bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preoperative Steroid Use and the Risk of Infectious Complications After Neurosurgery
Authors: Merkler Alexander E. , Saini Vaishali , Kamel Hooman , Stieg Philip E.
Published: November 2013

Background and Purpose:

The association between preoperative corticosteroid use and infectious complications after neurosurgical procedures is unclear. We aim to determine whether corticosteroids increase the risk of infectious complications after neurosurgery.

Methods:

We examined the association between preoperative corticosteroid use and postoperative infectious complications in a cohort of adults who underwent a neurosurgical procedure between 2005 and 2010 at centers participating in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program. Corticosteroid use was defined as at least 10 days of oral or parental therapy in the 30 days prior to surgery. Our primary outcome was a composite of any infectious complications occurring within 30 days of surgery. We used propensity score analysis to examine the independent association between preoperative corticosteroid use and postoperative infections.

Results:

Among 26 634 neurosurgical procedures, 1228 (4.61%, 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.36-4.86) were preceded by preoperative corticosteroid use and 1469 (5.52%; 95% CI, 5.24-5.79) were followed by postoperative infections. In a propensity score analysis controlling for comorbidities, illness severity, and preexisting preoperative infections, corticosteroid use was independently associated with subsequent postoperative infections (odds ratio, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.11-1.70). Our results were unchanged in sensitivity analyses controlling for central nervous system tumors or active treatment with chemotherapy.

Conclusion:

Our results suggest that preoperative corticosteroid use is associated with an increased risk of infectious complications after neurosurgery. These findings may aid physicians with preoperative treatment decisions and risk stratification. Future randomized trials are needed to guide preoperative use of corticosteroids in this population.
Mental Health Integration
Authors: Reiss-Brennan Brenda
Published: November 2013

This article examines the impact of integrating mental health into primary health care. Mental Health Integration (MHI) within Intermountain Healthcare has changed the culture of primary health care by standardizing a team-based care process that includes mental health as a normal part of the routine medical encounter. Using a quantitative statistical analysis of qualitative reports (mixed methods study), the study reports on health outcomes associated with MHI for patients and staff. Researchers interviewed 59 patients and 50 staff to evaluate the impact of MHI on depression care. Patients receiving MHI reported an improved relationship with caregivers ( P < .001) and improved overall functioning in their lives ( P < .01). Staff providing care in MHI reported that patients experienced improved access to mental health care, improved overall patient productivity in daily functions ( P < .01), and access to team care ( P < .001). As MHI became routine, patients discussed complementary team interventions more frequently ( P < .0001). Mental health problems rank second in chronic disease today. MHI offers promising results for improving the quality and cost of effective treatment for chronic disease. This research provides guidelines for organizing mental health care, staff productivity, and patient satisfaction, using a team approach to improve outcomes.
Psychometric Properties of the Dutch Version of the Eating Disorder Inventory–3
Authors: Lehmann Vicky , Ouwens Machteld A. , Braeken Johan , Danner Unna N. , van Elburg Annemarie A. , Bekker Marrie H. J. , Breurkens Annette , van Strien Tatjana
Published: November 2013

The psychometric properties of the Dutch version of the Eating Disorder Inventory–3 (EDI-3) were tested in eating disordered patients ( N = 514) using confirmatory factor analyses, variance decomposition, reliabilities, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses. Factorial validity results supported the 12 subscales, but model fit was impaired by correlated item errors, misallocated items, and redundant subscales. At the composite level, the Bulimia subscale was identified as a largely specific source of information that did not contribute much to its overarching composite. Reliabilities for subscales and composites ranged from .6 to .9. ROC curve analysis indicated good to excellent discriminative ability of the EDI-3 identifying clinical subjects against a reference group. In conclusion, further revisions of the EDI-3 might target the item allocation and (over-)differentiation of subscales and composites to further clarify its structure. For the clinical practice, we advise the careful use of the EDI-3, although it might serve as a good screening tool.
Tracing the Genealogy of Elementary Education Policy in India Till Independence
Authors: Venkatanarayanan S.
Published: November 2013

This article attempts to trace the genealogy of elementary education policy in India under the colonial rule of the Portuguese, Dutch, French, and the British till its independence in 1947. It records the development of school education historically and the policy changes with regard to elementary education under various periods of colonial rule. The political economy of elementary education was traced historically from the time of Portuguese arrival in India in the 1400s. The policy changes and the public expenditure on education during the British colonial period have laid a strong foundation for the modern educational development of free India after its independence. The contemporary school educational structure in India has its strong roots in the colonial education structure and management. Despite elementary education being considered as an important area to focus and develop during the colonial period, it has never received the needed resources to strengthen itself. This paper will lay the larger structural map of political economy of school education till the time of independence to understand the contemporary school education in a more nuanced manner.
Pharmacy Technicians’ Attention to Problems With Opening Medicine Packaging
Authors: Philbert Daphne , Notenboom Kim , Koster Ellen S. , Fietjé Esther H. , van Geffen Erica C. G. , Bouvy Marcel L.
Published: November 2013

Background: Pharmacy technicians seem to be well equipped to engage in conversations with patients about their experiences and problems with medication, but it is unclear whether or not they systematically explain or demonstrate to patients how to use medication packaging. Objective: To explore to what extent pharmacy technicians identify problems with opening medicine packaging and how they assist patients in solving these problems. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study that comprised semistructured interviews, with 31 pharmacy technicians in 31 pharmacies, to assess the occurrence and type of difficulties with packagings and to suggest solutions. Results: All pharmacy technicians recognize the occurrence of packaging problems, though patients rarely report them at the pharmacy counter. Not all pharmacy technicians are familiar with opening all packaging forms, but they all describe ways to find out how to open them, which usually only happens after patients bring up problems. Solutions suggested by the pharmacy technicians include informing and counseling, changing or manipulating the packaging, and providing assisting tools. Conclusions: This study shows that although pharmacy technicians are aware that medication packaging can cause problems and are able to name or find out solutions to all these problems, there is no systematic attention for packaging at drug dispensation in most pharmacies. Discussing the handling of medication packaging should become a fixed part of drug dispensation counseling. Pharmacists should draw up working procedures to support pharmacy technicians in their counseling activities.
Toughness of metal fibre/ceramic matrix composites (MFCs) after severe heat treatments
Authors: Lam S. K. , Clyne T. W.
Published: November 2013

This paper concerns the effect of heat treatment on the toughness of metal fibre reinforced ceramic composite. Drawn fibres of 304 and 310 stainless steel have been used. Their response to heat treatment in air has been investigated, in terms of both oxidation kinetics and tensile properties. This has been correlated with measured fracture energies of composite containing these fibres, after similar heat treatments. As received, 304 fibres exhibit greater ductility and work of deformation than 310 fibres. However, severe heat treatments (up to 1170°C) cause 304 fibres to become oxidised and embrittled, whereas 310 fibres retain good strength and ductility. Composites subjected to these heat treatments become embrittled when they contain 304 fibres, but retain their toughness when reinforced with 310 fibres. These data are consistent with predictions from a previously published model of the fracture process, based on energy absorption being dominated by fibre pullout and/or fibre plasticity.
Effects of Y on hot tearing formation mechanism of Mg–Zn–Y–Zr alloys
Authors: Liu Z. , Zhang S. B. , Mao P. L. , Wang F.
Published: November 2013

The hot tearing behaviour of magnesium alloys is one of the very important parameters to estimate the alloys actual application. The hot tearing mechanism of different Y content of Mg–Zn–Y–Zr alloys was studied in the present paper. The several important parameters of the mushy zone of MgZn2·5YxZr0·5 ( x = 0·5, 1, 2, 4, 6) alloys were collected by thermal analysis method. The solidification temperature and shrinkage stress during the solidification of MgZn2·5YxZr0·5 alloys were acquired by using the ‘T’ type permanent mould hot tearing testing instrument and the attached computer. The fracture morphology and the cross section of hot tearing regions were observed by scanning electron microscopy. The results shown that the first and the second characteristic temperature of primary crystal nucleation Tn1-cc and Tn2-cc decrease with increasing yttrium content except MgZn2·5Y2Zr0·5 alloy, and the dendritic coherency temperature Tcoh had the same trend, while the temperature difference of the first and the second characteristic temperature of primary crystal nucleation ( Tn1-cc− Tn2-cc) increases slowly with yttrium content. The solid fraction of dendritic coherent, fscoh, of MgZn2·5YxZr0·5 alloys are from 0·38 to 0·74, and the fscoh of MgZn2·5Y2Zr0·5 and MgZn2·5Y6Zr0·5 alloys are relatively lower, while the MgZn2·5Y4Zr0·5 alloy has the highest fscoh. By analysing the effect factors of hot tearing susceptibility of MgZn2·5YxZr0·5 alloys, such as mushy zone properties, the morphology of hot tearing regions and the solidification shrinkage stress curve, the hot tearing mechanism of MgZn2·5YxZr0·5 alloys can be described as follows: with the lower Y content, the main mechanism of hot tearing of MgZn2·5YxZr0·5 alloys is dendritic bridging; with the higher Y content, the main mechanism of hot tearing of MgZn2·5YxZr0·5 alloys is liquid film combined with solidification shrinkage repairing.
Comparative incidence of pregnancy outcomes in thrombophilia-positive women from the NOH-APS observational study
Authors: Bouvier Sylvie , Cochery-Nouvellon Éva , Lavigne-Lissalde Géraldine , Mercier Érick , Fabbro-Peray Pascale , Balducchi Jean-Pierre , Marès Pierre , Gris Jean-Christophe
Published: November 2013

Key Points

Fetal death is more frequent in women with prior abortions carrying F5 rs6025 or F2 rs1799963 polymorphisms vs nonthrombophilic women. Pregnancy complications are less frequent in LMWH-treated thrombophilic women with fetal loss vs untreated nonthrombophilic women.
Asymptotic behavior of second-order nonlinear neutral dynamic equations
Authors: Jing Yefei , Zhang Chenghui , Li Tongxing
Published: November 2013

This paper is concerned with oscillation and asymptotic behavior of a second-order neutral delay dynamic equation on an arbitrary time scale. We obtain two theorems which guarantee that every solution of the studied equation oscillates or converges to zero. These results improve and complement some known results given in the literature.

MSC:34K11, 34N05, 39A10, 39A12, 39A13, 39A21.
Low contrast visual acuity testing is associated with cognitive performance in multiple sclerosis: a cross-sectional pilot study
Authors: Wieder Laura , Gäde Gunnar , Pech Luisa M , Zimmermann Hanna , Wernecke Klaus-Dieter , Dörr Jan-Markus , Bellmann-Strobl Judith , Paul Friedemann , Brandt Alexander U
Published: November 2013

Background

Cognitive impairment and visual deterioration are two key clinical symptoms in MS and affect 50 to 80% of patients. Little is known about the influence of cognitive impairment on visual tests recommended for MS such as low contrast sensitivity testing. Our objective was to investigate whether low contrast sensitivity testing is influenced by cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients.

Methods

Cross-sectional study including 89 patients with relapsing-remitting MS. All patients received cognitive evaluation using Rao’s Brief Repeatable Battery of Neuropsychological Testing (BRB-N). Visual assessments included low contrast sensitivity (CS) by functional acuity contrast testing and high contrast visual acuity (VA) using ETDRS charts. Retinal morphology as visual impairment correlate was measured using retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness by optical coherence tomography.

Results

In combined analyses using generalized estimating equation models, Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT) and RNFL as well as and the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) and RNFL predicted CS. To further control for a potential influence of the anterior visual system we performed partial correlation analyses between visual function and cognitive function test results but controlling for RNFL. Even when controlling for RNFL, CS was associated with PASAT performance and SDMT performance.

Conclusion

Our data show that: a) cognitive impairment and performance in visual function tests such as low contrast sensitivity testing are associated; b) the main cognitive domains correlating with visual test performance are information processing speed and, to a lesser degree, memory; This preliminary data needs to be substantiated in further studies investigating patients with a higher cognitive burden, healthy controls and in longitudinal settings.
PPF dependent fixed point theorems for an "Equation missing" -admissible non-self mapping in the Razumikhin class
Authors: Agarwal Ravi P , Kumam Poom , Sintunavarat Wutiphol
Published: November 2013

In this paper, we introduce the concept of

α
c

-admissible non-self mappings and prove the existence and convergence of the past-present-future (briefly, PPF) dependent fixed point theorems for such mappings in the Razumikhin class. We use these results to prove the PPF dependent fixed point of Bernfeld et al. (Appl. Anal. 6:271-280, 1977) and also apply our results to PPF dependent coincidence point theorems.

MSC:47H09, 47H10.
Stability analysis of a schistosomiasis model with delays
Authors: Guiro Aboudramane , Ouaro Stanislas , Traore Ali
Published: November 2013

In this work, a nonlinear deterministic model for schistosomiasis transmission including delays with two general incidence functions is considered. Rigourous mathematical analysis is done. We show that the stability of the disease-free equilibrium and the existence of an endemic equilibrium for the model are stated in terms of key thresholds parameters known as basic reproduction numberR0. This study of the dynamic of the model is globally asymptotically stable ifR0≤1, and the unique endemic equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable whenR0>1. Some numerical simulations are provided to support the theoretical result with respect toR0in this paper.
Feynman-Kac formula for switching diffusions: connections of systems of partial differential equations and stochastic differential equations
Authors: Baran Nicholas A , Yin George , Zhu Chao
Published: November 2013

This work develops Feynman-Kac formulae for switching diffusion processes. It first recalls the basic notion of a switching diffusion. Then the desired stochastic representations are obtained for boundary value problems, initial boundary value problems, and the initial value problems, respectively. Some examples are also provided.
Lung progenitors from lambs can differentiate into specialized alveolar or bronchiolar epithelial cells
Authors: Archer Fabienne , Abi-Rizk Alain , Desloire Sophie , Dolmazon Christine , Gineys Barbara , Guiguen François , Cottin Vincent , Mornex Jean-François , Leroux Caroline
Published: November 2013

Background

Airways progenitors may be involved in embryogenesis and lung repair. The characterization of these important populations may enable development of new therapeutics to treat acute or chronic lung disease. In this study, we aimed to establish the presence of bronchioloalveolar progenitors in ovine lungs and to characterize their potential to differentiate into specialized cells.

Results

Lung cells were studied using immunohistochemistry on frozen sections of the lung. Immunocytochemistry and flow cytometry were conducted on ex-vivo derived pulmonary cells. The bronchioloalveolar progenitors were identified by their co-expression of CCSP, SP-C and CD34. A minor population of CD34pos/SP-Cpos/CCSPpos cells (0.33% ± 0.31) was present ex vivo in cell suspensions from dissociated lungs. Using CD34 magnetic positive-cell sorting, undifferentiated SP-Cpos/CCSPpos cells were purified (>80%) and maintained in culture. Using synthetic media and various extracellular matrices, SP-Cpos/CCSPpos cells differentiated into either club cells (formerly named Clara cells) or alveolar epithelial type-II cells. Furthermore, these ex vivo and in vitro derived bronchioloalveolar progenitors expressed NANOG, OCT4 and BMI1, specifically described in progenitors or stem cells, and during lung development.

Conclusions

We report for the first time in a large animal the existence of bronchioloalveolar progenitors with dual differentiation potential and the expression of specialized genes. These newly described cell population in sheep could be implicated in regeneration of the lung following lesions or in development of diseases such as cancers.
Re-evaluation of glycerol utilization in Saccharomyces cerevisiae: characterization of an isolate that grows on glycerol without supporting supplements
Authors: Swinnen Steve , Klein Mathias , Carrillo Martina , McInnes Joseph , Nguyen Huyen Thanh Thi , Nevoigt Elke
Published: November 2013

Background

Glycerol has attracted attention as a carbon source for microbial production processes due to the large amounts of crude glycerol waste resulting from biodiesel production. The current knowledge about the genetics and physiology of glycerol uptake and catabolism in the versatile industrial biotechnology production host Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been mainly based on auxotrophic laboratory strains, and carried out in the presence of growth-supporting supplements such as amino acids and nucleic bases. The latter may have resulted in ambiguous conclusions concerning glycerol growth in this species. The purpose of this study was to re-evaluate growth of S. cerevisiae in synthetic glycerol medium without the addition of supplements.

Results

Initial experiments showed that prototrophic versions of the laboratory strains CEN.PK, W303, and S288c did not exhibit any growth in synthetic glycerol medium without supporting supplements. However, a screening of 52 S. cerevisiae isolates for growth in the same medium revealed a high intraspecies diversity. Within this group significant variation with respect to the lag phase and maximum specific growth rate was observed. A haploid segregant of one good glycerol grower (CBS 6412-13A) was selected for detailed analysis. Single deletions of the genes encoding for the glycerol/H+ symporter (STL1), the glycerol kinase (GUT1), and the mitochondrial FAD+-dependent glycerol 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GUT2) abolished glycerol growth in this strain, implying that it uses the same glycerol utilization pathway as previously identified in auxotrophic laboratory strains. Segregant analysis of a cross between CBS 6412-13A and CEN.PK113-1A revealed that the glycerol growth phenotype is a quantitative trait. Genetic linkage and reciprocal hemizygosity analysis demonstrated that GUT1

CBS 6412-13A
is one of the multiple genetic loci contributing to the glycerol growth phenotype.

Conclusion

The S. cerevisiae intraspecies diversity with regard to glycerol growth is a valuable starting point to identify the genetic and molecular basis of this phenotype. This knowledge can be applied for further rational strain improvement with the goal of using glycerol as a carbon source in industrial biotechnology processes based on S. cerevisiae as a production organism.
Evaluation of the fermentation of high gravity thick sugar beet juice worts for efficient bioethanol production
Authors: Dziugan Piotr , Balcerek Maria , Pielech-Przybylska Katarzyna , Patelski Piotr
Published: November 2013

Background

Sugar beet and intermediates of sugar beet processing are considered to be very attractive feedstock for ethanol production due to their content of fermentable sugars. In particular, the processing of the intermediates into ethanol is considerably facilitated because it does not require pretreatment or enzymatic treatment in contrast to production from starch raw materials. Moreover, the advantage of thick juice is high solid substance and saccharose content which eliminates problems with the storability of this feedstock.

Results

The objective of this study were to investigate bioethanol production from thick juice worts and the effects of their concentration, the type of mineral supplement, as well as the dose of yeast inoculum on fermentation dynamics and ethanol yield.

The obtained results show that to ensure efficient ethanolic fermentation of high gravity thick juice worts, one needs to use a yeast strain with high ethanol tolerance and a large amount of inoculum. The highest ethanol yield (94.9 ± 2.8% of the theoretical yield) and sugars intake of 96.5 ± 2.9% were obtained after the fermentation of wort with an extract content of 250 g/kg supplemented with diammonium hydrogen phosphate (0.3 g/L of wort) and inoculated with 2 g of Ethanol Red dry yeast per L of wort. An increase in extract content in the fermentation medium from 250 g/L to 280 g/kg resulted in decreased efficiency of the process. Also the distillates originating from worts with an extract content of 250 g/kg were characterized by lower acetaldehyde concentration than those obtained from worts with an extract content of 280 g/kg.

Conclusions

Under the favorable conditions determined in our experiments, 38.9 ± 1.2 L of 100% (v/v) ethyl alcohol can be produced from 100 kg of thick juice. The obtained results show that the selection of process conditions and the yeast for the fermentation of worts with a higher sugar content can improve the economic performance of the alcohol-distilling industry due to more efficient ethanol production, reduced consumption of cooling water, and energy for ethanol distillation, as well as a decreased volume of fermentation stillage.
ChIP-seq in steatohepatitis and normal liver tissue identifies candidate disease mechanisms related to progression to cancer
Authors: Bysani Madhusudhan , Wallerman Ola , Bornelöv Susanne , Zatloukal Kurt , Komorowski Jan , Wadelius Claes
Published: November 2013

Background

Steatohepatitis occurs in alcoholic liver disease and may progress to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Its molecular pathogenesis is to a large degree unknown. Histone modifications play a key role in transcriptional regulations as marks for silencing and activation of gene expression and as marks for functional elements. Many transcription factors (TFs) are crucial for the control of the genes involved in metabolism, and abnormality in their function may lead to disease.

Methods

We performed ChIP-seq of the histone modifications H3K4me1, H3K4me3 and H3K27ac and a candidate transcription factor (USF1) in liver tissue from patients with steatohepatitis and normal livers and correlated results to mRNA-expression and genotypes.

Results

We found several regions that are differentially enriched for histone modifications between disease and normal tissue, and qRT-PCR results indicated that the expression of the tested genes strongly correlated with differential enrichment of histone modifications but is independent of USF1 enrichment. By gene ontology analysis of differentially modified genes we found many disease associated genes, some of which had previously been implicated in the etiology of steatohepatitis. Importantly, the genes associated to the strongest histone peaks in the patient were over-represented in cancer specific pathways suggesting that the tissue was on a path to develop to cancer, a common complication to the disease. We also found several novel SNPs and GWAS catalogue SNPs that are candidates to be functional and therefore needs further study.

Conclusion

In summary we find that analysis of chromatin features in tissue samples provides insight into disease mechanisms.
Human development dynamics: an agent based simulation of macro social systems and individual heterogeneous evolutionary games
Authors: Abdollahian Mark , Yang Zining , Coan Travis , Yesilada Birol
Published: November 2013

Purpose

In the context of modernization and development, a complex adaptive systems framework can help address the coupling of macro social constraint and opportunity with individual agency. Combining system dynamics and agent based modeling, we formalize a simulation approach of the Human Development (HD) perspective to explore the interactive effects of economics, culture, society and politics across multiple human scales.

Methods

Based on a system of asymmetric, coupled nonlinear equations, we first capture the core qualitative logic of HD theory, empirically validated from World Values Survey (WVS) data. Using a simple evolutionary game approach, second we fuse endogenously derived individual socio-economic attribute changes with Prisoner’s Dilemma in an agent based model of the interactive political-cultural effects of heterogeneous, spatial intra-societal economic transactions. We then explore a new human development dynamics (HDD) model behavior via quasi-global simulation methods to identify paths and pitfalls towards economic development, cultural plasticity, social and political change behavior.

Results

Our preliminary results suggest strong nonlinear path dependence and complexity in three areas: adaptive development processes, co-evolutionary societal transactions and near equilibrium development trajectories, with significant implications for anticipating and managing positive development outcomes. Strong local epistatic interactions characterized by adaptive co-evolution, shape higher order global conditions and ultimately societal outcomes.

Conclusions

Techno-social simulations such as this can provide scholars and policymakers alike insights into the nonlinear, complex adaptive effects of societal co-evolution. We believe complex adaptive or evolutionary systems approaches are necessary to understand both near and potentially catastrophic, far-from-equilibrium behavior and societal outcomes across all human scales of modernization.
Cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) regulates the response to oxidative stress and migration of breast cancer cells
Authors: Leung Travis , Rajendran Ramkumar , Singh Subir , Garva Richa , Krstic-Demonacos Marija , Demonacos Constantinos
Published: November 2013

Introduction

The cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes are a class of heme-containing enzymes involved in phase I metabolism of a large number of xenobiotics. The CYP family member CYP2E1 metabolises many xenobiotics and pro-carcinogens, it is not just expressed in the liver but also in many other tissues such as the kidney, the lung, the brain, the gastrointestinal tract and the breast tissue. It is induced in several pathological conditions including cancer, obesity, and type II diabetes implying that this enzyme is implicated in other biological processes beyond its role in phase I metabolism. Despite the detailed description of the role of CYP2E1 in the liver, its functions in other tissues have not been extensively studied. In this study, we investigated the functional significance of CYP2E1 in breast carcinogenesis.

Methods

Cellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured by H2DCFDA (2 2.9.2 2′,7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate) staining and autophagy was assessed by tracing the cellular levels of autophagy markers using western blot assays. The endoplasmic reticulum stress and the unfolded protein response (UPR) were detected by luciferase assays reflecting the splicing of mRNA encoding the X-box binding protein 1 (XBP1) transcription factor and cell migration was evaluated using the scratch wound assay. Gene expression was recorded with standard transcription assays including luciferase reporter and chromatin immunoprecipitation.

Results

Ectopic expression of CYP2E1 induced ROS generation, affected autophagy, stimulated endoplasmic reticulum stress and inhibited migration in breast cancer cells with different metastatic potential and p53 status. Furthermore, evidence is presented indicating that CYP2E1 gene expression is under the transcriptional control of the p53 tumor suppressor.

Conclusions

These results support the notion that CYP2E1 exerts an important role in mammary carcinogenesis, provide a potential link between ethanol metabolism and breast cancer and suggest that progression, and metastasis, of advanced stages of breast cancer can be modulated by induction of CYP2E1 activity.
Clinical stakeholders’ opinions on the use of selective decontamination of the digestive tract in critically ill patients in intensive care units: an international Delphi study
Authors: Cuthbertson Brian H , Campbell Marion K , MacLennan Graeme , Duncan Eilidh M , Marshall Andrea P , Wells Elisabeth C , Prior Maria E , Todd Laura , Rose Louise , Seppelt Ian M , Bellingan Geoff , Francis Jill J
Published: November 2013

Introduction

Selective decontamination of the digestive tract (SDD) is a prophylactic antibiotic regimen that is not widely used in practice. We aimed to describe the opinions of key ‘stakeholders’ about the validity of the existing evidence base, likely consequences of implementation, relative importance of their opinions in influencing overall practice, likely barriers to implementation and perceptions of the requirement for further research to inform the decision about whether to embark on a further large randomised controlled trial.

Methods

This was a Delphi study informed by comprehensive framework of possible determinants of health professionals’ behaviour to study Critical Care practice in four countries. There were four key stakeholder participant groups including ICU physicians, pharmacists, clinical leads, and clinical microbiologists/ infectious disease physicians. Round one comprised participant interviews and Rounds two and three were online questionnaires using Delphi method.

Results

In this study, 141 participants were recruited of whom 82% were retained. Participants rated themselves as knowledgeable about SDD. Antibiotic resistance was identified as the most important issue. SDD was seen as a low clinical priority but few participants reported strong opposition. There was moderate agreement that research to date has not adequately addressed concerns about antibiotic resistance and lacks generalizability. Participants indicated equipoise with regard to benefits and harms of SDD, and indicated strong support for a further randomised trial.

Conclusions

Clinicians have clinical equipoise about the effectiveness of SDD. Future research requires longer follow up to assess antibiotic resistance as well as greater validity/generalizability to provide definitive answers on the effectiveness of decontamination and effects on antibiotic resistance. SDD was regarded as not being a high clinical priority, which may limit future trial participation. These results have identified that further large randomised controlled trial of SDD in critical care is both warranted and appropriate.
NGA-West2 Equations for Predicting PGA, PGV, and 5% Damped PSA for Shallow Crustal Earthquakes
Authors: Boore David M. , Stewart Jonathan P. , Seyhan Emel , Atkinson Gail M.
Published: November 2013

We provide ground motion prediction equations for computing medians and standard deviations of average horizontal component intensity measures (IMs) for shallow crustal earthquakes in active tectonic regions. The equations were derived from a global database with M 3.0–7.9 events. We derived equations for the primary M- and distance-dependence of the IMs after fixing the V S30-based nonlinear site term from a parallel NGA-West2 study. We then evaluated additional effects using mixed effects residuals analysis, which revealed no trends with source depth over the M range of interest, indistinct Class 1 and 2 event IMs, and basin depth effects that increase and decrease long-period IMs for depths larger and smaller, respectively, than means from regional V S30-depth relations. Our aleatory variability model captures decreasing between-event variability with M, as well as within-event variability that increases or decreases with M depending on period, increases with distance, and decreases for soft sites.
Serum Sclerostin Levels Are Decreased in Adult Patients With Different Types of Osteogenesis Imperfecta
Authors: Kocijan Roland , Muschitz Christian , Fahrleitner-Pammer Astrid , Amrein Karin , Pietschmann Peter , Haschka Judith , Dinu Sebastian , Kapiotis Stylianos , Resch Heinrich
Published: November 2013

Context:

There are no specific biochemical bone markers available for osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), and the role of sclerostin as a key regulator of bone formation in OI is unknown.

Objectives:

We aimed to evaluate the role of sclerostin and its association with bone turnover markers as well as body composition parameters in adult patients with different types of OI.

Design, Setting, and Participants:

This was a case-control study in 27 adult patients and 50 healthy age- and gender-matched controls.

Main Outcome Measures:

Serum sclerostin levels and bone turnover markers including serum osteocalcin, amino terminal propeptide of type I procollagen, and CrossLaps as well as body composition parameters were determined in mild OI stage I (OI-I) and moderate-severe OI stages III-IV (OI-III-IV), according to Sillence classification. Data were compared with healthy controls.

Results:

Sclerostin levels were significantly lower in OI-I (19.9 ± 10.9 pmol/L; P < .001) and OI-III-IV (13.3 ± 10.0 pmol/L; P < .001) compared with healthy adults (45.3 ± 14.9 pmol/L), even after adjustment for age, sex, bone mineral content, and body mass index. CrossLaps and PTH were significantly lower in OI-I (0.197 ± 0.15 ng/L; P = .007 and 33.7 ± 19.1 pg/L; P = .033, respectively) and OI-III-IV (0.221 ± 0.18 ng/L; P = .039, and 27.9 ± 14.7 pg/L; P = .001, respectively) than in healthy controls (0.322 ± 0.15 ng/L and 45.0 ± 16.6 pg/L). Amino-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen was below the reference range for OI-I and OI-III-IV. Patients with OI were shorter and lighter and had a decreased bone mineral content (P < .001) but similar fat distribution and lean body mass, compared with controls. Serum sclerostin levels were not related to any bone marker except osteocalcin, the number of prevalent fractures, or body composition readings.

Conclusion:

Decreased sclerostin levels in OI might reflect a down-regulation or negative feedback mechanism to prevent further bone loss.
Jump Power and Force Have Distinct Associations With Cortical Bone Parameters: Findings From a Population Enriched by Individuals With High Bone Mass
Authors: Hardcastle Sarah A. , Gregson Celia L. , Rittweger Jörn , Crabtree Nicola , Ward Kate , Tobias Jon H.
Published: November 2013

Context:

Little is known of the relationships between muscle function and bone, based on the recently developed technique of jumping mechanography.

Objective:

Our objective was to determine associations between peak ground reaction force and peak power during a 1-legged hopping test and a single 2-legged jump, respectively, and cortical bone parameters.

Design and Setting:

This was a cross-sectional observational study in participants from the high bone mass cohort.

Participants:

Participants included 70 males (mean age 58 years) and 119 females (mean age 56 years); high bone mass cases and controls were pooled.

Main Outcome Measures:

Total hip bone mineral density (BMD) (measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry scanning) and mid-tibial peripheral quantitative computed tomography (Stratec XCT2000L).

Results:

Jump power was positively related to hip BMD (standardized β [95% confidence interval] = 0.29 [0.07, 0.51], P = .01), but hopping force was not (0.03 [−0.16, 0.22], P = .74) (linear regression analysis adjusted for age, gender, height, and weight). In 113 participants with force and peripheral quantitative computed tomography data, both jump power and hopping force were positively associated with tibial strength strain index (0.26 [0.09, 0.44], P < .01; and 0.24 [0.07, 0.42], P = .01 respectively). Although hopping force was positively associated with bone size (total bone area 0.22 [0.03, 0.42], P = .02), jump power was not (0.10 [−0.10, 0.30], P = .33). In contrast, jump power was inversely associated with endocortical circumference adjusted for periosteal circumference (−0.24 [−0.40, −0.08], P < .01) whereas no association was seen for hopping force (−0.10 [−0.26, 0.07], P = .24).

Conclusions:

Although power and force are both positively associated with cortical bone strength, distinct mechanisms appear to be involved because power was primarily associated with reduced endocortical expansion (reflected by endocortical circumference adjusted for periosteal circumference, and hip BMD), whereas force was associated with increased periosteal expansion (reflected by total bone area).
Top Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms Affecting Carbohydrate Metabolism in Metabolic Syndrome: From the LIPGENE Study
Authors: Delgado-Lista Javier , Perez-Martinez Pablo , Solivera Juan , Garcia-Rios Antonio , Perez-Caballero A. I. , Lovegrove Julie A. , Drevon Christian A. , Defoort Catherine , Blaak Ellen E. , Dembinska-Kieć Aldona , Risérus Ulf , Herruzo-Gomez Ezequiel , Camargo Antonio , Ordovas Jose M. , Roche Helen , Lopez-Miranda José
Published: November 2013

Rationale:

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a high-prevalence condition characterized by altered energy metabolism, insulin resistance, and elevated cardiovascular risk.

Objectives:

Although many individual single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been linked to certain MetS features, there are few studies analyzing the influence of SNPs on carbohydrate metabolism in MetS.

Methods:

A total of 904 SNPs (tag SNPs and functional SNPs) were tested for influence on 8 fasting and dynamic markers of carbohydrate metabolism, by performance of an intravenous glucose tolerance test in 450 participants in the LIPGENE study.

Findings:

From 382 initial gene-phenotype associations between SNPs and any phenotypic variables, 61 (16% of the preselected variables) remained significant after bootstrapping. Top SNPs affecting glucose metabolism variables were as follows: fasting glucose, rs26125 (PPARGC1B); fasting insulin, rs4759277 (LRP1); C-peptide, rs4759277 (LRP1); homeostasis assessment of insulin resistance, rs4759277 (LRP1); quantitative insulin sensitivity check index, rs184003 (AGER); sensitivity index, rs7301876 (ABCC9), acute insulin response to glucose, rs290481 (TCF7L2); and disposition index, rs12691 (CEBPA).

Conclusions:

We describe here the top SNPs linked to phenotypic features in carbohydrate metabolism among approximately 1000 candidate gene variations in fasting and postprandial samples of 450 patients with MetS from the LIPGENE study.
Modernism: A West Coast Interpretation
Authors: LeFalle-Collins Lizzetta
Published: November 2013

Writing about the Bay Area art scene in 1985, critic Thomas Albright noted that Sargent Johnson was one of the more innovative artists of the late 1930s. Despite all the information available about Johnson, and perhaps because of the experimentation with which he approached his artwork, he remains in many ways an enigma. Out of the little that is known, LeFalle-Collins puts together a picture of an artist who, throughout his career, often sought to understand himself. Early on, Johnson believed that art could not be separated from its social context and followed the lead of social realism, in particular Mexican muralist Diego Rivera, whose work encouraged unity of classes and the glorification of folk roots and peasant culture. Through his extensive travels and experimentation, Johnson later became focused on abstract expressionism and explored it through the rest of his life and career.
Sacred Places and Arlit: Deuxième Paris: Reterritorialization in African Documentary Films
Authors: Petty Sheila
Published: November 2013

Contemporary African filmmakers are transforming African cinema as they move beyond the social realist aesthetic directives of independence times to explore the struggles and triumphs of Africans living in globalized contexts. In particular, documentary filmmaking stresses the interrelationship between multiple histories (colonial, national, and personal) as they collide with social, political, and economic imperatives. Starting with Édouard Glissant’s concept of relational poetics, this article explores reterritorialization and deterritorialization in Idrissou Mora-Kpai’s Arlit: Deuxième Paris (2004, Niger/France) and Jean-Marie Teno’s Sacred Places (2009, Cameroon/France). In particular, the article considers how the films reterritorialize documentary aesthetics through the use of landscape and testimony as metaphors for Africa’s post-colonial struggles. In doing so, the documentaries create an inner space for spectators to consider the social and political costs of global exploitation from an African perspective.
Photographing Miles Davis
Authors: Barboza Anthony , Maxwell Barry
Published: November 2013

The musician Miles Davis, subject of a group of portrait photographs by Anthony Barboza, presents himself in the photographs as an armature of fashion objects. With reference to the work of Walter Benjamin and Giacomo Leopardi, this introduction to Barboza’s photographs reflects on Davis’s relations to fashion and death.
Nadia Kaabi-Linke: On the Track of History
Authors: Schmieder Falko
Published: November 2013

Inquiries of socially constructed realities or spooky handshakes with “invisible hands” of history are not exclusive to historians and philosophers but also part of artistic research and practice. This essay explores artworks of Tunisian-born artist Nadia Kaabi-Linke and deliberates on conceptual links to Schmieder’s own studies, the historical shape of the term of survival, its variations and extensions. While referring to works produced for a solo exhibition in Berlin, Schmieder emphasizes the site specificity of Kaabi-Linke’s approach and relates her artistic practices to Walter Benjamin’s philosophy of history.
Ghada Amer’s New Sculpture
Authors: Okeke-Agulu Chika
Published: November 2013

Ghada Amer’s 2010 work 100 Words of Love is the product of a tactical realignment with aesthetic principles evident in her early work, and a radical rearticulation of those principles as groundwork for new sculptural forms. While it is impossible to predict the works’ reception and impact on Amer’s reputation as a contemporary artist, they testify to a newfound confidence in her abilities as a sculptor poised to stretch the horizon of her aesthetic fields, even as she returns to the foundational formal and conceptual principles on which her work of the past two decades has been based.
Yinka Shonibare, MBE: Addio del Passato
Authors: Westfall Michael
Published: November 2013

This essay reviews Yinka Shonibare MBE’s exhibition Addio del passato, exploring themes of decay, dissipation, and death as expressed through the historical figure of Lord Nelson. Shonibare’s exhibition casts Nelson as a hapless metonym for the colonial urge, suggesting that both the man and his empire contained seeds of their own destruction, the tragic conflation of destiny and desire. Nelson’s victory marks the point of no return, the beginning of an era of imperial crime on a new scale. Shonibare retells the myth of Nelson’s victory as the West’s tragic moral demise, dead by its own hand, crazed by its desire for conquest.
Impaired embryonic motility indusp27mutants reveals a developmental defect in myofibril structure
Authors: Fero Kandice , Bergeron Sadie A. , Horstick Eric J. , Codore Hiba , Li Grace H. , Ono Fumihito , Dowling James J. , Burgess Harold A.
Published: November 2013

An essential step in muscle fiber maturation is the assembly of highly ordered myofibrils that are required for contraction. Much remains unknown about the molecular mechanisms governing the formation of the contractile apparatus. We identified an early embryonic motility mutant in zebrafish caused by integration of a transgene into the pseudophosphatase dual specificity phosphatase 27 (dusp27). Dusp27 mutants exhibit near complete paralysis at embryonic and larval stages, producing extremely low levels of spontaneous coiling movements and a greatly diminished touch response. Loss of dusp27 does not prevent somitogenesis but results in severe disorganization of the contractile apparatus in muscle fibers. Sarcomeric structures in mutants are almost entirely absent and only rare triads are observed. These findings are the first to implicate a functional role of dusp27 as a gene required for myofiber maturation and provide an animal model for analyzing the mechanisms governing myofibril assembly.
Biselyngbyolide B, a Novel ER Stress-inducer Isolated from the Marine Cyanobacterium Lyngbya sp.
Authors: Ohno Osamu , Watanabe Ayane , Morita Maho , Suenaga Kiyotake
Published: November 2013

A novel cytotoxic macrolide biselyngbyolide B (1) was isolated from the marine cyanobacterium Lyngbya sp., collected on Ishigaki Island, Japan. The structure of 1 was determined to be the aglycone of biselyngbyaside (2) on the basis of 1D and 2D NMR spectra and CD data. The apoptosis-inducing activity of 1 was 30- to 100-fold greater than that of 2. In addition, 1 was found to exhibit ER stress-inducing activity.
Η έννοια των μαθησιακών συμπεριφορών και η προσέγγισή τους στην προσχολική ηλικία: Η ελληνική εκδοχή της κλίμακας εκτίμησης των μαθησιακών συμπεριφορών για παιδιά προσχολικής ηλικίας
Authors: Petrogiannis Konstantinos , Penderi Efthimia
Published: November 2013

Τα νέα αναλυτικά προγράμματα για το νηπιαγωγείο, δίνουν έμφαση στην οργάνωση και αξιολόγηση των μαθησιακών εμπειριών των παιδιών, ώστε να ανταποκρίνονται στις ιδιαίτερες κλίσεις και τα ενδιαφέροντά τους και να τα βοηθούν στην καλλιέργεια θετικής στάσης απέναντι στη μάθηση. Ο τρόπος με τον οποίο τα παιδιά προσεγγίζουν τις μαθησιακές καταστάσεις και εμπλέκονται σε αυτές περιγράφεται στη διεθνή βιβλιογραφία με τον όρο «μαθησιακές συμπεριφορές». Για τη μελέτη τους προτείνεται η Κλίμακα Εκτίμησης των Μαθησιακών Συμπεριφορών για Παιδιά Προσχολικής Ηλικίας (ΚΕΜΣ-ΠΗ) (Preschool Learning Behavior Scale) ως ένα εργαλείο που μπορεί να αξιοποιηθεί από νηπιαγωγούς με στόχο την καταγραφή και καλύτερη κατανόηση των μαθησιακών συμπεριφορών των παιδιών και διερευνώνται τα ψυχομετρικά χαρακτηριστικά της ελληνικής εκδοχής της. Τα δεδομένα προέρχονται από 890 παιδιά που φοιτούσαν σε δημόσια νηπιαγωγεία 33 νομών της Ελλάδας, με βάση τις απαντήσεις των νηπιαγωγών (N= 233) των τάξεων τους. Η παραγοντική ανάλυση ανέδειξε δύο παράγοντες, «Κίνητρο/Επάρκεια» και «Στάση Απέναντι στη Μάθηση-Προσοχή», με ικανοποιητική εσωτερική σταθερότητα. Τα αποτελέσματα σχολιάζονται σε σχέση με τη δυνατότητα της ΚΕΜΣ-ΠΗ να δώσει χρήσιμες πληροφορίες σε ότι αφορά: το ίδιο το παιδί και τον τρόπο που αντιδρά στη μάθηση, το παιδί σε σχέση με την υπόλοιπη τάξη, την αποτελεσματικότητα των διδακτικών προσεγγίσεων και των προγραμμάτων που εφαρμόζονται στην τάξη.