bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patient Age at the Ross Operation in Children Influences Aortic Root Dimensions and Aortic Regurgitation
Authors: Hörer Jürgen , Kasnar-Samprec Jelena , Charitos Efstratios , Stierle Ulrich , Bogers Ad J. J. C. , Hemmer Wolfgang , Hetzer Roland , Hübler Michael , Robinson Derek R. , Sievers Hans H. , Lange Rüdiger
Published: July 2013

Background:

The Ross operation provides the advantage of growth potential of the pulmonary autograft in the aortic position. However, development of autograft dilatation and regurgitation may occur. We sought to assess the progression of autograft diameters and aortic regurgitation (AR) with regard to patient age at the time of the Ross operation.

Methods:

Autograft echo dimensions from 48 children <16 years of age at the time of the Ross operation, who had follow-up echocardiograms at <20 years of age, were analyzed using hierarchical multilevel modeling. The z values of autograft dimensions were calculated according to the normal aortic dimensions. Mean follow-up was 5.1 ± 3.3 years. The mean age at the time of the Ross operation was 10.0 ± 4.3 years.

Results:

The mean z values of all patients showed a significant increase with follow-up time at the sinus (0.5 ± 0.1/year, P < .001) and the sinotubular junction (0.7 ± 0.2/year, P < .001) but not at the annulus (0.1 ± 0.1/year, P = .59). There was no significant difference in the z values of sinus and the sinotubular junction between younger and older children at implantation and with time. The initial annulus z value was significantly larger in younger children ( P < .0001), whereas the annual increase was significantly higher in older children ( P = .021). Age at operation has no impact on the initial AR grade ( P = .60). The AR tends to increase more quickly in older patients ( P = .040). Sinus and sinotubular junction dilate with time, regardless of patient age.

Conclusions:

Young children show larger initial annulus sizes than older children. However, annulus diameters tend to normalize in young children, whereas they increase in older children. Autograft regurgitation develops slowly, but significantly, and predominantly in older children. Stabilizing measures to prevent autograft root dilatation are warranted in adolescents, but they are not required in young children.
Food for Thought: The Politics of Financialization in the Agrifood System
Authors: Fuchs Doris , Meyer-Eppler Richard , Hamenstädt Ulrich
Published: July 2013

A number of scholars have started to investigate issues specifically associated with financialization in the agrifood sector. This article draws on this literature to map the dimensions of financialization and their interaction at different levels. In contrast to studies that have emphasized the economic preconditions and consequences of the financialization of agrifood, we are interested in the political forces and processes behind these developments. Our argument intends to demonstrate that the politics of financialization take a pervasive and multi-faceted form. Indeed, if one wants to identify and assess what drives and facilitates financialization and its diffusion, one needs to study political developments at all societal and political levels and in a variety of shapes and forms. In consequence, this analysis also serves to highlight the challenges involved for anyone aiming to foster a definancialization of the global agrifood system or of the global economic system as such.
The Politics of the Financialization of Sustainability
Authors: Hiss Stefanie
Published: July 2013

Financialization generally denotes the growing importance of the financial market for more and more sectors of societal life. In this article, I investigate how financialization has spread outside the financial sector and which political processes allowed for that to happen. Empirically, I focus on the financialization of sustainability in the case of sustainability accounting. Sustainability accounting seeks to integrate non-financial aspects, such as social, environmental or ethical topics, into financial accounting assessments, such as corporate annual reports. I explore the politics of the financialization of sustainability and how it is being increasingly constructed through quantitative indicators in order to enable financial accounting. I reconstruct which political processes allowed for this financialization, which political actors are involved and — as a result — how sustainability becomes financialized.
European Financial Capitalism and the Politics of (De-)financialization
Authors: Bieling Hans-Jürgen
Published: July 2013

Over recent decades, the political economy of the European Union has been marked by the emergence of a European financial capitalism and various processes of financialization. This article aims to explore the constitutive role of political strategies, decisions and conflicts in these developments, in particular with regard to ongoing European crises tendencies. For this purpose, it draws on a neo-Gramscian and regulationist conceptual framework which differentiates between three levels of analysis: that of a ‘historic bloc’ or specific societal formation; a ‘hegemonic bloc’ or particular alliance of leading social forces; and ‘political projects’, which are problem- or crisis-induced political initiatives. The article shows that in the course of the crisis the major political projects have been initiated or controlled by a finance-dominated transnational alliance. In this sense, European financial capitalism and financialization have been politically promoted and stabilized, so far. At the same time, however, the article also identifies increasing political contradictions and conflicts which indicate the precarious nature of past stabilization attempts.
Intracellular NAD+ depletion enhances bortezomib-induced anti-myeloma activity
Authors: Cagnetta Antonia , Cea Michele , Calimeri Teresa , Acharya Chirag , Fulciniti Mariateresa , Tai Yu-Tzu , Hideshima Teru , Chauhan Dharminder , Zhong Mike Y. , Patrone Franco , Nencioni Alessio , Gobbi Marco , Richardson Paul , Munshi Nikhil , Anderson Kenneth C.
Published: July 2013

Key Points

FK866 combined with bortezomib induces synergistic anti-MM cell death. Addition of low doses of NAD+-depleting agent FK866 overcomes bortezomib resistance in MM cells.
Foot-and-mouth disease virus-like particles produced by a SUMO fusion protein system in Escherichia coli induce potent protective immune responses in guinea pigs, swine and cattle
Authors: Guo Hui-Chen , Sun Shi-Qi , Jin Ye , Yang Shun-Li , Wei Yan-Quan , Sun De-Hui , Yin Shuang-Hui , Ma Jun-Wu , Liu Zai-Xin , Guo Jian-Hong , Luo Jian-Xun , Yin Hong , Liu Xiang-Tao , Liu Ding Xiang
Published: July 2013

Foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) causes a highly contagious infection in cloven-hoofed animals. The format of FMD virus-like particles (VLP) as a non-replicating particulate vaccine candidate is a promising alternative to conventional inactivated FMDV vaccines. In this study, we explored a prokaryotic system to express and assemble the FMD VLP and validated the potential of VLP as an FMDV vaccine candidate. VLP composed entirely of FMDV (Asia1/Jiangsu/China/2005) capsid proteins (VP0, VP1 and VP3) were simultaneously produced as SUMO fusion proteins by an improved SUMO fusion protein system in E. coli. Proteolytic removal of the SUMO moiety from the fusion proteins resulted in the assembly of VLP with size and shape resembling the authentic FMDV. Immunization of guinea pigs, swine and cattle with FMD VLP by intramuscular inoculation stimulated the FMDV-specific antibody response, neutralizing antibody response, T-cell proliferation response and secretion of cytokine IFN-γ. In addition, immunization with one dose of the VLP resulted in complete protection of these animals from homologous FMDV challenge. The 50% protection dose (PD50) of FMD VLP in cattle is up to 6.34. These results suggest that FMD VLP expressed in E. coli are an effective vaccine in guinea pigs, swine and cattle and support further development of these VLP as a vaccine candidate for protection against FMDV.
Assessment of the genomic variation in a cattle population by re-sequencing of key animals at low to medium coverage
Authors: Jansen Sandra , Aigner Bernhard , Pausch Hubert , Wysocki Michal , Eck Sebastian , Benet-Pagès Anna , Graf Elisabeth , Wieland Thomas , Strom Tim M , Meitinger Thomas , Fries Ruedi
Published: July 2013

Background

Genome- and population-wide re-sequencing would allow for most efficient detection of causal trait variants. However, despite a strong decrease of costs for next-generation sequencing in the last few years, re-sequencing of large numbers of individuals is not yet affordable. We therefore resorted to re-sequencing of a limited number of bovine animals selected to explain a major proportion of the population's genomic variation, so called key animals, in order to provide a catalogue of functional variants and a substrate for population- and genome-wide imputation of variable sites.

Results

Forty-three animals accounting for about 69 percent of the genetic diversity of the Fleckvieh population, a cattle breed of Southern Germany and Austria, were sequenced with coverages ranging from 4.17 to 24.98 and averaging 7.46. After alignment to the reference genome (UMD3.1) and multi-sample variant calling, more than 17 million variant positions were identified, about 90 percent biallelic single nucleotide variants (SNVs) and 10 percent short insertions and deletions (InDels). The comparison with high-density chip data revealed a sensitivity of at least 92 percent and a specificity of 81 percent for sequencing based genotyping, and 97 percent and 93 percent when a imputation step was included. There are 91,733 variants in coding regions of 18,444 genes, 46 percent being non-synonymous exchanges, of which 575 variants are predicted to cause premature stop codons. Three variants are listed in the OMIA database as causal for specific phenotypes.

Conclusions

Low- to medium-coverage re-sequencing of individuals explaining a major fraction of a population's genomic variation allows for the efficient and reliable detection of most variants. Imputation strongly improves genotype quality of lowly covered samples and thus enables maximum density genotyping by sequencing. The functional annotation of variants provides the basis for exhaustive genotype imputation in the population, e.g., for highest-resolution genome-wide association studies.
Effectiveness of polaprezinc for low-dose aspirin-induced small-bowel mucosal injuries as evaluated by capsule endoscopy: a pilot randomized controlled study
Authors: Watari Ikue , Oka Shiro , Tanaka Shinji , Aoyama Taiki , Imagawa Hiroki , Shishido Takayoshi , Yoshida Shigeto , Chayama Kazuaki
Published: July 2013

Background

Treatment of low-dose aspirin (LDA)-induced small-bowel injury has not been established. Polaprezinc, a chelate of zinc and L-carnosine, may be efficacious for such injury. We conducted a pilot randomized controlled study to investigate whether polaprezinc is effective against LDA-induced small-bowel injuries.

Methods

Consecutive patients under long-term (>3 months) LDA treatment and who agreed to participate in our study underwent initial capsule endoscopy (CE). Patients with LDA-induced small-bowel injury apparent upon initial CE (n = 20) were randomized into a polaprezinc (150 mg/day for 4 weeks) group and a control (no polaprezinc treatment) group. All underwent follow-up CE after 4 weeks. Changes in the number and characteristics of small-bowel mucosal injuries were compared within and between the two groups.

Results

The median number of reddened lesions and erosions/ulcers upon follow-up CE in the polaprezinc group significantly decreased (P < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in the median number of reddened lesions and erosions/ulcers upon follow-up CE in the control group.

Conclusions

Co-administration of polaprezinc may be effective against small-bowel mucosal injury associated with long-term LDA therapy.

Trial registration

UMIN Clinical Trials Registry UMIN000003687.
Technology platform development for targeted plasma metabolites in human heart failure
Authors: Chan CY X’avia , Khan Anjum A , Choi JH Howard , Ng CM Dominic , Cadeiras Martin , Deng Mario , Ping Peipei
Published: July 2013

Background

Heart failure is a multifactorial disease associated with staggeringly high morbidity and motility. Recently, alterations of multiple metabolites have been implicated in heart failure; however, the lack of an effective technology platform to assess these metabolites has limited our understanding on how they contribute to this disease phenotype. We have successfully developed a new workflow combining specific sample preparation with tandem mass spectrometry that enables us to extract most of the targeted metabolites. 19 metabolites were chosen ascribing to their biological relevance to heart failure, including extracellular matrix remodeling, inflammation, insulin resistance, renal dysfunction, and cardioprotection against ischemic injury.

Results

In this report, we systematically engineered, optimized and refined a protocol applicable to human plasma samples; this study contributes to the methodology development with respect to deproteinization, incubation, reconstitution, and detection with mass spectrometry. The deproteinization step was optimized with 20% methanol/ethanol at a plasma:solvent ratio of 1:3. Subsequently, an incubation step was implemented which remarkably enhanced the metabolite signals and the number of metabolite peaks detected by mass spectrometry in both positive and negative modes. With respect to the step of reconstitution, 0.1% formic acid was designated as the reconstitution solvent vs. 6.5 mM ammonium bicarbonate, based on the comparable number of metabolite peaks detected in both solvents, and yet the signal detected in the former was higher. By adapting this finalized protocol, we were able to retrieve 13 out of 19 targeted metabolites from human plasma.

Conclusions

We have successfully devised a simple albeit effective workflow for the targeted plasma metabolites relevant to human heart failure. This will be employed in tandem with high throughput liquid chromatography mass spectrometry platform to validate and characterize these potential metabolic biomarkers for diagnostic and therapeutic development of heart failure patients.
Genetic characterization of EV71 isolates from 2004 to 2010 reveals predominance and persistent circulation of the newly proposed genotype D and recent emergence of a distinct lineage of subgenotype C2 in Hong Kong
Authors: Yip Cyril CY , Lau Susanna KP , Lo Janice YC , Chan Kwok-Hung , Woo Patrick CY , Yuen Kwok-Yung
Published: July 2013

Background

Enterovirus 71 (EV71) is a common etiological agent of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) in children. EV71 epidemics have been reported in Hong Kong in recent years, and yet the genetic information of EV71 strains circulating in our locality is limited. The objective of this study was to investigate the genetic evolution of these EV71 isolates in Hong Kong over a 7-year period.

Methods

Twenty-two EV71 isolates from Hong Kong during 2004–2010 were included for phylogenetic analysis using partial VP2-VP3, 2C and 3D regions. Eight EV71 strains were selected for complete genome sequencing and recombination analysis.

Results

Among the 22 EV71 isolates, 20 belonged to subgenotype C4 and 2 belonged to subgenotype C2 based on the phylogenetic analysis of partial VP2-VP3, 2C and 3D gene regions. Phylogenetic, similarity plot and bootscan analyses using complete genome sequences of seven EV71 isolates of subgenotype C4 supported that the “double-recombinant” strains of subgenotype C4 persistently circulating in Hong Kong should belong to a newly proposed genotype D. Further analysis revealed two clusters, subgenotypes C4b and C4a (proposed genotypes D1a and D1b respectively), with “genotype D1b” strains being predominant in recent years in Hong Kong. A distinct lineage of EV71 subgenotype C2 has emerged in Hong Kong in 2008. The evolutionary rate of EV71 was 3.1 × 10-3nucleotide substitutions per site per year similar to that of other enterovirus, such as EV68, but was relatively lower than those of echovirus 30 and poliovirus. Molecular clock analysis using VP1 gene dated the time to the most recent common ancestor of all EV71 genotypes to 1900s, while the EV71 “double-recombinant” strains of “genotype D” were detected as early as 1998.

Conclusions

This study provides the molecular basis for proposing a new “genotype D” of EV71 and assigning a discrete lineage of subgenotype C2. EV71 strains of “genotype D” have been circulating in Hong Kong for over 7 years, with “genotype D1b” being predominant.
Use of the palm Euterpe edulismartius in landscape units managed by migrants of German origin in Southern Brazil
Authors: Milanesi Lucas de Souza , Peroni Nivaldo , dos Reis Maurício Sedrez
Published: July 2013

Background

People influence their environments through the manipulation of landscapes and species. Human influence on the landscape may lead to the development of differentiated landscape units that originate from past use and may be related to the presence of certain species. This study investigated the presence of the palmEuterpe edulisand its current and past importance in landscape units established by a community of German descendants located in southern Brazil. The objectives of this study were to characterize the use of the species, to identify the importance ofE.edulisfor the German immigrant community, to identify past and current uses ofE.edulis, to describe the historical use of the landscape, and lastly, to identify landscape units in whichE.edulisis found.

Methods

The researched community is composed of people of German descent residing in southern Brazil. A variety of research tools were used to achieve the objectives of the research. Semi-structured interviews and free-listings were conducted in all family units. The interviews focused on groups of people in the community who had current or historical connection with the species. Group workshops and guided tours were conducted to identify different landscape units. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, use-value index, citation frequency, salience index, and informant perception analysis.

Results

Over the historical period studied, the community demonstrated changes with respect to economic activities. These changes are reflected in the transformation of the landscape. The speciesE.eduliswas and still is very important for people in the community; its importance is reflected in its high use value, citation frequency and salience. The species is found within various landscape units in the community as well as in homegardens and in secondary forests.

Conclusions

The landscape heterogeneity of this community is influenced by changes in economic activities and by the relationship with the conservation unit. Landscape units resulting from this relationship may be identified. The speciesE.edulisis found within these landscape units and is integrated into the livelihood of the community.
Age-dependent differences in diabetes and acute hyperglycemia between men and women with ST-elevation myocardial infarction: a cohort study
Authors: Otten Amber M , Ottervanger Jan Paul , Timmer Jorik R , van ’t Hof Arnoud WJ , Dambrink Jan-Henk E , Gosselink AT Marcel , Hoorntje Jan CA , Suryapranata Harry , Maas Angela HEM
Published: July 2013

Background

Both acute hyperglycemia as diabetes results in an impaired prognosis in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients. It is unknown whether there is a different prevalence of diabetes and acute hyperglycemia in men and women within age-groups.

Methods

Between 2004 and 2010, 4640 consecutive patients (28% women) with STEMI, were referred for primary PCI. Patients were stratified into two age groups, < 65 years (2447 patients) and ≥65 years (2193 patients). Separate analyses were performed in 3901 patients without diabetes. Diabetes was defined as known diabetes or HbA1c ≥6.5 mmol/l at admission.

Results

The prevalence of diabetes was comparable between women and men in the younger age group (14% vs 12%, p = 0.52), whereas in the older age group diabetes was more prevalent in women (25% vs 17% p < 0.001). In patients without diabetes, admission glucose was comparable between both genders in younger patients (8.1 ± 2.0 mmol/l vs 8.0 ± 2.2 mmol/l p = 0.36), but in older patients admission glucose was higher in women than in men (8.7 ± 2.1 mmol/l vs 8.4 ± 2.1 mmol/l p = 0.028). After multivariable analyses, the occurrence of increased admission glucose was comparable between men and women in the younger age group (OR 1.1, 95%CI 0.9-1.5), but increased in women in the older age group (OR 1.3, 95% CI 1.1-1.7). Both diabetes and hyperglycemia were associated with a higher one-year mortality in both men and women.

Conclusions

The differences between men and women in hyperglycemia and diabetes in patients with STEMI are age dependent and can only be observed in older patients. This may have implications for medical treatment and should be investigated further.
The significance of diagnosing associated clonal mast cell diseases in patients with venom‐induced anaphylaxis and the role of bone marrow investigation
Authors: Gülen Theo , Dahlén Barbro , Sander Birgitta , Hägglund Hans , Nilsson Gunnar
Published: July 2013

Hymenoptera venom allergy (HVA) represents a particular risk for exceptionally severe anaphylactic sting reactions in patients with clonal mast cell disorders (CMD). Nevertheless, conventional investigations are not sufficient to do accurate risk assessments. Increased levels of baseline serum tryptase (sBT) (>11.4 μg/L) is highly associated with severe anaphylactic reactions and with a possible underlying CMD. The measurement of baseline serum tryptase, thus, has opened the possibility to screen for CMD. In the present study, we sought to investigate whether bone marrow evaluation provides more accurate diagnosis in patients with HVA.

Three patients of the same sex and similar age with HVA were enrolled in this clinical study. The patients underwent comprehensive allergy work‐up including skin prick testing, measurements of serum total IgE concentrations and baseline serum tryptase. Bone‐marrow biopsies were also performed in all three patients to assess underlying CMD.

We evaluated characteristics of the bone marrow mast cells by pathology, flow cytometry and detection of D816V mutation by using current WHO‐criteria, which led to changes in the final diagnosis compared to the assessments done by classical allergy work‐up and measurements of sBT. Three distinct diagnostic outcomes including systemic mastocytosis, monoclonal mast cell activation syndrome and non‐clonal HVA were revealed.

We conclude that a bone marrow investigation is required for the correct diagnosis of hymenoptera venom‐induced anaphylactic reactions in patients with elevated baseline tryptase levels (>11.4 μg/L), and this has important implications for management strategies.
Mycobacterium tuberculosisRpfB drives Th1-type T cell immunity via a TLR4-dependent activation of dendritic cells
Authors: Kim Jong-Seok , Kim Woo Sik , Choi Han-Gyu , Jang Byungki , Lee Keehoon , Park Jong-Hwan , Kim Hwa-Jung , Cho Sang-Nae , Shin Sung Jae
Published: July 2013

The failure of Mycobacterium bovis BCG as a TB vaccine against TB reactivation suggests that latency-associated proteins should be included in alternative TB vaccine development. Further, antigens known to generate protective immunity against the strong Th1 stimulatory response to reactivated TB should be included in novel vaccine design. Recent studies have emphasized the importance of Rpfs from Mycobacterium tuberculosis in the reactivation process and cellular immunity. However, little is known about how RpfB mediates protective immunity against M. tuberculosis. Here, we investigated the functional roles and signaling mechanisms of RpfB in DCs and its implications in the development of T cell immunity. DCs treated with RpfB displayed features of mature and functional status, with elevated expression of cell surface molecules (CD80, CD86, and MHC class I and II) and proinflammatory cytokine production (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-12p70). Activation of DCs was mediated by direct binding of RpfB to TLR4, followed by MyD88/TRIF-dependent signaling to MAPKs and NF-κB signaling pathways. Specifically, we found that the RpfB G5 domain is the most important part in RpfB binding to TLR4. RpfB-treated DCs effectively polarized naïve CD4+ and CD8+ T cells to secrete IFN-γ and IL-2. Importantly, RpfB induced the expansion of memory CD4+/CD8+CD44highCD62Llow T cells in the spleen of M. tuberculosis-infected mice. Our data suggest that RpfB regulates innate immunity and activates adaptive immunity through TLR4, a finding that may help in the design of more effective vaccines.
Evidence for a Specific Uptake and Retention Mechanism for 25-Hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) in Skeletal Muscle Cells
Authors: Abboud M. , Puglisi D. A. , Davies B. N. , Rybchyn M. , Whitehead N. P. , Brock K. E. , Cole L. , Gordon-Thomson C. , Fraser D. R. , Mason R. S.
Published: July 2013

Little is known about the mechanism for the prolonged residence time of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) in blood. Several lines of evidence led us to propose that skeletal muscle could function as the site of an extravascular pool of 25OHD. In vitro studies investigated the capacity of differentiated C2 murine muscle cells to take up and release 25OHD, in comparison with other cell types and the involvement of the membrane protein megalin in these mechanisms. When C2 cells are differentiated into myotubes, the time-dependent uptake of labeled 25OHD is 2–3 times higher than in undifferentiated myoblasts or nonmuscle osteoblastic MG63 cells (P < .001). During in vitro release experiments (after 25OHD uptake), myotubes released only 32% ± 6% stored 25OHD after 4 hours, whereas this figure was 60% ± 2% for osteoblasts (P < .01). Using immunofluorescence, C2 myotubes and primary rat muscle fibers were, for the first time, shown to express megalin and cubilin, endocytotic receptors for the vitamin D binding protein (DBP), which binds nearly all 25OHD in the blood. DBP has a high affinity for actin in skeletal muscle. A time-dependent uptake of Alexafluor-488-labeled DBP into mature muscle cells was observed by confocal microscopy. Incubation of C2 myotubes (for 24 hours) with receptor-associated protein, a megalin inhibitor, led to a 40% decrease in 25OHD uptake (P < .01). These data support the proposal that 25OHD, after uptake into mature muscle cells, is held there by DBP, which has been internalized via membrane megalin and is retained by binding to actin.
Detection of Islet β-Cell Death in Vivo by Multiplex PCR Analysis of Differentially Methylated DNA
Authors: Fisher Marisa M. , Perez Chumbiauca Cristina N. , Mather Kieren J. , Mirmira Raghavendra G. , Tersey Sarah A.
Published: July 2013

Noninvasive detection of early β-cell death in type 1 diabetes might identify individuals in whom therapeutic interventions would preserve β-cell mass and prevent hyperglycemia. Recent studies in mice have shown that β-cell death produces a corresponding increase in unmethylated preproinsulin (PPI) DNA in serum. Here, we report the development of a novel assay using dual fluorescent-probe multiplex PCR (TaqMan) to detect differential methylation of circulating PPI DNA. Key assay features include low background signals, linear assay output across a large range of values, and simultaneous detection of methylated and unmethylated PPI DNA in a single reaction. We defined the “unmethylation index” as a summary parameter that reflects the relative amounts of unmethylated vs methylated PPI DNA. To validate this assay's ability to detect β-cell death in vivo, we measured the unmethylation index in the serum of diabetic mouse models, including high- and multiple low-dose streptozotocin-induced diabetes, and the nonobese diabetic mouse model of type 1 diabetes. Our data show a significantly increased unmethylation index concordant with the known timeline of β-cell death that precedes the onset of hyperglycemia. Subsequently, we observed a decrease in the unmethylation index following diabetes development, likely reflecting the absence of further β-cell death in the pancreas. We conclude that simultaneous measurement of methylated and unmethylated PPI DNA using the multiplex PCR method described here is a readily available and sensitive indicator of dying β-cells that may be useful to track diabetes progression and response to therapeutic intervention.
Role of Metabolic Factors in the Association Between Osteocalcin and Testosterone in Chinese Men
Authors: Liao Ming , Guo Xuefeng , Yu Xiaoxiang , Pang Guijian , Zhang Shijun , Li Jianling , Tan Aihua , Gao Yong , Yang Xiaobo , Zhang Haiying , Qin Xue , Mo Linjian , Lu Zheng , Wu Chunlei , Mo Zengnan
Published: July 2013

Objective:

Osteocalcin can regulate energy metabolism and increase testosterone production. Although previous studies have shown the positive association between osteocalcin and testosterone, the effect of metabolic factors in the association is unclear.

Design and Setting:

Osteocalcin, testosterone, and metabolic factors were accessed in 2400 men aged 20 to 69 years, who participated in the population-based Fangchenggang Area Male Health and Examination Survey in Guangxi province of China from September 2009 to December 2009.

Main Outcome Measures:

Metabolic syndrome was defined based on the updated report of National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria. Serum total osteocalcin, total testosterone (TT), and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) were measured, whereas free testosterone (FT) and bioavailable testosterone (BT) were calculated based on Vermeulen's formula. The multivariable linear regression analysis was used.

Results:

Osteocalcin was positively associated with TT, FT, and BT in the unadjusted model (all P < .001). After adjusting for age, the positive association between osteocalcin and TT remained statistically significant (β = .17, 95% confidence interval = 0.14–0.20) and was not attenuated in each MetS subgroup including hypertriglyceridemia, hyperglycemia, elevated blood pressure, and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, while in the group of central obesity (waist circumstance ≥90 cm), the association appeared significantly stronger (β = 0.21, 95% confidence interval = 0.12–0.30). After further adjusting for SHBG, osteocalcin was positively associated with TT, FT, and BT in men with central obesity or men with any two MetS components (all P < .05).

Conclusions:

Serum total osteocalcin is positively associated with testosterone, which is probably modified by SHBG and central obesity.
Synthesis and Photovoltaic Properties of Phenylethynyl-substituted Diazaporphyrin
Authors: Kurotobi Kei , Kawamoto Kyosuke , Toude Yuuki , Fujimori Yamato , Kinjo Yuriko , Ito Seigo , Matano Yoshihiro , Imahori Hiroshi
Published: July 2013

Carboxyphenylethynyl-substituted diazaporphyrin has been synthesized to assess the utility of diazaporphyrins in dye-sensitized solar cells for the first time. The diazaporphyrin-sensitized TiO2 cell exhibited photocurrent generation in the visible region of 400–700 nm together with a power conversion efficiency of 0.08%.
Concepts, design and implementation of Reverse Logistics Systems for Sustainable Supply Chains in Brazil
Authors: Corrêa Henrique Luiz , Xavier Lucia Helena
Published: July 2013

There is growing social pressure for organizations to reduce their rates of consumption ofnonrenewable natural resources and in parallel, to also reduce the release of post-production and postconsumptionwaste to landfills, water bodies and air, thereby causing damage to the environment. Torespond to the pressure it is necessary that organizations' operations prioritize the "3R" goals: Reduce,Reuse and Recycle.In this context, the so called reverse logistics flows have grown in importance in the study of supplychains. Examples are the components and materials that are collected after they are consumed or used.Instead of being sent to the landfill companies use reverse logistics to transport them back in supplychains to be reused or, recycled and reincorporated as secondary input material for new production.This article aims, through the review of related legislation in Brazil, relevant literature and a numberof Brazilian and international case studies to develop a basic framework to be used in the developmentand implementation of reverse logistics systems (RLS).DOI: 10.12660/joscmv6n1p1-25URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.12660/joscmv6n1p1-25
Theoretical contributions from operations management and economic theories for strategic positioning of services: an integrating proposal
Authors: Meirelles Dimária Silva e , Klement Claudia Fernanda Franceschi
Published: July 2013

The goal of this article is to join the theoretical contributions of operations managementand economical theory for the analysis of services' strategic positioning. In the beginning it presents theexplanation about three services taxonomies with similar conceptual formation; these taxonomies arecentered in the process perspective and the goal is to develop their contributions for the service strategicanalysis. On one hand, it shows the operations vision in relationship to the client contact, the processstandardization and the production capacity. On the other hand, it shows the economic vision and ittakes into consideration three perspectives: i) the main process involved, if concentrated on people,physical goods, or information; ii) the relationship with the client and the grade of standardization andprofessional capacity; iii) the degree of capital intensity and scale. As a result, it proposes an integrationmatrix based on three variables: capital intensity, scale and client's contact.DOI: 10.12660/joscmv6n1p55-73URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.12660/joscmv6n1p55-73
Lean Manufacturing and Business Performance in Brazilian Firms
Authors: Moori Roberto Giro , Pescarmona Adriano , Kimura Herbert
Published: July 2013

In this paper, we examine the relationship among lean manufacturing management,competitive skills, and business performance from the perspective of managers of companies doingbusiness in Brazil. We conduct a survey of 68 Brazilian companies that use lean manufacturing andanalyze data using structural equation modeling based on partial least squares method. Results show,considering competitive skills as mediating variable, a positive relationship between lean manufacturingand business performance. Results also suggest that managers lack awareness about the importance ofthe competitive skills to enhance business performance.DOI: 10.12660/joscmv6n1p91-105URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.12660/joscmv6n1p91-105
Integration processes in industries as a source of enhancement of socio-economic potential in cities and regions
Authors: Каманина  , Kamanina Raisa , Белова  , Belova Svetlana
Published: July 2013

In the article authors raise the actual direction — food services workers of industrial enterprises. Provision of food should be produced in integrating efforts of resources and the possibilities of partners (industry — trade) on the basis of the organizational and economic model of food production system.
Carotid sheath lipoma: first case report in the English literature
Authors: Parelkar S , Kapadnis S , Sanghvi B , Joshi P , Mundada D , Shetty S , Oak S
Published: July 2013

Lipomas are the most commonly encountered benign mesenchymal tumour, arising in any location where fat is normally present. Lipomas in the head and neck are rare in all age groups. Cases of vascular sheath lipomas in the femoral region have only been reported in adults. In children, vascular sheath lipomas have not been described to date. We report the first case of a carotid sheath lipoma in a seven-year-old boy. He had a non-tender soft mass with ill defined borders occupying the left upper part of the neck. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a mass at the bifurcation of the left common carotid artery without involving the same. The mass was hyperintense on T1 and T2 weighted sequences, suggestive of a lipoma. The lipoma was enucleated after incising the carotid sheath, safeguarding its contents. Histopathology confirmed it as a lipoma.
Introducing holmium laser enucleation of the prostate alongside transurethral resection of the prostate improves outcomes of each procedure
Authors: Wilson N , Mikhail M , Acher P , Lodge R , Young A
Published: July 2013

Introduction

Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) is recognised as an alternative to transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). HoLEP has been demonstrated to be at least as effective as TURP with less morbidity but its introduction to practice has been limited in part by the learning curve of a novel procedure. This study examined the effects of introducing HoLEP alongside an established practice of TURP on early morbidity and length of hospital stay (LOS).

Methods

A retrospective review of all patients who underwent HoLEP and TURP between April 2007 and July 2011 was undertaken. HoLEP was introduced in April 2008; patients undergoing TURP before this were considered as a historical control group. Data were collected concerning resection/enucleation weight, blood transfusions and LOS.

Results

Overall, 772 patients underwent HoLEP or TURP within the 52-month study period: 164 underwent TURP prior to the introduction of HoLEP (TURP-A), 425 had TURP after the introduction of HoLEP (TURP-B) and 183 underwent HoLEP. The mean removed weight was 24g (standard deviation [SD]: 21g) for TURP-A, 19g for TURP-B (SD: 16g) and 38g (SD: 32g) for HoLEP (p<0.005). Blood transfusion rates were 5.5%, 2.2% and 1.6% for the TURP-A, TURP-B and HoLEP groups respectively (p<0.05). For TURP-A patients, the mean LOS was 5.6 days (SD: 3.5 days, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.3–6.0 days). The mean LOS for TURP-B patients was 4.4 days (SD: 4.4 days, 95% CI: 4.2–4.8 days). HoLEP patients had a mean LOS of 3.0 days (SD: 3.0 days, 95% CI: 2.6–3.4 days).

Conclusions

The introduction of HoLEP alongside TURP is associated with lower rates of blood transfusion and shorter LOS for all patients. This is likely to be due to the use of HoLEP rather than TURP in patients with larger prostates, who are more likely to have complications.
The impact of the mass density on selected optical and non-optical properties of oxide coatings
Authors: Stenzel Olaf
Published: July 2013

The density of optical coatings is one of the most crucial material-related parameters in interference coating science and technology. It has an impact on the refractive index, the transparency range, and the mechanical stress of a coating material. This tutorial provides a background on the classical theory relating the coating density to the mentioned parameters. Simple models are presented that highlight the correlations between optical constants, stress, and shifting behavior of different oxide coatings. Comparison with the experiment is performed on the basis of numerous experimental data, which stem from hafnium oxide, zirconium oxide, tantalum pentoxide, and silicon dioxide.
Government-business alliances in state capitalist economies: evidence from low-income markets in China
Authors: Kostka Genia , Zhou Jianghua
Published: July 2013

Based on three in-depth case studies, the study analyzes how and why Chinese enterprises partner with governments in cooperative ventures which aim to simultaneously achieve poverty alleviation objectives and establish profitable business ventures in rural areas. The analysis draws out specific characteristics of three government-business partnerships in China, which vary in terms of governance structure, resource complementarity and incentives. The findings show that in this state capitalist system, outcomes of government-business partnerships depend on firms having unique resources and capabilities that serve particular policy objectives of the government. By the same token, in order to make partnerships attractive to firms, national and local governments must hold the keys to unique resources needed by enterprises looking to do business in low-income markets. The cases further illustrate that, in order to build and maintain successful government-business partnerships over time, the alignment of incentives plays an important role. In sum, complementary resources and well-aligned interests between firms and governments help to explain why some government-enterprise partnerships are more successful than others.
Age, Human Capital, and the Quality of Work: New Evidence from Old Masters
Authors: Bayer Thomas , Page John , Raviv Yaron , Rosett Joshua
Published: July 2013

The links between individual ability, human capital investment, and quality of output are generally hard to examine because in most situations output results from multiple inputs and often through complex contracting processes. We overcome these problems by examining life-cycle artistic output quality as reflected in art auction prices. First, we observe an inverted U-shaped age-quality of work profile similar to the conventional age–wage profile. Second, we find that the degree of concavity increases for those with higher native ability. Third, we find that working for a patron rather than selling directly to the market is associated with a flatter age profile. Fourth, we find evidence that formal education increases the concavity of the age-quality of work profile. These results are consistent with the theory and demonstrate that artists respond to incentives to invest in human capital.
Economic Perspectives on Personalized Health Care and Prevention
Authors: Phillips Kathryn A. , Sakowski Julie Ann , Liang Su-Ying , Ponce Ninez A.
Published: July 2013

The objective of this paper is to provide an overview of economic evaluation of personalized medicine, focusing particularly on the use of cost-effectiveness analysis and other methods of valuation. We draw on insights from the literature and our work at the University of California, San Francisco Center for Translational and Policy Research on Personalized Medicine (TRANSPERS). We begin with a discussion of why personalized medicine is of interest and challenges to adoption, whether personalized medicine is different enough to require different evaluation approaches, and what is known about the economics of personalized medicine. We then discuss insights from TRANSPERS research and six areas for future research:

Develop and Apply Multiple Methods of Assessing Value

Identify Key Factors in Determining the Value of Personalized Medicine

Use Real World Perspectives in Economic Analyses

Consider Patient Heterogeneity and Diverse Populations in Economic Analyses

Prepare for Upcoming Challenges of Assessing Value of Emerging Technologies

Incorporate Behavioral Economics into Value Assessments
Groups described by element numbers
Authors: Heineken Hermann , Russo Francesco G.
Published: July 2013

Let G be a finite group and

L
e

(
G
)

=

{
x
∈
G
∣

x
e

=
1
}

$L_e(G)=\lbrace x \in G \mid x^e=1\rbrace $

, where e is a positive integer dividing

|
G
|

$\vert G\vert $

. How do bounds on

|

L
e

(
G
)

|

$\vert L_e(G)\vert $

influence the structure of G?
Meng and Shi [Arch. Math. (Basel) 96 (2011), 109–114] have answered this question for

|

L
e

(
G
)

|
≤
2
e

$\vert L_e(G)\vert \le 2e$

. We generalize their contributions, considering the inequality

|

L
e

(
G
)

|

≤

e
2

$\vert L_e(G)\vert \le e^2$

and finding a new class of groups of whose we study the structural properties.
Exchange Rate Pass-Through into Import Prices in Jordan
Authors: Sweidan Osama D.
Published: July 2013

This paper investigates the exchange rate pass-through into import prices on aggregate and disaggregates data levels in Jordan. We employ the bounds testing approach to cointegration and error correction model in a sample of annual data over the period 1976–2011. This fundamental topic has considerable policy implications. The current paper concludes that nominal exchange rate fluctuations and oil prices are the core determinants of import prices either on aggregate or disaggregate data level. The short-run and long-run nominal exchange rate pass-through elasticities coefficients in Jordan are incomplete and equal to 0.13. Besides, in the short-run, oil prices have larger effect on Jordan’s import prices compared to nominal exchange fluctuations.
Is Food Security a New Tariff? Explaining Changes in Sanitary and Phytosanitary Regulations by World Trade Organization Members
Authors: Long Andrew G. , Kastner Justin J. , Kassatly Raymond
Published: July 2013

Scholars at the intersection of agricultural trade policy and health regulation have speculated that some governments, under the pretext of health protection, have adopted food safety and plant and animal health regulations to shield domestic farmers from foreign competition. In this paper, we investigate the relationship between trade protection for agriculture and the number of trade-restricting sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) regulatory notifications issued by World Trade Organization (WTO) members. We construct an empirical model to determine the influence of agricultural protectionism, agricultural interest groups, consumer sentiment, and institutional capacity on changes to a government’s SPS rules. The findings suggest that governments’ adoption of trade-restricting sanitary and phytosanitary regulations are influenced by agricultural protectionism, even after controlling for consumer awareness and institutional capacity. The evidence suggests that health related trade policies are substituting for more traditional forms of agricultural protectionism.
Synthesis of some novel bis-1,2,4-triazole and bis-1,3,4-thiadiazole derivatives from terephthaloyl and isophthaloyl chlorides
Authors: Mobinikhaledi Akbar , Foroughifar Naser , Rafiee Abdolhossein
Published: July 2013

An efficient synthesis of novel bis-1,2,4-triazole and bis-1,3,4-thiadiazole derivatives starting from terephthaloyl and isophthaloyl chlorides is described. Terephthaloyl or isophthaloyl chloride was allowed to react with hydrazine hydrate in refluxing ethanol to give a corresponding bis-hydrazide derivative. Further reaction of these compounds with isothiocyanates gave bis-thiosemicarbazide derivatives, which then underwent cyclization to bis-1,3,4-thiadiazoles in the presence of sulfuric acid. The cyclization of these compounds in the presence of sodium hydroxide resulted in the formation of bis-1,2,4-triazole-3-thioles. The structure of these compounds was characterized by IR, NMR, and elemental analysis.
Synthesis and photochromism of aryl(heteroaryl)- and diheteroarylethenes – coumarin derivatives
Authors: Traven Valerii F. , Bochkov Andrei Y.
Published: July 2013

In this review, we discuss the synthesis and photochromism of aryl(heteroaryl)- and diheteroarylethenes, containing pyrane ring of coumarin as part of the photosensitive hexatriene system or bearing a coumarin unit as a substituent outside of hexatriene. Coumarinylethenes with noncyclic double bond as well as coumarinyl(thienyl)thiazoles, coumarinyl(thienyl)maleic anhydride (or maleimide) derivatives, and 3,4-bis(thiazolyl)coumarins possess both photochromism and fluorescence switching properties upon UV/vis irradiation.