bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chondrogenic Gene Expression Differences between Chondrocytes from Osteoarthritic and Non-OA Trauma Joints in a 3D Collagen Type I Hydrogel
Authors: Jeyakumar Vivek , Halbwirth Florian , Niculescu-Morzsa Eugenia , Bauer Christoph , Zwickl Hannes , Kern Daniela , Nehrer Stefan
Published: July 2016

Objective

The purpose of the current study was to compare the donor age variation of chondrocytes from non-OA (osteoarthritic) trauma joints in patients of young to middle age (20.5 ± 3.7, 31.8 ± 1.9, 41.9 ± 4.1 years) embedded in matrix-associated autologous chondrocyte transplantation (MACT) grafts (CaReS). The chondrocyte-specific gene expression of CaReS grafts were then compared to chondrocytes from OA joints (in patients aged 63.8 ± 10 years) embedded in a collagen type I hydrogel.

Design

OA chondrocytes and articular chondrocyte-laden grafts were cultured over 14 days in chondrogenic growth medium. We performed reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) to evaluate the mRNA expression levels of chondrocyte-specific and hypertrophic markers.

Results

Gene expression analysis with RT-qPCR revealed no significant difference in chondrocyte-specific genes ( COL2A1, ACAN, SOX9, SOX5, SOX6) among 3 different age group of patients with CaReS grafts. In a comparative analysis of OA chondrocytes to articular chondrocytes, chondrogenic markers ( COL2A1, SOX6) exhibited higher expression in OA chondrocytes ( P < 0.05). Hypertrophic or OA cartilage pathogenesis marker ( MMP3, MMP13) expression was higher and COL1A1 had significantly lower expression ( P < 0.05) in OA chondrocytes than articular chondrocytes when cultivated in collagen type I hydrogels.

Conclusion

In summary, we identify that donor age variation does not influence the chondrogenic gene expression of the CaReS system. We also identified that freshly isolated OA chondrocytes embedded in collagen type I hydrogels can exhibit chondrogenic gene expression as observed in articular chondrocytes on the CaReS grafts. Transforming OA chondrocytes to articular chondrocytes can be regarded as an alternative option in the MACT technique.
Prognostic factors of hepatocellular carcinoma survival after radiofrequency ablation: A US population‐based study
Authors: El‐Fattah Mohamed Abd , Aboelmagd Mohamed , Elhamouly Mohammed
Published: July 2016

Objective

To determine the survival outcome and prognostic factors of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) survival in patients who underwent radiofrequency ablation (RFA).

Methods

The Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database was queried: There were 2588 HCC patients from 2004 to 2012 who underwent RFA. The Kaplan‐Meier curves and the multivariate Cox regression analysis were used to assess the prognostic factors.

Results

With a median follow‐up of 20 months, the 1‐, 3‐ and 5‐year overall survival (OS) rates were: 83%, 51% and 33%. Patients with a tumor size ≤5 cm in diameter had a better 5‐year OS, as compared to patients with a tumor size >5 cm. The 5‐year OS was significantly higher among patients with a normal level of alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP), compared with those having elevated AFP. In an adjusted multivariate Cox regression analysis, those with ≥60 years of age (HR: 1.19; 95% CI 1.05–1.36), non‐Asian race (HR: 1.53; 95% CI 1.30–1.81), tumor size >5 cm (HR: 1.43; 95% CI 1.24–1.65), elevated AFP (HR: 1.42; 95% CI 1.22–1.64), American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stages II‐III (HR: 1.30; 95% CI 1.14–1.48) and the year of diagnosis from 2004–2007 (HR: 1.22; 95% CI 1.07–1.40) were significantly associated with a poor prognosis.

Conclusions

Age, race, tumor size, AFP level, AJCC stage and year of diagnosis were prognostic factors for OS in HCC patients who underwent RFA.
Hyperinsulinaemic, hypoglycaemic syndrome due to acquired nesidioblastosis in a cat
Authors: Hambrook Lydia E , Ciavarella Amanda A , Nimmo Judith S , Wayne Julie
Published: July 2016

Case summary A 6-year-old, neutered female British Shorthair cat presented with acute-onset weakness and mental dullness. Initially the cat was mildly hyperglycaemic (9.9 mmol/l; reference interval [RI] 3.3–6.7 mmol/l). Over the following 12 h the cat developed central blindness, tremors, intermittent seizures and opisthotonus. Repeat blood sampling revealed a marked hypoglycaemia (0.8 mmol/l). Insulin level (performed on a serum sample collected while the cat was hypoglycaemic) was inappropriately elevated (1575 mIU/l; RI 10–80 mIU/l). An abdominal ultrasound was unremarkable. An exploratory laparotomy revealed a firm and erythematous left limb of the pancreas. Following surgical resection of the left limb of the pancreas, the cat returned to a euglycaemic state after a brief rebound hyperglycaemia. Histopathology revealed pancreatic fibrosis with marked multifocal micronodular hyperplasia of exocrine and endocrine cells. Synaptophysin immunohistochemistry confirmed nodular β-cell hyperplasia.

Relevance and novel information Nesidioblastosis describes a syndrome of acquired hyperinsulinaemia and associated hypoglycaemia secondary to focal or diffuse (non-neoplastic) β-cell hyperplasia within the pancreas. Acquired nesidioblastosis has been reported in humans, where β-cell dysregulation is thought to occur in response to pancreatic injury. This is the first reported case of clinically significant hypoglycaemia due to acquired nesidioblastosis in an adult domestic cat. While this condition is rare, nesidioblastosis is being increasingly recognised in humans and it is an important differential diagnosis to consider when investigating hypoglycaemia as it cannot be distinguished from insulinoma without histopathological evaluation. While recurrence has been occasionally reported in humans, the prognosis is considered good.
Tele-monitoring of ventilator-dependent patients: a European Respiratory Society Statement
Authors: Ambrosino Nicolino , Vitacca Michele , Dreher Michael , Isetta Valentina , Montserrat Josep M. , Tonia Thomy , Turchetti Giuseppe , Winck Joao Carlos , Burgos Felip , Kampelmacher Michael , Vagheggini Guido
Published: July 2016

The estimated prevalence of ventilator-dependent individuals in Europe is 6.6 per 100 000 people. The increasing number and costs of these complex patients make present health organisations largely insufficient to face their needs. As a consequence, their burden lays mostly over families. The need to reduce healthcare costs and to increase safety has prompted the development of tele-monitoring for home ventilatory assistance.

A European Respiratory Society Task Force produced a literature research based statement on commonly accepted clinical criteria for indications, follow-up, equipment, facilities, legal and economic issues of tele-monitoring of these patients.

Many remote health monitoring systems are available, ensuring safety, feasibility, effectiveness, sustainability and flexibility to face different patients' needs. The legal problems associated with tele-monitoring are still controversial. National and European Union (EU) governments should develop guidelines and ethical, legal, regulatory, technical, administrative standards for remote medicine. The economic advantages, if any, of this new approach must be compared to a “gold standard” of home care that is very variable among different European countries and within each European country.

Much more research is needed before considering tele-monitoring a real improvement in the management of these patients.
Only severe COPD is associated with being underweight:results from a population survey
Authors: Eriksson Berne , Backman Helena , Bossios Apostolos , Bjerg Anders , Hedman Linnea , Lindberg Anne , Rönmark Eva , Lundbäck Bo
Published: July 2016

Low body mass index (BMI) and malnutrition in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are associated with a poor prognosis. The prevalence of underweight, as well as overweight, in severity grades of COPD is sparsely investigated in studies of the general population and the associated patterns of risk factors are not well established. The aim of the present study was to determine the association between severity grades of airflow limitation in COPD, and both underweight and obesity when corrected for possible confounding factors.

The study is based on pooled data from the OLIN (Obstructive Lung Disease in Northern Sweden) studies. Complete records with lung function, BMI and structured interview data were available from 3942 subjects (50.7% women and 49.3% men). COPD and severity grading were defined using the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease criteria. In sensitivity analyses, the lower limit of normal was used.

The prevalence of underweight was 7.3% in severe COPD (grades 3 and 4)versus2.0% in those with normal spirometry. The prevalence of obesity increased from 9.7% in grade 1, to 16.3% in grade 2 and 20.0% in severe COPD,versus17.7% in those with normal spirometry.

In adjusted analysis, of the COPD severity grades, only severe COPD was associated with underweight (OR 3.24, 95% CI 1.0004–10.5), while the COPD severity grades tended to be inversely associated with overweight.
GCORE-sib: An efficient gene-gene interaction tool for genome-wide association studies based on discordant sib pairs
Authors: Sung Pei-Yuan , Wang Yi-Ting , Hsiung Chao A. , Chung Ren-Hua
Published: July 2016

Background

A computationally efficient tool is required for a genome-wide gene-gene interaction analysis that tests an extremely large number of single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) interaction pairs in genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Current tools for GWAS interaction analysis are mainly developed for unrelated case-control samples. Relatively fewer tools for interaction analysis are available for complex disease studies with family-based design, and these tools tend to be computationally expensive.

Results

We developed a fast gene-gene interaction test, GCORE-sib, for discordant sib pairs and implemented the test into an efficient tool. We used simulations to demonstrate that the GCORE-sib has correct type I error rates and has comparable power to that of the regression-based interaction test. We also showed that the GCORE-sib can run more than 10 times faster than the regression-based test. Finally, the GCORE-sib was applied to a GWAS dataset with approximately 2,000 discordant sib pairs, and the GCORE-sib finished testing 19,368,078,382 pairs of SNPs within 6 days.

Conclusions

An efficient gene-gene interaction tool for discordant sib pairs was developed. It will be very useful for genome-wide gene-gene interaction analysis in GWAS using discordant sib pairs. The tool can be downloaded for free at http://gcore-sib.sourceforge.net.
Interpreting outcome following foot surgery in people with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Backhouse Michael R. , Vinall‐Collier Karen A. , Redmond Anthony C. , Helliwell Philip S. , Keenan Anne‐Maree
Published: July 2016

Background

Foot surgery is common in RA but the current lack of understanding of how patients interpret outcomes inhibits evaluation of procedures in clinical and research settings. This study aimed to explore which factors are important to people with RA when they evaluate the outcome of foot and ankle surgery.

Methods and Results

Semi structured interviews with 11 RA participants who had mixed experiences of foot surgery were conducted and analysed using thematic analysis. Responses showed that while participants interpreted surgical outcome in respect to a multitude of factors, five major themes emerged: functional ability, participation, appearance of feet and footwear, surgeons' opinion, and pain. Participants interpreted levels of physical function in light of other aspects of their disease, reflecting on relative change from their preoperative state more than absolute levels of ability. Appearance was important to almost all participants: physical appearance, foot shape, and footwear were closely interlinked, yet participants saw these as distinct concepts and frequently entered into a defensive repertoire, feeling the need to justify that their perception of outcome was not about cosmesis.

Surgeons' post‐operative evaluation of the procedure was highly influential and made a lasting impression, irrespective of how the outcome compared to the participants' initial goals. Whilst pain was important to almost all participants, it had the greatest impact upon them when it interfered with their ability to undertake valued activities.

Conclusions

People with RA interpret the outcome of foot surgery using multiple interrelated factors, particularly functional ability, appearance and surgeons' appraisal of the procedure. While pain was often noted, this appeared less important than anticipated. These factors can help clinicians in discussing surgical options in patients.
Piet Mondrian’s Broadway Boogie Woogie: non invasive analysis using macro X-ray fluorescence mapping (MA-XRF) and multivariate curve resolution-alternating least square (MCR-ALS)
Authors: Martins Ana , Albertson Cynthia , McGlinchey Chris , Dik Joris
Published: July 2016

Piet Mondrian’s Broadway Boogie Woogie (1942–1943) was examined using Macro X-Ray Fluorescence mapping (MA-XRF) to help characterize the artist’s materials and understand his creative process as well as the current condition issues of the painting. The presence and distribution of key chemical elements was used to identify the main pigments in the different paint layers and under-layers, namely titanium white/barium sulfate, zinc white, bone black, cadmium yellow and/or cadmium-zinc yellow, cadmium red and/or cadmium-barium red and ultramarine. The XRF data was also examined using a multivariate curve resolution-alternating least square (MCR-ALS) approach to virtually separate and help characterize the different paint layers. Results suggest that Broadway Boogie Woogie was originally conceived as an asymmetrical grid of interlacing red and yellow bars. Mondrian then reworked the composition extensively breaking the bars by painting small squares in red, blue and gray and repainting them over and over again changing their size, color or tonality, and by adding and reworking large colored shapes in the background. Mondrian scraped off the paint in some areas before making adjustments to the composition but did not do it consistently throughout the painting. The yellow paint on the surface is severely cracked. Wherever red paint has been covered with yellow paint, it has oozed through the cracks in the top layer. The results illustrate how the MA-XRF / MCR-ALS approach can complement the examination of a painting and contribute to the understanding of the artist’s process and choice of materials in a non-invasive way.
Tesseroids: Forward-modeling gravitational fields in spherical coordinates
Authors: Uieda Leonardo , Barbosa Valéria C. F. , Braitenberg Carla
Published: July 2016

We have developed the open-source software Tesseroids, a set of command-line programs to perform forward modeling of gravitational fields in spherical coordinates. The software is implemented in the C programming language and uses tesseroids (spherical prisms) for the discretization of the subsurface mass distribution. The gravitational fields of tesseroids are calculated numerically using the Gauss-Legendre quadrature (GLQ). We have improved upon an adaptive discretization algorithm to guarantee the accuracy of the GLQ integration. Our implementation of adaptive discretization uses a “stack-based” algorithm instead of recursion to achieve more control over execution errors and corner cases. The algorithm is controlled by a scalar value called the distance-size ratio ([Formula: see text]) that determines the accuracy of the integration as well as the computation time. We have determined optimal values of [Formula: see text] for the gravitational potential, gravitational acceleration, and gravity gradient tensor by comparing the computed tesseroids effects with those of a homogenous spherical shell. The values required for a maximum relative error of 0.1% of the shell effects are [Formula: see text] for the gravitational potential, [Formula: see text] for the gravitational acceleration, and [Formula: see text] for the gravity gradients. Contrary to previous assumptions, our results show that the potential and its first and second derivatives require different values of [Formula: see text] to achieve the same accuracy. These values were incorporated as defaults in the software.
Epidemiology of autism in adults across age groups and ability
levels
Authors: Brugha Traolach S. , Spiers Nicola , Bankart John , Cooper Sally-Ann , McManus Sally , Scott Fiona J. , Smith Jane , Tyrer Freya
Published: July 2016

Background

The epidemiology of autism in adults has relied on untested projections
using childhood research.

Aims

To derive representative estimates of the prevalence of autism and key
associations in adults of all ages and ability levels.

Method

Comparable clinical diagnostic assessments of 7274 Adult Psychiatric
Morbidity Survey participants combined with a population case-register
survey of 290 adults with intellectual disability.

Results

The combined prevalence of autism in adults of all ages in England was
11/1000 (95% CI 3–19/1000). It was higher in those with moderate to
profound intellectual disability (odds ratio (OR) = 63.5, 95% CI
27.4–147.2). Male gender was a strong predictor of autism only in those
with no or mild intellectual disability (adjusted OR = 8.5, 95% CI
2.0–34.9; interaction with gender, P = 0.03).

Conclusions

Few adults with autism have intellectual disability; however, autism is
more prevalent in this population. Autism measures may miss more women
with autism.
AβPP processing results in greater toxicity per amount of Aβ1-42 than individually expressed and secreted Aβ1-42 inDrosophila melanogaster
Authors: Bergkvist Liza , Sandin Linnea , Kågedal Katarina , Brorsson Ann-Christin
Published: July 2016

The aggregation of the amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide into fibrillar deposits has long been considered the key neuropathological hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Aβ peptides are generated from proteolytic processing of the transmembrane Aβ precursor protein (AβPP) via sequential proteolysis through the β-secretase activity of β-site AβPP-cleaving enzyme (BACE1) and by the intramembranous enzyme γ-secretase. For over a decade, Drosophila melanogaster has been used as a model organism to study AD, and two different approaches have been developed to investigate the toxicity caused by AD-associated gene products in vivo. In one model, the Aβ peptide is directly over-expressed fused to a signal peptide, allowing secretion of the peptide into the extracellular space. In the other model, human AβPP is co-expressed with human BACE1, resulting in production of the Aβ peptide through the processing of AβPP by BACE1 and by endogenous fly γ-secretase. Here, we performed a parallel study of flies that expressed the Aβ1-42 peptide alone or that co-expressed AβPP and BACE1. Toxic effects (assessed by eye phenotype, longevity and locomotor assays) and levels of the Aβ1-42, Aβ1-40 and Aβ1-38 peptides were examined. Our data reveal that the toxic effect per amount of detected Aβ1-42 peptide was higher in the flies co-expressing AβPP and BACE1 than in the Aβ1-42-expressing flies, and that the co-existence of Aβ1-42 and Aβ1-40 in the flies co-expressing AβPP and BACE1 could be of significant importance to the neurotoxic effect detected in these flies. Thus, the toxicity detected in these two fly models seems to have different modes of action and is highly dependent on how and where the peptide is generated rather than on the actual level of the Aβ1-42 peptide in the flies. This is important knowledge that needs to be taken into consideration when using Drosophila models to investigate disease mechanisms or therapeutic strategies in AD research.
Gait in ducks (Anas platyrhynchos) and chickens (Gallus gallus) – similarities in adaptation to high growth rate
Authors: Duggan B. M. , Hocking P. M. , Clements D. N.
Published: July 2016

Genetic selection for increased growth rate and muscle mass in broiler chickens has been accompanied by mobility issues and poor gait. There are concerns that the Pekin duck, which is on a similar selection trajectory (for production traits) to the broiler chicken, may encounter gait problems in the future. In order to understand how gait has been altered by selection, the walking ability of divergent lines of high- and low-growth chickens and ducks was objectively measured using a pressure platform, which recorded various components of their gait. In both species, lines which had been selected for large breast muscle mass moved at a slower velocity and with a greater step width than their lighter conspecifics. These high-growth lines also spent more time supported by two feet in order to improve balance when compared with their lighter, low-growth conspecifics. We demonstrate that chicken and duck lines which have been subjected to intense selection for high growth rates and meat yields have adapted their gait in similar ways. A greater understanding of which components of gait have been altered in selected lines with impaired walking ability may lead to more effective breeding strategies to improve gait in poultry.
Probing extracellular Sonic hedgehog in neurons
Authors: Eitan Erez , Petralia Ronald S. , Wang Ya-Xian , Indig Fred E. , Mattson Mark P. , Yao Pamela J.
Published: July 2016

The bioactivity of Sonic hedgehog (Shh) depends on specific lipid modifications; a palmitate at its N-terminus and a cholesterol at its C-terminus. This dual-lipid modification makes Shh molecules lipophilic, which prevents them from diffusing freely in extracellular space. Multiple lines of evidence indicate that Shh proteins are carried by various forms of extracellular vesicles (EVs). It also has been shown, for instance, that in some tissues Shh proteins are transported to neighboring cells directly via filopodia. We have previously reported that Shh proteins are expressed in hippocampal neurons. In this study we show that, in the hippocampus and cerebellum of postnatal day (P)2 rats, Shh is mostly found near or on the membrane surface of small neurites or filopodia. We also examined cultured hippocampal neurons where we observed noticeable and widespread Shh-immunolabeled vesicles located outside neurons. Through immunoelectron microscopy and biochemical analysis, we find Shh-containing EVs with a wide range of sizes. Unlike robust Shh activity in EVs isolated from cells overexpressing an N-terminal Shh fragment construct, we did not detect measurable Shh activity in EVs purified from the medium of cultured hippocampal neurons. These results suggest the complexity of the transcellular Shh signaling mechanisms in neurons.
A Novel Abnormal Michael Reaction of 2-Acylmethyl-4,4-dimethyl-2-oxazolines with Acetylenic Ketones and Esters
Authors: Tohda Yasuo , Yanagidani Takeshi , Asaka Noriko
Published: July 2016

The first example of abnormal Michael reaction of an active methylene compound, 2-acylmethyl-4,4-dimethyl-2-oxazoline with acetylenic ketone in acetonitrile is reported. The reaction accompanies 1,3-migration of the acyl group of the substrate to give 2-(3-acyl-1-buten-4-on-1-yl)-2-oxazoline, which was easily cyclized to 5-acyl-2-pyridone derivatives by treatment with silica gel. Selectivity of the reaction depends on bulkiness of all the substituents of both the substrate and the reagent. The selectivity is interpreted in terms of reduced kinetic acidity of an initial anionic adduct intermediate by both steric and electronic factors.
ATPγS stalls splicing after B complex formation but prior to spliceosome activation
Authors: Agafonov Dmitry E. , van Santen Marieke , Kastner Berthold , Dube Prakash , Will Cindy L. , Urlaub Henning , Lührmann Reinhard
Published: July 2016

The ATP analog ATPγS inhibits pre-mRNA splicing in vitro, but there have been conflicting reports as to which step of splicing is inhibited by this small molecule and its inhibitory mechanism remains unclear. Here we have dissected the effect of ATPγS on pre-mRNA splicing in vitro. Addition of ATPγS to splicing extracts depleted of ATP inhibited both catalytic steps of splicing. At ATPγS concentrations ≥0.5 mM, precatalytic B complexes accumulate, demonstrating a block prior to or during the spliceosome activation stage. Affinity purification of the ATPγS-stalled B complexes (BATPγS) and subsequent characterization of their abundant protein components by 2D gel electrophoresis revealed that BATPγS complexes are compositionally more homogeneous than B complexes previously isolated in the presence of ATP. In particular, they contain little or no Prp19/CDC5L complex proteins, indicating that these proteins are recruited after assembly of the precatalytic spliceosome. Under the electron microscope, BATPγS complexes exhibit a morphology highly similar to B complexes, indicating that the ATPγS-induced block in the transformation of the B to Bact complex is not due to a major structural defect. Likely mechanisms whereby ATPγS blocks spliceosome assembly at the activation stage, including inhibition of the RNA helicase Brr2, are discussed. Given their more homogeneous composition, B complexes stalled by ATPγS may prove highly useful for both functional and structural analyses of the precatalytic spliceosome and its conversion into an activated Bact spliceosomal complex.
İnanç Uğruna Ölme / Öldürme: Yeni Dinî Hareketler ve Şiddet
Authors: Battal Emine
Published: July 2016

20. yüzyılın ikinci yarısından itibaren küresel çapta yaşanan değişmelere paralel olarak bilhassa Batı toplumlarında, “kült grupları”, “tarikatlar”, “yeniçağ dinleri”, “yeni dinî hareketler” gibi farklı kavramlarla ifade edilen Yeni Dinî Hareketlerin (YDH) ortaya çıktığı ve kısa zamanda bu hareketlerin tüm dünyada yaygınlık kazanmaya başladıkları bilinmektedir. Nitekim çoğunlukla marjinal dinî oluşumlar olarak kendisini gösteren YDH’ler zaman zaman büyük yankı uyandıran bir takım şiddet eylemleri ile gündeme gelmişlerdir. YDH’lerin cinayet, suikast, toplu intihar gibi şiddet eylemleriyle gündeme gelmeye başlamasıyla birlikte YDH’ler ve şiddet arasında doğrudan bir ilişkinin olup olmadığı, şayet varsa bu ilişkinin hangi boyutta ve ne tür özelliklere sahip olduğu, bu hareketlerin şiddete ne derecede eğilimli olduğu, hangi faktörlerin şiddete yol açtığı gibi konular tartışılmaya başlanmıştır. Bu çalışmada öncelikle YDH-şiddet ilişkisi, gerçekleştirmiş oldukları eylemlerle zihinlere kazınan ve “büyük beş” olarak da bilinen Halkın Tapınağı, Branch Davidians, Aum Shinrikyo, Güneş Mabedi ve Cennet’in Kapısı hareketleri baz alınarak örneklendirilecektir. YDH’lerin bazı doktrinler etrafında, karizmatik liderlerinin ellerinde dehşet saçan bir şiddet mekanizmasına dönüşebildiğine şahit olunmaktadır. Bu sebeple YDH’leri şiddete sevk eden temel faktörlerden ikisi olan apokaliptik inanç ve karizmatik liderlik üzerinde durulacaktır. Nihai aşamada, günümüzdeki bazı dinî grupları şiddete sevk eden faktörlerin geçmişte YDH’leri şiddete sevk eden faktörlerle benzerlik taşıyıp taşımadığı tespit edilmeye ve YDH’lerin şiddet eylemlerini azaltmak noktasında neler yapılabileceğine dair öneriler sunulmaya çalışılacaktır.
Para uma fundamentação adequada das decisões: o problema do sincretismo metodológico interpretativo
Authors: Gomes Renata Nascimento , Simioni Rafael Lazzarotto
Published: July 2016

Esta pesquisa objetiva analisar linhas do discurso de fundamentação do Habeas Corpus nº 82424/RS à luz de algumas teorias de interpretação da decisão e análise do discurso, numa perspectiva macroestrutural. Entre elas, a da Proporcionalidade de Robert Alexy, a do Abuso de direito de Klaus Günther, a do Procedimentalismo Discursivo de Jürgen Habermas e a do Direito como Integridade de Ronald Dworkin. Partindo de uma breve descrição do “caso Ellwanger”, objeto do Habeas Corpus, propõe-se uma análise crítica dos diversos problemas de correção, adequação e legitimidade que a adoção, em uma mesma decisão, de métodos reciprocamente incompatíveis de interpretação jurídica. Para que seja possível a análise crítica dos efeitos da utilização, no contexto de uma mesma decisão, de diferentes teorias que partem de pressupostos completamente distintos, e como medida de garantia de uma maior proximidade da necessária imparcialidade, esta abordagem optou por uma análise desvinculada, sem adotar um referencial teórico específico. Como resultado, chama-se a atenção para a importância da aplicação adequada das teorias interpretativas e metodológicas da decisão.
Le rôle du Conseil de Sécurité de l’Organisation des Nations unies dans les travaux de la Cour Pénale Internationale
Authors: Nascimento Germana Aguiar Ribeiro do , Merzelkad Kahina , Roig María José Añón
Published: July 2016

Le Conseil de sécurité est un organe politique soucieux du maintien de la paix et de la sécurité internationales. La Cour pénale internationale, quant à elle, est un organe juridictionnel subsidiaire qui a pour vocation de juger les crimes de guerre, de génocide, d’agression et les crimes contre l’humanité. Ces deux organes ont comme dénominateur commun le maintien de la paix et de la sécurité internationales. Cette convergence de compétences a été consacrée par le Statut de Rome en octroyant au Conseil de sécurité la prérogative de saisir la Cour. L’intervention du Conseil de sécurité dans le fonctionnement de la Cour peut ainsi être bénéfique pour assurer les droits de l’Homme, néanmoins, elle peut représenter un frein à l’effectivité de l’exercice de la compétence de la Cour. Dans cette optique, il serait intéressant d’aborder l’aspect constructif du lien qui unit la Cour et le Conseil de sécurité, ainsi que l’obstacle qu’il peut représenter pour la réalisation de la paix et de la sécurité internationales. Pour cela, la méthodologie qualitative sera utilisée. La recherche documentaire, l’étude de la jurisprudence et de la législation permettront de regrouper lesrenseignements relatifs au sujet.
Mast cell activation is enhanced by Tim1:Tim4 interaction but not by Tim-1 antibodies
Authors: Phong Binh , Kane Lawrence P.
Published: July 2016

Polymorphisms in theT cell (or transmembrane) immunoglobulin and mucin domain 1(TIM-1) gene, particularly in the mucin domain, have been associated with atopy and allergic diseases in mice and human. Genetic- and antibody-mediated studies revealed that Tim-1 functions as a positive regulator of Th2 responses, while certain antibodies to Tim-1 can exacerbate or reduce allergic lung inflammation. Tim-1 can also positively regulate the function of B cells, NKT cells, dendritic cells and mast cells. However, the precise molecular mechanisms by which Tim-1 modulates immune cell function are currently unknown. In this study, we have focused on defining Tim-1-mediated signaling pathways that enhance mast cell activation through the high affinity IgE receptor (FceRI). Using a Tim-1 mouse model lacking the mucin domain (Tim-1Dmucin), we show for the first time that the polymorphic Tim-1 mucin region is dispensable for normal mast cell activation. We further show that Tim-4 cross-linking of Tim-1 enhances select signaling pathways downstream of FceRI in mast cells, including mTOR-dependent signaling, leading to increased cytokine production but without affecting degranulation.
HUMAN RIGHTS: INTERNATIONAL LEGAL IDEOLOGY
Authors: Раджабов Махмадьёр , Radzhabov Makhmader
Published: July 2016

The article based on the study of the scientific literature and analysis of international legal acts, considers the features of the legal status of international organizations in private — law relations. As part of a public legal nature of international organizations

is determined by their private — law status.
NGO’ CONSULTATIVE STATUS AS EFFECTIVE MECHANISM OF UN DEMOCRATIZATION
Authors: Матвеева Татьяна , Matveeva Tatyana
Published: July 2016

The author of the article discusses the UN system of integration of civil society in UN activities, NGO consultative status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), analyses different examples of fruitful cooperation of UN and in creating of instruments of international law, explains the necessity of enforcement of this common activities.
Incidental splenic masses
Authors: Tennant Bryn
Published: July 2016

Introduction:

Splenic masses identified incidentally in the absence of haemoperitoneum are most commonly benign, and are associated with longer survival times than those where haemoperitoneum is present.
Preparation and planning for safe anaesthesia
Authors: McMillan Matt
Published: July 2016

Anaesthesia (and by extension analgesia) can greatly benefit animal health and welfare by facilitating diagnostic, medical and surgical procedures and by managing pain. Unfortunately, anaesthesia can also put a patient at substantial and often unnecessary risk if not performed appropriately. Improvements in drugs, monitoring and education have reduced the risk of anaesthetic death significantly over the last twenty years, but to continue this reduction efforts will likely need to be directed more towards improving the process of anaesthesia. This article will concentrate on fine-tuning the process of preparation and planning for anaesthesia, and how this will help to improve patient safety by improving human performance.
Tips and tricks when faced with a non-localisable lameness
Authors: Perry Karen L
Published: July 2016

The non-localisable lameness is one of the most frustrating conditions encountered in veterinary orthopaedics. This article focuses on three techniques achievable in primary care practice that may assist in locating the source of the problem, in addition to a cost-effective referral option in cases where the cause remains elusive. Neurological examination should be employed in cases where an initial orthopaedic examination does not localise the lameness. Should a neurological cause be suspected, a significantly different diagnostic process may be required when compared to orthopaedic causes of lameness. Arthrocentesis and intra-articular anaesthesia can be useful diagnostic tools when faced with a case of non-localisable lameness, and are easily performed in the primary care environment with minimal associated risks and costs. In cases where the source of lameness remains unknown, nuclear scintigraphy represents an under-utilised option that may assist in lameness localisation.
Toileting troubles part 2: managing house soiling problems in dogs and cats
Authors: Tomlinson Catherine
Published: July 2016

The discovery of faeces and urine in the home can be an annoyance for owners of cats and dogs and is often perceived, incorrectly, as an inevitable part of pet ownership. A lack of early intervention can lead to long-term house soiling that can put considerable pressure on the bond between animal and human and potentially lead to the owner considering relinquishing their pet. Part 1 of this article detailed the factors influencing house soiling. Part 2 proposes a methodology for creating management programmes that are tailored to individual cases.
How to take blood from a tortoise
Authors: Naguib Mark
Published: July 2016

Haematology and biochemistry provide useful diagnostic information in chelonia, however obtaining blood samples can be complicated by variations in their anatomy, strength and the close proximity of lymphatic vessels to many of the sampling sites. This article will discuss venipuncture sites and methods.
The Northwick Park Examination of Cognition: A brief cognitive assessment tool for use in acute stroke services
Authors: Williams Paul M , Johnson Caroline , Swan Sarah , Barber Caroline , Murphy Patrick , Devine Joseph , Bathula Raj , Cohen David , Crutch Sebastian J
Published: July 2016

Background/Aims:

Assessment of cognitive impairment following stroke forms an important part of diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation planning. However, none of the available and widely used tools were developed specifically for use in stroke services. Most screening tools were developed for dementia, and consequently are biased toward an evaluation of memory function, provide inadequate assessment of executive function and are mainly verbally administered, limiting their utility in aphasic patients.

Methods:

One hundred and sixty-six stroke patients admitted to a hyper acute stroke unit and a control sample of 100 healthy participants completed the Northwick Park Examination of Cognition (NPEC). The NPEC includes 22 sub-tests in the domains of reasoning, episodic memory, language, perception and attention/executive function. Multiple input (verbal, visual) and output (spoken, written, gesture) modalities increase accessibility to patients with various deficits/lesion locations.

Findings:

Mean time from stroke to assessment was 5.6 days (SD=7.9). Seventy five percent of patients gained impaired scores (mild, moderate or severe impairment), which was evident at the group level on all subtests. Left and right cortical stroke patients differed significantly (P<0.05) on specific verbal (R>L) and spatial attention (L>R) subtests. Sensitivity and specificity for the detection of cognitive impairment (sensitivity=0.90; specificity=0.80; area-under-curve [AUC]=0.93) were equivalent or superior to data reported for established cognitive screening tools (AUC=0.53–0.89). Patients were disproportionately impaired on high vs low attentional demand cancellation tasks (P<0.0001).

Conclusions:

The NPEC is brief, freely available and has good sensitivity and specificity for differentiating stroke patients from controls in terms of cognitive functioning. The inclusion of timed executive function measures and comparable verbal and non-verbal sub-tests permits characterisation of cognitive dysfunction in different stroke subtypes.
The experiences of prostate cancer survivors: Changes to physical function and its impact on quality of life
Authors: Michael Christine , Barnett Fiona , Gray Marion
Published: July 2016

Background/Aims:

Quality of life plays a major role in prostate cancer research in relation to outcomes of treatment. Most studies conducted on patients with prostate cancer have used standardised psychometric instruments to evaluate the impact of treatment; few studies have taken an in-depth qualitative approach. There has been little consideration of the ways in which the prostate cancer experience impacts on daily life. The aim of this research was to understand the experience of prostate cancer survivors in relation to physical function and its impact on quality of life.

Method:

Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted using seven participants who ranged in age from 44 to 80 years. Participants had received varying prostate cancer treatments and were between 3 months and over 7 years post-diagnosis.

Results:

Three main themes emerged: loss of masculinity, loss of control over daily activities, and age-specific perspectives. Changes to physical function included impotence, incontinence, fatigue and lymphoedema. Losses were multifaceted, leading to changes in self-perception, reduced participation in daily activities and a decreased quality of life.

Conclusion:

The impact of prostate cancer and its treatment led to decreased quality of life and desire to live. Identified changes in physical function and psychological wellbeing in prostate cancer patients highlighted the significance of younger men with prostate cancer, and their experience.
A clinical exploration of the Process of Transformation Model with rehabilitation therapists
Authors: King Judy , Klinovski Kristina , Dubouloz Claire-Jehanne
Published: July 2016

Background/Aims:

Clients in rehabilitation services often undergo a process of personal change following a diagnosis of a chronic illness or a traumatic accident. One of the changes they experience could be that of a change in their meaning perspectives – that is, their beliefs, values, feelings, and attitudes towards their illness, their new life, and themselves. The Process of Transformation Model was developed through a metasynthesis of studies that relate to this transformation from clients' perspectives.

Methods:

To study the model from therapists' perspectives, a qualitative exploratory study was conducted with four expert rehabilitation therapists. Using focus groups and participant diaries, participants provided insights and interpretation of the model in their practice. Data collection and analysis was conducted concurrently.

Results:

Therapists are able to recognise clients in the initial trigger phase. They are also able to recognise certain outcomes of change; however, they have difficulty identifying the complex internal meaning perspectives' transformations that occur during the changing phase.

Conclusions:

While clients experience these critical reflective phases throughout their rehabilitation, therapists are relatively unaware of them. By recognising what phase their clients could be in, therapists would be prepared to adapt to their clients' needs and develop therapy plans accordingly, including providing patient education.
Leishmaniosis in dogs and cats
Authors: Elsheikha Hany
Published: July 2016

Leishmania are vector-borne protozoan parasites within the group known as the Kinetoplastids. Infection with these parasites can result in a range of clinical diseases dependent upon the infecting species. Leishmania infantum is the main species causing leishmaniosis in dogs and cats, as well as visceral and cutaneous forms of leishmaniosis in humans. Dogs are the main reservoir, but cats and other potential vertebrate reservoirs have been also reported. Sandflies are the main vector, but non-vectorial transmission (e.g. venereal, transplacental) is possible. Despite the lack of a gold-standard diagnostic test diagnosis of leishmaniosis is achieved mainly based on clinical signs, skin histopathology, serological detection of specific immune responses against Leishmania and molecular detection of the parasite DNA in tissues by using polymerase chain reaction. Correct and early diagnosis is essential for timely institution of treatment and for minimising the transmission of Leishmania from infected animals to vectors. Meglumine antimoniate and allopurinol are the most widely used anti-leishmanial drugs. Vaccination is also available, but only for dogs. The advent of effective insecticide-based preparations, impregnated collars or topical (‘spot-on’) formulations, and insights into the appropriate management of leishmaniosis lends a hopeful outlook for the future. This article discusses biology, epidemiology, diagnosis, and management of leishmaniosis in dogs and cats, and explains the importance of connecting clinical and research communities in a ‘One Health’ approach for effective surveillance and control of this disease.
Major abdominal surgery in Jehovah’s Witnesses
Authors: Rollins KE , Contractor U , Inumerable R , Lobo DN
Published: July 2016

Introduction

Patients who are Jehovah’s Witnesses pose difficult ethical and moral dilemmas for surgeons because of their refusal to receive blood and blood products. This article outlines the personal experiences of six Jehovah’s Witnesses who underwent major abdominal surgery at a single institution and also summarises the literature on the perioperative care of these patients.

Methods

The patients recorded their thoughts and the dilemmas they faced during their surgical journey. We also reviewed the recent literature on the ethical principles involved in treating such patients and strategies recommended to make surgery safer.

Results

All patients were supported in their decision making by the clinical team and the Hospital Liaison Committee for Jehovah’s Witnesses. The patients recognised the ethical and moral difficulties experienced by clinicians in this setting. However, they described taking strength from their belief in Jehovah. A multitude of techniques are available to minimise the risk associated with major surgery in Jehovah’s Witness patients, many of which have been adopted to minimise unnecessary use of blood products in general. Nevertheless, the risks of catastrophic haemorrhage and consequent mortality remain an unresolved issue for the treating team.

Conclusions

Respect for a patient’s autonomy in this setting is the overriding ethical principle, with detailed discussion forming an important part of the preparation of a Jehovah’s Witness for major abdominal surgery. Clinicians must be diligent in the documentation of the patient’s wishes to ensure all members of the team can abide by these.
Public service mutuals: towards a theoretical understanding of the spin-out process
Authors: Hazenberg Richard , Hall Kelly
Published: July 2016

Over the past few decades the policy environment in the UK has gradually sought to encourage public sector workers to ‘spin-out’ their services into social enterprises. This paper reports the common experiences and barriers experienced by four local authorities in the UK that ‘spun-out’ a public service into a social enterprise. The analysis is underpinned by Takahashi and Smutny’s (2002) theoretical model of partnerships and uses this to present a new model of the spin-out process. In doing so, the research identifies the complex partnership arrangements used in a spinout involving collaborations with staff, services users and public/private/third sector organisations.
Effects of Oxaliplatin Treatment on the Enteric Glial Cells and Neurons in the Mouse Ileum
Authors: Robinson Ainsley M. , Stojanovska Vanesa , Rahman Ahmed A. , McQuade Rachel M. , Senior Paul V. , Nurgali Kulmira
Published: July 2016

Oxaliplatin, currently used for treatment of colorectal and other cancers, causes severe gastrointestinal side effects, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation that are attributed to mucosal damage. However, delayed onset and long-term persistence of these side effects suggest that damage to the enteric nervous system (ENS) regulating physiological function of the gastrointestinal tract may also occur. The ENS comprises myenteric and submucosal neurons and enteric glial cells (EGCs). This study aimed to investigate the effects of oxaliplatin treatment on enteric neurons and EGCs within the mouse ileum. BALB/c mice received repeated intraperitoneal injections of oxaliplatin (3 mg/kg, 3 injections/week). Tissues were collected 3, 7, 14, and 21 days from the commencement of treatment. Decreases in glial fibrillary acidic protein–immunoreactive (IR) EGCs and protein gene product 9.5/β-Tubulin III-IR neurons as well as increase in s100β-IR EGCs after chronic oxaliplatin administration were observed in both the myenteric and submucosal plexi. Changes in EGCs were further observed in cross-sections of the ileum at day 14 and confirmed by Western blotting. Alterations in EGCs correlated with loss of myenteric and submucosal neurons in the ileum from oxaliplatin-treated mice. These changes to the ENS may contribute to the mechanisms underlying gastrointestinal side effects associated with oxaliplatin treatment.
Murdering the soul: Representing rape and the commodification of children in Botswana
Authors: Kerr David
Published: July 2016

This article uses a devised play, Murdering the Soul, to explore issues concerning sexual abuse of girls in southern Africa. University of Botswana students created the play in 1998–1999 through improvisation, research, debates and group scriptwriting. The devising took place under my supervision, but with many inputs from Childline and Ditshwanelo (Botswana’s principle watchdog on human rights), as well as from two anonymous young (but adult) survivors of sexual abuse who acted as research informants. This article focuses on the interaction between theories and praxis, especially as they have become crystallized through the alchemy of performance in Gaborone, as well as through an adapted version in Zomba and Lilongwe, Malawi, in 2004. The finished play was in a mixture of English and Setswana for the Gaborone version, and English and Chichewa for the Zomba version.
Book Review
Authors: Rapoo Connie
Published: July 2016

Performing the Nation: Genocide, Justice, Reconciliation, Ananda Breed (2014) London: Seagull Books, 221 pp., ISBN: 9780857421081, p/bk, £24.50/$35