bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
β-Lactam/β-Lactamase Inhibitor Combinations
Authors: Toussaint Kimberly A. , Gallagher Jason C.
Published: November 2014

Objective: To review the available evidence regarding the utility of the currently available β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor combinations (BLICs) as well as the emerging body of data for the novel agents in the pipeline. Data Sources: A MEDLINE literature search (1960-August 2014) was performed using the search terms β-lactamase, β-lactamase inhibitor, clavulanate, sulbactam, tazobactam, avibactam, NXL104, MK-7655, and RPX7009. Current studies focusing on new agents were obtained from clinicaltrials.gov. Additional references were identified from a review of literature citations and meeting abstracts. Study Selection and Data Extraction: All English-language studies pertaining to BLICs were evaluated. Data Synthesis: Historical clinical and in vitro data focusing on the characteristics of the conventional BLICs are reviewed. Avibactam, relebactam (formerly MK-7655), and RPX7009 are new β-lactamase inhibitors that are being studied in combination with β-lactams. Clinical and in vitro data that provide support for their use for multidrug-resistant organisms are reviewed. β-Lactam antibiotics are a mainstay for the treatment of many infections. The addition of β-lactamase inhibitors enhances their activity against organisms that produce β-lactamases; however, organisms that produce extended-spectrum β-lactamases, AmpC β-lactamases, and carbapenemases are proliferating. The BLICs (amoxicillin/clavulanate, ticarcillin/clavulanate, ampicillin/sulbactam, and piperacillin/tazobactam) lack activity against some of these enzymes, presenting a critical need for new antibiotics. Conclusions: The historical BLICs are useful for many infections; however, evolving resistance limits their use. The new BLICs (combinations with avibactam, relebactam, and RPX7009) may be valuable options for patients infected with multidrug-resistant organisms.
A fractional order controller for seismic mitigation of structures equipped with viscoelastic mass dampers
Authors: Muresan Cristina I , Dulf Eva H , Prodan Ovidiu
Published: November 2014

In this paper a fractional order (FO) controller is proposed for solving the vibration suppression problem in civil structures. A laboratory scaled steel structure, with one floor, modeled as a single degree-of-freedom system is used as a case study. Two passive control solutions are proposed: a tuned mass damper (TMD) and a viscoelastic damper (VED), the latter being modeled using fractional derivatives. The simulation results show that the VED is able to further reduce the vibrations induced as forced oscillations or due to seismic excitation inputs, as compared to the passive TMD. The FO controller is then tuned using a new approach based on imposing a magnitude condition for the closed-loop system at the structural resonance frequency. The resulting FO active control strategy, together with the VED, ensures an increased seismic mitigation. Structural modeling errors are also considered, with the proposed active FO control strategy behaving robustly in terms of vibration suppression. The novelty of the paper resides in the tuning approach, as well as in the proposed active control strategy that is based upon combing VEDs, described using an FO model, and an FO controller.
Adaptive anti-synchronization of chaotic complex systems and chaotic real systems with unknown parameters
Authors: Sun Junwei , Shen Yi
Published: November 2014

In this paper, we investigate the anti-synchronization between a class of chaotic real nonlinear systems and a class of chaotic complex nonlinear systems with fully uncertain parameters. According to Lyapunov stability theory, an adaptive control scheme and adaptive laws of parameters have been designed to realize the anti-synchronization between a class of chaotic real nonlinear systems and a class of chaotic complex nonlinear systems with different initial conditions. The anti-synchronization between the real Lorenz system and the complex Lorenz system, the real Chen system and the complex Lü system are presented as two examples to demonstrate the validity and feasibility of the presented control technique.
Establishing an international baseline for medication safety in oncology: Findings from the 2012 ISMP International Medication Safety Self Assessment® for Oncology
Authors: Greenall Julie , Shastay Ann , Vaida Allen J , U David , Johnson Philip E , O’Leary Joe , Chambers Carole
Published: November 2014

Background

In 2012, the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) and the Institute for Safe Medication Practices Canada (ISMP Canada) collaborated with an international panel of oncology practitioners to develop the ISMP International Medication Safety Self Assessment® for Oncology. This self-assessment was designed to assist oncology practitioners in hospitals, ambulatory care centers, and office practice settings throughout the world to evaluate safe practices related to medication use in the oncology setting and to identify opportunities for improvement.

Instrument Design

The self-assessment consists of 175 items organized into 10 key elements subdivided into 18 core characteristics of safe medication use. Assessment results were submitted via a secure online portal. The online program allows participants to print and graph their results and to compare their findings with those of similar organizations both nationally and internationally.

Methods

Complimentary access to the self-assessment was made available for a seven-month “snapshot” period in 2012.

Results

A total of 352 organizations from 13 countries submitted assessment results. Key opportunities for improvement were identified in five areas: implementation of the World Health Organization recommendations for management of vinCRIStine and other vinca alkaloids, safe management of oral chemotherapy, labeling of distal ends of intravenous tubing, implementation of technology-based safeguards, and patient education.

Conclusions

This international snapshot provides important data about the level of implementation of system-based safeguards in oncology practice, key improvement opportunities, and represents a baseline for future improvement efforts. A collaborative approach to identifying vulnerabilities and developing solutions for safe medication use in oncology will enhance the care of patients with cancer internationally.
Atypical presentation of fever as hypersensitivity reaction to oxaliplatin
Authors: Khurana Arushi , Mitsis Demytra , Kowlgi Gurukripa N , Holle Lisa M , Clement Jessica M
Published: November 2014

Oxaliplatin, a third-generation, platinum-based agent is widely used, most commonly in the FOLFOX (5-fluorouracil, leucovorin and oxaliplatin) regimen, which is the first-line therapy in metastatic colorectal adenocarcinoma and adjuvant chemotherapy in stage III colorectal cancer. Platinum-based products are well known for causing hypersensitivity reactions. Fever associated with oxaliplatin-hypersensitivity reactions typically follows a specific pattern. It usually starts during the oxaliplatin infusion or immediately after (within hours instead of days) and happens after several administrations (mean 2–25) with unpredictable clinical presentations. We report a case of oxaliplatin-induced hypersensitivity reaction manifesting as fever but with unusual presentation than the aforementioned features.
Speaking to Read
Authors: Cole Mikel W.
Published: November 2014

This meta-analysis examines the effectiveness of a group of instructional approaches (i.e., cooperative, collaborative, and peer tutoring) at improving literacy outcomes for English language learners. Main effects analyses of a sample of 28 experimental and quasi-experimental studies reveal that peer-mediation is more effective for ELLs than individualized or teacher-centered comparison conditions (g=.486, SE=.121, p<.001). A number of potential moderators were examined, and two study quality variables proved significant. Also, grade level was a significant moderator, with middle school students demonstrating much smaller gains than elementary or high school students. Finally, descriptive analysis of moderators provides tentative evidence that ELLs showed greater gains on word-level outcomes than text-level outcomes and that interventions for which peer-mediation was one of several tightly-woven components were twice as effective as interventions utilizing peer-mediation alone.
An Overview and Practical Guide to IRT Measurement Equivalence Analysis
Authors: Tay Louis , Meade Adam W , Cao Mengyang
Published: November 2014

This article provides an overview and guide to implementing item response theory (IRT) measurement equivalence (ME) or differential item functioning (DIF) analysis. We (a) present the need for establishing IRT ME/DIF analysis, (b) discuss the similarities and differences between factor-analytic ME/DIF analysis, (c) review commonly used IRT ME/DIF indices and procedures, (d) provide three illustrations to two recommended IRT procedures, and (e) furnish recommendations for conducting IRT ME/DIF. We conclude by discussing future directions for IRT ME/DIF research.
The Staff Perceptions of Behavior and Discipline Survey
Authors: Feuerborn Laura L. , Tyre Ashli D. , King Joe P.
Published: November 2014

The practices of schoolwide positive behavior support (SWPBS) are dependent on staff implementation in classroom and common areas throughout the school. Thus, gaining the support and commitment of school staff is a critical step toward reaching full implementation of SWPBS. However, achieving buildingwide support can be challenging; many schools fail to reach full implementation due to staff resistance. The Staff Perceptions of Behavior and Discipline (SPBD) survey was developed to help teams assess staff beliefs about behavior and discipline and their perceptions of schoolwide expectations, school climate, systemic supports, and resources. With a better understanding of staff perceptions and beliefs, teams can proactively address staff needs and concerns and build on existing capacities. The current study describes the development and explores the psychometric properties of the SPBD in a sample of 1,210 school staff from 36 schools. The results of exploratory factor analysis provide evidence of internal validity, and the results of hierarchical linear modeling analyses examine concurrent validity with key variables such as level of SWPBS implementation, staff knowledge, and training.
A systematic review of dropout from organized sport among children and youth
Authors: Crane Jeff , Temple Viviene
Published: November 2014

Leisure constraints theory was used as a framework to systematically review factors associated with dropout of organized sport among children and adolescents. Keyword searches for the population, context and construct of interest (i.e. dropout) identified articles from the entire contents of the following databases: Academic Search Complete, ERIC, MEDLINE, PsycINFO and SPORTDiscus. The initial search yielded 557 studies, and 43 met the selection criteria. Most studies focused solely on adolescents, and 89% of participants were male. Most studies were cross-sectional using quantitative approaches. Almost 30 different sports were included in the reviewed studies; however, the most represented sports were soccer, swimming, gymnastics and basketball. Findings from this review indicated that intrapersonal and interpersonal constraints are more frequently associated with dropping out of sport than structural constraints. Although many discrete factors associated with dropout were identified, five major areas emerged: lack of enjoyment, perceptions of competence, social pressures, competing priorities and physical factors (maturation and injuries). Rarely were the interrelationships between factors or the underlying dimensions of factors examined. Future research would benefit from mixed-methods and prospective approaches. These approaches would allow children and youth to explain how their experience of sport shaped their motives to dropout and allow researchers to probe the extent to which affordances and motives for participation aligned with athletes’ reasons for dropping out.
The influence of instructional climates on time spent in management tasks and physical activity of 2nd-grade students during physical education
Authors: Logan Samuel W , Robinson Leah E , Webster E Kipling , Rudisill Mary E
Published: November 2014

The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of two physical education (PE) instructional climates (mastery, performance) on the percentage of time students spent in a) moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and b) management tasks during PE in 2nd-grade students. Forty-eight 2nd graders (mastery, n = 23; performance, n = 25) participated in a daily, school-based five-week PE intervention. All students also participated in typical PE during a baseline phase, thereby serving as their own control group. The System for Observing Fitness Instruction Time (SOFIT) was used to describe the lesson context and students’ physical activity for each PE session. Students spent an average of 36.9%, 9.9%, and 23.5% of class time in management tasks during typical PE, mastery, and performance climates, respectively. The mastery climate spent significantly less time in management compared to the performance climate and typical PE ( p < 0.001). Results indicated that students engaged in significantly more MVPA during the mastery (68%) and performance (67%) climates compared to typical PE (49.7%) across 24 lessons ( p < 0.05). Results suggest that a mastery climate can decrease the percentage of time spent in management tasks and that a structured intervention can increase MVPA in 2nd-grade students.
Beneficial effects of low-dose aspirin on aortic stiffness in hypertensive patients
Authors: Pietri Panagiota , Vlachopoulos Charalambos , Terentes-Printzios Dimitris , Xaplanteris Panagiotis , Aznaouridis Konstantinos , Petrocheilou Katerina , Stefanadis Christodoulos
Published: November 2014

While treatment with low-dose aspirin has been established as a therapeutic tool for secondary prevention, the role of aspirin on primary prevention remains controversial. Aortic stiffness and wave reflections are independent predictors of cardiovascular events. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of low-dose aspirin on aortic stiffness and wave reflections in hypertensive patients. We studied 30 patients with grade I hypertension. Fifteen patients were treated with 160 mg of aspirin and 15 patients with placebo. Aortic stiffness and wave reflections were assessed by measuring carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) and heart rate-adjusted augmentation index (AIx75), respectively. All measurements were conducted at baseline and 2 weeks after treatment. In the aspirin group, there was a significant reduction in PWV compared to the placebo group (from 8.9±1.5 to 8.5±1.6 m/s for the aspirin group vs from 8.6±1.4 to 8.7±1.6 m/s for the placebo group, net change: –0.5 m/s; p=0.02). AIx75 showed a marginal decrease (from 28.0±5.4 to 26.2±5.0% for the aspirin group vs from 31.2±9.7 to 30.6±9.2% for the placebo group, net change: –1.2%; p=0.06). In conclusion, a 2-week course of aspirin administration has a favorable effect on aortic stiffness and, to a lesser extent, on wave reflections in hypertensive patients. Whether the reduction in arterial stiffness is translated to fewer cardiovascular events needs to be confirmed by future prospective studies.
Clinical utility of cerebral angiography in the preoperative assessment of endocarditis
Authors: Monteleone Peter P , Shrestha Nabin K , Jacob Jessen , Gordon Steven M , Fraser Thomas G , Rehm Susan J , Bajzer Christopher T , Kapadia Samir R , Pettersson Gosta B , Lytle Bruce W , Blackstone Eugene H , Shishehbor Mehdi H
Published: November 2014

Cerebral angiography is an invasive procedure utilized without supporting guidelines in preoperative evaluations of infective endocarditis (IE). It is used to identify mycotic intracranial aneurysm, which is suspected to increase the risk of intracranial bleeding during cardiac surgery. Our objectives were to: (1) assess the utility of cerebral angiography by determining which subset of IE patients benefit from its performance; and (2) identify clinical and noninvasive screening tests that can preclude the need for invasive cerebral angiography. Retrospective analysis was performed of all patients treated surgically for IE from 7/2007 to 1/2012 and discharged with medical treatment for IE from 7/2007 to 7/2009 presenting to a large academic center. Of the 151 patients who underwent cerebral angiography, mycotic aneurysm was identified in seven (prevalence=4.6%; 95% CI 2.3–9.3%). Five had viridans group streptococci as the causative IE microorganism ( p=0.0017). Noninvasive imaging and particularly absence of intracranial bleed on magnetic resonance imaging conveys a negative predictive value (NPV) of 0.977 (95% CI 0.879–0.996). Absence of a focal neurologic deficit or altered mental status convey a NPV of 0.990 (95% CI 0.945–0.998) and 0.944 (95% CI 0.883–0.974), respectively. Clinical suspicion for mycotic aneurysm and thus utilization of cerebral angiography is likely necessary only in the setting of acute neurologic deficits and when noninvasive imaging demonstrates acute intracranial bleed. A novel association between viridans group streptococci and intracranial mycotic aneurysm is demonstrated.
The Durkheim-Tarde debate and the social study of aboriginal youth suicide
Authors: Niezen Ronald
Published: November 2014

A debate that took place in France in the early 20th century still has much to tell us about the interpretation and strategies of intervention of suicide, particularly the “cohort effect” of aboriginal youth suicide. The act of suicide, for Durkheim, was inseparable from the problem of social cohesion, with extremes in solidarity and regulation predictably reflected in high rates of suicide. For Gabriel Tarde, by contrast, suicide was seen as an outcome of changeable ideas found in processes of innovation and imitation among creatively receptive individuals. This latter approach remains overlooked in favor of a growing reliance on conceptions of historical trauma and conditions of social disintegration. Recognizing the idea of suicide itself as a potential locus of solidarity opens up other possibilities for responding to and intervening in suicide crises or “clusters.”
Is mindfulness Buddhist? (and why it matters)
Authors: Sharf Robert H.
Published: November 2014

Modern exponents of mindfulness meditation promote the therapeutic effects of “bare attention”—a sort of non-judgmental, non-discursive attending to the moment-to-moment flow of consciousness. This approach to Buddhist meditation can be traced to Burmese Buddhist reform movements of the first half of the 20th century, and is arguably at odds with more traditional Theravāda Buddhist doctrine and meditative practices. But the cultivation of present-centered awareness is not without precedent in Buddhist history; similar innovations arose in medieval Chinese Zen (Chan) and Tibetan Dzogchen. These movements have several things in common. In each case the reforms were, in part, attempts to render Buddhist practice and insight accessible to laypersons unfamiliar with Buddhist philosophy and/or unwilling to adopt a renunciatory lifestyle. In addition, these movements all promised astonishingly quick results. And finally, the innovations in practice were met with suspicion and criticism from traditional Buddhist quarters. Those interested in the therapeutic effects of mindfulness and bare attention are often not aware of the existence, much less the content, of the controversies surrounding these practices in Asian Buddhist history.
Challenges of creating synergy between global mental health and cultural psychiatry
Authors: de Jong Joop T. V. M.
Published: November 2014

This article addresses four major challenges for efforts to create synergy between the global mental health movement and cultural psychiatry. First, although they appear to share domains of mutual interest, the worlds of global mental health and cultural psychiatry have distinct lineages. Expanding their horizons by learning from adjacent disciplines would be mutually beneficial. A second challenge concerns the conceptualization of a new classification system for mental health problems. Adopting a classification system that integrates new insights from socio-neurobiology and from a networks perspective could bring cultural psychiatry and global mental health closer and change the way each field addresses the mental health gap, which constitutes the third challenge. I summarize attempts to achieve comprehensive mental health coverage around the globe and question whether the strategies employed to achieve these goals have been successful, both in high- (HIC) and low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). In LMIC, the dominant strategy needs to be complemented by mobilization of other community resources including local practitioners. A fourth challenge is the lack of mathematical models to guide action and research and solve major preoccupations such as access to care or multi-level analyses in complex ecological or health systems.
Industrial citizenship, cosmopolitanism and European integration
Authors: Zhang Chenchen , Lillie Nathan
Published: November 2014

There has been an explosion of interest in the idea of European Union citizenship in recent years, as a defining example of postnational cosmopolitan citizenship potentially replacing or layered on top of national citizenship. We argue this form of EU citizenship undermines industrial citizenship, which is a crucial support for social solidarity on which other types of citizenship are based. Because industrial citizenship arises from collectivities based on class identities and national institutions, it depends on the national territorial order and the social closure inherent in it. EU citizenship in its ‘postnational’ form is realized through practices of mobility, placing it in tension with bounded class-based collectivities. Though practices of working-class cosmopolitanism may give rise to a working-class consciousness, the fragmented nature of this vision impedes the development of transnational class-based collectivities. Industrial and cosmopolitan citizenship must be re-imagined together if European integration is to be democratized.
Embrittlement of alloy 625 and effect of remedial treatments
Authors: Abolghasemi Sobhan , Williamson Jim , Lindley Trevor C , Lee Peter D
Published: November 2014

This study investigated the susceptibility of alloy 625 to embrittlement in the temperature range 600–800 ℃ using simulated thermal treatments, specimens from ex-service petroleum industry components and subsequent remedial heat treatment. Embrittlement was quantified by conducting impact testing using the Charpy V-notch method and the results discussed in terms of precipitate formation and ageing. The results of annealing the exposed samples at high temperature are presented, demonstrating that embrittlement is most detrimental at intermediate temperatures (i.e. 650 ℃). The study confirms that a 24-h remedial heat treatment of embrittled alloy 625 leads to significant recovery of impact energy on ex-service samples.
Evaluating the effects of epistemic location in advocatory literary journalism
Authors: Morton Lindsay
Published: November 2014

This article applies Lorraine Code’s concept of ‘epistemic location’ to the practice of literary journalism, a form of narrative non-fiction or reportage. It argues that the location of the practitioner in regard to the subject and story places particular epistemic and ethical constraints on the modes of representation available to the writer. Two book-length works of literary journalism are analysed for the epistemic location of the practitioners outside the text, compared with rhetorical impact of narration within the text. The discussion concludes that choices made regarding the mode of representation can be detrimental to the author’s purpose for the narrative, and that disclosure transparency is important – but not vital – epistemic defence for literary journalism.
Memory programmes: the industrial retention of collective life
Authors: Kinsley Samuel
Published: November 2014

This article argues that in software, we have created quasi-autonomous systems of memory that influence how we think about and experience life as such. The role of mediated memory in collective life is addressed as a geographical concern through the lens of ‘programmes’. Programming can mean ordering, and thus making discrete, and scheduling, making actions routine. This article addresses how programming mediates the experience of memory via networked technologies. Materially recording knowledge, even as electronic data, renders thought mentally and spatially discrete and demands systems to order it. Recorded knowledge also enables the ordering of spatiotemporal experience both as forms of history, thus the sharing of culture, and as the means of imagining futures. We increasingly retain information about ourselves and others using digital media. We volunteer further information recorded by electronic service providers, search engines and social media. Many aspects of our collective lives are now gathered in cities (via closed-circuit television, cellphone networks and so on) and retained in databases, constituting a growing system of memory of parts of life otherwise forgotten or unthought. Using examples, this article argues that in software, we have created industrialised systems of memory that influence how we think about living together.
Evaluation of mechanical behaviour of nanometer and micrometer fly ash particle-filled woven bidirectional jute/glass hybrid nanocomposites
Authors: Raghavendra G , Ojha Shakuntala , Acharya SK , Pal SK , Ramu I
Published: November 2014

The flexural and tensile properties of micrometer and nanometer fly ash particle-filled jute/glass hybrid epoxy composites were studied and compared with the conventional fibers (glass) composites. The effects of nanofiller (2, 4 and 6 wt%) and microfiller (5, 10 and 15 wt%) are also examined. The effects of micro/nanofiller addition in the pure jute fiber and hybrid (glass/jute) composites were investigated with scanning electron microscope. The experimental result shows that due to micro- and nanofiller addition, the strength of all composites is increased. The tensile strength of 4 wt% fly ash nano-filler GJJG (glass-jute-jute-glass) hybrid composites shows better result among other composites and it gives 5% better strength of the glass fiber composites. Whereas 4 wt% fly ash nano-filler GJGJ hybrid composites shows better flexural strength as compared to glass fiber composites.
Greater γ-tocopherol status during acute smoking abstinence with nicotine replacement therapy improved vascular endothelial function by decreasing 8-iso-15(S)-prostaglandin F2α
Authors: Mah Eunice , Pei Ruisong , Guo Yi , Masterjohn Christopher , Ballard Kevin D , Taylor Beth A , Taylor Alan W , Traber Maret G , Volek Jeff S , Bruno Richard S
Published: November 2014

Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) improves the long-term success rate of smoking cessation, but induces oxidative stress and inflammatory responses that may delay the restoration of vascular endothelial function (VEF). No studies have examined co-therapy of NRT-assisted smoking abstinence with γ-tocopherol (γ-T), a vitamin E form with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, on improvements in VEF. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, healthy smokers (25 ± 1 y old; mean ± SEM) received NRT and abstained from smoking for 24 h with placebo ( n = 12) or oral administration of γ-T-rich mixture of tocopherols (γ-TmT; n = 11) that provided 500 mg γ-T. Brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD), and biomarkers of nitric oxide metabolism, antioxidant status, inflammation, and lipid peroxidation [8-iso-prostaglandin F2α stereoisomers (8-iso-15(R)-PGF2α and 8-iso-15(S)-PGF2α)] were measured prior to and after 24 h of smoking abstinence. Smoking abstinence with NRT regardless of γ-TmT similarly decreased urinary naphthol ( P < 0.05) without affecting plasma cotinine. γ-TmT increased plasma γ-T by 4-times and the urinary metabolite of γ-T, γ-carboxyethyl-chromanol, by three times. Smoking abstinence with γ-TmT, but not smoking abstinence alone, increased FMD without affecting plasma nitrate/nitrite or the ratio of asymmetric dimethylarginine/arginine. Urinary 8-iso-15(S)-PGF2α decreased only in those receiving γ-TmT and was inversely correlated to FMD ( R = −0.43, P < 0.05). Circulating markers of inflammation were unaffected by smoking abstinence or γ-TmT. Short-term NRT-assisted smoking abstinence with γ-TmT, but not NRT-assisted smoking abstinence alone, improved VEF by decreasing 8-iso-15(S)-PGF2α, a vasoconstrictor that was otherwise unaffected by NRT-assisted smoking abstinence.
High-fat feeding does not induce an autophagic or apoptotic phenotype in female rat skeletal muscle
Authors: Campbell Troy L , Mitchell Andrew S , McMillan Elliott M , Bloemberg Darin , Pavlov Dmytro , Messa Isabelle , Mielke John G , Quadrilatero Joe
Published: November 2014

Apoptosis and autophagy are critical in normal skeletal muscle homeostasis; however, dysregulation can lead to muscle atrophy and dysfunction. Lipotoxicity and/or lipid accumulation may promote apoptosis, as well as directly or indirectly influence autophagic signaling. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a 16-week high-fat diet on morphological, apoptotic, and autophagic indices in oxidative and glycolytic skeletal muscle of female rats. High-fat feeding resulted in increased fat pad mass, altered glucose tolerance, and lower muscle pAKT levels, as well as lipid accumulation and reactive oxygen species generation in soleus muscle; however, muscle weights, fiber type-specific cross-sectional area, and fiber type distribution were not affected. Moreover, DNA fragmentation and LC3 lipidation as well as several apoptotic (ARC, Bax, Bid, tBid, Hsp70, pBcl-2) and autophagic (ATG7, ATG4B, Beclin 1, BNIP3, p70 s6k, cathepsin activity) indices were not altered in soleus or plantaris following high-fat diet. Interestingly, soleus muscle displayed small increases in caspase-3, caspase-8, and caspase-9 activity, as well as higher ATG12-5 and p62 protein, while both soleus and plantaris muscle showed dramatically reduced Bcl-2 and X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) levels. In conclusion, this work demonstrates that 16 weeks of high-fat feeding does not affect tissue morphology or induce a global autophagic or apoptotic phenotype in skeletal muscle of female rats. However, high-fat feeding selectively influenced a number of apoptotic and autophagic indices which could have implications during periods of enhanced muscle stress.
Cynandione A attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced production of inflammatory mediators via MAPK inhibition and NF-κB inactivation in RAW264.7 macrophages and protects mice against endotoxin shock
Authors: Kim Sung Hwan , Lee Tae Hoon , Lee Sang Min , Park Ji Hae , Park Keun Hyung , Jung Mira , Jung Hana , Mohamed Mohamed Antar Aziz , Baek Nam-In , Chung In Sik , Kim Jiyoung
Published: November 2014

Cynanchum wilfordii has been traditionally used in eastern Asia for the treatment of various diseases such as gastrointestinal diseases and arteriosclerosis. Cynandione A (CA), an acetophenone, is one of major constituents from roots of C. wilfordii. In the present study, the anti-inflammatory activities of CA were investigated in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated RAW264.7 macrophages and LPS-administered C57BL/6 N mice. CA significantly decreased LPS-induced production of nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2 in a dose-dependent manner, while CA up to 200 μM did not exhibit cytotoxic activity. Our data also showed that CA significantly attenuated expression of iNOS and COX-2 in LPS-stimulated macrophages. CA inhibited phosphorylation of IκB-α and MAP kinases such as ERK and p38. Furthermore, we demonstrated that CA inhibited translocation of NF-κB to the nucleus, transcription of the NF-κB minimal promoter and NF-κB DNA binding activity. Administration of CA significantly decreased the plasma levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in LPS-injected mice and improved survival of septic mice with lethal endotoxemia. These results demonstrate that CA has effective inhibitory effects on production of inflammatory mediators via suppressing activation of NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways, suggesting that CA may be used as a potential anti-inflammatory agent for the prevention and treatment of inflammatory diseases.
Implication of Bcl-2-associated athanogene 3 in fibroblast growth factor-2-mediated epithelial–mesenchymal transition in renal epithelial cells
Authors: Du Feng , Li Si , Wang Tian , Zhang Hai-Yan , Li De-Tian , Du Zhen-Xian , Wang Hua-Qin
Published: November 2014

The epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) of tubular epithelial cells to myofibroblast-like cells plays a substantial role in renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis, which is a common pathological character of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) triggers EMT in tubular epithelial cells and increases Bcl-2-associated athanogene 3 (BAG3) expression in neural progenitor and neuroblastoma cells. In addition, a novel role of regulation of EMT has been ascribed to BAG3 recently. These previous reports urged us to study the potential involvement of BAG3 in EMT triggered by FGF-2 in renal tubular epithelial cells. The current study found that FGF-2 induced EMT, simultaneously increased BAG3 expression in human kidney 2 (HK2) cells. Although FGF-2 induced EMT in nontransfected or scramble short hairpin RNA (shRNA) transfected HK2 cells, it was ineffective in BAG3-silenced cells, indicating a favorable role of BAG3 in EMT of tubular cells induced by FGF-2. Knockdown of BAG3 also significantly suppressed motion and invasion of HK2 cells mediated by FGF-2. Furthermore, we confirmed that BAG3 was upregulated in kidney of unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) rats, a well-established renal fibrosis model, in which EMT is supposed to exert a substantial influence on renal fibrosis. Importantly, upregulation of BAG3 was limited to tubular epithelial cells. Results of the current study identify BAG3 as a potential player in EMT of tubular epithelial cells, as well as renal fibrosis.
Statins and Nitric Oxide Donors Affect Thrombospondin 1-Induced Chemotaxis
Authors: Seymour Keri , Stein Jeffrey , Han Xuan , Maier Kristopher G. , Gahtan Vivian
Published: November 2014

Background:

Thrombospondin 1 (TSP-1) induces vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) migration and intimal hyperplasia. Statins and nitric oxide (NO) donors decrease intimal hyperplasia. We previously showed that statins (long-term exposure) and NO donors inhibit TSP-1-induced VSMC chemotaxis. Hypotheses: (1) Pretreatment with short-term statin will inhibit TSP-1-induced VSMC chemotaxis and (2) NO donors will enhance statin inhibition of TSP-1-induced or platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-induced VSMC chemotaxis.

Methods:

We examined these treatment effects on TSP-1-induced VSMC chemotaxis: (1) long-term (20 hours) versus short-term (20 minutes) pravastatin, (2) diethylenetriamine NONOate (DETA/NO) or S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP) in combination with pravastatin, and (3) comparison of TSP-1 to PDGF as a chemoattractant.

Results:

Pravastatin (long term or short term) inhibited TSP-1-induced chemotaxis. Diethylenetriamine NONOate and SNAP impeded statin inhibition of TSP-1-induced chemotaxis. Platelet-derived growth factor and TSP-1 had opposite effects on DETA/NO-pravastatin treatment.

Conclusion:

Short-term statin pretreatment inhibited TSP-1-induced VSMC chemotaxis, suggesting a pleiotropic effect. High-dose NO reversed statin inhibition of TSP-1-induced chemotaxis, suggesting NO and statin combination therapies warrant further study.
One Size Does Not Fit All
Authors: Murphy-Geiss Gail E. , Roberts Wade T. , Miles Douglas J.
Published: November 2014

Many scholars argue that intimate partner violence is too complex to address through the “one-size-fits-all” approaches that are common in most criminal justice venues. Instead, they advocate for coordinated approaches that address the unique circumstances of each offender. For 3 years, El Paso County ran a “Pilot Program,” which applied in-depth analytical tools to tailor court orders to each defendant. The program, to which offenders were randomly assigned, ran parallel to the county’s “one-size-fits-all” program, providing a rare opportunity to assess the efficacy of each approach. We find the Pilot Program significantly increased compliance and reduced the likelihood of recidivism.
Physical Activity in Latino Men and Women
Authors: Ross Sharon E. Taverno
Published: November 2014

This article provides commentary on the accompanying manuscript, “Physical Activity in Latino Men and Women: Facilitators, Barriers, and Interventions” by Larsen and colleagues. A major strength of the Larsen manuscript is that it draws attention to the need for more research on the facilitators and barriers of physical activity in this population, particularly Latino men, and the need for more effective physical activity interventions. This commentary presents some additional insights surrounding the 29 physical activity interventions in Latinos that were identified and directions for future research. In order to expand the state of the science regarding physical activity in Hispanic/Latino populations, researchers should expand their investigation to identify important social determinants of health, include voices from the Latino community in the research process, and use state of the art measures to assess outcome variables.
‘If you’re gonna die, you’re gonna die’: Young adults’ perceptions of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy
Authors: Harden Jeni , Tonberg Anissa , Chin Richard F , McLellan Ailsa , Duncan Susan
Published: November 2014

Objectives

To explore the views and experiences of young adults with epilepsy on the risks associated with, and information giving in relation to sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP).

Methods

In-depth interviews with 27 young adults (aged 18–29 years) with epilepsy.

Results

Participants reported everyday experiences of seeking to control the risk of seizure occurrence or injury from seizures. In contrast, SUDEP was reported in more fatalistic terms as a risk that was considered to be largely unpreventable. Participants stated that information on SUDEP should be given to those with epilepsy, in a consultation, at or soon after the diagnosis, though clinical judgement on patients’ readiness was considered important in timing decisions. Many had a limited, sometimes incorrect understanding of SUDEP, yet were satisfied with the information they had received. Very few engaged in independent information seeking on SUDEP, and many deliberately avoided searching for further information.

Discussion

Our findings suggest that SUDEP was bracketed off from other aspects of participants’ epilepsy, in terms of the meanings attributed to it, perceptions of risk status and ways of coping. SUDEP is a case through which to consider how people give meaning to information about risk of sudden death related to chronic conditions.
Sad shires and no man’s land: First World War frames of reference in the British media representation of the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars
Authors: Wilson Ross
Published: November 2014

The focus of this article is the manner in which media representations in Britain of the 21st century conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan drew upon the terms, allusions and imagery of the First World War. The application of these visual and textual frames of reference has been used to demonstrate the failings of government, the need for national support or the validation of anti-war perspectives. Through the use of a critical discourse analysis, this assessment will highlight how the war of 1914–1918 is used within contemporary Britain as a vehicle for political and social commentary upon the actions of authority. Despite being fought at the outset of the last century, the newspaper coverage of the British Army’s operation in Iraq and Afghanistan demonstrates how the First World War still goes on within sections of British society.
The effects of pre-operative intra-articular glenohumeral corticosteroid injection on infective complications after shoulder arthroplasty
Authors: Rashid Abbas , Kalson Nick , Jiwa Natasha , Patel Amit , Irwin Andrew , Corner Tony
Published: November 2014

Background

Many shoulder surgeons use intra-articular corticosteroid injections (IACI) in shoulder osteoarthritis, with the caveat that it precludes arthroplasty for at least 6 months to 12 months because of the theoretical risk of infection. To our knowledge, there is nothing available in the literature to support this notion.

Methods

We undertook a retrospective, matched cohort study of all patients who underwent shoulder arthroplasty in our unit between December 2010 and December 2013 aiming to assess whether pre-operative IACI had an impact on infective complications. Group I had received an IACI prior to their arthroplasty and Group II had not. A chi-squared analysis was performed ( p < 0.05).

Results

Group I comprised 23 patients with a mean age of 73 years (range 54 years to 90 years) had 23 shoulder arthroplasties and had mean follow-up of 16.6 months. Patients received an IACI approximately 11.4 months (range 2.5 months to 172.5 months) before their surgery. One patient developed a deep joint infection that warranted revision arthroplasty. Group II comprised 60 patients with a mean age of 75 years (range 34 years to 90 years) had 64 shoulder arthoplasties and a mean follow-up of 20.1 months. No patients developed infective complications ( p > 0.05), implying there was no statistically significant relationship between pre-operative IACI and infective complications.

Conclusions

We could not establish a causal link between IACI and infective complications after arthoplasty.
CT diagnosis of a post-embolization ischemic diverticulitis of Meckel
Authors: De Beule Tom , Op de Beeck Katya , De Hertogh Gert , Sergeant Gregory , Maleux Geert
Published: November 2014

A 23-year-old man presented with hypovolemic shock due to a lower gastrointestinal bleeding. Radiological and endoscopic investigation did not reveal the bleeding site. Emergency visceral angiography showed contrast extravasation at a right-sided branch of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA). Embolization of the bleeding point was performed, resulting in bleeding cessation. One week later, the patient presented with a new episode of moderate anal blood loss associated with diffuse abdominal pain. Computed tomography (CT) revealed an ischemic small bowel diverticulum that was treated by a laparoscopically-assisted segmental small bowel resection. Intraoperative and pathologic analysis confirmed a post-embolization ischemic diverticulitis of Meckel.
Low Third-Trimester Serum Levels of Lamivudine/Zidovudine and Lopinavir/Ritonavir in an HIV-Infected Pregnant Woman with Gastric Bypass
Authors: Michalik David E. , Jackson-Alvarez Janielle T. , Flores Roxana , Tolentino-Baldridge Christina , Batra Jagmohan S.
Published: November 2014

Pharmacokinetics of lamivudine (3TC)/zidovudine (ZDV) and lopinavir/ritonavir (LPV/r) are described in a gravid 27-year-old HIV-infected woman with gastric bypass. Blood levels were obtained for these medications at time points 0 (predose) and 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 12 hours postdose. For these times, the levels (µg/mL) of 3TC were 0.0801, 0.69, 0.339, 0.237, 0.202, 0.108, and 0.0461; the levels of ZDV were 0.0153, 0.433, 0.0717, 0.0481, 0.0107, 0.0214, and 0.00864; the levels of lopinavir (LPV) were 2.45, 2.64, 1.95, 2.78, 3.83, 3.20, and 1.92; and the levels of ritonavir (RTV) were 0.09, 0.10, 0.07, 0.11, 0.15, 0.15, and 0.06. These data suggest that gastric bypass affected these antiretroviral drug levels. A functional, intact small bowel is responsible for absorption of these medications.
Frequency and Determinants of Preventive Care Counseling by HIV Medical Care Providers during Encounters with Newly Diagnosed and Established HIV-Infected Patients
Authors: Mgbere Osaro , Rodriguez-Barradas Maria C. , Bell Tanvir K. , Khuwaja Salma , Arafat Raouf , Essien Ekere J. , Singh Mamta , Simmons Paul , Aguilar Jonathan
Published: November 2014

This study evaluates the frequency and determinants of preventive care counseling by HIV medical care providers (HMCPs) during encounters with newly diagnosed and established HIV-infected patients. Data used were from a probability sample of HMCPs in Houston/Harris County, Texas, surveyed in 2009. Overall, HMCPs offered more preventive care counseling to newly diagnosed than the established patients (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 7.28; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.86-16.80). They were more likely to counsel newly diagnosed patients than the established ones on medication and adherence (AOR = 14.70; 95% CI = 1.24-24.94), HIV risk reduction (AOR = 5.91; 95% CI = 0.48-7.13), and disease screening (AOR = 7.20; 95% CI = 0.72-11.81). HIV medical care providers who were less than 45 years of age, infectious disease specialists, and had less than 30 minutes of encounter time were less likely to counsel patients regardless of the status. Our findings suggest the need for HMCPs to improve their preventive care counseling efforts, in order to help patients build skills for adopting and maintaining safe behavior that could assist in reducing the risk of HIV transmission.
Lack of Knowledge about Mother-to-Child HIV Transmission Prevention in Pregnant Women at Tijuana General Hospital, Baja California, Mexico
Authors: Becka Chandra M. , Chacón-Cruz Enrique , Araneta Maria Rosario , Viani Rolando M.
Published: November 2014

The objective of this study was to identify determinants of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) knowledge regarding mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) among pregnant women at Tijuana General Hospital, Baja California, Mexico. Between March and November 2003, patients from the prenatal care (n = 1294) and labor and delivery (L&D) units (n = 495) participated in a cross-sectional study to measure HIV knowledge. Less than one-third (30%) knew that HIV could be transmitted to a child during delivery, and 36% knew that HIV could be transmitted by breast-feeding. Only 27% knew that an MTCT could be prevented. Prenatal patients were more likely to know that MTCT was preventable (prenatal: 31% versus L&D 25%; P = .02). Logistic regression indicated that prenatal patients (odds ratio = 1.49, confidence interval 1.07-2.07) were more likely to know that HIV could be transmitted through breast-feeding. Overall, both groups had poor knowledge regarding MTCT of HIV.