bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Management of difficult intra-articular fractures or fracture dislocations of the proximal interphalangeal joint
Authors: Liodaki E. , Xing S. G. , Mailaender P. , Stang F.
Published: November 2014

Intra-articular fractures or fracture dislocations of the proximal interphalangeal joint are difficult clinically because the bone and soft tissue structures are small and intricate. Suboptimal treatment of intra-articular fractures typically leads to functional impairment of the hand. This article reviews the current methods of treatment, together with the senior author’s experience in treating difficult proximal interphalangeal joint fractures and dislocations. Besides conservative treatments, surgical treatments include open or closed reduction with traditional Osteosynthesis, such as K-wires, screws or plates. Among recent developments are the percutaneous application of thin cannulated compression screws and novel dynamic external fixators. After a preferred minimally invasive treatment with stable reconstruction of the articular surface, sufficient aftercare is necessary to improve surgical outcomes.
Conservative treatment has comparable outcome with bouquet pinning of little finger metacarpal neck fractures: a multicentre randomized controlled study of 85 patients
Authors: Sletten I. N. , Hellund J. C. , Olsen B. , Clementsen S. , Kvernmo H. D. , Nordsletten L.
Published: November 2014

Current literature gives few guidelines regarding indication for operative treatment of little finger metacarpal neck fractures, and some surgeons choose operative treatment when the palmar angulation exceeds 30°. The objective of this study was to determine whether conservative treatment produces comparable outcomes with bouquet pinning in a randomized, controlled trial. Eighty-five patients with little finger metacarpal neck fractures with ≥30° palmar angulation in the lateral view were included. Patients were randomized to two groups: conservative treatment without reduction of the fracture (43 patients); and closed reduction and bouquet pinning (42 patients). After 1 year, there were no statistical differences between the groups in QuickDASH score, pain, satisfaction, finger range of motion, grip strength, or quality of life. There was a trend versus better satisfaction with hand appearance ( p = 0.06), but longer sick leave ( p < 0.001) and more complications ( p = 0.02) in the operative group.

Level of evidence: Level 2
Cannabis and mental health problems
Authors: Holdridge Sian Lucy , Holdridge Christopher David
Published: November 2014

On a global scale, cannabis is the most commonly used illicit drug with around 5 000 000 people using on a daily basis. Although the Home Office has documented that cannabis use in the UK has declined in the last couple of years, the last decade has seen increasing popularity in the use of synthetic cannabinoids (known as ‘spice’). These are marketed online as innocuous herbal products. Several authors have provided evidence to suggest that cannabis use (including ‘spice’) is a cause of mental illness, in particular psychosis and schizophrenia. Certain studies suggest that cannabis accounts for 8–14% of schizophrenia cases, however, the presence of this link remains controversial. This article summarises the evidence supporting the relationship between cannabis and mental illness, with a focus on psychosis and schizophrenia, and the possible mechanisms at play. There is also a discussion of primary care management.
A Pilot Study Examining Patient Attitudes and Intentions to Adopt Assistive Technologies Into Type 2 Diabetes Self-Management
Authors: Dobson Kathleen G. , Hall Peter
Published: November 2014

Background:

Approximately half of individuals living with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have suboptimal self-management, which could be improved by using assistive technologies in self-management regimes. This study examines patient attitudes and intentions to adopt assistive technologies into T2DM self-management.

Methods:

Forty-four participants ( M = 58.7 years) with T2DM were recruited from diabetes education classes in the southwestern Ontario, Canada, between February and April 2014. Participants completed a self-reported in-person survey assessing demographic characteristics, current diabetes management, and attitudes toward using assistive technologies in their diabetes self-management. Demographics, disease characteristics, and current technology use and preferences of the cohort were examined, followed by a correlational analysis of descriptive characteristics and attitudes and intentions to use technology in self-management.

Results:

The majority of (but not all) participants felt that using Internet applications (65%) and smartphone (53.5%) applications for self-management was a good idea. The majority of participants did not currently use an Internet (92.5%) or mobile (96%) application for self-management. Of participants, 77% intended to use an Internet application to manage their diabetes in the future and 58% intended to use mobile applications. Younger age was associated with more positive attitudes ( r = –.432, P = .003) and intentions ( r = –.425, P = .005) to use assistive technologies in diabetes self-management.

Conclusions:

Findings suggest that patients, especially those younger in age, are favorable toward adopting assistive technologies into management practice. However, attitudes among older adults are less positive, and few currently make use of such technologies in any age group.
A New Metabolite Panel Test for Identification of Patients With Impaired Glucose Tolerance? Analysis of the Article by Cobb et al
Authors: Pfützner Andreas
Published: November 2014

The article by Cobb et al represents solid research work applying the most sophisticated laboratory technologies, a very sound clinical research methodology, and valid statistical analysis procedures. The authors have identified a combination of metabolites suitable to replace the oral glucose tolerance test procedure in the identification of patients with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) from a fasting blood draw. However, the discussed pathophysiological, clinical, and economic aspects may induce mechanisms restricting the probability of a global acceptance of this test for daily routine.
Recognizing Obesity and its Complications
Authors: Hampl Sarah , Campbell Annette
Published: November 2014

This introductory article on the comorbidities of obesity in children is an overview and the first in a series of articles on the subject. One in three of our nation’s school-age children is overweight or obese. The comorbidities they experience mirror those seen in adults, with over 60% of children having at least one complication. Virtually any body system may be affected. Complications include weight-related bullying and teasing, poor sleep hygiene, well-studied cardiovascular disease risk factors, liver disease, and musculoskeletal complications, to name a few. The article will further explore an exemplary program highlighting the important role that school nurses play in this child and adolescent health crisis.
A case of a temporal bone meningioma presenting as a serous otitis media
Authors: Nicolay Simon , De Foer Bert , Bernaerts Anja , Van Dinther Joost , Parizel Paul M
Published: November 2014

We report the imaging features of a case of a temporal bone meningioma extending into the middle ear cavity and clinically presenting as a serous otitis media. Temporal bone meningioma extending in the mastoid or the middle ear cavity, however, is very rare. In case of unexplained or therapy-resistant serous otitis media and a nasopharyngeal tumor being ruled out, a temporal bone computed tomography (CT) should be performed. If CT findings are suggestive of a temporal bone meningioma, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination with gadolinium will confirm diagnosis and show the exact extension of the lesion.
Barriers to Prescription Medication Adherence Among Homeless and Vulnerably Housed Adults in Three Canadian Cities
Authors: Hunter Charlotte E. , Palepu Anita , Farrell Susan , Gogosis Evie , O’Brien Kristen , Hwang Stephen W.
Published: November 2014

Objectives: Medication adherence is an important determinant of successful medical treatment. Marginalized populations, such as homeless and vulnerably housed individuals, may face substantial barriers to medication adherence. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of, reasons for, and factors associated with medication nonadherence among homeless and vulnerably housed individuals. Additionally, we examined the association between medication nonadherence and subsequent emergency department utilization during a 1-year follow-up period. Methods: Data were collected as part of the Health and Housing in Transition study, a prospective cohort study tracking the health and housing status of 595 homeless and 596 vulnerably housed individuals in 3 Canadian cities. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with medication nonadherence, as well as the association between medication nonadherence at baseline and subsequent emergency department utilization. Results: Among 716 participants who had been prescribed a medication, 189 (26%) reported nonadherence. Being ≥40 years old was associated with decreased likelihood of nonadherence (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.59; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.41-0.84), as was having a primary care provider (AOR = 0.49; 95% CI = 0.34-0.71). Having a positive screen on the AUDIT (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test; an indication of harmful or hazardous drinking) was associated with increased likelihood of nonadherence (AOR = 1.86; 95% CI = 1.31-2.63). Common reasons for nonadherence included side effects, cost, and lack of access to a physician. Self-reported nonadherence at baseline was significantly associated with frequent emergency department use (≥3 visits) over the follow-up period at the bivariate level (OR = 1.55; 95% CI = 1.02-2.35) but was not significant in a multivariate model (AOR = 1.49; 95% CI = 0.96-2.32). Conclusion: Homeless and vulnerably housed individuals face significant barriers to medication adherence. Health care providers serving this population should be particularly attentive to nonadherence among younger patients and those with harmful or hazardous drinking patterns.
Pretraumatic Stress Reactions in Soldiers Deployed to Afghanistan
Authors: Berntsen Dorthe , Rubin David C.
Published: November 2014

Posttraumatic stress disorder is a diagnosis related to the past. Pretraumatic stress reactions, as measured by intrusive involuntary images of possible future stressful events and their associated avoidance and increased arousal, have been overlooked in the PTSD literature. Here we introduce a scale that measures pretraumatic stress reactions providing a clear future-oriented parallel to the posttraumatic stress reactions described in the diagnostic criteria for PTSD. We apply this Pretraumatic Stress Reactions Checklist (PreCL) to Danish soldiers before, during, and after deployment to Afghanistan. The PreCL has good internal consistency and is highly correlated with a standard measure of PTSD symptoms. The PreCL as answered before the soldiers’ deployment significantly predicted level of PTSD symptoms during and after their deployment, while controlling for baseline PTSD symptoms and combat exposure measured during and after deployment. The findings have implications for the conceptualization of PTSD, screening, and treatment.
Tendency to Recall Remote Memories as a Mediator of Overgeneral Recall in Depression
Authors: Falco David E. , Peynircioğlu Zehra F. , Hohman Timothy J.
Published: November 2014

In the current study, remoteness of memories predicted overgeneral memory (OGM), and the tendency for remote recall was unrelated to either rumination or avoidance tendencies. In Experiments 1 and 2, dysphoric and nondysphoric participants dated their memories on autobiographical memory tests. Remoteness was related to OGM regardless of dysphoria. Furthermore, when instructed to recall from a specific time period, nondysphoric and dysphoric individuals showed similar levels of OGM for remote events and similar levels of memory specificity for recent events. Dysphoria correlated with OGM and the tendency to recall more remote memories, but remoteness was a better predictor of OGM and emerged as a mediating factor. In Experiment 3, remote memory recall was a better predictor of OGM than were either rumination or avoidance tendencies and was not correlated with either. We suggest that OGM is crucially tied to remote recall tendencies and discuss the theoretical and clinical implications within the framework of current models.
Limits of Current Approaches to Diagnosis Severity Based on Criterion Counts
Authors: Lane Sean P. , Sher Kenneth J.
Published: November 2014

Within the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders ( DSM-5), some diagnoses are now associated with a severity gradient based on the number of diagnostic criteria satisfied. Reasons for questioning the validity of this approach include the implicit assumptions of equal criterion severity and strict additivity of criteria combinations. To assess the implications of heterogeneity of criterion configurations on severity grading, we examined the association between all observed combinations of DSM-5 alcohol use disorder criteria endorsement, at each level of number of criteria endorsed, and multiple validity measures among 22,177 past-year drinkers from Wave 2 of the National Epidemiological Survey on Alcoholism and Related Conditions (NESARC). Substantial variability of implied severity across criteria combinations was observed at each level of endorsement, with nontrivial overlap in implied severity across criterion counts. Findings suggest severity indices are at best imprecise, and potentially misleading. These problems are likely inherent in traditional polythetic approaches to diagnosis and almost certainly applicable to other disorders. Approaches for improving severity grading are proposed.
Diagnosis and Screening of Overweight and Obese Children in a Resident Continuity Clinic
Authors: Higgins Alanna , McCarville Megan , Kurowski Jacob , McEwen Scott , Tanz Robert R.
Published: November 2014

Objective. To evaluate the association between documenting excess weight and ordering screening tests. Methods. We retrospectively reviewed well-child visits for patients 2 to 18 years old at a pediatric resident clinic. We evaluated visits of patients with body mass index ≥ 85th percentile for documentation of excess weight in the electronic medical record (EMR) and screening tests ordered. Associations were investigated with χ2 tests. Results. Of 522 patients, 215 (41%) were overweight (19%) or obese (22%). Among obese and overweight patients, 92/215 (43%) had documentation of excess weight in the EMR. Screening tests were ordered for 39/92 (42%) patients with a diagnosis of excess weight versus 8/123 (6.5%) of those without one ( P < .001). Conclusions. Documentation rates of excess weight by practitioners were low and worse for younger children and those with milder degrees of excess weight. Documenting excess weight in the EMR was highly associated with ordering of screening tests.
Clarification of material flow and defect formation during friction stir welding
Authors: Morisada Y. , Imaizumi T. , Fujii H.
Published: November 2014

The defect formation mechanism during friction stir welding (FSW) was investigated by the three-dimensional visualisation of material flow around a tool. The three-dimensional flow patterns under various FSW conditions were obtained using two pairs of X-ray transmission real time imaging systems. The flow patterns revealed that the tilt of horizontal material flow around the tool and the stagnation of material flow on the advancing side (AS) of the tool were significantly correlated to the formation of defects. The material flow velocity during FSW was directly calculated based on the results of three-dimensional visualisation. The material flow velocity on the AS obviously decreased under the condition where defects were formed.
Critical Assessment 11: Structural repairs by cold spray
Authors: Champagne V. , Helfritch D.
Published: November 2014

The deposition of material by cold spray is a relatively new technology. It is often applied to coating applications but can be used for the repair of defects in and damage to metal structures. The use of cold spray for repair is often favoured because, unlike thermal spray methods, cold spray does not bring about heat related damage to the component under repair. The status of the technology and the barriers to widespread commercial application are assessed. The types of repair that have been made with cold spray are discussed, and the unique features of cold spray that permit successful repairs are demonstrated.
Development of non-linear continuous cooling precipitation diagram for Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloy
Authors: Li H. Y. , Liu J. J. , Yu W. C. , Li D. W.
Published: November 2014

Microstructure evolution for an Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloy has been investigated under different non-linear cooling processes from the solution temperature. Combined with in situ electrical resistivity measurements, transmission electron microscopy, hardness tests and Newtonian cooling equations, a full continuous cooling precipitation diagram for the experimental alloy has been developed. The critical cooling rate is between 23 and 46°C s–1 at the transformation temperature and the average cooling rate, [Formula: see text] , is between 20 and 35°C s–1. The phase transformation during the non-linear cooling process can be concluded as: S phase precipitated in the high temperature transformation stage, η phase heterogeneously precipitated on Al3Zr dispersoids and grain boundaries during the medium temperature transformation stage and homogeneously nucleated η′/η phase precipitated at the low temperature transformation stage.
MOCVD growth and study of magnetic Co films
Authors: Dorovskikh S. I. , Hairullin R. R. , Sysoev S. V. , Kriventsov V. V. , Panin A. V. , Shubin Y. V. , Morozova N. B. , Gelfond N. V. , Korenev S. V.
Published: November 2014

The Co( N'acN’ac)2 complex, namely bis(2-methylamino-4-methyliminato-penten) cobalt(II), was for the first time used as a precursor for producing Co films via metal–organic chemical vapour deposition. This chelate exhibits good volatility ln (P/P°) = 26·45–14006·7/T(K) at moderate temperature values (382–427 K). Co films were grown on Si (100) substrates and studied by X-ray diffraction, extended X-ray absorption fine structure, atomic force and scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray analysis and optical profilometry. Deposition conditions corresponding to the optimal electrical and magnetic characteristics of Co thin films are found.
Fe2O3 nanotube films prepared by anodisation as visible light photocatalytic
Authors: Momeni M. M. , Ghayeb Y. , Mohammadi F.
Published: November 2014

Highly ordered Fe2O3 nanotube arrays have been fabricated by a simple and cost effective anodisation method on iron foils in an ethylene glycol solution containing NH4F and H2O. The Fe2O3 nanotube electrodes were characterised by field emission SEM, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and UV–vis absorbance spectra. The resulting Fe2O3 nanotube arrays showed a pore diameter of 50–70 nm and a minimum wall thickness of 20 nm. A band gap value of 2·04 eV was estimated for these Fe2O3 layers. The photocatalytic activity of the Fe2O3 nanotube films was determined by measuring the degradation of methylene blue under visible light to find out its potential application in waste water treatment. Results demonstrated that these Fe2O3 nanotube films possess good photocatalytic.
Identification of a new dysfunctional platelet P2Y12 receptor variant associated with bleeding diathesis
Authors: Lecchi Anna , Razzari Cristina , Paoletta Silvia , Dupuis Arnaud , Nakamura Lea , Ohlmann Philippe , Gachet Christian , Jacobson Kenneth A. , Zieger Barbara , Cattaneo Marco
Published: November 2014

Key Points

Two patients with bleeding diathesis had dysfunctional platelet P2Y12R for ADP, attributable to homozygous His187Gln mutation. These studies delineate a region of transmembrane 5 of P2Y12R that is required for normal function after ADP binding.
The role of FDG-PET in defining prognosis of Hodgkin lymphoma for early-stage disease
Authors: Evens Andrew M. , Kostakoglu Lale
Published: November 2014

Given the excellent survival rates for early-stage Hodgkin lymphoma (HL), the young age of many patients, and concerns regarding acute and late treatment-related toxicities, there is a desire to have a predictive tool that enables therapy to be tailored toward the individual patient. Early (or interim) 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography with computerized tomography (FDG-PET/CT), as a test of tumor sensitivity to ongoing/planned therapy, has been shown to be prognostic for survival in HL. Based on results of interim FDG-PET/CT, therapy may be subsequently modified through minimization or via intensification for low- and high-risk patient populations, respectively (ie, response-adapted therapy). Important data have been generated to standardize the interpretability and reproducibility of interim FDG-PET/CT (eg, the Deauville 5-point system), and observational and noncontrolled prospective studies have produced evidence supporting the hypothesis that response-adapted therapy may potentially serve as a predictive tool. Furthermore, results from noninferiority phase 3 clinical trials randomizing early-stage HL patients with negative interim FDG-PET/CT to combined modality therapy versus chemotherapy alone have been reported. The current collective findings from these randomized early-stage HL studies have shown that acute relapse rates are lower with combined modality therapy, even in patients with negative interim FDG-PET/CT. Additional randomized response-adapted studies are ongoing and novel FDG-PET/CT applications involving quantitative techniques and innovative imaging modalities are being investigated to identify more robust imaging biomarkers. Treatment of early-stage HL remains a clinical management choice for physicians and patients to make with consideration of acute and long-term outcomes.
Current survivorship recommendations for patients with Hodgkin lymphoma: focus on late effects
Authors: Ng Andrea K.
Published: November 2014

Long-term survivors of Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) are at an increased risk for a range of late complications, with subsequent malignant neoplasm and cardiovascular disease representing the 2 leading causes of death in these patients. Raising awareness, close follow-up, and adoption of selected early-detection and risk-reduction strategies may help to reduce the adverse impact of these late effects on patients. This chapter reviews known long-term complications of HL therapy, risk factors, and the timing of their occurrence. Where available, data on the efficacy of screening for selected late effects of HL are presented. Current evidence-based and consensus-based recommendations on follow-up of long-term HL survivors are also reviewed. As HL therapy evolves over time, late effects and implications on follow-up of patients treated in the contemporary era should be considered and opportunities for future research should be explored.
Mer tyrosine kinase promotes the survival of t(1;19)-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in the central nervous system (CNS)
Authors: Krause Sarah , Pfeiffer Christian , Strube Susanne , Alsadeq Ameera , Fedders Henning , Vokuhl Christian , Loges Sonja , Waizenegger Jonas , Ben-Batalla Isabel , Cario Gunnar , Möricke Anja , Stanulla Martin , Schrappe Martin , Schewe Denis M.
Published: November 2014

Key Points

Mer mediates quiescence and chemotherapy resistance in a CNS coculture model and causes CNS infiltration in immunodeficient mice. Mer expression correlates with CNS positivity upon initial diagnosis in t(1;19)-positive pediatric ALL patients.
Histone deacetylase inhibition regulates inflammation and enhances Tregs after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation in humans
Authors: Choi Sung Won , Gatza Erin , Hou Guoqing , Sun Yaping , Whitfield Joel , Song Yeohan , Oravecz-Wilson Katherine , Tawara Isao , Dinarello Charles A. , Reddy Pavan
Published: November 2014

Key Points

HDAC inhibition reduced proinflammatory cytokines and increased regulatory T-cell number and function after allo-HCT. HDAC inhibition enhanced signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 acetylation and induced indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase after allo-HCT.
Common fixed point theorems for generalized expansive mappings in partial b-metric spaces and an application
Authors: Zhu Chuanxi , Xu Wenqing , Chen Chunfang , Zhang Xiaozhi
Published: November 2014

In this paper, we first introduce the concepts of generalized

(
ψ
,
f
)

λ

-expansive mappings and generalized

(
ϕ
,
g
,
h
)

λ

-weakly expansive mappings designed for three mappings. Then we establish some common fixed point results for such two new types of mappings in partial b-metric spaces. These results generalize and extend the main results of Karapınar et al. (J. Inequal. Appl. 2014:22, 2014), Nashine et al. (Fixed Point Theory Appl. 2013:203, 2013) and many comparable results from the current literature. Moreover, some examples and an application to a system of integral equations are given here to illustrate the usability of the obtained results.

MSC:47H10, 54H25.
Sparse reconstruction for direction-of-arrival estimation using multi-frequency co-prime arrays
Authors: BouDaher Elie , Ahmad Fauzia , Amin Moeness G
Published: November 2014

In this paper, multi-frequency co-prime arrays are employed to perform direction-of-arrival (DOA) estimation with enhanced degrees of freedom (DOFs). Operation at multiple frequencies creates additional virtual elements in the difference co-array of the co-prime array corresponding to the reference frequency. Sparse reconstruction is then used to fully exploit the enhanced DOFs offered by the multi-frequency co-array, thereby increasing the number of resolvable sources. For the case where the sources have proportional spectra, the received signal vectors at the different frequencies are combined to form an equivalent single measurement vector model corresponding to the multi-frequency co-array. When the sources have nonproportional spectra, a group sparsity-based reconstruction approach is used to determine the direction of signal arrivals. Performance evaluation of the proposed multi-frequency approach is performed using numerical simulations for both cases of proportional and nonproportional source spectra.
Assessment of burnout in veterinary medical students using the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Educational Survey: a survey during two semesters
Authors: Chigerwe Munashe , Boudreaux Karen A , Ilkiw Jan E
Published: November 2014

Background

Burnout among veterinary students can result from known stressors in the absence of a support system. The objectives of this study were to evaluate use of the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Educator Survey (MBI-ES) to assess burnout in veterinary students and evaluate the factors that predict the MBI-ES scores.

Methods

The MBI-ES was administered to first (Class of 2016) and second year (Class of 2015) veterinary medical students during the 2012-2013 academic year in the fall and spring semesters. Factor analysis and test reliability for the survey were determined. Mean scores for the subscales determining burnout namely emotional exhaustion (EE), depersonalization (DP) and lack of personal accomplishment (PA) were calculated for both classes in the 2 semesters. Multiple regression analysis was performed to evaluate other factors that predict the MBI-ES scores.

Results

A non-probability sampling method was implemented consisting of a voluntary sample of 170 and 123 students in the fall and spring semesters, respectively. Scores for EE, DP and PA were not different between the 2 classes within the same semester. Mean ± SD scores for EE, DP and PA for the fall semester were 22.9 ± 9.6, 5.0 ± 4.8 and 32.3 ± 6.7, respectively. Mean ± SD scores for EE, DP and PA the spring semester were 27.8 ± 10.7, 6.5 ± 6.1and 31.7 ± 6.8, respectively. The EE score was higher in spring compared to fall while DP and PA scores were not different between the 2 semesters. Living arrangements specifically as to whether or not a student lived with another veterinary medical students was the only variable significantly associated with the MBI-ES scores. Students in this study had moderate levels of burnout based on the MBI-ES scores.

Conclusions

The MBI-ES was an acceptable instrument for assessing burnout in veterinary medical students. The EE scores were higher in the spring semester as compared to the fall semester. Thus students in the first and second years of veterinary school under the current curriculum experience the greatest levels of emotional exhaustion during the spring semester. This has administrative implications for the school, when considering the allocation and use of resources for student support systems during each semester.
Systematic identification and quantification of phase variation in commensal and pathogenic Escherichia coli
Authors: Goldberg Amir , Fridman Ofer , Ronin Irine , Balaban Nathalie Q
Published: November 2014

Bacteria have been shown to generate constant genetic variation in a process termed phase variation. We present a tool based on whole genome sequencing that allows detection and quantification of coexisting genotypes mediated by genomic inversions in bacterial cultures. We tested our method on widely used strains of Escherichia coli, and detected stable and reproducible phase variation in several invertible loci. These are shown here to be responsible for maintaining constant variation in populations grown from a single colony. Applying this tool on other bacterial strains can shed light on how pathogens adjust to hostile environments by diversifying their genomes.
Next generation sequencing analysis of nine Corynebacterium ulcerans isolates reveals zoonotic transmission and a novel putative diphtheria toxin-encoding pathogenicity island
Authors: Meinel Dominik M , Margos Gabriele , Konrad Regina , Krebs Stefan , Blum Helmut , Sing Andreas
Published: November 2014

Background

Toxigenic Corynebacterium ulcerans can cause a diphtheria-like illness in humans and have been found in domestic animals, which were suspected to serve as reservoirs for a zoonotic transmission. Additionally, toxigenic C. ulcerans were reported to take over the leading role in causing diphtheria in the last years in many industrialized countries.

Methods

To gain deeper insights into the tox gene locus and to understand the transmission pathway in detail, we analyzed nine isolates derived from human patients and their domestic animals applying next generation sequencing and comparative genomics.

Results

We provide molecular evidence for zoonotic transmission of C. ulcerans in four cases and demonstrate the superior resolution of next generation sequencing compared to multi-locus sequence typing for epidemiologic research. Additionally, we provide evidence that the virulence of C. ulcerans can change rapidly by acquisition of novel virulence genes. This mechanism is exemplified by an isolate which acquired a prophage not present in the corresponding isolate from the domestic animal. This prophage contains a putative novel virulence factor, which shares high identity with the RhuM virulence factor from Salmonella enterica but which is unknown in Corynebacteria so far. Furthermore, we identified a putative pathogenicity island for C. ulcerans bearing a diphtheria toxin gene.

Conclusion

The novel putative diphtheria toxin pathogenicity island could provide a new and alternative pathway for Corynebacteria to acquire a functional diphtheria toxin-encoding gene by horizontal gene transfer, distinct from the previously well characterized phage infection model. The novel transmission pathway might explain the unexpectedly high number of toxigenic C. ulcerans.
The biochemistry behind biopesticide efficacy
Authors: Hubbard Michelle , Hynes Russell K , Erlandson Martin , Bailey Karen L
Published: November 2014

Biopesticides have the potential to play an important role in sustainable, environmentally safe pest control. A diverse range of biopesticides employ chemical modes of action. This review explores three such biopesticides: a fungus used in weed control, beneficial bacteria controlling fungal and bacterial disease and a virus active against insect pests. Through these case studies, we demonstrate that biopesticides rely on both chemical and biochemical approaches and complementary biological modalities. Hence, biopesticides are more complex than synthetic pesticides. The latter typically utilize a single chemical with a single mode of action, while the former often have more complex or holistic modes of action. The success of current and future biopesticides could be enhanced through increased research focusing on the chemistry involved.
Root exudate profiling of maize seedlings inoculated with Herbaspirillum seropedicaeand humic acids
Authors: da Silva Lima Lívia , Olivares Fábio Lopes , Rodrigues de Oliveira Rodrigo , Vega Maria Raquel Garcia , Aguiar Natália Oliveira , Canellas Luciano Pasqualoto
Published: November 2014

Background

Co-inoculation of maize withHerbaspirillum seropedicaeand humic substances increases the sizes of plant-associated bacterial populations and enhances grain yields under laboratory and field conditions. Root exudation is a key mechanism in the regulation of plant-bacterial interactions in the rhizosphere; humic matter supplementation is known to change the exudation of H+ions and organic acids from maize roots. Our starting premise was thatH. seropedicaeand humic acids would modify maize seedling exudation profiles. We postulated that a better understanding of these shifts in exudate profiles might be useful in improving the chemical environment to promote better performance of plant growth-promoting bacteria delivered as bioinoculants. Thus, root exudates of maize were collected and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR).

Results

Nitrogenous compounds, fatty acids, organic acids, steroids, and terpenoid derivatives were the main structural moieties found in root exudates. Significant changes in exudation patterns occurred 14 days after the initiation of experiments. Quantities of fatty acids, phenols, and organic acids exuded by seedlings treated with humic acids alone differed from the quantities exuded in other treatments. Seedlings treated withH. seropedicaeorH. seropedicaein combination with humic acids exuded a diversity of nitrogenous compounds, most of which had heterocyclic structures. Twenty-one days after initiating the experiment, seedlings treated withH. seropedicaealone exuded elevated quantities of steroids and terpenoid derivatives related to precursors of gibberellic acids (kaurenoic acids).

Conclusions

Changes in root exudation profiles induced by our treatments became most marked 14 and 21 days after initiation of the experiment; on those days, we observed (i) increased fatty acid exudation from seedlings treated only with humic acids and (ii) increased exudations of nitrogenated compounds and terpenes from seedlings treated only withH. seropedicae. Improved knowledge on the effects of bacterial inoculants and supplementation with humates on plant exudate composition may contribute substantially to improved understanding of plant metabolic responses and lead to new approaches in the use of selected compounds as additives in bioinoculant formulations that will modulate the cross-talk between bacteria and plants, thereby improving crop yields.
Towards a paradigmatic description of context: systems, metafunctions, and semantics
Authors: Hasan Ruqaiya
Published: November 2014

This article hopes to make a contribution to the growing body of work on the paradigmatic description of context of situation. Having considered the limited achievements of earlier work on context, I offer a fairly detailed account of what is entailed in producing a consistent and precise description of a linguistic category by using the principles and methods of the paradigmatic mode of description devised by the systemic functional linguistics. The system network is a powerful device for an accurate and orderly representation of such a description. The paper will close with remarks on the importance of a scientific analysis of language use (parole) in developing a comprehensive post-Saussurean linguistic theory.
Kidney Function, β-Cell Function and Glucose Tolerance in Older Men
Authors: Jia Ting , Risérus Ulf , Xu Hong , Lindholm Bengt , Ärnlöv Johan , Sjögren Per , Cederholm Tommy , Larsson Tobias E. , Ikizler Talat Alp , Carrero Juan J.
Published: November 2014

Context:

Kidney dysfunction induces insulin resistance, but it is unknown if β cell function is affected.

Objective:

To investigate insulin release (β cell function) and glucose tolerance following a standardized oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) across kidney function strata.

Setting and Design:

Community-based cohort study from the Uppsala Longitudinal Study of Adult Men (ULSAM).

Participants and Main Outcome Measure:

Included were 1015 nondiabetic Swedish men aged 70–71 years. All participants underwent OGTT and euglycaemic hyperinsulinaemic clamp (HEGC) tests, allowing determination of insulin sensitivity, β cell function, and glucose tolerance. Kidney function was estimated by cystatin C-algorithms. Mixed models were used to identify determinants of insulin secretion after the hyperglycemic load.

Results:

As many as 466 (46%) of participants presented moderate-advanced kidney disease. Insulin sensitivity (by HEGC) decreased across decreasing kidney function quartiles. After the OGTT challenge, however, β cell function indices (area under the curve for insulin release, the estimated first phase insulin release, and the insulinogenic index) were incrementally higher. Neither the oral disposition index nor the 2-h postload glucose tolerance differed across the kidney function strata. Mixed models showed that dynamic insulin release during the OGTT was inversely associated with kidney function, despite the correction for each individual's insulin sensitivity or its risk factors.

Conclusions:

In older men, β cell function after a hyperglycemic load appropriately compensated the loss in insulin sensitivity that accompanies kidney dysfunction. As a result, the net balance between insulin sensitivity and β cell function was preserved.
The non-canonical BMP and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways orchestrate early tooth development
Authors: Yuan Guohua , Yang Guobin , Zheng Yuqian , Zhu Xiaojing , Chen Zhi , Zhang Zunyi , Chen YiPing
Published: November 2014

BMP and Wnt signaling pathways play a crucial role in organogenesis, including tooth development. Despite extensive studies, the exact functions, as well as if and how these two pathways act coordinately in regulating early tooth development, remain elusive. In this study, we dissected regulatory functions of BMP and Wnt pathways in early tooth development using a transgenic noggin (Nog) overexpression model (K14Cre;pNog). It exhibits early arrested tooth development, accompanied by reduced cell proliferation and loss of odontogenic fate marker Pitx2 expression in the dental epithelium. We demonstrated that overexpression of Nog disrupted BMP non-canonical activity, which led to a dramatic reduction of cell proliferation rate but did not affect Pitx2 expression. We further identified a novel function of Nog by inhibiting Wnt/β-catenin signaling, causing loss of Pitx2 expression. Co-immunoprecipitation and TOPflash assays revealed direct binding of Nog to Wnts to functionally prevent Wnt/β-catenin signaling. In situ PLA and immunohistochemistry on Nog mutants confirmed in vivo interaction between endogenous Nog and Wnts and modulation of Wnt signaling by Nog in tooth germs. Genetic rescue experiments presented evidence that both BMP and Wnt signaling pathways contribute to cell proliferation regulation in the dental epithelium, with Wnt signaling also controlling the odontogenic fate. Reactivation of both BMP and Wnt signaling pathways, but not of only one of them, rescued tooth developmental defects in K14Cre;pNog mice, in which Wnt signaling can be substituted by transgenic activation of Pitx2. Our results reveal the orchestration of non-canonical BMP and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways in the regulation of early tooth development.
Carbon- and Nitrogen-Based Porous Solids: A Recently Emerging Class of Materials
Authors: Sakaushi Ken , Antonietti Markus
Published: November 2014

In this account, the emergence of a new family of porous solid-state materials based on carbon and nitrogen is discussed. This started with the observation that carbon nitride, a polymeric material with a composition close to C3N4, is not only unexpectedly thermally and chemically stable, but a semiconductor at the same time and able to catalyze a variety of chemical reactions, such as Diels–Alder cyclizations, oxidations, and photochemical water splitting. Carbon nitride is however already sufficiently reviewed but related materials with similar potential have essentially been not sufficiently covered. The remaining structures are manifold and cover the range from on the one hand covalent triazine frameworks (CTFs) as new semiconducting porous solid-state materials to the other porous nitrogen-doped carbons (NdCs) as catalysts which are known to be applicable in a variety of electrocatalytic reactions. CTFs are porous polymeric frameworks constituted of triazine rings and other aromatic rings. Chemical binding motifs and crystal structures can be used to control the band structure of such an (organic) solid-state material. Porous NdCs are usually made by adding nitrogen sources to classical carbonization recipes, and they are attracting a lot of interest because of their catalytic activity for electrochemical processes, such as oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). This account will summarize state-of-the-art work on those systems being next-generation catalysts for different kinds of reactions, which are affordable and high-performance catalysts with unique principle for emergence of catalytic activities, combining theoretical and experimental studies together with basic and applied science in a range of scientific fields from chemistry to physics. Indeed, the first exploration of the above materials as candidates for components of fuel cells and rechargeable metal–air batteries are discussed.
Inedita from the MS. Hauniensis 1899
Authors: CHRISTENSEN Jonas
Published: November 2014

The poems here presented are all found in the fragmentary manuscript Hauniensis 1899. Following a poetic exchange by John Geometres and a certain Stylianos, they form part of a content wise random selection of poetry followed by prose texts, of which the last one ends abruptly.

The earliest of the identified authors is John Geometres who was active in the second half of the 10th century, next comes Christopher of Mytilene who was born around the turn of the 10th century and died sometime after 1050 or 1068, John Mauropous who lived from 1000 until 1081 and Michael Psellos who lived from about 1018 to around 1081 marking a possible terminus post quem for the compilation. Most of the poems have, however, been transmitted to the manuscript as anonymous or with wrong authorship.

The manuscript consists of a quire of four bi-folios and codicological and palaeographical features suggest a time of production in the late 13th or early 14th century.

The edition of the inedita is presented with an introduction, notes, and translations.
Βιβλιοκρισία του: A. KALDELLIS - S. EFTHYMIADIS, Prosopography of byzantine Lesbos 284-1355 A. D. A Contribution to the social History of the Byzantine province [Verlag der Oesterreichischen Akademie der Wissenschaften], Wien 2010
Authors: ΛΟΥΪΖΙΔΗΣ Κίμων Χ.
Published: November 2014

Βιβλιοκρισία του έργου:A. Kaldellis-S. Efthymiadis,  Prosopography of byzantine Lesbos 284-1355 A. D.  A Contribution to the social History of  the Byzantine Province, Verlag der Österreichischen Akademie der Wissenschaften, Wien  2010, σ. 204 + 6 χάρτες (ISBN 978 – 3 – 7001 – 4005 – 4) 
Βιβλιοκρισία του: J. HALDON, The Palgrave Atlas of Byzantine History, Palgrave, Macmillan, London 2005
Authors: ΛΟΥΓΓΗΣ Tηλέμαχος K.
Published: November 2014

Βιβλιοκρισία του: J. HALDON, The Palgrave Atlas of Byzantine History, Palgrave, Macmillan, London 2005, ISBN 978-0-230-24364-4
Βιβλιοκρισία του: CH. STAVRAKOS (ed.), Πρακτικά του Α΄ Διεθνούς Συνεδρίου Σινo–Ελληνικών Σπουδών «Σχέσεις Ελληνικού και Κινεζικού κόσμου», 2-4 Οκτωβρίου 2004, Ιωάννινα 2008.
Authors: LEONTSINI Maria
Published: November 2014

 
 Book review: CH. STAVRAKOS (ed.), Πρακτικά του Α΄ Διεθνούς Συνεδρίου Σινο–Ελληνικών Σπουδών «Σχέσεις Ελληνικού και Κινεζικού κόσμου», 2-4 Οκτωβρίου 2004, Ιωάννινα 2008, 299 σ. και πίν. [Proceedings of the 1st International Congress for Sino-Greek Studies, “Relations between the Greek and Chinese World”, 2-4 October 2004, Ioannina 2008, 299 pp. and plates.
L'influenza del diritto criminale bizantino nel Codice di Dušan. 1349-1354
Authors: ANGELINI Paolo
Published: November 2014

THE INFLUENCE OF THE BYZANTINE CRIMINAL LAW IN THE CODE OF DUSAN. 1349-1354 

Stefan Dušan enacted the Code of Dušan in 1349. Its dispositions must be considered in relation with two Byzantine compilations that constituted the imperiale tripartite codification: the so-called Law of Justinian and to the Abridged syntagma. The Byzantine juridical influence must be considered very relevant in criminal law: public pain system, legal action ex officio by state, pain of death, physical punishments and mutilations, were juridical concepts and institutions unknown to Slav people before their convert to Christianity, and their introduction must be connected to the Byzantine religious, cultural and juridical influence. Considering the difference with Slav customary law (even if some elements derivating from it were preserved) and the connections with Greek-Roman compilations it can be underlined Dušan’s attempt to create and introduce in his empire a Byzantine legal system.
The conflict between the Angevins and the Byzantines in Morea in 1267-1289: A Late Byzantine endemic war
Authors: WILSKMAN Juho
Published: November 2014

This article attempts to reconstruct a late Byzantine low-level war, namely the conflict in the Morea during 1267-1289, which took place between the Angevins and their vassal, the Principality of Achaia, on the one side, and the Byzantines on the other side. This conflict offers a case of relatively well-documented late Byzantine low-level warfare. Special attention is given to the economic and demographic consequences of war for Morea, for the building of fortresses, and to the idea put forward in previous research that the war in Morea needlessly took resources away from the defense of Anatolia – thus contributing to the loss of the area to the Turks.
Το μολυβδόβουλλο του Μιχαήλ Η΄ Παλαιολόγου «Τοῖς ἀθετοῦσι τὴν δίκην τοῦ σεκρέτου…»
Authors: ΓΚΟΥΤΖΙΟΥΚΩΣΤΑΣ Ανδρέας Ε.
Published: November 2014

  
 

REMARKS ON THE SEAL OF MICHAEL VIII PALAIOLOGOS «Τοῖς ἀθετοῦσι τὴν δίκην τοῦ σεκρέτου…» 

After the recapture of Constantinople (1261) Michael VIII Palaiologos created a sekreton that functioned as permanent court of justice. Its institution is testified by a seal from the former collection of George Zacos, which now belongs to the Numismatic Museum of Athens. In this paper we republish this seal and make some remarks on the iconography and the metrical inscription of the obverse. In our view, it is the type of Theotokos Episkepsis (Virgo orans with the medallion of Christ on her bust) that is depicted on the obverse of the seal and not that of Blachernitissa as it has been maintained so far. It follows that the connection between the Blachernitissa type and justice administration, based on the testimony of this seal and other primary sources, can no longer be retained. Regarding the last word of the metrical inscription on the obverse it is also suggested that, except for “κάκης”, which has been recently suggested, “κἄλλη” can complement the inscription text.
 