bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enforcing Institutional Regulations in Prison Settings
Authors: Beauregard Valérie , Chadillon-Farinacci Véronique , Brochu Serge , Cousineau Marie-Marthe
Published: May 2013

Although gambling is permitted in free society, it is prohibited in all detention facilities under the jurisdiction of the Province of Quebec. In this article, the authors focus on correctional officers’ opinions concerning this regulation, as well as their reasons for choosing whether or not to enforce it. The absence of disciplinary reports issued in this regard confirms that coercion is rarely, if ever, used to counter this activity. When interventions do occur, they are aimed less at the act of betting than at the associated undesirable behaviors, such as disturbing the peace in the cellblock. Many of the guards interviewed see gambling as a positive leisure activity, in the sense that it generates negative impacts only occasionally. It even makes their work easier because pleasure eases tensions and helps maintain tranquility in the block. Since this activity does not usually jeopardize the safety of the correctional population or the prison staff, it is often used as a conciliation tool, which is evidence of the guards’ discretionary power.
The Impact of Culture on Autism Diagnosis and Treatment
Authors: Ennis-Cole Demetria , Durodoye Beth A. , Harris Henry L.
Published: May 2013

This article explores the impact of culture on families’ perceptions of autism diagnosis and treatment. Competencies for counselors and other professionals that address the needs of children with autism and their families are presented. Therapeutic interventions, applications of technology, and strategies for responsive family-centered care and advocacy are highlighted.
Assessing the Impact of a Multiyear Marriage Education Program
Authors: O’Halloran Mary Sean , Rizzolo Sonja , Cohen Marsha L. , Wacker Robbyn
Published: May 2013

This study measured marital satisfaction of low-income couples in a Western state following participation in the Building Healthy Marriages program, which aimed to educate couples and increase relationship satisfaction. The researchers’ goals were the following: To determine the areas in which participants experienced the greatest number of problems before entering the program, to assess the program’s impact on marital satisfaction, and to examine the differences in program impact between various demographic groups. To assess the program’s impact, participants were administered the Marital Satisfaction Inventory–Revised before beginning the program and 1 year after completing the pretest. Before starting the program, couples experienced the greatest number of challenges in relationships within their families of origin and problem-solving communication and the fewest problems in areas related to their children. Couples reported significant improvements in marital satisfaction. These changes did not differ significantly between different gender and ethnicity groups.
Supporting Later-in-Life Intimate Relationships
Authors: Gold Joshua M.
Published: May 2013

This literature-based article offers information regarding the prevalence of three later-in-life couple constellations: “empty-nesters,” cohabiting, and remarried couples. These demographic figures support the importance of the identification of common issues facing couples in each constellation, leading to implications for clinical services.
Two Couples’ Problem-Solving Activities
Authors: Rosenthal Susan , Eckstein Daniel
Published: May 2013

The present article features two problem-solving activities for couples for improving their relationship. The first is called The One Hour Conference. It consists of a suggested format for couples to dialogue both areas of concern and perceived strengths in their partnership. The second activity is a developmental six-step model in which the specific skills of cooperation, autonomy, intimacy, encouragement, and balance are highlighted. A case study and 15 additional problem-solving activities featured in past “for couples” columns conclude the article.
Building a Tobacco Cessation Telehealth Care Management Program for Veterans With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Authors: Battaglia Catherine , Benson Susan L. , Cook Paul F. , Prochazka Allan
Published: May 2013

BACKGROUND: Veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have high rates of smoking. Motivational interviewing (MI) enhances readiness for change. OBJECTIVE: To test the feasibility and fidelity of home telehealth care management strategy to improve quit rates. DESIGN: A telehealth device delivered a cessation curriculum while a nurse supported veterans through weekly MI telephone calls. Treatment fidelity was evaluated. Outcomes measures included changes in smoking behaviors, stage of change, dose effect, and participant satisfaction with intervention. RESULTS: There was a correlation ( r = −.677; p = .03) at the end of treatment between readiness to change and number of cigarettes smoked per day. As 11 participants progressed along stages of change, they smoked fewer cigarettes per day. Two (20%) quit smoking. The nurse adhered to MI principles. Participants were highly satisfied and 100% felt curriculum delivered new information and respected choices. CONCLUSIONS: It was feasible to deliver the home telehealth care management intervention with high treatment fidelity. Participants were motivated to change smoking behaviors.
Preoperative Evaluation and Perioperative Management of Right Ventricular Failure After Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation
Authors: Marzec Lucas N. , Ambardekar Amrut V.
Published: May 2013

Right ventricular (RV) failure continues to be a major cause of morbidity and mortality after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. Preoperative evaluation of RV function with a variety of clinical, laboratory, echocardiographic, and hemodynamic variables is essential to ensure appropriate patient selection for LVAD therapy but remains imperfect. Therefore, clinicians involved in the care of these patients need to be prepared to manage RV failure after LVAD placement. Perioperative management of RV failure after LVAD implantation requires minimization of intraoperative RV ischemia, maintenance of appropriate filling pressure, supportive therapy with pulmonary vasodilators and inotropes, and surgical interventions such as RV assist devices in select cases. This article reviews the incidence of RV failure with LVAD implantation, preoperative predictors of RV failure, and perioperative management strategies.
Psychosocial Correlates of Physical and Sedentary Activities of Early Adolescent Youth
Authors: Rusby Julie C. , Westling Erika , Crowley Ryann , Light John M.
Published: May 2013

This study examines physical and sedentary activities of early adolescent boys and girls using Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA), a method that can link mood and behaviors in specific social situations. Twenty-seven assessments were collected across 7 days from 82 participating adolescents, three times in seventh grade and one time in eighth grade. Assessments were completed during nonschool hours when youth had “free time.” Gender differences, longitudinal trends, and associations of physical activities (PA) and small screen recreation (SSR) with moods and peer presence are examined. Boys were engaged in PA more than girls. Patterns of PA differed by gender; boys significantly decreased PA from seventh to eighth grade, whereas girls had increased PA only during the spring. PA was associated with happier mood and was more likely to occur in the presence of peers. SSR significantly increased from seventh grade to eighth grade for both boys and girls. SSR occurred more when youth were alone and was not associated with mood. Neither PA nor SSR was more likely to occur during weekdays or weekends. Implications for intervention efforts to increase PA in youth are discussed.
Understanding Dimensions of Organizational Evaluation Capacity
Authors: Bourgeois Isabelle , Cousins J. Bradley
Published: May 2013

Organizational evaluation capacity building has been a topic of increasing interest in recent years. However, the actual dimensions of evaluation capacity have not been clearly articulated through empirical research. This study sought to address this gap by identifying the key dimensions of evaluation capacity in Canadian federal government organizations. The methodology used, based on Leithwood and Montgomery’s Innovation Profile approach, featured semistructured interviews with evaluation experts and a validating exercise conducted in four government organizations. The framework developed as a result of the study identifies six main dimensions of evaluation capacity (human resources, organizational resources, evaluation planning and activities, evaluation literacy, organizational decision making, and learning benefits), each one broken down into further subdimensions. The evaluation capacity of organizations on each of these dimensions and subdimensions can be described using four levels: low, developing, intermediate, and exemplary. The study found that government organizations vary in terms of their capacity from one dimension to the next, and indeed, from one subdimension to the next.
Crime, fear and subjective well-being: How victimization and street crime affect fear and life satisfaction
Authors: Hanslmaier Michael
Published: May 2013

The paper assesses the consequences of victimization experience and the crime rate on fear of crime and life satisfaction. It extends the classical fear of crime model by incorporating media use in the link between the crime rate and fear of crime. Based on a nationwide German survey conducted in 2010 it is shown that fear of crime and victimization experiences lower respondents’ life satisfaction. The county crime rate has no significant impact. However, the local crime rate increases fear of crime. This relationship is mediated by the consumption of local newspapers. Readers of such newspapers are more affected by the crime rate, because they have more information on crime trends within their county.
Managing Up, Down, and Across the Nursing Home
Authors: Siegel Elena O. , Young Heather M. , Leo Michael C. , Santillan Vanessa
Published: May 2013

The director of nursing (DON) is an essential member of the top management team in nursing homes and in a key position to improve the quality and value of care. This article describes and examines the roles and responsibilities of DONs as perceived by a convenience sample of current/previous DONs and nursing home administrators ( n = 29). Data were collected through in-depth semistructured interviews and analyzed using content analysis and thematic analysis. The findings reveal a broad scope and wide variation in the DON position across settings, with inextricable linkages between clinical care and other aspects of care delivery, such as managing fiscal and human resources (HR). As RN licensure is the only Federal requirement for the DON position, suggesting a clinical focus, the findings highlight a policy-practice gap. Research is needed to address this gap, focusing on the requisite preparation DONs need to effectively and cost-efficiently lead initiatives for quality improvement.
Incorporating a Health Policy Practicum in a Graduate Training Program to Prepare Advanced Practice Nursing Health Services Researchers
Authors: DiCenso Alba , Housden Laura , Heale Roberta , Carter Nancy , Canitz Brenda , MacDonald-Rencz Sandra , Buckley Christine Rieck
Published: May 2013

Health services research benefits from the active engagement of researchers and policy makers from generation through to application of research-based knowledge. One approach to help graduate students learn about the policy world is through participation in a policy practicum. This is an opportunity to work for a defined period of time in a setting where policy decisions are made. This article focuses on the integration of the policy practicum into graduate nursing education for advanced practice nurses. Ten graduate students and two postdoctoral fellows who had recently completed their practicums and three policy makers who had recently supervised students in provincial, federal, and international practicum projects were invited to submit a narrative about the experience. Based on qualitative analysis of the narratives, this article outlines objectives of the practicum, the policy practicum journey, student learning, and finally, the benefits and challenges of the experience.
The Success and Safety of Endovenous Ablation in Patients With Previous Superficial Venous Thrombosis
Authors: Skeik Nedaa , Zimmerman Kate P. , Tretinyak Alexander S. , Alexander Jason Q. , Rizvi Adnan , Alden Peter
Published: May 2013

Objectives:

Retrospective case–control study to determine the failure and endovenous heat-induced thrombosis (EHIT) rates of endovenous ablation (EVA) in patients with a history of superficial venous thrombosis (SVT).

Methods:

Study and control groups each consisted of 73 patients with or without the history of SVT, who underwent EVA between June 2010 and July 2012. All patients were followed with venous duplex ultrasound. Procedural failure and EHIT rates were considered primary outcomes.

Results:

There was no difference in EHIT or failure rates between study and control groups ( P = 1.00). There was no difference in EHIT or failure rates between patients with and without the history of venous thromboembolism (VTE), with and without the history of VTE and/or SVT, with and without the history of thrombophilia, and on and off anticoagulation for either group or the combined study population. For the combined study population, failure rate was higher in patients with a history of VTE.

Conclusions:

Although EVA seems to be safe and effective in patients with a history of SVT, vein access in this patient group might require multiple attempts.
Parents’ experience of support in Sweden
Authors: Nowak Herawati I , Broberg Malin , Starke Mikaela
Published: May 2013

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six parents of children with intellectual disabilities, in the Western region of Sweden. The aim of the study was to explore and to gain a deeper understanding of parents’ experiences of received support for them and their children with intellectual disabilities. We focused particularly on their experiences of the availability, accessibility, and the quality of services. Parents in this study were unsure about what the diagnosis meant specifically for their child as well as for their whole family. Moreover, the parents experienced great difficulty in obtaining information about available services, which resulted in feelings of helplessness to some. Parents also reported that although services are available, they were not easily accessible. Lastly, parents felt that the quality of care and support were to some extent inadequate, as no attention was paid by professionals to their actual needs or wishes.
When conventional treatment fails: the role of intravenous immunoglobulin in recurrent pregnancy loss secondary to antiphospholipid syndrome
Authors: Chay Jacklyn , Lust Karin , Kubler Paul , Callaway Leonie
Published: May 2013

Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is a well-recognized complication of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). First line therapy consists of low dose aspirin and heparin. Despite conventional therapy some women fail to achieve a successful pregnancy outcome. We describe the case of a patient who had two live births following intravenous immunoglobulin therapy despite previous failure with conventional therapy for RPL in the setting of APS. We will summarize the available literature on intravenous immunoglobulin for this indication.
Iron deposits in the knee joints of a thalassemic patient
Authors: Economides Charalambos P , Soteriades Elpidoforos S , Hadjigavriel Michalis , Seimenis Ioannis , Karantanas Apostolos
Published: May 2013

The overall prognosis for patients with ß-thalassemia has improved considerably during the past decades mainly due to regular blood transfusions, improvements in chelation therapy, and enhanced surveillance with imaging studies examining iron overload and other clinical complications. However, the prolonged survival of these patients leads to the development of other health problems including degenerative diseases such as arthropathies, which require further attention since they have a significant impact on the quality of life. In the current case report, we present a 45-year-old white man with ß-thalassemia complaining of non-traumatic pain and restriction in the range of motion of both knees. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a tear in the medial meniscus of the left knee as well as iron deposits in both knees. Histological findings confirmed the presence of hemosiderin in both joints. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of macroscopically documented iron deposits in the knee joints of a patient with ß-thalassemia using MRI.
Successful removal of a Gunther tulip vena cava filter with wall-embedded hook and migration during a retrieval attempt
Authors: Yamagami Takuji , Yoshimatsu Rika , Matsumoto Tomohiro , Nishimura Tsunehiko
Published: May 2013

Retrieval of a Gunther tulip vena cava filter implanted in a patient with inferior vena cava and right common iliac vein thrombosis was attempted by the standard method. Because the filter was tilted, the hook became attached to the vena cava wall and could not be snared. During attempts at removal by an alternative method, the filter migrated toward the right atrium. However, it was finally successfully removed.
Primary hepatic neuroendocrine tumor: Gadoxetic acid (Gd-EOB-DTPA)-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Baek Soo-Heui , Yoon Jung-Hee , Kim Kwan-Woo
Published: May 2013

We present a case of a 71-year-old man with prostate cancer who had no prior underlying liver disease. During metastatic evaluation, a solid mass in the liver was identified by computed tomography and ultrasound. Gadoxetic acid (Gd-EOB-DTPA)-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a well-defined, peripheral enhancing hepatic mass containing small cystic component. This lesion was diagnosed as hepatic neuroendocrine tumor. Primary neuroendocrine tumors of the liver are extremely rare. This case is interesting because of the rarity of this neoplasm and the unique radiologic findings despite its small size. Reviews of previously reported cases in the literature are also presented.
Development of a novel redirected T-cell–based adoptive immunotherapy targeting human telomerase reverse transcriptase for adult T-cell leukemia
Authors: Miyazaki Yukihiro , Fujiwara Hiroshi , Asai Hiroaki , Ochi Fumihiro , Ochi Toshiki , Azuma Taichi , Ishida Takashi , Okamoto Sachiko , Mineno Junichi , Kuzushima Kiyotaka , Shiku Hiroshi , Yasukawa Masaki
Published: May 2013

Key Points

The efficacy and safety of a novel redirected T-cell–based adoptive immunotherapy targeting hTERT for patients with adult T-cell leukemia. hTERT-specific T-cell receptor gene-transduced CD8+ T cells lyse ATL cells, but not normal cells, both in vitro and in vivo.
Trends in survival of patients with Burkitt lymphoma/leukemia in the USA: an analysis of 3691 cases
Authors: Costa Luciano J. , Xavier Ana C. , Wahlquist Amy E. , Hill Elizabeth G.
Published: May 2013

Key Points

Survival of patients with BL improved substantially in the United States during the past decade, mainly among young adults. Survival of patients with BL remains relatively low, particularly for older and black patients, identifying an unmet need.
Cell metabolism sets the differences between subpopulations of satellite cells (SCs)
Authors: Repele Andrea , Lupi Ramona , Eaton Simon , Urbani Luca , De Coppi Paolo , Campanella Michelangelo
Published: May 2013

Background

We have recently characterized two distinct populations of Satellite Cells (SCs) that differ in proliferation, regenerative potential, and mitochondrial coupling efficiency and classified these in Low Proliferative Clones (LPC) and High Proliferative Clones (HPC). Herewith, we have investigated their cell metabolism and individuated features that remark an intrinsic difference in basal physiology but that are retrievable also at the initial phases of their cloning.

Results

Indeed, LPC and HPC can be distinguished for mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) just after isolation from the fiber. This is matched by mitochondrial redox state measured via NAD+/NADH analysis and alternative respiratory CO2 production in cloned cells. All these parameters are accountable for metabolic differences reflected indeed by alternative expression of the glycolytic enzyme 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-biphosphatase 3 (Pfkfb3). Also Ca2+ handling by mitochondria is different together with the sensitivity to apoptosis triggered via this pathway. Finally, according to the above, we were able to determine which one among the clones represents the suitable stem cell.

Conclusions

These experimental observations report novel physiological features in the cell biology of SCs and refer to an intrinsic heterogeneity within which their stemness may reside.
Expression of matrix metalloproteinase-12 in aortic dissection
Authors: Song Yi , Xie Yuehui , Liu Feng , Zhao Chong , Yu Rui , Ban Shao , Ye Qiufang , Wen Jianxion , Wan Haibo , Li Xiang , Ma Runwei , Meng Zhaohui
Published: May 2013

Background

Aortic dissection(AD) is an acute process of large blood vessels characterized by dangerous pathogenic conditions and high disability and high mortality. The pathogenesis of AD remains debated. Matrix metalloproteinase-12 (MMP-12) participates in many pathological processes such as abdominal aortic aneurysm, atherosclerosis, emphysema and cancer. However, this elastase has rarely been assessed in the presence of AD. The aim of the present study was to investigate the expression of MMP-12 in aortic tissue so as to offer a better understanding of the possible mechanisms of AD.

Methods

The protein expression levels of MMP-12 were analyzed and compared in aorta tissue and the blood serum samples by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR), Western blotting, immuno-histochemistry, fluorescence resonance energy transfer ( FRET ) activity assay and enzyme-linked immuno sorbent assay ( ELISA ), respectively. Ascending aorta tissue specimens were obtained from 12 patients with an acute Stanford A-dissection at the time of aortic replacement, and from 4 patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery. Meanwhile, serum samples were harvested from 15 patients with an acute Stanford A-dissection and 10 healthy individuals who served as the control group.

Results

MMP-12 activity could be detected in both AD and CAD groups, but the level in the AD group was higher than those in the CAD group (P < 0.05). MMP-12 proteolysis existed in both serum samples of the AD and healthy groups, and the activity level in the AD group was clearly higher than in the healthy group (P < 0.05). For AD patients, MMP-12 activity in serum was higher than in the aorta wall (P < 0.05). MMP-12 activity in the aortic wall tissue can be inhibited by MMP inhibitor v (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The present study directly demonstrates that MMP-12 proteolytic activity exists within the aorta specimens and blood samples from aortic dissection patients. MMP-12 might be of potential relevance as a clinically diagnostic tool and therapeutic target in vascular injury and repair.
Implementation and effectiveness of 'care navigation', coordinated management for people with complex chronic illness: rationale and methods of a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Plant Natalie , Mallitt Kylie-Ann , Kelly Patrick J , Usherwood Tim , Gillespie James , Boyages Steven , Jan Stephen , McNab Justin , Essue Beverley M , Gradidge Kathy , Maranan Nereus , Ralphs David , Aspin Clive , Leeder Stephen
Published: May 2013

Background

Chronic illness is a significant driver of the global burden of disease and associated health care costs. People living with severe chronic illness are heavy users of acute hospital services; better coordination of their care could potentially improve health outcomes while reducing hospital use. The Care Navigation trial will evaluate an in-hospital coordinated care intervention on health service use and quality of life in chronically ill patients.

Methods/Design

A randomised controlled trial in 500 chronically ill patients presenting to the emergency department of a hospital in Western Sydney, Australia. Participants have three or more hospital admissions within a previous 12 month period and either aged ≥70 years; or aged ≥45 years and of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent; or aged ≥ 16 with a diagnosis of a respiratory or cardiology related illness. Patients are randomised to either the coordinated care program (Care Navigation), or to usual care. The Care Navigation program consists of dedicated nurses who conduct patient risk assessments, oversee patient nursing while in hospital, and guide development of a care plan for the management of chronic illness after being discharged from hospital. These nurses also book community appointments and liaise with general practitioners. The main outcome variables are the number of emergency department re-presentations and hospital readmissions, and quality of life during a 24 month follow-up. Secondary outcomes are length of hospital stay, mortality, time to first hospital re-admission, time to first emergency department re-presentation, patient satisfaction, adherence to prescribed medications, amount and type of in-hospital referrals made for consultations and diagnostic testing, and the number and type of community health referrals. A process evaluation and economic analysis will be conducted alongside the randomised trial.

Discussion

A trial of in-hospital care coordination may support recent evidence that engaging primary health services in care plans linked to multidisciplinary team support improves patient outcomes and reduces costs to the health system. This will inform local, national and international health policy.

Trial registration

Australia New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12609000554268
Relationship between serum levels of triglycerides and vascular inflammation, measured as COX-2, in arteries from diabetic patients: a translational study
Authors: Gordillo-Moscoso Antonio , Ruiz Emilio , Carnero Manuel , Reguillo Fernando , Rodriguez Enrique , Tejerina Teresa , Redondo Santiago
Published: May 2013

Background

Inflammation is a common feature in the majority of cardiovascular disease, including Diabetes Mellitus (DM). Levels of pro-inflammatory markers have been found in increasing levels in serum from diabetic patients (DP). Moreover, levels of Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) are increased in coronary arteries from DP.

Methods

Through a cross-sectional design, patients who underwent CABG were recruited. Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) were cultured and COX-2 was measured by western blot. Biochemical and clinical data were collected from the medical record and by blood testing. COX-2 expression was analyzed in internal mammary artery cross-sections by confocal microscopy. Eventually, PGI2 and PGE2 were assessed from VSMC conditioned media by ELISA.

Results

Only a high glucose concentration, but a physiological concentration of triglycerides exposure of cultured human VSMC derived from non-diabetic patients increased COX-2 expression. Diabetic patients showed increasing serum levels of glucose, Hb1ac and triglycerides. The bivariate analysis of the variables showed that triglycerides was positively correlated with the expression of COX-2 in internal mammary arteries from patients (r2 = 0.214, P < 0.04).

Conclusions

We conclude that is not the glucose blood levels but the triglicerydes leves what increases the expression of COX-2 in arteries from DP.
Magnetic capture from blood rescues molecular motor function in diagnostic nanodevices
Authors: Kumar Saroj , ten Siethoff Lasse , Persson Malin , Albet-Torres Nuria , Månsson Alf
Published: May 2013

Background

Introduction of effective point-of-care devices for use in medical diagnostics is part of strategies to combat accelerating health-care costs. Molecular motor driven nanodevices have unique potentials in this regard due to unprecedented level of miniaturization and independence of external pumps. However motor function has been found to be inhibited by body fluids.

Results

We report here that a unique procedure, combining separation steps that rely on antibody-antigen interactions, magnetic forces applied to magnetic nanoparticles (MPs) and the specificity of the actomyosin bond, can circumvent the deleterious effects of body fluids (e.g. blood serum). The procedure encompasses the following steps: (i) capture of analyte molecules from serum by MP-antibody conjugates, (ii) pelleting of MP-antibody-analyte complexes, using a magnetic field, followed by exchange of serum for optimized biological buffer, (iii) mixing of MP-antibody-analyte complexes with actin filaments conjugated with same polyclonal antibodies as the magnetic nanoparticles. This causes complex formation: MP-antibody-analyte-antibody-actin, and magnetic separation is used to enrich the complexes. Finally (iv) the complexes are introduced into a nanodevice for specific binding via actin filaments to surface adsorbed molecular motors (heavy meromyosin). The number of actin filaments bound to the motors in the latter step was significantly increased above the control value if protein analyte (50–60 nM) was present in serum (in step i) suggesting appreciable formation and enrichment of the MP-antibody-analyte-antibody-actin complexes. Furthermore, addition of ATP demonstrated maintained heavy meromyosin driven propulsion of actin filaments showing that the serum induced inhibition was alleviated. Detailed analysis of the procedure i-iv, using fluorescence microscopy and spectroscopy identified main targets for future optimization.

Conclusion

The results demonstrate a promising approach for capturing analytes from serum for subsequent motor driven separation/detection. Indeed, the observed increase in actin filament number, in itself, signals the presence of analyte at clinically relevant nM concentration without the need for further motor driven concentration. Our analysis suggests that exchange of polyclonal for monoclonal antibodies would be a critical improvement, opening for a first clinically useful molecular motor driven lab-on-a-chip device.
Novel therapeutic agents in clinical development for systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Jordan Natasha , Lutalo Pamela MK , D’Cruz David P
Published: May 2013

Conventional immunosuppressive therapies have radically transformed patient survivalin systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), but their use is associated with considerabletoxicity and a substantial proportion of patients remain refractory to treatment. Amore comprehensive understanding of the complexity of SLE immunopathogenesis hasevolved over the past decade and has led to the testing of several biologic agents inclinical trials. There is a clear need for new therapeutic agents that overcome theseissues, and biologic agents offer exciting prospects as future SLE therapies.

An array of promising new therapies are currently emerging or are under developmentincluding B-cell depletion therapies, agents targeting B-cell survival factors,blockade of T-cell co-stimulation and anti-cytokine therapies, such as monoclonalantibodies against interleukin-6 and interferon-α.
Lupus enteritis: from clinical findings to therapeutic management
Authors: Janssens Peter , Arnaud Laurent , Galicier Lionel , Mathian Alexis , Hie Miguel , Sene Damien , Haroche Julien , Veyssier-Belot Catherine , Huynh-Charlier Isabelle , Grenier Philippe A , Piette Jean-Charles , Amoura Zahir
Published: May 2013

Lupus enteritis is a rare and poorly understood cause of abdominal pain in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In this study, we report a series of 7 new patients with this rare condition who were referred to French tertiary care centers and perform a systematic literature review of SLE cases fulfilling the revised ACR criteria, with evidence for small bowel involvement, excluding those with infectious enteritis. We describe the characteristics of 143 previously published and 7 new cases. Clinical symptoms mostly included abdominal pain (97%), vomiting (42%), diarrhea (32%) and fever (20%). Laboratory features mostly reflected lupus activity: low complement levels (88%), anemia (52%), leukocytopenia or lymphocytopenia (40%) and thrombocytopenia (21%). Median CRP level was 2.0 mg/dL (range 0–8.2 mg/dL). Proteinuria was present in 47% of cases. Imaging studies revealed bowel wall edema (95%), ascites (78%), the characteristic target sign (71%), mesenteric abnormalities (71%) and bowel dilatation (24%). Only 9 patients (6%) had histologically confirmed vasculitis. All patients received corticosteroids as a first-line therapy, with additional immunosuppressants administered either from the initial episode or only in case of relapse (recurrence rate: 25%). Seven percent developed intestinal necrosis or perforation, yielding a mortality rate of 2.7%. Altogether, lupus enteritis is a poorly known cause of abdominal pain in SLE patients, with distinct clinical and therapeutic features. The disease may evolve to intestinal necrosis and perforation if untreated. Adding with this an excellent steroid responsiveness, timely diagnosis becomes primordial for the adequate management of this rare entity.
TNA4OptFlux – a software tool for the analysis of strain optimization strategies
Authors: Pinto José P , Pereira Rui , Cardoso João , Rocha Isabel , Rocha Miguel
Published: May 2013

Background

Rational approaches for Metabolic Engineering (ME) deal with the identification of modifications that improve the microbes’ production capabilities of target compounds. One of the major challenges created by strain optimization algorithms used in these ME problems is the interpretation of the changes that lead to a given overproduction. Often, a single gene knockout induces changes in the fluxes of several reactions, as compared with the wild-type, and it is therefore difficult to evaluate the physiological differences of the in silico mutant. This is aggravated by the fact that genome-scale models per se are difficult to visualize, given the high number of reactions and metabolites involved.

Findings

We introduce a software tool, the Topological Network Analysis for OptFlux (TNA4OptFlux), a plug-in which adds to the open-source ME platform OptFlux the capability of creating and performing topological analysis over metabolic networks. One of the tool’s major advantages is the possibility of using these tools in the analysis and comparison of simulated phenotypes, namely those coming from the results of strain optimization algorithms. We illustrate the capabilities of the tool by using it to aid the interpretation of two E. coli strains designed in OptFlux for the overproduction of succinate and glycine.

Conclusions

Besides adding new functionalities to the OptFlux software tool regarding topological analysis, TNA4OptFlux methods greatly facilitate the interpretation of non-intuitive ME strategies by automating the comparison between perturbed and non-perturbed metabolic networks. The plug-in is available on the web site http://www.optflux.org, together with extensive documentation.
On the differential impact of the recent economic downturn on work safety by nativity: the Spanish experience
Authors: Amuedo-Dorantes Catalina , Borra Cristina
Published: May 2013

This paper explores differences in work injury and fatality rates between immigrants and natives and how they may have been impacted by the recent economic downturn. Our focus is on Spain over the 2001–2010 decade -a period of time during which Spain received one of the largest immigrant inflows of any developed economy and subsequently experienced a recession that has raised national unemployment rates above 20 percent. We find that immigrants worked in riskier jobs than natives during this high immigration period. Furthermore, the recession appears to have exclusively reduced job injury rates, but not fatality rates, among the average immigrant -hinting on their misreporting due to fear of dismissal as the primary cause for the observed decline. Overall, the figures are suggestive of work safety inequalities that may be important to address.

JEL codes

J61, J81
Networks of Action in Catastrophic Events: The 11 March 2011 Tohoku-Oki Disasters
Authors: Comfort Louise K. , Okada Aya , Ertan Gunes
Published: May 2013

The 11 March 2011 Tohoku-oki, Japan, earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear reactor disasters shattered existing plans for decision making, preparedness, and response operations under conditions of uncertainty and risk. The interaction among these events created dynamics that could not be addressed by any single organization or jurisdiction alone and that had not been considered in the planning processes undertaken by separate jurisdictions and organizations. The scale and scope of devastation overwhelmed those responsible for protecting communities at every level of jurisdictional decision making and organizational management. We examine the policy problem of decision making involving interaction between human and natural systems, and review existing policies, plans, and practices that characterized efforts in disaster risk reduction in Japan prior to 11 March 2011. We contrast these plans with observed practices, focusing on interactions and communication flows among organizations engaged in responding to the disaster. These events demonstrate the compelling need to rethink catastrophe.
Site Response Analysis Using Downhole Array Recordings during the March 2011 Tohoku-Oki Earthquake and the Effect of Long-Duration Ground Motions
Authors: Kim Byungmin , Hashash Youssef M.A.
Published: May 2013

Downhole arrays provide enhanced understanding of dynamic soil behavior and site response. Historically, downhole array recordings have been available only for earthquakes with relatively limited durations. New recordings from a number of KiK-net downhole arrays during the 11 March 2011, Mw 9.0, subduction zone earthquake near the east coast of Honshu, Japan, allow us to investigate dynamic soil characteristics and site response due to long-duration subduction zone earthquakes. Using these recordings, we perform one-dimensional site response analyses to evaluate the applicability of commonly used analysis approaches under long-duration earthquakes. We find that site response analyses capture key features of measured surface response spectra particularly at soft rock/stiff soil sites subject to long-duration motion. However, at softer soil sites, it appears that the modulus reduction is overestimated and site-specific characterization is needed.
The Effect of Situated Access on People with Disabilities: An Examination of Sheltering and Temporary Housing after the 2011 Japan Earthquake and Tsunami
Authors: Brittingham Rochelle , Wachtendorf Tricia
Published: May 2013

The 11 March 2011 Tohoku-oki earthquake and tsunami that devastated coastal communities in three Japanese prefectures resulted in tremendous loss of life, loss of property, and community disruption. Yet research on the disaster pointed to differential impacts for people with disabilities compared to the rest of the population. Reconnaissance fieldwork took place in Miyagi and Iwate Prefectures 3, 10, and 17 months after the disaster. Interviews and observations point to situated access as a contributor to how and to what extent people with disabilities (PWD) received resources and services. That is, the ability of evacuees to acquire and utilize information, material resources, or services was based both on the physical location of the individual or group (including shelter type to where they evacuated) and the social standpoint or circumstances of the individual or group within that physical location. We offer a close examination of the effect of situational access for people with disabilities in particular. Where limitations were present, they often led to additional disparities.
Were Coastal Defensive Structures Completely Broken by an Unexpectedly Large Tsunami? A Field Survey
Authors: Mase Hajime , Kimura Yuichiro , Yamakawa Yoshito , Yasuda Tomohiro , Mori Nobuhito , Cox Daniel
Published: May 2013

An Mw9.0 earthquake occurred in the Tohoku-oki area, Japan, at 14:46 local time on 11 March 2011. Tsunamis due to this earthquake were the largest in the recorded history of Japan and caused extensive damage to the eastern coast of Tohoku. In this study, a field survey of damage due to the extremely large tsunamis was carried out for 20 coastal areas along the Iwate and Miyagi Prefectures, focusing on damage to coastal structures and on whether these defense structures were broken completely or failed to perform some measure of tsunami protection. It was found that coastal structures failed locally, rather than entirely along a section of coastline. It is suggested that design conditions for coastal defense structures should be determined by taking into consideration topography, especially low-lying land areas behind structures.
Structural Performance of Bridges in the Tohoku-Oki Earthquake
Authors: Kawashima Kazuhiko , Buckle Ian
Published: May 2013

Including minor nonstructural damage, over 1,500 highway bridges and numerous rail bridges were damaged during the Tohoku-oki earthquake of 11 March 2011. The causes of this damage can be broadly classified in two categories: ground shaking, including ground failure (liquefaction); and tsunami inundation. Damage included span unseating, column shear and flexural failures, approach fill erosion, liquefaction induced settlement, and failed steel and elastomeric bearings. Since many bridges in the north Miyagi-ken and south Iwate-ken suffered extensive damage during the 1978 Miyagi-ken-oki earthquake, bridge performance during the 2011 earthquake is of particular interest. Advances in design and retrofit may be assessed by looking at the performance of bridges designed to post-1990 codes and those retrofitted since the Kobe earthquake in 1995. In both categories, bridge damage due to ground shaking was minor, thus validating the provisions in the post-1990 codes and the Japan bridge retrofit program. Damage that did occur due to ground shaking was mainly to bridges not yet retrofitted or only partly so. Tsunami-related damage included complete loss of span and erosion of backfills. However, many bridges survived, despite being totally submerged, and their performance gives insight into the potential design of tsunami-resistant bridges.
La Fronde et ses lendemains autour de Paris : Conséquences environnementales, économiques et sociales en vallée de Montmorency au XVIIe siècle
Authors: Mérot Florent
Published: May 2013

En 1649 puis en 1652, la vallée de Montmorency, au nord-ouest de Paris, est prise dans les tourments de la Fronde et devient le coeur des opérations militaires du jeune Louis XIV et de son cousin, le Grand Condé. Les conséquences sont terribles pour la population puisque l’environnement est entièrement déstructuré. Cependant, la paysannerie, aidée par les élites urbaines, parvient à reconstruire son lieu de vie dès les années suivantes. Le système agricole évolue sous l’impulsion d’une viticulture commerciale qui se fait aux dépens de la céréaliculture traditionnelle. Ce bouleversement des mentalités s’accompagne d’une transformation sociale : les habitants doivent s’habituer à un calendrier, des outils, un savoir-faire nouveaux pour mener à bien cette transition. Celle-ci ne cible pas uniquement l’agriculture car la forêt accompagne aussi cette mutation. Les interactions entre le bois et le vin étant nombreuses, les paysans comptent sur une ressource inépuisable pour enraciner une culture nouvelle et s’opposer aux conséquences désastreuses d’une guerre.

In 1649 and then in 1652 the valley of Montmorency to the northwest of Paris was caught up in the torments of the Fronde and became the center of the military operations of the young Louis XIV and his cousin, the Grand Condé. The area was torn apart, with terrible consequences for the local population. However, with the help of the urban elites, the peasantry reconstructed their living environment over the following years. The farming system developed, driven by commercial winegrowing that emerged at the expense of traditional cereal cultivation. This revolution in attitudes was accompanied by social transformation: the inhabitants had to become accustomed to a new schedule, tools, and expertise to bring about this transition. The latter did not solely affect agriculture; the forest was also involved. As wood and wine were often associated together, the peasants relied on an inexhaustible resource to establish a new culture and counter the disastrous consequences of war.
Muscarinic cholinergic receptor (M2) plays a crucial role in the development of myopia in mice
Authors: Barathi Veluchamy A. , Kwan Jia Lin , Tan Queenie S. W. , Weon Sung Rhan , Seet Li Fong , Goh Liang Kee , Vithana Eranga N. , Beuerman Roger W.
Published: May 2013

Myopia is a huge public health problem worldwide, reaching the highest incidence in Asia. Identification of susceptible genes is crucial for understanding the biological basis of myopia. In this paper, we have identified and characterized a functional myopia-associated gene using a specific mouse-knockout model. Mice lacking the muscarinic cholinergic receptor gene (M2; also known as Chrm2) were less susceptible to lens-induced myopia compared with wild-type mice, which showed significantly increased axial length and vitreous chamber depth when undergoing experimental induction of myopia. The key findings of this present study are that the sclera of M2 mutant mice has higher expression of collagen type I and lower expression of collagen type V than do wild-type mice and mice that are mutant for other muscarinic subtypes, and, therefore, M2 mutant mice were resistant to the development of experimental myopia. Pharmacological blockade of M2 muscarinic receptor proteins retarded myopia progression in the mouse. These results suggest for the first time a role of M2 in growth-related changes in extracellular matrix genes during myopia development in a mammalian model. M2 receptor antagonists might thus provide a targeted therapeutic approach to the management of this refractive error.
Conditional deletion of neurogenin-3 usingNkx2.1iCreresults in a mouse model for the central control of feeding, activity and obesity
Authors: Anthwal Neal , Pelling Michelle , Claxton Suzanne , Mellitzer Georg , Collin Caitlin , Kessaris Nicoletta , Richardson William D. , Gradwohl Gérard , Ang Siew-Lan
Published: May 2013

The ventral hypothalamus acts to integrate visceral and systemic information to control energy balance. The basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor neurogenin-3 (Ngn3) is required for pancreatic β-cell development and has been implicated in neuronal development in the hypothalamus. Here, we demonstrate that early embryonic hypothalamic inactivation of Ngn3 (also known as Neurog3)in mice results in rapid post-weaning obesity that is associated with hyperphagia and reduced energy expenditure. This obesity is caused by loss of expression of Pomc in Pomc- and Cart-expressing (Pomc/Cart) neurons in the arcuate nucleus, indicating an incomplete specification of anorexigenic first order neurons. Furthermore, following the onset of obesity, both the arcuate and ventromedial hypothalamic nuclei become insensitive to peripheral leptin treatment. This conditional mouse mutant therefore represents a novel model system for obesity that is associated with hyperphagia and underactivity, and sheds new light upon the roles of Ngn3 in the specification of hypothalamic neurons controlling energy balance.