodontal ligament, express molecules that are specific to bone and cementum (Runx‐2, BMP‐2), or cementum only (CAP). Thus, the cell populations present in the lesion belong to the mineralized‐tissue‐forming cell lineages, the cementoblastic or osteoblastic lineage.
Invited review: Drug development for tauopathies
Authors: Grüninger Fiona
Published: October 2014

Many different approaches to treating tauopathies are currently being explored, with a few compounds already in clinical development (including small molecules such as anti‐aggregation compound LMTX and active vaccines AADvac1 and ACI‐35). This review aims to summarize the status of the clinical candidates and to highlight the emerging areas of research that hold promise for drug development. Tau is post‐translationally modified in several different ways (phosphorylated, acetylated, glycosylated and truncated). The extent of these modifications can be manipulated to influence tau aggregation state and pathogenesis and the enzymes involved provide tractable targets for drug intervention. In addition, modulation of tau expression levels is an attractive therapeutic approach. Finally, the recently described prion‐like spreading of tau between cells opens up novel avenues from the tau drug development perspective. The review compares the merits of small‐molecule and antibody‐based therapies and emphasizes the need for amenable clinical biomarkers for drug development, particularly PET imaging.
A reciprocal cross design to map the genetic architecture of complex traits in apomictic plants
Authors: Yin Danni , Zhu Xuli , Jiang Libo , Zhang Jian , Zeng Yanru , Wu Rongling
Published: October 2014

Many higher plants of economic and biological importance undergo apomixis in which the maternal tissue of the ovule forms a seed, without experiencing meiosis and fertilization. This feature of apomixis has made it difficult to perform linkage mapping which relies on meiotic recombination.

Here, we describe a computational model for mapping quantitative trait loci (QTLs) that control complex traits in apomictic plants. The model is founded on the mixture model‐based likelihood in which maternal genotypes are dissolved into two possible components generated by meiotic and apomictic processes, respectively.

The EM algorithm was implemented to discern meiotic and apomictic genotypes and, therefore, allow the marker‐QTL linkage relationship to be estimated. By capitalizing on reciprocal crosses, the model is renovated to estimate and test imprinting effects of QTLs, providing a better gateway to characterize the genetic architecture of complex traits. The model was validated through computer simulation and further demonstrated for its usefulness by analyzing a real data for an apomictic woody plant.

The model has for the first time provided a unique tool for genetic mapping in apomictic plants.
Exosomes – Structure, Biogenesis and Biological Role in Non‐Small‐Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Frydrychowicz M. , Kolecka‐Bednarczyk A. , Madejczyk M. , Yasar S. , Dworacki G.
Published: October 2014

Many different cells produce and release membraneous microvesicles (MV) or exosomes into their microenvironment. Exosomes represent a specific subtype of secreted derived vesicles which are defined as homogenous vesicles of 30–100 nm lined by a lipid bilayer, which contain a specific set of proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. There are clear evidences that they serve as important biological signals messengers and carriers in physiological as well as in pathological processes. Those derived from tumours (tumour‐derived exosomes, TD‐exosomes) function as protumourigenic factors that can mediate intercellular communication in the tumour microenvironment and also contribute to cancer progression. The main functions of exosomes in the cancer microenvironment include the following: promotion of primary cancer growth, stimulation of angiogenesis, activation of stromal fibroblasts, sculpting the cancer ECM, generation of a premetastatic niche and suppression of host immune response. Exosomes have recently emerged as potentially promising diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in cancer and other diseases. This article is a summary of information about the structure and origin of exosomes and also indicates the importance of exosomes and microRNAs in lung cancer. The role of exosomes in NSCLC is little known, and its explanation requires thorough research.
Decentralization and the cultural politics of natural resource management in Kerala, India
Authors: Nair Tamara
Published: October 2014

The state of Kerala in India is known for its active civil society and the massive decentralization campaign launched in 1996. However marginalization of tribal communities hampers the state's decentralized environmental management strategies. The proposed construction of a dam along the Chalakkudy River will displace two colonies of the Kadar tribe in Chalakkudy and Athirapilly towns, destroy habitats of local wildlife and devastate unique riverine vegetation endemic to the region. This brings to light issues of social and environmental justice as well as a wider responsibility to protect and preserve unique flora and fauna. The state's decentralization strategies, as they relate to tribal communities, lack consideration of local power distribution and cultural conditioning. This raises questions about the state's role in social justice as well as biodiversity conservation. In 2010 and 2011, the author's interviews in Chalakkudy and Athirapilly towns reveal that tribal communities perceive that their place in society restricts their contribution regarding natural resource management and use. The paper suggests that unless the culture of planning and decision making in the state are changed, decentralized strategies will be ineffective, resulting in a predominately top‐down approach towards natural resource management, and will negate Kerala's goal of democratic decentralization.
The Braking Force in Walking: Age-Related Differences and Improvement in Older Adults With Exergame Training
Authors: Maillot Pauline , Perrot Alexandra , Hartley Alan , Do Manh-Cuong
Published: October 2014

The purposes of this present research were, in the first study, to determine whether age impacts a measure of postural control (the braking force in walking) and, in a second study, to determine whether exergame training in physically-simulated sport activity would show transfer, increasing the braking force in walking and also improving balance assessed by clinical measures, functional fitness, and health-related quality of life in older adults. For the second study, the authors developed an active video game training program (using the Wii system) with a pretest-training-posttest design comparing an experimental group (24 1-hr sessions of training) with a control group. Participants completed a battery comprising balance (braking force in short and normal step conditions), functional fitness (Senior Fitness Test), and health-related quality of life (SF-36). Results show that 12 weeks of video game-based exercise program training improved the braking force in the normal step condition, along with the functional fitness of lower limb strength, cardiovascular endurance, and motor agility, as measured by the Senior Fitness Test. Only the global mental dimension of the SF-36 was sensitive to exergame practice. Exergames appear to be an effective way to train postural control in older adults. Because of the multimodal nature of the activity, exergames provide an effective tool for remediation of age-related problems.
Comparison of Pedometer and Accelerometer Derived Steps in Older Individuals With Parkinson’s Disease or Osteoporosis Under Free-Living Conditions
Authors: Wallén Martin Benka , Dohrn Ing-Mari , Ståhle Agneta , Franzén Erika , Hagströmer Maria
Published: October 2014

Aim:

To compare self-reported pedometer steps with accelerometer steps under free-living conditions in individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD) or osteoporosis (OP).

Methods:

Seventy-three individuals with PD and 71 individuals with OP wore a pedometer (Yamax LS2000) and an accelerometer (ActiGraph GT1M/GT3X+) simultaneously for one week.

Results:

Fifty-one individuals with PD (72.6 ± 5.3 years) and 61 with OP (75.6 ± 5.3 years) provided simultaneously recorded data for 3–7 consecutive days. Pedometer steps were significantly lower than accelerometer steps in the PD group (p = .002) but not in the OP group (p = .956). Bland-Altman plots demonstrated wide limits of agreement between the instruments in both PD (range = 6,911 steps) and OP (range = 6,794 steps).

Conclusion:

These results suggest that the ActiGraph GT1M/GT3X+ should be preferred over the Yamax LS2000 for the assessment of steps in both research and clinical evaluations, particularly in individuals with PD or altered gait.
Shortcuts and checkpoints on the road to skilled movement
Authors: Azim Eiman
Published: October 2014

Coordinating intricate motor circuits
Mutation V111I in HIV-2 Reverse Transcriptase Increases the Fitness of the Nucleoside Analogue-Resistant K65R and Q151M Viruses
Authors: Deuzing Ilona P. , Charpentier Charlotte , Wright David W. , Matheron Sophie , Paton Jack , Frentz Dineke , van de Vijver David A. , Coveney Peter V. , Descamps Diane ,   the ANRS CO5 HIV-2 Cohort, Boucher Charles A. B. , Beerens Nancy
Published: October 2014

Infection with HIV-2 can ultimately lead to AIDS, although disease progression is much slower than with HIV-1. HIV-2 patients are mostly treated with a combination of nucleoside reverse transcriptase (RT) inhibitors (NRTIs) and protease inhibitors designed for HIV-1. Many studies have described the development of HIV-1 resistance to NRTIs and identified mutations in the polymerase domain of RT. Recent studies have shown that mutations in the connection and RNase H domains of HIV-1 RT may also contribute to resistance. However, only limited information exists regarding the resistance of HIV-2 to NRTIs. In this study, therefore, we analyzed the polymerase, connection, and RNase H domains of RT in HIV-2 patients failing NRTI-containing therapies. Besides the key resistance mutations K65R, Q151M, and M184V, we identified a novel mutation, V111I, in the polymerase domain. This mutation was significantly associated with mutations K65R and Q151M. Sequencing of the connection and RNase H domains of the HIV-2 patients did not reveal any of the mutations that were reported to contribute to NRTI resistance in HIV-1. We show that V111I does not strongly affect drug susceptibility but increases the replication capacity of the K65R and Q151M viruses. Biochemical assays demonstrate that V111I restores the polymerization defects of the K65R and Q151M viruses but negatively affects the fidelity of the HIV-2 RT enzyme. Molecular dynamics simulations were performed to analyze the structural changes mediated by V111I. This showed that V111I changed the flexibility of the 110-to-115 loop region, which may affect deoxynucleoside triphosphate (dNTP) binding and polymerase activity.

IMPORTANCEMutation V111I in the HIV-2 reverse transcriptase enzyme was identified in patients failing therapies containing nucleoside analogues. We show that the V111I change does not strongly affect the sensitivity of HIV-2 to nucleoside analogues but increases the fitness of viruses with drug resistance mutations K65R and Q151M.
The safety and efficacy of irreversible electroporation for the ablation of prostate cancer: a multicentre prospective human in vivo pilot study protocol
Authors: van den Bos W , de Bruin D M , Muller B G , Varkarakis I M , Karagiannis A A , Zondervan P J , Laguna Pes M P , Veelo D P , Savci Heijink C D , Engelbrecht M R W , Wijkstra H , de Reijke T M , de la Rosette J J M C H
Published: October 2014

Introduction

Current surgical and ablative treatment options for prostate cancer have a relatively high incidence of side effects, which may diminish the quality of life. The side effects are a consequence of procedure-related damage of the blood vessels, bowel, urethra or neurovascular bundle. Ablation with irreversible electroporation (IRE) has shown to be effective in destroying tumour cells and harbours the advantage of sparing surrounding tissue and vital structures. The aim of the study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy and to acquire data on patient experience of minimally invasive, transperineally image-guided IRE for the focal ablation of prostate cancer.

Methods and analysis

In this multicentre pilot study, 16 patients with prostate cancer who are scheduled for a radical prostatectomy will undergo an IRE procedure, approximately 30 days prior to the radical prostatectomy. Data as adverse events, side effects, functional outcomes, pain and quality of life will be collected and patients will be controlled at 1 and 2 weeks post-IRE, 1 day preprostatectomy and postprostatectomy. Prior to the IRE procedure and the radical prostatectomy, all patients will undergo a multiparametric MRI and contrast-enhanced ultrasound of the prostate. The efficacy of ablation will be determined by whole mount histopathological examination, which will be correlated with the imaging of the ablation zone.

Ethics and dissemination

The protocol is approved by the ethics committee at the coordinating centre (Academic Medical Center (AMC) Amsterdam) and by the local Institutional Review Board at the participating centres. Data will be presented at international conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals.

Conclusions

This pilot study will determine the safety and efficacy of IRE in the prostate. It will show the radiological and histopathological effects of IRE ablations and it will provide data to construct an accurate treatment planning tool for IRE in prostate tissue.

Trial registration number

Clinicaltrials.gov database:NCT01790451.
Consequences of fleet diversification in managed and unmanaged fisheries
Authors: Burgess Matthew G.
Published: October 2014

Biological diversity is known to play an important role in generating and maintaining ecosystem productivity and other functions and has consequently become a central focus of many efforts to preserve ecosystem services. Theoretical parallels suggest the diversity of fishing fleets may have a similarly important role in determining the productivity and ecological impacts of fisheries, but this possibility has rarely been explored. Here I present theoretical analyses showing that the diversity of métiers — combinations of technology, target species, and fishing grounds — and technical efficiencies in a fishing fleet have important impacts on the productivity, profitability, and ecological impacts of fisheries, particularly mixed-stock or multispecies fisheries. Diversification of métiers can increase yields and reduce threats to weak stocks in both managed and unmanaged multispecies fisheries. Diversification of technical efficiencies creates opportunities for larger profits in managed fisheries, but often decreases yields and worsens impacts on weak stocks in unmanaged fisheries. These results suggest that the potential impact of management may be highest in fisheries with diverse fleets.
Out-of-Hospital Perimortem Cesarean Section as Resuscitative Hysterotomy in Maternal Posttraumatic Cardiac Arrest
Authors: Gatti Francesca , Spagnoli Marco , Zerbi Simone Maria , Colombo Dario , Landriscina Mario , Kette Fulvio
Published: October 2014

The optimal treatment of a severe hemodynamic instability from shock to cardiac arrest in late term pregnant women is subject to ongoing studies. However, there is an increasing evidence that early “separation” between the mother and the foetus may increase the restoration of the hemodynamic status and, in the cardiac arrest setting, it may raise the likelihood of a return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) in the mother. This treatment, called Perimortem Cesarean Section (PMCS), is now termed as Resuscitative Hysterotomy (RH) to better address the issue of an early Cesarean section (C-section). This strategy is in contrast with the traditional treatment of cardiac arrest characterized by the maintenance of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) maneuvers without any emergent surgical intervention. We report the case of a prehospital perimortem delivery by Caesarean (C) section of a foetus at 36 weeks of gestation after the mother’s traumatic cardiac arrest. Despite the negative outcome of the mother, the choice of performing a RH seems to represent up to date the most appropriate intervention to improve the outcome in both mother and foetus.
Experimental Evaluation of Hysteretic Behavior of Rhombic Steel Plate Dampers
Authors: Han Qiang , Jia Junfeng , Xu Zigang , Bai Yulei , Song Nianhua
Published: October 2014

Rhombic mild-steel plate damper (also named rhombic added damping and Stiffness (RADAS)) is a newly proposed and developed bending energy dissipation damper in recent years, and its mechanical properties, seismic behavior, and engineering application still need further investigations. In order to determine the basic mechanical performance of RADAS, fundamental material properties tests of three types of mild-steel specimen including domestically developed mild-steel material with low yield strength were carried out. Then, a quasistatic loading test was performed to evaluate the mechanical performance and hysteretic energy dissipation capacity of these rhombic mild-steel dampers manufactured by aforementioned three types of steel materials. Test results show that yield strength of domestically developed low yield strength steel (LYS) is remarkably lower than that of regular mild steel and its ultimate strain is also 1/3 larger than that of regular mild steel, indicating that the low yield strength steel has a favorable plastic deformation capability. The rhombic mild-steel plate damper with low yield strength steel material possesses smaller yield force and superior hysteretic energy dissipation capacity; thus they can be used to reduce engineering structural vibration and damage during strong earthquakes.
An Efficient and Facile Synthesis of 1,2,4-Aryl Triazoles and 4-Thiazolidinones Bearing 6-Fluorochroman Nucleus
Authors: Vekariya Piyush B. , Pandya Jalpa R. , Joshi Hitendra S.
Published: October 2014

A new generation of chroman bearing heterocyclic five membered ring such as 1,2,4-triazoles and thiazolidinones was designed and synthesized. New chroman based nucleus 5-(6-fluorochroman-2-yl)-4-aryl-4H-1,2,4-triazole-3-thiol and 6-fluorochroman-N-(4-oxo-2-arylthiazolidinin-3-yl) chroman-2-carboxamides were synthesized. Aryl triazole compounds4a–4jwere synthesized from 6-fluorochroman-2-carbohydrazide2on reaction with base in methanol and CS2followed by reaction with substituted aniline. Thiazolidinone compounds5a–5jwere synthesized from 6-fluorochroman-2-carbohydrazide2on reaction with substituted aryl aldehyde and thioglycolic acid.
Study of Protoscolicidal Effects of Hypertonic Glucose on Protoscolices of Hydatid Cyst at Different Concentrations and Exposure Times
Authors: Shahnazi Mojtaba , Badakhsh Fatemeh , Azadmehr Abbas , Saraei Mehrzad , Alipour Mahmood , Shahnazi Maryam , Jamshidi Mehri
Published: October 2014

Surgical operation is the treatment of choice for hydatid cyst. To date, many protoscolicidal substances have been used for inactivation of hydatid cyst contents but most of these compounds may produce several side effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protoscolicidal effects of hypertonic glucose on protoscolices of hydatid cyst at different concentrations and exposure times. Protoscolices were obtained aseptically from the livers of slaughtered sheep at Qazvin abattoir, Iran. Protoscolices were exposed to different concentrations of hypertonic glucose (10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 40%, and 50%) at different times (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 min). Viability of protoscolices was evaluated by 0.1% eosin and the movement of protoscolices flame cells. The highest protoscolicidal effect (100%) of hypertonic glucose was obtained at concentrations 40% and 50% following 40 and 20 min exposure times, respectively. Some protoscolicidal agents show a variety of dangerous complications such as biliary tract fibrosis and liver necrosis; however, hypertonic glucose especially at a concentration of 40% may demonstrate less side effects compared with glucose 50%. Further in vivo investigations are suggested.
Pathophysiology of Spasticity: Implications for Neurorehabilitation
Authors: Trompetto Carlo , Marinelli Lucio , Mori Laura , Pelosin Elisa , Currà Antonio , Molfetta Luigi , Abbruzzese Giovanni
Published: October 2014

Spasticity is the velocity-dependent increase in muscle tone due to the exaggeration of stretch reflex. It is only one of the several components of the upper motor neuron syndrome (UMNS). The central lesion causing the UMNS disrupts the balance of supraspinal inhibitory and excitatory inputs directed to the spinal cord, leading to a state of disinhibition of the stretch reflex. However, the delay between the acute neurological insult (trauma or stroke) and the appearance of spasticity argues against it simply being a release phenomenon and suggests some sort of plastic changes, occurring in the spinal cord and also in the brain. An important plastic change in the spinal cord could be the progressive reduction of postactivation depression due to limb immobilization. As well as hyperexcitable stretch reflexes, secondary soft tissue changes in the paretic limbs enhance muscle resistance to passive displacements. Therefore, in patients with UMNS, hypertonia can be divided into two components: hypertonia mediated by the stretch reflex, which corresponds to spasticity, and hypertonia due to soft tissue changes, which is often referred as nonreflex hypertonia or intrinsic hypertonia. Compelling evidences state that limb mobilisation in patients with UMNS is essential to prevent and treat both spasticity and intrinsic hypertonia.
Andrographolide Exerts Chondroprotective Activity in Equine Cartilage Explant and Suppresses Interleukin-1β-Induced MMP-2 Expression in Equine Chondrocyte Culture
Authors: Tangyuenyong Siriwan , Viriyakhasem Nawarat , Peansukmanee Siriporn , Kongtawelert Prachya , Ongchai Siriwan
Published: October 2014

Cartilage erosion in degenerative joint diseases leads to lameness in affected horses. It has been reported that andrographolide fromAndrographis paniculatainhibited cartilage matrix-degrading enzymes. This study aimed to explore whether this compound protects equine cartilage degradation in the explant culture model and to determine its effect on matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) expression, a matrix-degrading enzyme, in equine chondrocyte culture. Equine articular cartilage explant culture was induced by 25 ng/mL interleukin-1β, a key inducer of cartilage degeneration, in cultures with or without andrographolide ranging from 10 to 50 μM. After 3–21 days, they were analyzed for the markers of cartilage degradation. It was found that interleukin-1βincreased the release of sulfated glycosaminoglycans and hyaluronan from the explants into the culture media consistently with the decrease in uronic acid and collagen content in the cartilage explants. These catabolic effects were inhibited when cotreated with interleukin-1βand andrographolide. In primary equine chondrocytes, andrographolide suppressed interleukin-1β-induced MMP-2 mRNA expression and MMP-2 activity in the culture medium. These results confirmed thein vitropotent chondroprotective activities of this compound which were performed in cartilage explants and on a cellular level. These may indicate the application of andrographolide for therapeutic use in equine degenerative joint diseases.
Personnel’s Experiences of Phlebotomy Practices after Participating in an Educational Intervention Programme
Authors: Bölenius Karin , Brulin Christine , Graneheim Ulla H.
Published: October 2014

Background. Blood specimen collection is a common procedure in health care, and the results from specimen analysis have essential influence on clinical decisions. Errors in phlebotomy may lead to repeated sampling and delay in diagnosis and may jeopardise patient safety. This study aimed to describe the experiences of, and reflections on, phlebotomy practices of phlebotomy personnel working in primary health care after participating in an educational intervention programme (EIP).Methods. Thirty phlebotomists from ten primary health care centres participated. Their experiences were investigated through face-to-face interviews. Findings were analysed using qualitative content analysis.Results. The participants perceived the EIP as having opened up opportunities to reflect on safety. The EIP had made them aware of risks in relation to identification procedures, distractions from the environment, lack of knowledge, and transfer of information. The EIP also resulted in improvements in clinical practice, such as a standardised way of working and increased accuracy. Some said that the training had reassured them to continue working as usual, while others continued as usual regardless of incorrect procedure.Conclusions. The findings show that EIP can stimulate reflections on phlebotomy practices in larger study groups. Increased knowledge of phlebotomy practices improves the opportunities to revise and maximise the quality and content of future EIPs. Educators and safety managers should reflect on and pay particular attention to the identification procedure, distractions from the environment, and transfer of information, when developing and implementing EIPs. The focus of phlebotomy training should not solely be on improving adherence to practice guidelines.
A Disease Modification Effect of APOEE4 on the Association between Urinary Albumin Excretion and Cognition in Korean Adults
Authors: Shin Min-Ho , Kweon Sun-Seog , Choi Jin-Su , Lee Young-Hoon , Nam Hae-Sung , Park Kyeong-Soo , Kim Hee Nam , Oh Sun-Young , Jeong Seul-Ki
Published: October 2014

Background. No previous study examined a disease modifying effect of APOEE4 status on the association between the urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) and cognition. This study aimed to investigate whether APOEE4 modified the association in Korean adults.Methods. We performed a cross-sectional study in adults aged 45 to 74 who were living in Namwon City, Republic of Korea. Cognitive function was measured with the Korean version of modified Mini-Mental State Examination (K-mMMSE) and cognitive impairment was defined as scores falling below the 25th percentile of the K-mMMSE according to age, sex, and educational attainments.Results. A total of 10,190 participants (4006 men and 6184 women) were analyzed in the present study. Of these, 1698 subjects (16.7%) were APOEE4 carriers. The UACR values were negatively associated with the K-mMMSE scores, even after adjusting for potential confounders including age, sex, education, and vascular risk factors. APOEE4 modified the association significantly, resulting in a steeper decline of cognitive function with the increase in UACR inE4 carriers (Pfor interaction = 0.021).Conclusion. Higher UACR values were significantly associated with cognitive dysfunction in the general Korean population, with cognition in APOEE4 carriers being more severely affected by increased UACR.
Healthcare Supported by Data Mule Networks in Remote Communities of the Amazon Region
Authors: Coutinho Mauro Margalho , Efrat Alon , Johnson Thienne , Richa Andrea , Liu Mengxue
Published: October 2014

This paper investigates the feasibility of using boats as data mule nodes, carrying medical ultrasound videos from remote and isolated communities in the Amazon region in Brazil, to the main city of that area. The videos will be used by physicians to perform remote analysis and follow-up routine of prenatal examinations of pregnant women. Two open source simulators (the ONE and NS-2) were used to evaluate the results obtained utilizing a CoDPON (continuous displacement plan oriented network). The simulations took into account the connection times between the network nodes (boats) and the number of nodes on each boat route.
Modification of Magnesium Alloys by Ceramic Particles in Gravity Die Casting
Authors: Haßlinger Urs , Hartig Christian , Hort Norbert , Günther Robert
Published: October 2014

A critical drawback for the application of magnesium wrought alloys is the limited formability of semifinished products that arises from a strong texture formation during thermomechanical treatment. The ability of second phase particles embedded into the metal matrix to alter this texture evolution is of great interest. Therefore, the fabrication of particle modified magnesium alloys (particle content 0.5–1 wt.-%) by gravity die casting has been studied. Five different types of micron sized ceramic powders (AlN, MgB2, MgO, SiC, and ZrB2) have been investigated to identify applicable particles for the modification. Agglomeration of the particles is revealed to be the central problem for the fabrication process. The main factors that influence the agglomerate size are the particle size and the intensity of melt stirring. Concerning handling, chemical stability in the Mg-Al-Zn alloy system, settling and wetting in the melt, and formation of the microstructure in most cases, the investigated powders show satisfying properties. However, SiC is chemically unstable in aluminum containing alloys. The high density of ZrB2causes large particles to settle subsequent to stirring resulting in an inhomogeneous distribution of the particles over the cast billet.
Energy at the Junction of the Rivers Negro and Solimões, Contributors of the Amazon River, in the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Beluco Alexandre , de Souza Paulo Kroeff
Published: October 2014

The Negro and Solimoes rivers join in front of the Brazilian city of Manaus to form the Amazon River. This “meeting of the waters” is a natural phenomenon of great aesthetic beauty that has been the focus of attention of researchers all over the world in various scientific fields. The waters of the Negro are darker and warmer, while the waters of the Solimoes are lighter and cooler. These waters have very different characteristics and remain without mixing, flowing side by side for several miles. Some reports indicate a temperature gradient between the waters of the order of 6°C, which can be used in conjunction with very high flow rates delivered by the two rivers, with a heat engine operating on a thermodynamic cycle to provide electricity. This review paper identifies this energy resource and presents a preliminary assessment of the potential for power generation. A realistic assessment of the potential points to an available power of about 1 GW. It is clear that further studies are needed to accurately assess the available thermal gradient and its variation over time, to move forward in the design of the power converter, and to establish an appropriate location for a power plant.
Selenoproteins and cardiovascular stress
Authors: Rose Aaron H. , Hoffmann Peter
Published: October 2014

Dietary selenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient that exerts its biological effects through its incorporation into selenoproteins. This family of proteins contains several antioxidant enzymes such as the glutathione peroxidases, redox-regulating enzymes such as thioredoxin reductases, a methionine sulfoxide reductase, and others. In this review, we summarise the current understanding of the roles these seleno proteins play in protecting the cardiovascular system from different types of stress including ischaemia-reperfusion, homocysteine dysregulation, myocardial hypertrophy, doxirubicin toxicity, Keshan disease, and others.
Kin-biased spatial associations and social interactions in male and female black howler monkeys (Alouatta pigra)
Authors: Van Belle Sarie , Estrada Alejandro , Di Fiore Anthony
Published: October 2014

Kinship has been shown to play a crucial role in shaping the social structure of animal societies. We examined the genetic relationships of adult and sub-adult males () and females () from five social groups of black howler monkeys (Alouatta pigra) at Palenque National Park, Mexico, by genotyping each individual at 21 microsatellite markers. These findings were related to patterns of intragroup spatial associations and affiliative and agonistic interactions recorded over a 28-month period of behavioural observation in the field. We demonstrate that the social structure of this black howler monkey population is dominated by strong social relationships and high degrees of genetic relatedness among females. Female kin had stronger relationships because they were less aggressive to each other than female non-kin. Nevertheless, females resident in the same social group frequently spent time close to one another and affiliated with each other regardless of kinship. Relationships among males from the same social group were based on avoidance and tolerance, as males rarely interacted either affiliatively or agonistically and spent limited time close to one another. Nonetheless, kinship was a significant predictor of agonistic interactions among males, with unrelated or distantly related males engaging in agonism at higher rates than close male kin. Adult males and females rarely co-resided with adult kin from the opposite sex, and they affiliated and spatially associated at rates intermediary to those among females and those among males.
Female mate preference varies with age and environmental conditions
Authors: Munro Kurtis R. , Flood Nancy J. , McKellar Ann E. , Reudink Matthew W.
Published: October 2014

Sexual selection and mate choice are dynamic processes that can be influenced by a variety of environmental and social factors, which have been well studied in a range of taxa. However, in humans, the environmental factors that influence regional variation in preference for mate attributes remain poorly understood. In addition, underlying variation based on individual age may strongly influence mate preferences. In this study, we examined written descriptions of preferred mates from the online dating profiles of 1111 women from 26 cities across Canada. We grouped the words describing preferred mates into four categories: resource holding potential, physical attractiveness, activities and interests, and emotional appeal. We then asked whether variation in environmental (sex ratio, population size and population density), economic (population income) and individual factors (age) predicted variation in the relative importance of these four categories of female mate preference. Sex ratio was the best predictor of preference for the physical attractiveness and the activities and interests of potential mates, with women in male-biased cities placing more emphasis on physical attractiveness and less emphasis on activities and interests. Age was the best predictor of preference for resource holding potential, with younger individuals placing more emphasis on this trait. No factors were strong predictors of variation in preference for emotional appeal, perhaps because this trait was highly valued in all populations. This work supports a growing body of literature demonstrating that mate choice and mate preferences are often dynamic and can be influenced by individual and environmental variation.
Using Negotiated Joining to Construct and Fill Open-ended Roles in Elite Culinary Groups
Authors: Tan Vaughn
Published: October 2014

This qualitative study examines membership processes in groups operating in an uncertain environment that prevents them from fully predefining new members’ roles. I describe how nine elite high-end, cutting-edge culinary groups in the U.S. and Europe, ranging from innovative restaurants to culinary R&D groups, use negotiated joining—a previously undocumented process—to systematically construct and fill these emergent, open-ended roles. I show that negotiated joining is a consistently patterned, iterative process that begins with a role that both aspirant and target group explicitly understand to be provisional. This provisional role is then jointly modified and constructed by the aspirant and target group through repeated iterations of proposition, validation through trial and evaluation, and selective integration of validated role components. The initially provisional role stabilizes and the aspirant achieves membership if enough role components are validated; otherwise the negotiated joining process is abandoned. Negotiated joining allows the aspirant and target group to learn if a mutually desirable role is likely and, if so, to construct such a role. In addition, the provisional roles in negotiated joining can support absorptive capacity by allowing novel role components to enter target groups through aspirants’ efforts to construct stable roles for themselves, while the internal adjustment involved in integrating newly validated role components can have the unintended side effect of supporting adaptation by providing opportunities for the groups to use these novel role components to modify their role structure and goals to suit a changing and uncertain environment. Negotiated joining thus reveals role ambiguity’s hitherto unexamined beneficial consequences and provides a foundation for a contingency theory of new-member acquisition.
Comparing Regression Discontinuity and Multivariate Analyses of Variance
Authors: Ashworth Kristen E. , Pullen Paige C.
Published: October 2014

The purpose of this study was to compare the results of a regression discontinuity design (RDD) with those of an experimental design of a tiered vocabulary intervention for children at risk for reading disability to determine RDD’s feasibility as a research methodology for this type of study. Researchers reanalyzed an archival dataset of a previous study that determined the effectiveness of the intervention through a randomized experiment. Results were comparable for the receptive outcome scores in direction, magnitude, and significance, although the magnitude of the treatment effect for the RDD was slightly higher. Results were also comparable for contextual outcome scores with respect to direction and magnitude. We present possible reasons for the different results between studies, limitations, and future research.
Bad Touches, Getting Away, and Never Keeping Secrets
Authors: Wood McKenzie , Archbold Carol A.
Published: October 2014

School-based prevention programs that target sexual abuse are commonplace in many elementary schools across the United States. This study examines the efficacy of the “Red Flag Green Flag People” program presented to elementary school children in two school districts in the Midwest. A brief, 11-question survey is given to students to assess knowledge retention of the curriculum from this sexual abuse prevention program. The results of this study indicate that students are retaining information taught in the Red Flag Green Flag People program for up to 2 years after the program was administered.
Bullying Predicts Reported Dating Violence and Observed Qualities in Adolescent Dating Relationships
Authors: Ellis Wendy E. , Wolfe David A.
Published: October 2014

The relationship between reported bullying, reported dating violence, and dating relationship quality measured through couple observations was examined. Given past research demonstrating similarity between peer and dating contexts, we expected that bullying would predict negative dating experiences. Participants with dating experience ( n = 585; 238 males, Mage = 15.06) completed self-report assessments of bullying and dating violence perpetration and victimization. One month later, 44 opposite-sex dyads ( Mage = 15.19) participated in behavioral observations. In 10-min sessions, couples were asked to rank and discuss areas of relationship conflict while being video-recorded. Qualities of the relationship were later coded by trained observers. Regression analysis revealed that bullying positively predicted dating violence perpetration and victimization. Self-reported bullying also predicted observations of lower relationship support and higher withdrawal. Age and gender interactions further qualified these findings. The bullying of boys, but not girls, was significantly related to dating violence perpetration. Age interactions showed that bullying was positively predictive of dating violence perpetration and victimization for older, but not younger adolescents. Positive affect was also negatively predicted by bullying, but only for girls. These findings add to the growing body of evidence that adolescents carry forward strategies learned in the peer context to their dating relationships.
The Philosophical Aspects of Hate Crime and Hate Crime Legislation
Authors: Brax David , Munthe Christian
Published: October 2014

In this introduction to the special symposium on the philosophy of hate crime, we provide an overview of the main philosophical aspects of hate crime and hate crime legislation. We point out that there are two overarching philosophical issues that span over the literature: the Conceptual Question—concerning what hate crime is—and the Normative Question—concerning the status of hate crimes and the justification of hate crime legislation. We also provide brief summaries of the articles in the special section and point to their relations to the broader themes.
The Social Security Disability Insurance Program
Authors: Kilgour John G.
Published: October 2014

The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) was added to Social Security in the 1950s and has grown into a large and complex institution in its own right that interacts with several other government and employer-provided benefit programs. It provides income replacement to the 8.9 million disabled workers and their families. SSDI is currently funded by a 1.8% Federal Insurance Contributions Act payroll tax on earned income up to $117,000 per year (indexed). That has not been enough, and the Disability Insurance (DI) trust fund will be depleted in 2016. There are indications that the solution is at hand. A proposal within the Office of the Chief Actuary of the Social Security Administration would shunt money from the Old Age and Survivors Insurance to the DI trust funds, thus postponing the “day of reckoning” for the combined Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance trust funds to 2033. It is imperative that Congress address this problem soon. The longer we wait, the harder it will be.
Predicting Success in Residential Substance Abuse Interventions
Authors: Hsieh Ming-Li , Hamilton Zachary K.
Published: October 2014

Halfway houses (HWHs) are a common intervention for substance-abusing offenders. Facilities utilized to provide treatment for correctional populations are typically privately managed, often leading to variations in amounts and types of services and treatments. This study examines recidivism outcomes of substance-abusing offenders receiving halfway house interventions within New Jersey. Pre-intervention assessment characteristics are matched for participants with propensity score analysis. Using frailty models, this study found participants had a lower propensity to have their parole revoked than non-participants. Policy implications are made regarding further halfway house improvement to increase its role as a successful community reentry program.