bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Which one Enhances Muscular Performance in ACL Reconstructed Subjects
Authors: Harput Gulcan , Ulusoy Burak , Atay Ahmet Ozgur , Baltacı Gul
Published: December 2014

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of functional knee brace and kinesiotaping on muscular performance in anterior cruciate ligament reconstructed subjects who reached return to sport phase of the rehabilitation.

Methods:

Twenty (17 males, 3 females, Age: 24.7±7.1 years, Body weight: 74.4±12.0 kg, Height: 177.9±6.5 cm, BMI: 23.9±3.6 kg/m2) subjects who underwent anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction by using hamstring tendon auto graft were included in this study. When the subjects reached the return to sports phase of rehabilitation which was 6th months after surgery, knee muscle strength, jump performance and balance tests were performed 3 times: bare, with knee brace and with kinesio taping. The order of the tests were randomized to eliminate the effects of fatigue and motor learning. Quadriceps and hamstring muscle strength was measured on an isokinetic dynamometer at 180 °/s and 60°/s angular velocities. Vertical Jump (VJ) and One Leg Hop Tests (OLHT) were used to assess jump performance. Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) with anterior, posteromedial and posterolateral reach distance was used to assess the dynamic balance. When all tests were performed, the subjects were asked under which test condition they felt more confident. Repeated measures of ANOVA was used to analyze the difference among three test conditions (bare, kinesiotaping, knee brace). Bonferroni post hoc test was used for pairwise comparison.

Results:

SEBT posteromedial (PM)and posterolateral (PL) reach distances were found significantly different among three test conditions(PM: F(2,38)=3.42,p=0.04), PL: F(2,38)=4.37,p=0.02). Kinesiotaping increased posteromedial reach distance (p=0.03). On the other hand, brace decreased posterolateral reach distance (p=0.04). VJ and OLHT performance were also found significantly different between three test conditions (VJ: F (2,38)=3.44,p=0.04, OLHT: (F(2,38)=4.04,p=0.02). Kinesio taping increased one leg hop distance (p=0.01). However, brace decreased VJ distance (p=0.04). Kinesiotaping had no effect on quadriceps and hamstring strength (p>0.05). Only brace increased the quadriceps strength at 180 °/s (p=0.02). 40% of the subjects felt more confident with knee brace; 25% of them were more confident with kinesiotaping and the rest (35%) of them were more confident with no brace and kinesiotaping.

Conclusion:

Kinesiotaping enhances balance and jump performance except for increasing knee strength in ACLR subjects at 6th months after surgery when they normally return to their sport. Although, knee brace increases quadriceps strength, it has adverse effect on functional performance . Therefore, Kinesiotaping can be applied for those patients when they start their sport specific training to enhance functional performance.
Functional Outcomes of Primary Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction with Tibialis Anterior Allograft
Authors: Başar Selda , Büyükafşar Enes , Hazar Zeynep , Ataoğlu Baybars , Kanatlı Ulunay
Published: December 2014

Objectives:

Allografts have potential advantages in primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), including the absence of donor site morbidity, shorter operative times, improved cosmesis, and easier rehabilitation. There is limited and conflicting outcome data for ACLR with tibialis anterior allograft. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the functional outcomes of ACLR with tibialis anterior allograft.

Methods:

We retrospectively evaluated patients underwent ACLR using with tibialis anterior allograft between 2005 and 2013. Totally 12 patients who were performed suspensory fixation technique were included in this study (range: 25-43 years). Exclusion criteria included double bundle, bone tendon bone technique and revision surgery. Clinical outcomes were measured by subject part of International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and Lysholm scores.

Results:

A significant increase was reported in all the clinical scores. In particular, the IKDC-subjective score increased from a basal value of 45.5±12.7 to 84.3±5.50 at the 12 months' evaluation (p<0.05). The Lysholm score revealed a significant improvement from 49.7±14.2 to 83.5±20.5 at the 12 months' evaluation (p<0.05).

Conclusion:

ACLR with tibialis anterior allograft is an effective treatment for correcting loss of function and increasing quality of life.
The Immediate Effects of Kinesiotm Taping on Shoulder External Rotation in People with Shoulder Pain
Authors: Felek Sevgi Gamze , Kartlık Mesut , Gök Şahika , İnal Habibe Serap
Published: December 2014

Objectives:

Observing the immediate effect of KinesioTMTaping (KT) on shoulder external rotation in people with shoulder pain.

Methods:

The mean ages of participants (n=17;7W&10M) were 47,11± 1,28yrs, weight 72,4±13,10kg, height 1,68±0,069cm, and body mass index were 25,57±3,41kg/cm2. All were under physiotherapy with moderate degree of shoulder pain during movement and rest. They gave their own written consent to participate voluntarily to the test protocol. Their sosciodemografic features (physical features, habit of physical activity) were taken with a specially prepared questionnaire for this study. Their muscle power (JTech Myometry) and range of motion-ROM of shoulder joints were assessed before the test protocol. The active external-internal rotations were tested as before and after KT while the participants sat on a stable chair, forearm was supported on the table with as much as possible 90° of shoulder abduction within the pain limits. The hand was in supination and the line drawn on the dorsum of the hand and forearm was to nominate the longitudinal axis. The photographs of each participant were taken by IPhone 4 (Apple) in direct line just opposite to the forearm to record the last position of the forearm during shoulder rotations. An eye band and a headphone were used during the test. Through a universal on-screen digitizer (Desktop Ruler™) the goniometric measurements were double checked on the computer. Their pain was assessed through Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ) as before and after KT application. The disability they faced to during their daily life was assessed by Disability of Arm Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire (DASH) as before and after KT application. Y shaped KT was applied to subscapular muscles, the medial arm reaches towards the spine of scapula and the lateral arm was towards the acromion. All data were analysed statistically. The descriptive statistics were used for the physical features of the participants. Wilcoxon Signed Rank test was used for the significance of the data (p< 0.05) and Spearmen Correlation was used to understand the relation between the data.

Results:

KT was found effective on muscle strength; M.Subscapularis, M.Supraspinatus, M.Infraspinatus and M.Teres Minor strengths were significantly higher after KT(p< 0.05). KT also improved ROM of the shoulder external-internal rotations (p<0,05). The shoulder joint pain was decreased after KT (p<0,05) according to VAS and Pain Rate Index (PRI) of MPQ.

Conclusion:

The shoulder pain during external-internal rotations decreased due to the immediate effects of KT. A positive correlation was found between the data achieved by the universal goniometer and desktop ruler programe. Therefore we may suggest KT for patients with shoulder pain to improve the amount of rotation.
Patients’ Satisfaction Evaluation
Authors: Mutlu Ebru Kaya , Özdinçler Arzu Razak
Published: December 2014

Objectives:

Although many studies were focused on the assessment of patients' satisfaction, few studies have specifically addressed this issue for knee osteoartritis. Global rating of change (GRC) scales are very commonly used in clinical research, particularly in the musculoskeletal area. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the patients’ satisfaction of the Mulligan’s Mobilization with Movement (MWM) techniques, Passive Mobilization (PM) techniques and physical therapy modalities (PTM) (superficial heat or cold, Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) and therapeutic ultrasound) in subjects with osteoarthritis of the knee.

Methods:

Thirty subjects with bilateral osteoarthritis of the knee were randomly assigned to the MWM group (n=21) or the PM group (n=21) or PTM group (n=22). The duration of treatment was a maximum of 5 weeks (12 sessions) in all groups. The subjects’ satisfaction were assessed before and after treatment by the GRC scales. One-way analysis of variance was used to compare the groups. When significance was observed, pairwise post hoc tests were performed using Tukey’s test.

Results:

Mean age and body mass index (BMI) of our study group were 54±7 years and 31±5 kg/m²,respectively in the MWM group, 56±6 years and 31±4 kg/m²,respectively in the PM group and 57±6 years and 32±5 kg/m²,respectively in the PTM group There were no significant differences between the groups with respect to age, BMI and GRC before treatment (p>0.05). Patients satisfaction of the three groups after treatment were significantly different (F=6.732 p=0.002). Pairwise comparisons of the treatment groups revealed a significant difference in the patients’ satisfaction between MWM and PTM (p=0.007), and between PM and PTM (p=0.007); there was no significant difference between MWM and PM (p>0.05).

Conclusion:

Manual therapy seemed to be superior to physical therapy modalities for the patients’ satisfaction. Therefore, we suggest that physiotherapist either can apply MWM or PM techniques based on their clinical experience in the management of osteoarthritis of the knee.
Isolated PCL and ACL Avulsion Fractures of the Knee
Authors: Baysal Özgur , Ecevız Engin , Saglam Fevzi , Elmalı Nurzat
Published: December 2014

Objectives:

Isolated combined PCL and ACL avulsion fractures is a rare condition. A 40 year old woman had both PCL and ACL avulsion fracture due to a car accident. These fractures often have a subtle appearance at conventional radiography. Advanced imaging modalities, particularly CT and MRI are helpful to diagnose correctly and define the extent of damage. The aim of the study was point out this rare injury. We diagnosed this patient who had both PCL and ACL avulsion fractures. In the literature only a few case have been reported. We think that these fractures may be missed in the Emergency Department. If a patient is brought to the ED with high-velocity trauma, careful evaluation of bone and soft tissues followed by advanced imaging modalities should be performed.

Methods:

The PCL avulsion fracture was fixed with a cancellous screw via posterior approach and ACL avulsion fracture was fixed with arthroscopically assisted pull-out sutures 10 days after the traumatic event. The knee was immobilized in 20° flexion. Isometric knee, hip and ankle exercises were started immediately. Six weeks later after the operation active range of motion exercises and partial weight-bearing were allowed. In the third month full weight bearing was allowed and full range of motion was achieved.

Results:

Both PCL and ACL avulsion fractures healed uneventfully.

Conclusion:

Although knee injuries are frequent, simultaneous PCL and ACL avulsion fractures are rare . The clinician should have a high index of suspicion for these injuries. Careful physical examination and radiological imaging, especially magnetic resonance imagination is helpful in the diagnosis. Early surgical repair and appropriate rehabilitation are the keys to a good outcome in these injuries.
Adolescent Anterior Inferior Iliac Spine Avulsion Fracture Operative Treatment
Authors: Polat Gökhan , Karademir Gökhan , Bilgin Yücel , Birişik Fevzi , Demirel Mehmet , Yazıcıoğlu Önder
Published: December 2014

Objectives:

Pelvic apophysis injuries are generally seen in adolescents and encountered in the form of avulsion fractures which occur with the short-term contractions of the muscles that hold apophysis, following a trauma. In general the iliac crest, the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) and the pubic bone fractures are frequently seen but anterior inferior iliac spine (AIIS) fractures are rare. These cases are often treated conservatively, surgical treatment is rarely necessary. In this presentation, AIIS avulsion fracture case that had undergone surgery and had been followed for 14 years was aimed to be stated.

Methods:

16 year old male patient who was suffering from sports injuries that happened 40 days ago was admitted to our clinic in February 2000 with complaints about left hip and groin pain. Physical examination and radiographic evaluation of the patient identified left hip AIIS avulsion fracture. Due to more than 2 cm fracture fragment displacement and the patient being a professional football player who had high functional expectations, surgical treatment was planned. Under general anesthesia, after open reduction, internal fixation was performed with 1 cannulated screw. There were no complications observed at follow-up. Patient returned to training at 3 months postoperatively. 14 years after surgery, the patient admitted to a neurologist with complaints of headache and MRI was required to establish the cause. The patient admitted to our clinic in order to get the confirmation whether his implant was MRI compatible.

Results:

On clinical assessment, after 14 years, the patient didn’t have any complaints at left hip. Left hip flexion was 120°, extension was full, abduction was 40°, adduction was 20°, flexion internal rotation was 30° and flexion external rotation was 40°. Radiographs of the pelvis were normal. On the patient's functional assessment, modified Harris Hip Score was 100.

Conclusion:

Pelvic apophysis injuries are rare injuries seen in adolescents usually as avulsion fractures. These injuries are often treated conservatively however may require surgical treatment for professional athletes with a high functional expectations. In this patient who underwent surgery, at the end of the 14-years long follow-up, functional results were found to be close to perfect.
Average Thickness of the Four Folded Hamstring Tendons Which we Use in ACL Reconstruction
Authors: Işık Çetin , Çay Nurdan , Tecimel Osman , Fırat Ahmet , Akkaya Mustafa , Bozkurt Murat
Published: December 2014

Objectives:

The purpose of this study is to determine the average thickness of 4 folded hamstring tendons (autograft) which we used on our patients who had tendon reconstruction because of ACB rapture diagnostic.

Methods:

Between the dates of January 2009 and December 2013, patients who had tendon reconstruction with hamstring autograft because of ACB rapture diagnostic were evaluated retrospectively in Yıldırım Beyazıt University Ankara Atatürk Training And Research Hospital – Orthopaedics and Trauma Clinic. 258 patients who had 4 folded hamstring tendon which was prefered usually, were included into the study but 26 patients were not included into the study who had different autograft applications and direct allografts usages.

Results:

242 of the 258 patiens who were included into the study were males and remaining 16 were females. Average age was 28.7 (14-52). The average thickness of the 4 folded hamstring tendons (semitendinosus and gracilis tendons) of the patients was observed as 7.9mm (6-10mm). The tendon thickness of 47 patients were measured below 7mm. For those patients, the tendon thickness was increased by combining allografts with autografts.

Conclusion:

The average thickness of the 4 folded hamstring tendons what we have used was 7.9mm. By considering the average graft thickness, it may be beneficial to make the planing by thinking about different configurations or keeping allografts ready for the cases which may require thicker grafts.
Reverse Segond Fracture Variant Without Posterior Cruciate Ligament Injury
Authors: Bilge Onur , Yel Mustafa , Karalezli Nazim , Doral Mahmut Nedim
Published: December 2014

Objectives:

Reverse Segond fracture, which was described as the association of an avulsion of deep capsular portion of medial collateral ligament and tears of both posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) and medial meniscus, is an extremely rare injury, unlike Segond fracture. The aim is to report successful surgical treatment of a case with “Reverse Segond Fracture” with intact PCL.

Methods:

The patient was a 16 years old male, who admitted to emergency department of our Level I trauma center after a pedestrian traffic accident. The main complaint was pain on left knee and shoulder. Physical examination revealed mainly limitation in range of motion (ROM) of relevant joints. Radiology revealed Reverse Segond fracture in the left knee and associated left clavicula mid-shaft fracture. Imaging with MRI and CT revealed neither PCL injury or additional ligamentous pathologies of knee. MRI only revealed medial meniscus tear.

Results:

In surgery, avulsed bony portion of Reverse Segond fracture was fixed to tibia with a suture anchor and a cannulated screw securely under medial meniscus. Peripheral longitudinal medial meniscus tear was fixed with a 2-0 absorbable suture. Clavicle was internally fixed meanwhile. Knee range of motion (ROM) was started early on postoperative first day, then augmented progressively. The patient was mobilized partially-weight bearing after 1.5 months and returned to his active daily life after 2.5 months. He was without any residual complaints after a final follow-up period of 26 months.

Conclusion:

This case report would be evaluated as a Reverse Segond Fracture variant, as no injury to PCL was noted, in contrast to its original definition in the relevant literature, which is also scarse. To the best of knowledge, this is the first report of successful surgical treatment of a case with Reverse Segond Fracture variant without PCL tear in the relevant literature.
Reduced circulating endothelial progenitor cells in reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome
Authors: Chen Shih-Pin , Wang Yen-Feng , Huang Po-Hsun , Chi Chin-Wen , Fuh Jong-Ling , Wang Shuu-Jiun
Published: December 2014

Background

The pathophysiology of reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) remains elusive. Endothelial dysfunction might play a role, but direct evidence is lacking. This study aimed to explore whether patients with RCVS have a reduced level of circulating circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) to repair the dysfunctional endothelial vasomotor control.

Methods

We prospectively recruited 24 patients with RCVS within one month of disease onset and 24 healthy age- and sex-matched controls. Flow cytometry was used to quantify the numbers of circulating EPCs, defined as KDR+CD133+, CD34+CD133+, and CD34+KDR+double-positive mononuclear cells. The Lindegaard index, an index of vasoconstriction, was calculated by measuring the mean flow velocity of middle cerebral arteries and distal extracranial internal carotid arteries via color-coded sonography on the same day as blood drawing. A Lindegaard index of 2 was chosen as the cutoff value for significant vasoconstriction of middle cerebral arteries based on our previous study.

Results

Patients with RCVS had a reduced number of CD34+KDR+cells (0.009 ± 0.006% vs. 0.014 ± 0.010%, p = 0.031) but not KDR+CD133+cells or CD34+CD133+EPCs, in comparison with controls. The number of CD34+KDR+cells was inversely correlated with the Lindegaard index (rs = -0.418, p = 0.047). Of note, compared to controls, patients with a Lindegaard index > 2 (n = 13) had a reduced number of CD34+KDR+cells (0.007 ± 0.005% vs. 0.014 ± 0.010%, p = 0.010), but those with a Lindegaard index ≤ 2 did not.

Conclusions

Patients with RCVS had reduced circulating CD34+KDR+EPCs, which were correlated with the severity of vasoconstriction. Endothelial dysfunction might contribute to the pathogenesis of RCVS.
Compliance with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy for obstructive sleep apnea among privately paying patients- a cross sectional study
Authors: Hussain Syed Fayyaz , Irfan Muhammad , Waheed Zeeshan , Alam Naveen , Mansoor Saba , Islam Muhammad
Published: November 2014

Background

To evaluate the compliance, benefits and side effects associated with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy among Pakistani patients treated for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in private sector.

Methods

Patients diagnosed to have OSA based on overnight study who were recommended for CPAP therapy, between 1998 and 2003, were evaluated by telephonic survey and review of hospital notes. Compliance, benefits and side effects associated with CPAP therapy were assessed.

Results

Out of 135 patients who were prescribed CPAP therapy, 75 could be contacted. Sixty (80%) started using CPAP within one month of diagnosis and 46 (61%) continued to use it long-term (beyond one year). Compliance with CPAP therapy was associated with higher body mass index, higher Epworth sleepiness scale score, history of witnessed apnea, and reduction in daytime sleepiness with CPAP therapy. OSA severity as assessed by apnea-hypopnea index did not affect compliance with CPAP therapy. Use of anti-depressants and CPAP induced sleep disturbances were associated with poor compliance with CPAP therapy.

Conclusions

Obesity, excessive daytime sleepiness, witnessed apnea and improvement of daytime symptoms following use of CPAP were predictors of improved compliance. Use of antidepressants and CPAP induced sleep disturbances were predictors of poor compliance.
Do informed consent documents for chiropractic clinical research studies meet readability level recommendations and contain required elements: a descriptive study
Authors: Twist Elissa , Lawrence Dana J , Salsbury Stacie A , Hawk Cheryl
Published: December 2014

Background

Informed consent documents (ICD) in research are designed to educate research participants about the nature of the research project in which he or she may participate. United States (US) law requires the documents to contain specific elements present and be written in a way that is understandable to research participants. The purpose of this research is to determine if ICDs from randomized controlled trials conducted at chiropractic colleges meet recommended readability standards and contain the 13 content items required by US law.

Methods

This study was approved by Palmer College of Chiropractic’s IRB #2012-12-3-T and was conducted between December 3, 2012 and February 14, 2013. We contacted the research directors of five chiropractic colleges that have received federal funding supporting their clinical research. A total of 13 informed consent documents from four chiropractic colleges were analyzed using the Flesch-Kincaid measurement. We assigned a grade-level readability score to the document based on the average of three separate grade level scores conducted on the three largest uninterrupted blocks of text. Content of the 13 ICDs was assessed using a 13-element checklist. A point was given for every element present in the document, giving a score range of “0, no elements are present”, to “13, all elements are present.”

Results

The mean Flesch-Kincaid grade level readability was 10.8 (range 7.2 -14.0). Our sample had a mean readability score 2.8 grade levels above the generally-accepted US average reading level. Content varied among the 13 informed consent forms, ranging from only nine elements present in one document to all 13 required in five documents. Additionally, we collated the risks presented in each document.

Conclusion

These results strongly suggest that chiropractic clinical researchers are not developing ICDs at a readability level congruent with the national average acceptable level. The low number of elements in some of the informed consent documents raises concern that not all research participants were fully informed when given the informed consent, and it may suggest that some documents may not be in compliance with federal requirements. Risk varies among institutions and even within institutions for the same intervention.
Embryonic cells contribute directly to the quiescent stem cell population in the adult mouse mammary gland
Authors: Boras-Granic Kata , Dann Pamela , Wysolmerski John J
Published: December 2014

Introduction

Studies have identified multi-potent stem cells in the adult mammary gland. More recent studies have suggested that the embryonic mammary gland may also contain stem/progenitor cells that contribute to initial ductal development. We were interested in determining whether embryonic cells might also directly contribute to long-lived stem cells that support homeostasis and development in the adult mammary gland.

Methods

We used DNA-label retention to detect long label-retaining cells in the mammary gland. Mouse embryos were labeled with 5-ethynl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU) between embryonic day 14.5 and embryonic day 18.5 and were subsequently sacrificed and examined for EdU retention at various intervals after birth. EdU retaining cells were co-stained for various lineage markers and identified after fluorescence activated cell sorting analysis of specific epithelial subsets. EdU-labeled mice were subjected to subsequent 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine administration to determine whether EdU-labeled cells could re-enter the cell cycle. Finally, EdU-labeled cells were grown under non-adherent conditions to assess their ability to form mammospheres.

Results

We demonstrate embryonically-derived, long label-retaining cells (eLLRCs) in the adult mammary gland. eLLRCs stain for basal markers and are enriched within the mammary stem cell population identified by cell sorting. eLLRCs are restricted to the primary ducts near the nipple region. Interestingly, long label retaining cells (labeled during puberty) are found just in front of the eLLRCs, near where the ends of the ducts had been at the time of DNA labeling in early puberty. A subset of eLLRCs becomes mitotically active during periods of mammary growth and in response to ovarian hormones. Finally, we show that eLLRCs are contained within primary and secondary mammospheres.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that a subset of proliferating embryonic cells subsequently becomes quiescent and contributes to the pool of long-lived mammary stem cells in the adult. eLLRCs can re-enter the cell cycle, produce both mammary lineages and self-renew. Thus, our studies have identified a putative stem/progenitor cell population of embryonic origin. Further study of these cells will contribute to an understanding of how quiescent stem cells are generated during development and how fetal exposures may alter future breast cancer risk in adults.
Altered microbiota associated with abnormal humoral immune responses to commensal organisms in enthesitis-related arthritis
Authors: Stoll Matthew L , Kumar Ranjit , Morrow Casey D , Lefkowitz Elliot J , Cui Xiangqin , Genin Anna , Cron Randy Q , Elson Charles O
Published: November 2014

Introduction

Prior studies have established altered microbiota and immunologic reactivity to enteric commensal organisms in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Since intestinal inflammation is present in a subset of patients with both pediatric and adult spondyloarthritis (SpA), we hypothesized that SpA patients may also have altered microbiota and immune responsiveness to enteric organisms.

Methods

Stool and blood specimens were collected from children with enthesitis-related arthritis (ERA) and non-inflammatory controls. DNA purified from stool was subject to PCR amplification and sequencing of the variable IV region from the 16S rDNA gene. IgA and IgG Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assays (ELISAs) were performed on select species of bacteria in most subjects.

Results

Twenty-five children with ERA and 13 controls were included. The ERA patients had less Faecalibacterium prausnitzii (3.8% versus 10%, P = 0.008) and lachnospiraceae family (12 versus 7.0%, P = 0.020), a statistically significant increase in bifidobacterium (1.8% versus 0%, P = 0.032) and a non-statistically significant increase in Bacteroides (21% versus 11%, P = 0.150). Akkermansia muciniphila was abundant (>2%) in 7/27 ERA patients but none of the controls (P = 0.072.) Cluster analysis revealed two clusters of ERA patients: Cluster one (n = 8) was characterized by high levels of Bacteroides genus, while a second (n = 15) cluster had similar levels as the controls. Seven of 17 (41%) of the ERA subjects in Cluster 2 compared to 0/8 of the subjects in Cluster 1 had abundant Akkermansia muciniphila (P = 0.057). Serum IgA and IgG antibody levels against F. prausnitzii and B. fragilis were similar between patients and controls, whereas the two groups showed divergent responses when the fecal relative abundances of F. prausnitzii and Bacteroides were compared individually against IgA antibody levels recognizing F. prausnitzii and B. fragilis, respectively.

Conclusion

The abundance of F. prausnitzii in the stool among patients with ERA is reduced compared to controls, and Bacteroides and A. muciniphila are identified as associative agents in subsets of ERA patients. Differences in the humoral responses to these bacteria may contribute to disease.
The relationship of apolipoprotein B and very low density lipoprotein triglyceride with hyperuricemia and gout
Authors: Rasheed Humaira , Hsu Angela , Dalbeth Nicola , Stamp Lisa K , McCormick Sally , Merriman Tony R
Published: November 2014

Introduction

Gout results from an innate immune response to monosodium urate (MSU) crystals deposited in joints. Increased very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) has been associated with gout. The apolipoprotein B (apo B), which is present on VLDL, regulates neutrophil response to MSU crystals and has been positively associated with gout. Furthermore, the gene (A1CF) encoding the complementation factor for the APOB mRNA-editing enzyme is associated with urate levels. However, the relationship of apo B and VLDL with gout and hyperuricaemia (HU) is still unclear. Therefore, we tested the association of VLDL and apo B with HU and with gout compared to HU.

Methods

New Zealand European (n = 90) and Māori and Pacific Island (Polynesian) (n = 90) male gout case and control sample sets were divided into normouricaemia (NU), asymptomatic HU and gout groups. Size exclusion chromatography and enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay was used to measure VLDL and apo B. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the risk of gout and HU per unit change in VLDL and apo B.

Results

Increased levels of VLDL triglycerides (Tg) were observed in the gout sample set compared to NU and HU in Europeans (P = 1.8 × 10-6 and 1 × 10-3, respectively), but only compared to NU in Polynesians (P = 0.023). This increase was driven by increased number of VLDL particles in the European participants and by the Tg-enrichment of existing VLDL particles in the Polynesian participants. Each mmol/L increase in VLDL Tg was significantly associated with gout in the presence of HU in Europeans, with a similar trend in Polynesians (OR = 7.61, P = 0.011 and 2.84, P = 0.069, respectively). Each μmol/L increase in total apo B trended towards decreased risk of HU (OR = 0.47; P = 0.062) and, conversely, with increased risk of gout compared to HU (OR = 5.60; P = 0.004).

Conclusions

Increased VLDL Tg is associated with the risk of gout compared to HU. A genetic approach should be taken to investigate the possibility for causality of VLDL in gout. Apolipoprotein B may have pleiotropic effects in determining HU and gout.
Constitutively altered frequencies of circulating follicullar helper T cell counterparts and their subsets in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Arroyo-Villa Irene , Bautista-Caro María-Belén , Balsa Alejandro , Aguado-Acín Pilar , Bonilla-Hernán María-Gema , Plasencia Chamaida , Villalba Alejandro , Nuño Laura , Puig-Kröger Amaya , Martín-Mola Emilio , Miranda-Carús María-Eugenia
Published: December 2014

Introduction

Circulating CD4 T cells expressing CXCR5, ICOS and/or PD-1 are counterparts of follicular helper T cells (Tfh). There are three subpopulations of circulating Tfh (cTfh): CXCR5 + CXCR3 + CCR6- (Tfh-Th1), CXCR5 + CXCR3-CCR6- (Tfh-Th2) and CXCR5 + CXCR3-CCR6+ (Tfh-Th17). Our objective was to study the B cell helping capacity of cTfh subsets, and examine their frequency in Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) patients, together with the frequency of circulating plasmablasts (CD19 + CD20-CD38high).

Methods

Peripheral blood was drawn from RA patients with active disease (RA-a, DAS28 >2.6) (n = 17), RA in remission (RA-r, DAS28 <2.6) (n = 17) and healthy controls (HC) (n = 34). cTfh and plasmablast frequencies were determined by flow cytometry. Cocultures of sorted CD4 + CXCR5+ T cell subpopulations were established with autologous CD19 + CD27- naïve B cells of HC, and concentrations of IgG, A and M were measured in supernatants.

Results

Isolated Tfh-Th2 and Tfh-Th17 but not Tfh-Th1 cells, induced naïve B cells to secrete IgG and IgA. The frequency of CXCR5+ cells gated for CD4+ T cells was not different among HC, RA-a and RA-r. In contrast, both RA-a and RA-r patients demonstrated an increased frequency of CD4 + CXCR5 + ICOS+ T cells and augmented (%Tfh-Th2 + %Tfh-Th17)/%Tfh-Th1 ratio as compared with HC. In addition, RA-a but not RA-r patients, showed an increased frequency of circulating plasmablasts.

Conclusion

Both RA-a and RA-r patients demonstrate an increased frequency of cTfh and overrepresentation of cTfh subsets bearing a B cell helper phenotype, suggesting that altered germinal center dynamics play a role in RA pathogenesis. In contrast, only RA-a patients show an increased proportion of circulating plasmablasts.
Relevance of indirect comparisons in the German early benefit assessment and in comparison to HTA processes in England, France and Scotland
Authors: Lebioda Andrea , Gasche David , Dippel Franz-Werner , Theobald Karlheinz , Plantör Stefan
Published: November 2014

Early benefit assessment in Germany under the legislative framework of AMNOG (Arzneimittelmarktneuordnungsgesetz) requires direct comparisons of the new drug with appropriate comparators determined by the Federal Joint Committee (G-BA). In case no head-to-head studies are available for direct comparisons, the submission of indirect comparisons is permitted to assess the additional benefit of the new drug. However, the Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG) states a clear preference for head-to-head trials and defines strict requirements for indirect comparisons to be considered in the benefit assessment. Similar requirements also exist in other countries with mandatory health technology assessments (HTA), like France, England and Scotland. Our evaluation shows that a comparison of the different HTA regarding indirect comparisons is difficult. Overall, external preconditions and methodological requirements are demanding and hardly to fulfill by pharmaceutical companies for implementation of indirect comparisons in early benefit assessment. The determination of the appropriate comparators, outcomes, patient subgroups and study choice are the main target within indirect comparisons for the future. To compare and assess submitted indirect comparisons it would be desirable that a transparent process was established, including the mandatory publication of HTA-reports within Europe and international guidelines, accepted by a large number of HTA-agencies.

JEL classification: I18.
SEG Foundation Luncheon celebrates 2014 fund-raising with 200 donors at the SEG Annual Meeting
Authors: Allison Paul
Published: December 2014

The Foundation Donor Luncheon is a “thank you” to our generous donors and great volunteers for their engagement and support during the year. We have a wonderful group of current and retired professionals and friends of the SEG Foundation who continue to give their expertise, philanthropic support, and valuable time to advance geophysics and inspire the geoscientists of tomorrow.
Visualizing Cross-Media Encounters: From Derek Walcott’s Omeros to Isaac Julien’s Paradise Omeros
Authors: Erickson Peter
Published: December 2014

Focusing primarily on Isaac Julien’s two Paradise Omeros films (2002–3), but also with further reference to Looking for Langston (1989) and Ten Thousand Waves (2010), I explore the figure of the poet and the concept of the poetic in Julien’s visual work. Just as Paradise Omeros engages Derek Walcott, so Looking and Waves draw inspiration from their poets, Langston Hughes and Wang Ping, respectively.
Eye for an Eye, Image for an Image: Hassan Musa in Conversation with Jean-Hubert Martin
Authors: Martin Jean-Hubert
Published: December 2014

This interview is between Hassan Musa, a Sudan-born artist residing in France, and Jean-Hubert Martin. Issues discussed include identity, politics, and the state of the world, including colonization and the status of artists in Sudan.
Theo Eshetu in Conversation with Selene Wendt
Authors: Wendt Selene
Published: December 2014

Having worked with media art for over thirty years, Theo Eshetu is internationally recognized as a veteran in his field. His ongoing investigation of the manipulation of the language of television is inspired by anthropology, art history, scientific research, religious iconography, history, and personal experience, seamlessly brought together in multimedia works that reveal how electronic media shapes identity and perception. Eshetu’s work stems from the combined sensibilities of filmmaker, photographer, documentarian, and sound artist. His thoughts and reflections about art, photography, television, and video are revealed in a recent conversation with Selene Wendt. Topics include how and why he became interested in video as a medium, the development of video as a medium, and issues related to his transnational identity. A significant part of the interview relates to his seminal work Blood is Not Fresh Water, a documentary-style biographical portrait about his grandfather, a leading Ethiopian historian. The conversation takes us on a journey through Ethiopia’s past and provides an in-depth look at Eshetu’s most important works to date, including Till Death Us Do Part, Travelling Light, Body and Soul, Brave New World, Africanized, Trip to Mount Zuqualla, Roma, and The Return of the Axum Obelisque.
Cameron Platter in Conversation with Osei Bonsu
Authors: Bonsu Osei
Published: December 2014

Incited by the tempestuous political histories that engender the repressive conditions of the country’s social reality, South African artists often conspire toward activism. For Cameron Platter, who lives in the urbanized province of KwaZulu-Natal near the former battlefield of Rorkes Drift, mining the country’s past has vitalized his historical imagination. Platter’s “expanded collage” reflects the explanatory narrative of the country’s industrial economy and it’s capitalistic dimensions of desire and consumption, and therefore a deviant contemporaneity: large-scale linocuts, mural paintings, and public installations co-opt the linguistic forms and pictorial metaphors of poster-strewn urban sidewalks. Deriving from the noble visions of John Muafangejo’s politically charged linocuts, Platter’s satirical drawings make textual references to familiar street advertisements bearing straplines and slogans promising services from reincarnation to sexual longevity. These universally resonant signs indexing the unity of cross-cultural depravity open a transcendental void and thus exist as chronicles of apparently self-destructive times in which mass consumption serves to palliate a darker reality.
Reflections on John Outterbridge
Authors: Weaver A. M.
Published: December 2014

This essay offers a detailed overview of the life and work of Californian artist John Outterbridge. It chronicles the early influences on the development of his work and unique style and brings up to date his accomplishments as an artist that deserves many more accolades. The reigniting of his career via the group exhibition Now Dig This! Art and Black Los Angeles 1960–1980 has provided an opportunity to begin the writing of American art history through an inclusive lens.
Paper Weight: History’s Legacy in the Work of Mary Evans
Authors: Kerman Monique
Published: December 2014

Artist Mary Evans has been working in cut paper since the mid-1990s. In her chosen medium, Evans investigates signs and signifiers of the way humans tend to classify certain races and nationalities, particularly in visual terms. Over the course of her career, her work has evolved to reveal the ways in which racism, the history of slavery, and the legacy of the British Empire are embedded in such practices. For over twenty years, Evans has been exploring recurring motifs that resonate not only with her personal biography as a Lagos-born, London-based artist, but also with contemporary identity politics and issues of belonging and alienation. An analysis of Evans’s recent work, including Willow Plate series (2013), Gingerbread (2012), and Held (2012), explicates the ways in which cultural and national ideologies are articulated through an exploration of personal and historical narratives of human experience. Evans’s silhouetted figures evoke racial and sexual stereotypes and thus powerfully communicate humanity’s historical tendency to categorize and prejudge. An investigation of how her early training, experiences abroad, and artist residencies specifically impacted her professional development contextualizes the works. In addition, a comparison of Evans’s work with the well-known oeuvre of Kara Walker highlights striking thematic differences despite intriguing similarities in both form and subject and demonstrates each artist’s unique talents in the medium of cut paper installation.
Λ-coalescents: a survey
Authors: Gnedin Alexander , Iksanov Alexander , Marynych Alexander
Published: December 2014

Λ-coalescents model the evolution of a coalescing system in which any number of components randomly sampled from the whole may merge into larger blocks. This survey focuses on related combinatorial constructions and the large-sample behaviour of the functionals which characterize in some way the speed of coalescence.
Hidden regular variation of moving average processes with heavy-tailed innovations
Authors: Resnick Sidney I. , Roy Joyjit
Published: December 2014

We look at joint regular variation properties of MA(∞) processes of the formX= (Xk,k∈Z), whereXk= ∑j=0∞ψjZk-jand the sequence of random variables (Zi,i∈Z) are independent and identically distributed with regularly varying tails. We use the setup ofMO-convergence and obtain hidden regular variation properties forXunder summability conditions on the constant coefficients (ψj:j≥ 0). Our approach emphasizes continuity properties of mappings and produces regular variation in sequence space.
Intellectual Representations in Students’ Activities
Authors: Кузич  , Kuzich Marina
Published: December 2014

This article deals with the problem of intellectual representations.

The author questions how to teach modern students,

on which structure of intelligence to rely considering the development

of science and society in general. Cognitive and metacognitive

structures of students’ intelligence are considered as well.

Intellectual abilities are presented: learning, convergence and

creativity that expresscognitive and metacognitive structure of intelligence

of students. Mental experience, which reflects these intellectual

abilities, is considered.
CALCULATION OF THE RESISTANCE OF THE BIPOLAR VLSI
Authors: Зольников  , Zolnikov Vladimir
Published: December 2014

The paper defines the reaction of chips to external destabilizing factors. Carry out the calculation of indicators of resistance and reliability
DISTRIBUTION MODEL OF TRAFFIC FLOWS CARS
Authors: Дорохин  , Dorokhin Sergey , Скворцова  , Skvortsova Tatyana , Кондрашова  , Kondrashova Elena
Published: December 2014

The article deals with the distribution model of traffic flows. In studies of traffic is convenient the use of statistical models in general, moving cars can be divided into two groups - moving freely and follow the leader. As a criterion for the effectiveness of the distribution of traffic over the network using the total travel time on the network. With increasing the flux density necessary to use more sophisticated parameter sets and choose the best one according to the driving conditions, evaluated by measurements
FAST FAULT SIMULATION ALGORITHM
Authors: Чевычелов  , Chevychelov Yu.
Published: December 2014

We consider algorithms for logical-temporal analysis, fault simulation for the components of digital circuits. In this paper, the author offers an accelerated algorithm for fault simulation
Modern points of view on the natural person problem loans management system construction in the commercial banks
Authors: Анашкина Елена , Anashkina Elena , Заернюк Виктор , Zaernyuk Viktor
Published: December 2014

The article is connected with the scoring penalties (collection scoring) actual problem. This problem study popularity is provided by a number of reasons. At first, it happened in Russia for the reason of recent decade credit market, especially the retail sector, intensive development. Objectively, the increasing lending volumes leads to the credit risk increasing. The credit risks are connected with all the banking system in the country, especially with the credit and financial institutions. Therefore, the credit risk management in the retail sector quality is one of the most important factors of competitiveness of the bank. The well adjusting scoring model as one of the instrument of borrower credit risks level minimization, becomes the leading element in a banking business system, objectively, it leads to this phenomenon science researching necessity. This very fact, its actuality and value had determined the subject choice. The authors offered the scoring penalties system main elements.
The modern tendencies of russian tourist market in the world economics servisiation
Authors: Филоненко Валентина , Filonenko Valentina
Published: December 2014

The article describes the current economic trends development services sector through the effective economic development paradigms prism: from industrial-oriented to service-oriented, when it’s impossible to provide the high-tech and knowledge-intensive industries accelerating development, without the consumer industries complex of public goods and services providing development. The life quality improving and human interest to the new impressions had provided the growth of committed travels. Under the world economics consumer psychology changes, from the second half of the XX century, the world has witnessed the rapid development of global and national tourism markets. However, the Russian national market of tourist services lags behind the world´s leading tourism industry and shows a slow growth. The huge territory, underdevelopment supporting infrastructure, lack of tourist class hotels lead to the fact that the development of the tourism sector in the country is extremely uneven and has a point character. Moreover, in 2014 the Russian market of tourist services was recognized as opaque. A large number of limiting factors hinder the development of domestic tourism in Russia, in this regards, the international tourism in our country is developing primarily with a focus on travel. At the science point of view, the management decisions in any economics sphere, even if in tourist market developing, have to be based on the current status and forecasts of market development study and analysis. Due to this reasons, the considered in this article information about current trends in the Russian national tourism market has a high relevance.