bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alpha-lipoic acid affects the oxidative stress in various brain structures in mice with methionine and choline deficiency
Authors: Veskovic Milena , Mladenovic Dusan , Jorgacevic Bojan , Stevanovic Ivana , de Luka Silvio , Radosavljevic Tatjana
Published: September 2014

Deficiency in methionine or choline can induce oxidative stress in various organs such as liver, kidney, heart, and brain. This study was to examine the effects of alpha-lipoic acid (LA) on oxidative stress induced by methionine and choline deficiency (MCD) in several brain structures. Male mice C57BL/6 ( n = 28) were divided into four groups: (1) control – continuously fed with standard chow; (2) LA – fed with standard chow and receiving LA; (3) MCD2 – fed with MCD diet for two weeks, and (4) MCD2+LA – fed with MCD diet for two weeks and receiving LA (100 mg/kg/day intraperitonealy [i.p.]). Brain tissue (cortex, hypothalamus, striatum and hippocampus) was taken for determination of oxidative stress parameters. MCD diet induced a significant increase in malondialdehyde and NOx concentration in all brain regions, while LA restored their content to normal values. Similar to this, in MCD2 group, activity of total SOD, MnSOD, and Cu/ZnSOD was reduced by MCD diet, while LA treatment improved their activities in all brain structures. Besides, in MCD2 group a decrease in catalase activity in cortex and GSH content in hypothalamus was evident, while LA treatment induced an increase in catalase activity in cortex and striatum and GSH content in hypothalamus. LA treatment can significantly reduce lipid peroxidation and nitrosative stress, caused by MCD diet, in all brain regions by restoring antioxidant enzymes activities, predominantly total SOD, MnSOD, and Cu/ZnSOD, and to a lesser extent by modulating catalase activity and GSH content. LA supplementation may be used in order to prevent brain oxidative injury induced by methionine and choline deficiency.
Experiencia de participación comunitaria para el manejo adecuado de residuos sólidos urbanos en México
Authors: Rojas Carmona Anabel , Rodríguez Bolaños Rosibel , Álamo Hernández Urinda , Pacheco Magaña Lilian E. , Treviño Siller Sandra , Márquez Serrano Margarita
Published: September 2014

Objetivo:

Diseñar, implementar y evaluar una intervención educativa que contribuya al manejo adecuado de los residuos sólidos urbanos con participación de una comunidad semiurbana, al norte de Cuernavaca, Morelos, México.

Material y métodos:

Estudio con medición pre y post-intervención educativa, también llamado diseño pre-experimental, con aproximación cuanti-cualitativa. Cuestionario hecho en 27 hogares, 3 grupos focales, 8 entrevistas y creación de un registro etnográfico, de agosto 2010 a mayo 2011.

Resultados:

Participaron 23 niños/niñas y 14 mujeres de manera directa, en actividades de la intervención. Se incrementó 4,74% el conocimiento sobre manejo de los residuos ( p = 0,036), 4.5% la susceptibilidad percibida ( p = 0,041) y 3.39% los beneficios percibidos ( p = 0,032). La basura se percibe como problema asociado a daños a la salud y medio ambiente. Se identificó a la mujer como responsable del manejo de residuos sólidos. Se favoreció la relación vecinal e incorporación de acciones de separar residuos y barrer las calles con más frecuencia.

Conclusiones:

Reconocer a la población como guía de acciones en salud es fundamental para el éxito de intervenciones comunitarias. Se recomienda el uso de una metodología participativa en otras propuestas de intervención.
The clinical physiotherapy assessment of non-traumatic shoulder instability
Authors: Barrett Catherine
Published: September 2014

Non-traumatic shoulder instability is frequently associated with chronic disabling pain, altered patterns of motion, dysfunctional muscle strategies and hyperlaxity. Identifying the relationship between potential aetiologies can be challenging. An expanded assessment may be useful to estimate the contribution of each component and offer a framework for targeted rehabilitation.
Functional outcome and the structural integrity of arthroscopic Bankart repair: a prospective trial
Authors: Zhu Mark , Young Simon W , Pinto Clinton , Poon Peter C
Published: September 2014

Background

Recurrent anterior shoulder dislocations are common in young patients with Bankart lesions. Arthroscopic repair is an established treatment; however, recurrent instability occurs in up to 35% of patients. It is unclear whether recurrence is the result of a failure of the surgical repair to heal or a repeat injury. The aim of the present pilot study was to assess radiographic healing of Bankart lesions 6 months post surgical repair and identify any correlations between radiographic findings and subsequent recurrent dislocations.

Methods

Eighteen patients underwent arthroscopic Bankart repair for recurrent instability. Magnetic resonance (MR) arthrograms were obtained both pre-operatively and 6 months postoperatively. Standard T1 and T2 views were obtained along with an abduction and external rotation (ABER) view. Patients were followed for a minimum of 4 years for the risk of recurrence, and functional outcomes were obtained, including the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Subjective Shoulder Scale, Ontario Shoulder Instability Index, Oxford Shoulder Instability Score and 12-Item Short Form Health Survey. Scores were correlated with pre-operative and postoperative MR findings.

Results

Six of 18 patients developed recurrent instability. We could not identify correlations between reconstructed labrum (labral bumper) position, failure at suture sites and ABER findings with recurrent instability or functional outcome. Paradoxically, there was a nonstatistically significant trend for patients with no clefts between the labrum and the glenoid at any points along the repair to have worse outcomes than patients with partial or complete clefts.

Conclusions

In our pilot study, MR arthrogram was used to evaluate the labrum in detail 6 months postoperatively. Despite its proven ability to detect labral lesions, we were unable to demonstrate any features on postoperative MR arthrogram that predicted either functional outcome or recurrent instability. At 6 months post operation, functional recovery and the risk of recurrence may not depend on the anatomical appearance of the labrum alone.
Readmission for Infective Endocarditis After Ischemic Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack
Authors: Chu Stacy Y. , Merkler Alexander E. , Cheng Natalie T. , Kamel Hooman
Published: September 2014

Background and Purpose:

Providers vary in their thresholds for obtaining blood cultures in patients with ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). We assessed the rate of missed diagnoses of infective endocarditis (IE) in patients discharged with stroke or TIA before blood culture results could have been available.

Methods:

Using administrative claims data, we performed a retrospective cohort study of all patients discharged from nonfederal California emergency departments or acute care hospitals from 2005 through 2011 with stroke ( International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification [ ICD-9-CM] codes 433.x1, 434.x1, or 436 in any position) or TIA ( ICD-9-CM code 435 in the primary diagnosis position). We excluded patients with a length of stay >2 days to focus on those discharged before conclusive blood culture results could have been available. Our outcome was hospitalization within 14 days with a new diagnosis of IE ( ICD-9-CM codes 391.1 or 421.x in any position).

Results:

Among 173 966 eligible patients, 24 were subsequently hospitalized for IE—a readmission rate of 1.4 per 10 000 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.8-1.9 per 10 000). Multiple logistic regression identified the following potential associations with readmission: prosthetic valve: odds ratio (OR), 15.8 (95% CI, 1.9-129.0); other valvular disease: OR, 1.5 (95% CI, 0.2-10.8); urinary tract infection: OR, 3.5 (95% CI, 1.0-12.3; P = .05).

Conclusions:

In patients with acute cerebral ischemia discharged before blood culture results could have been available, the rate of subsequent IE was negligible. These findings argue against the liberal use of blood cultures for the routine evaluation of stroke or TIA.
Isolated sphenoid fungal sinusitis and coexisting intrasellar mass lesion presenting with headache as the sole symptom
Authors: Kalaycı Cem Burak , Çevik Halime
Published: September 2014

A case of isolated sphenoid fungal sinusitis in an elderly diabetic patient is described. A coexisting mass lesion located in the sellar region was detected incidentally. Coincidence of these two entities represents a potential surgical disaster which may result in direct intracranial spread of fungal infection.
Osteoporotic Hip and Spine Fractures
Authors: Cannada Lisa K. , Hill Brian W.
Published: September 2014

Hip and spine fractures represent just a portion of the burden of osteoporosis; however, these fractures require treatment and often represent a major change in lifestyle for the patient and their family. The orthopedic surgeon plays a crucial role, not only in the treatment of these injuries but also providing guidance in prevention of future osteoporotic fractures. This review provides a brief epidemiology of the fractures, details the surgical techniques, and outlines the current treatment guidelines for orthopedic surgeons.
Performance and Return to Sport After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in National Hockey League Players
Authors: Erickson Brandon J. , Harris Joshua D. , Cole Brian J. , Frank Rachel M. , Fillingham Yale A. , Ellman Michael B. , Verma Nikhil N. , Bach Bernard R.
Published: September 2014

Background:

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture is a significant injury in male National Hockey League (NHL) players.

Purpose:

To determine (1) the return to sport (RTS) rate in the NHL following ACL reconstruction, (2) performance on RTS, and (3) the difference in RTS and performance between players who underwent ACL reconstruction and controls.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

NHL players undergoing ACL reconstruction were evaluated. All demographic data were analyzed. Matched controls were selected from the NHL during the same years as those undergoing ACL reconstruction. The “index year” (relative to the number of years of experience in the NHL) in controls was the same as the year that cases underwent ACL reconstruction. RTS and performance in the NHL were analyzed and compared between cases and controls. Student t tests were performed for analysis of within- and between-group variables. Bonferroni correction was used in the setting of multiple comparisons.

Results:

A total of 36 players (37 knees) meeting the inclusion criteria underwent ACL reconstruction while in the NHL. Thirty-five players were able to RTS in the NHL (97%), and 1 player returned to the international Kontinental Hockey League. Of the players who RTS in the NHL, 100% were able to RTS the season after ACL reconstruction (mean, 7.8 ± 2.4 months). Length of career in the NHL after ACL reconstruction was 4.47 ± 3.3 years. The revision rate was 2.5%. There were significantly more cases playing in the NHL at 3 ( P = .027) and 4 ( P = .029) years following surgery compared with controls (index year). After ACL reconstruction, player performance was not significantly different from preinjury performance. Following ACL reconstruction (or index year in controls), cases played significantly more minutes, took more shots, had better shooting percentages, and scored more goals and points than did controls ( P < .01 for all). Control players did not significantly outperform cases after ACL reconstruction in any performance measure.

Conclusion:

There is a high RTS rate in the NHL following ACL reconstruction. All players who RTS did so the season following surgery. Performance following ACL reconstruction was not significantly different from preinjury. Cases performed better than did controls in several performance measures. Controls did not outperform cases in any measured performance variable.
Embryo Adoption: Some Further Considerations
Authors: Patterson Colin
Published: September 2014

Recent discussions of embryo adoption have sought to make sense of the teaching of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF) document Dignitas personae which appeared to provide a negative judgment on such a practice. This article aims to provide a personalist account of the process of fertilization and implantation that might serve as the basis for the negative judgment of the CDF document. In doing so, it relies upon the idea that a person, including an embryo, is not to be considered in isolation, but always in relation to God and to others. This approach extends the substantialist conceptualizations commonly employed in discussions of this issue. More generally, the article seeks to highlight the value of a personalist re-framing for an understanding of the moral questions surrounding the beginning of life.

Lay summary: This article seeks to make sense of what appears to be a clear-cut rejection, set out in the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF) document Dignitas personae, of the proposal for women to “adopt” surplus frozen embryos. It draws upon more recently developed modes of philosophical/theological reasoning to argue that, in human procreation, both fertilization and implantation represent constitutive dimensions of divine creative activity and so must be protected from manipulative technological intervention. Since embryo adoption requires this kind of technology, it makes sense for the Church document not to approve it.
JAK3 mutants transform hematopoietic cells through JAK1 activation, causing T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia in a mouse model
Authors: Degryse Sandrine , de Bock Charles E. , Cox Luk , Demeyer Sofie , Gielen Olga , Mentens Nicole , Jacobs Kris , Geerdens Ellen , Gianfelici Valentina , Hulselmans Gert , Fiers Mark , Aerts Stein , Meijerink Jules P. , Tousseyn Thomas , Cools Jan
Published: September 2014

Key Points

JAK3 pseudokinase mutants require JAK1 for their transforming potential. JAK3 mutants cause T-ALL in a mouse bone marrow transplant model and respond to tofacitinib, a JAK3-selective inhibitor.
Erythroferrone contributes to recovery from anemia of inflammation
Authors: Kautz Léon , Jung Grace , Nemeth Elizabeta , Ganz Tomas
Published: September 2014

Key Points

Mice lacking ERFE have more severe and prolonged AI. ERFE suppresses hepcidin and mobilizes iron to accelerate recovery from AI.
Mutations in TRNT1 cause congenital sideroblastic anemia with immunodeficiency, fevers, and developmental delay (SIFD)
Authors: Chakraborty Pranesh K. , Schmitz-Abe Klaus , Kennedy Erin K. , Mamady Hapsatou , Naas Turaya , Durie Danielle , Campagna Dean R. , Lau Ashley , Sendamarai Anoop K. , Wiseman Daniel H. , May Alison , Jolles Stephen , Connor Philip , Powell Colin , Heeney Matthew M. , Giardina Patricia-Jane , Klaassen Robert J. , Kannengiesser Caroline , Thuret Isabelle , Thompson Alexis A. , Marques Laura , Hughes Stephen , Bonney Denise K. , Bottomley Sylvia S. , Wynn Robert F. , Laxer Ronald M. , Minniti Caterina P. , Moppett John , Bordon Victoria , Geraghty Michael , Joyce Paul B. M. , Markianos Kyriacos , Rudner Adam D. , Holcik Martin , Fleming Mark D.
Published: September 2014

Key Points

SIFD is a syndromic form of congenital sideroblastic anemia associated with immunodeficiency, periodic fevers, and developmental delay. SIFD is due to partial loss-of-function mutations in the CCA-adding enzyme TRNT1.
Acute cell viability and nitric oxide release in lateral menisci following closed-joint knee injury in a lapine model of post-traumatic osteoarthritis
Authors: Killian Megan L , Haut Roger C , Haut Donahue Tammy L
Published: September 2014

Background

Traumatic impaction is known to cause acute cell death and macroscopic damage to cartilage and menisci in vitro. The purpose of this study was to investigate cell viability and macroscopic damage of the medial and lateral menisci using an in situ model of traumatic loading. Furthermore, the release of nitric oxide from meniscus, synovium, cartilage, and subchondral bone was also documented.

Methods

The left limbs of five rabbits were subjected to tibiofemoral impaction resulting in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture and meniscal damage. Meniscal tear morphology was assessed immediately after trauma and cell viability of the lateral and medial menisci was assessed 24 hrs post-injury. Nitric oxide (NO) released from joint tissues to the media was assayed at 12 and 24 hrs post injury.

Results

ACL and meniscal tearing resulted from the traumatic closed joint impact. A significant decrease in cell viability was observed in the lateral menisci following traumatic impaction compared to the medial menisci and control limbs. While NO release was greater in the impacted joints, this difference was not statistically significant.

Conclusion

This is the first study to investigate acute meniscal viability following an in situ traumatic loading event that results in rupture of the ACL. The change in cell viability of the lateral menisci may play a role in the advancement of joint degeneration following traumatic knee joint injury.
Transient Receptor Potential Ankyrin 1 in Spinal Cord Dorsal Horn is Involved in Neuropathic Pain in Nerve Root Constriction Rats
Authors: Miyakawa Tsuyoshi , Terashima Yoshinori , Takebayashi Tsuneo , Tanimoto Katsumasa , Iwase Takehito , Ogon Izaya , Kobayashi Takeshi , Tohse Noritsugu , Yamashita Toshihiko
Published: September 2014

Background:

Lumbar radicular pain is categorized as a type of neuropathic pain, but its pathophysiological mechanisms are not fully understood. The substantia gelatinosa (SG) in the spinal cord dorsal horn receives primary afferent inputs and is considered to be a therapeutic target for treating neuropathic pain. In vivo patch-clamp recording is a useful procedure for analyzing the functional properties of synaptic transmission in SG neurons. Transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) has been widely identified in the central and peripheral nervous systems, such as in the peripheral nociceptor, dorsal root ganglion, and spinal cord dorsal horn and is involved in synaptic transmission of pain. However, its functional role and mechanism of pain transmission in the spinal cord dorsal horn are not well understood. The purpose of this study was to use in vivo patch-clamp analysis to examine changes in the excitatory synaptic transmission of SG neurons treated with TRPA1 antagonist and to clarify the potential role of TRPA1 in the rat spinal cord dorsal horn.

Results:

The rats with root constriction (RC) showed mechanical hypersensitivity, hyperalgesia, and thermal hyperalgesia. In addition, pin pricks elicited pain-related behavior even in the sham and naïve rats. These pain-related behaviors were significantly attenuated by intrathecal injection of a TRPA1 antagonist. The degrees of intrathecal injection efficacy were equivalent among the 3 groups (RC, sham, and naïve groups). In an electrophysiological study, the frequencies and amplitudes of excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) were significantly increased in the RC rats compared with those in the sham and naïve rats. Spontaneous EPSCs and evoked-EPSCs by non-noxious and noxious stimuli were significantly decreased by TRPA1 antagonist. As in the behavioral study, there were no statistically significant differences among the 3 groups.

Conclusion:

These data showed that the TRPA1 antagonist had an inhibitory effect on mechanical hypersensitivity and hyperalgesia as well as on physiological pain transmission in the spinal cord dorsal horn. This suggests that TRPA1 is consistently involved in excitatory synaptic transmission even in the physiological state and has a role in coordinating pain transmission.
Determination of the Young's modulus of the epicuticle of the smooth adhesive organs of Carausius morosus by tensile testing
Authors: Bennemann Michael , Backhaus Stefan , Scholz Ingo , Park Daesung , Mayer Joachim , Baumgartner Werner
Published: September 2014

Adhesive organs like arolia of insects allow these animals to climb on different substrates by creating high adhesion forces. According to the Dahlquist criterion, adhesive organs must be very soft exhibiting an effective Young's modulus of below 100 kPa to adhere well to substrates. Such a low effective Young's modulus allows the adhesive organs to make almost direct contact to the substrate and results in van der Waals forces beside capillary forces. In previous studies the effective Young's moduli of adhesive organs were determined using indentation tests yielding their structure to be very soft indeed. However, adhesive organs show a layered structure, thus the measured values comprise the effective Young's moduli of several layers of the adhesive organs. In this study, a new approach is illustrated to measure the Young's modulus of the outermost layer of the arolium, i.e. of the epicuticle, of the stick insect Carausius morosus. As a result of the epicuticle being supported by upright fibres tensile tests allow the determination of the Young's modulus of the epicuticle hardly affected by subjacent layers. In our tensile tests arolia of stick insects adhering on a latex membrane were stretched by stretching the membrane while the elongation of the contact area between an arolium and the membrane was recorded. For analysis mathematical models of the mechanical system were developed. When fed with the observed elongations, these models yield estimates for the Young's modulus of the epicuticle of about a hundred megapascal. Thus in arolia a very thin layer (~225 nm) of a rather stiff material, which is less susceptible to abrasion, makes contact to the substrates while the inner fibrous structure of arolia is responsible for their softness.
Decision-Making Method Using Interval-Valued Intuitionistic Fuzzy Cross-Entropy Based on the Weighted Reduction Intuitionistic Fuzzy Sets
Authors: Ye Jun
Published: September 2014

This study presents an interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy cross-entropy measure based on the weighted reduction intuitionistic fuzzy sets of interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy sets with adjustable weight vectors as an extension of existing fuzzy cross-entropy measures. Then a decision-making method is developed based on the proposed cross-entropy measure with the optimal weight vectors. In decision making, we establish an optimal model based on the maximum standard deviation of the measure values of the alternatives to search for the optimal weight vectors in the adjustable weight vectors. According to the optimal weight vectors, we can obtain the interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy cross entropy between the ideal alternative and an alternative to rank the alternatives and to determine the best one. Finally, two illustrative examples are employed to show the feasibility of the proposed method in practical applications, and then the comparison of the proposed method with existing relevant methods is given to demonstrate that the proposed method is the further improvement and generalization of the existing relative methods.
Myoelectric Pattern Identification of Stroke Survivors Using Multivariate Empirical Mode Decomposition
Authors: Zhang Xu , Zhou Ping
Published: September 2014

This study presents a novel feature extraction method for myoelectric pattern recognition using a multivariate extension of empirical mode decomposition (EMD), namely multivariate EMD (MEMD). The method processes multiple surface electromyogram (EMG) channels simultaneously rather than in a channel‐by‐channel manner. From mode‐aligned intrinsic mode functions (IMFs, representing signal components over multiple scales) derived from the MEMD analysis, normalized amplitude distributions of the same‐mode/scale IMFs across different channels were calculated as features, which serve to reveal the underlying relationship in the aligned intrinsic scales across multiple muscles. The proposed method was assessed for identification of 18 different functional movement patterns via 27‐channel surface EMG signals recorded from the paretic forearm muscles of 12 subjects with hemiparetic stroke. With a linear discriminant classifier, the proposed MEMD based feature set resulted in an average error rate of 4.61 ± 4.70% for classification of all the different movements, significantly lower than that of the conventional time‐domain feature set (7.14 ± 6.15%, p < 0.05). The results indicate that the MEMD based feature extraction of multi‐channel surface EMG data provides a promising approach to modeling of muscle couplings and identification of different myoelectric patterns.
Analysis of Medical Equipment Management in Relation to the Mandatory Medical Equipment Safety Manager (MESM) in Japan
Authors: Ishida Kai , Hirose Minoru , Fujiwara Kousaku , Tsuruta Harukazu , Ikeda Noriaki
Published: September 2014

Half a decade has passed since the fifth revision of the medical law and mandatory appointment of a medical equipment safety manager (MESM) in hospitals in Japan. During this period, circumstances have changed regarding maintenance of medical equipment (ME). We conducted a survey to examine these changes and the current situation in ME management. Maintenance of ME and related work were found to have increased in many hospitals, but the number of clinical engineering technologists (CETs) has only slightly increased. The appointed MESM was a CET or physician in most hospitals. In hospitals where physicians were appointed as the MESM, 81% had operation managers. Many respondents commented that it was difficult for one person to cover all the tasks required by the MESM, due to a lack of knowledge, too much work, or other reasons. This suggests the importance of an operation manager for ME to work under the MESM.
Analysis on Energy Efficiency in Healthcare Buildings
Authors: García-Sanz-Calcedo Justo
Published: September 2014

The aim of this paper is to analyze and quantify the average healthcare centres′ energy behavior and estimate the possibilities of savings through the use of concrete measures to reduce their energy demand in Extremadura, Spain. It provides the average energy consumption of 55 healthcare centres sized between 500 and 3,500 m2. The analysis evaluated data of electricity and fossil fuel energy consumption as well as water use and other energy‐consuming devices. The energy solutions proposed to improve the efficiency are quantified and listed. The average annual energy consumption of a healthcare centre is 86.01 kWh/m2, with a standard deviation of 16.8 kWh/m2. The results show that an annual savings of €4.77/m2 is possible. The potential to reduce the energy consumption of a healthcare centre of size 1,000 m2 is 10,801 kWh by making an average investment of €11,601, thus saving €2,961/year with an average payback of 3.92 years.
Portfolio Development and Experience Gained at Schools of Russia
Authors: Новикова  , Novikova Tatyana
Published: September 2014

The paper considers various issues related to authentic assessment in the context of the new Federal State Educational Standards adoption. The essence

of authentic assessment as well as portfolio potential at a higher stage of education are revealed. Types of portfolios and a structure of each are featured,

together with pedagogical objectives, which can be achieved through this educational instrument.
The Russian Literature as Reflected in Illustrators’ Oeuvre
Authors: Обернихина  , Obyernikhina Galina
Published: September 2014

The proposed outline for the elective course “The Russian Literature As Reflected In Illustrators’ Oeuvre” is designed for the 9th–10th classes students

(meant for 36 academic hours). At the lessons the students will get acquainted with features and dynamics of book publishing industry in Russia and

traditions of book design and will trace the history and developments of the genre of illustrations as a specific genre of the pictorial art, which has a

genetic link to the literary work concerned and by contrast with a picture helps to reveal the author’s underlying idea and theme of the literary work.
CaM Kinase II mediates maladaptive post‐infarct remodeling and pro‐inflammatory chemoattractant signaling but not acute myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury
Authors: Weinreuter Martin , Kreusser Michael M , Beckendorf Jan , Schreiter Friederike C , Leuschner Florian , Lehmann Lorenz H , Hofmann Kai P , Rostosky Julia S , Diemert Nathalie , Xu Chang , Volz Hans Christian , Jungmann Andreas , Nickel Alexander , Sticht Carsten , Gretz Norbert , Maack Christoph , Schneider Michael D , Gröne Hermann‐Josef , Müller Oliver J , Katus Hugo A , Backs Johannes
Published: September 2014

CaMKII was suggested to mediate ischemic myocardial injury and adverse cardiac remodeling. Here, we investigated the roles of different CaMKII isoforms and splice variants in ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury by the use of new genetic CaMKII mouse models. Although CaMKIIδC was upregulated 1 day after I/R injury, cardiac damage 1 day after I/R was neither affected in CaMKIIδ‐deficient mice, CaMKIIδ‐deficient mice in which the splice variants CaMKIIδB and C were re‐expressed, nor in cardiomyocyte‐specific CaMKIIδ/γ double knockout mice (DKO). In contrast, 5 weeks after I/R, DKO mice were protected against extensive scar formation and cardiac dysfunction, which was associated with reduced leukocyte infiltration and attenuated expression of members of the chemokine (C‐C motif) ligand family, in particular CCL3 (macrophage inflammatory protein‐1α, MIP‐1α). Intriguingly, CaMKII was sufficient and required to induce CCL3 expression in isolated cardiomyocytes, indicating a cardiomyocyte autonomous effect. We propose that CaMKII‐dependent chemoattractant signaling explains the effects on post‐I/R remodeling. Taken together, we demonstrate that CaMKII is not critically involved in acute I/R‐induced damage but in the process of post‐infarct remodeling and inflammatory processes.
Numerical simulation of piezocone dissipation test in clays
Authors: MAHMOODZADEH H. , RANDOLPH M.F. , WANG D.
Published: September 2014

The piezocone is one of the most widely used in-situ tools with which to characterise the soil profile, distinguishing different types of sediment, and to provide quantitative data on the soil strength and consolidation characteristics. For fine-grained soils where penetration occurs under nominally undrained conditions, consolidation characteristics are obtained from dissipation tests conducted with the piezocone brought to rest. Dissipation testing is interpreted to yield a coefficient of consolidation, by comparison of the excess pore pressure decay with theoretical solutions. It is generally acknowledged that the coefficient of consolidation derived from in-situ dissipation tests will be greater, by a factor of perhaps 2 to 10, than values derived from oedometer tests on samples recovered from the corresponding depth. Apart from potential differences in horizontal and vertical permeability, differences arise from the influence of the rigidity index on the initial excess pore pressure field and the more complex stress paths undergone by soil elements surrounding the piezocone by comparison with an oedometer test. In order to advance the science underlying interpretation of dissipation testing, a careful parametric study has been undertaken using finite-element analysis, with the soil modelled as modified Cam Clay. The aim has been to derive an ‘operative' coefficient of consolidation, linked to the consolidation and swelling parameters of the soil model, thus allowing quantitative treatment of the difference in coefficients of consolidation derived from laboratory oedometer or in-situ dissipation testing. The effect of partial consolidation during the penetration phase is also considered.
Experimental study on the performance of tensile lap-spliced GFRP rebars in concrete beam
Authors: Choi Yun-Cheul , Cho Kyun-Hyong , Bae Baek-Il , Choi Hyun-Ki
Published: September 2014

Concrete reinforcement using a combination of steel and glass-fibre-reinforced polymer (GFRP) bars promises higher strength, serviceability and durability. To verify this potential and promote the design of concrete structures with this type of hybrid reinforcement, the load–deflection behaviour of GFRP-reinforced flexural concrete beams is experimentally and theoretically investigated. Twelve beam specimens are tested to examine the effects of the lap splice length, clear spacing of the GFRP reinforcements and cover thickness on the flexural behaviour. All the test specimens have a span of 4000 mm and contain steel and GFRP rebars with a nominal diameter of 12·7 mm. The specimens are tested under two-point loads to subject their spliced region to a constant moment. Comparison of the experimental results with the predictions of the simplified equations proposed by the American Concrete Institute (ACI) 440 Committee reveal that the ACI 440.1R-06 equations do not guarantee the safety of GFRP-reinforced lap-spliced beams.
Economic analysis and survey of water infrastructure in emerging economies
Authors: Booth Rupert
Published: September 2014

The intended audience of this paper is the water engineer who wishes to understand the economics of supply and demand management of water infrastructure, and how this perspective may supplement the technical activities of providing a cost-effective supply. The paper begins by establishing the minimum requirements for economic management – that is, recognition of stakeholders, defined property rights for water and clear allocation processes that can be applied (including market forces). The paper then summarises the main theoretical economic principles, before considering water pricing and trading, which are the main practical tools to augment supply and limit demand. The difficulties of meeting multiple stakeholder priorities are discussed, both with regard to tariff design and overall price levels. The challenges of climate change are then explored. Having established the economic background, the paper considers the engineering components and systems that are available to assist economic management, followed by the supporting institutional arrangements. The paper then continues in a practical vein by discussing the case of each of the Brics (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) countries and relating the current state of their infrastructure development back to the previous theoretical discussion, noting the differences in priorities.
The Benefits of a Relational Approach to Corporate Political Activity: Evidence from Political Contributions to Tax Policymakers
Authors: Brown Jennifer L. , Drake Katharine , Wellman Laura
Published: September 2014

Empirical evidence linking campaign financing activity to future firm benefits is mixed. However, theory suggests that an important aspect of a successful political strategy is a multi-period investment in cultivating relationships with key policymakers (Snyder 1992). We examine a specific setting and investigate whether firms that invest in relationships with tax policymakers via campaign contributions accrue greater future tax benefits. We find that firms that pursue a more relational approach to corporate political activity have lower future cash and GAAP effective tax rates (ETRs) and less volatile future cash ETRs. Further, we provide evidence of an incremental effect of tax-specific lobbying for firms that develop stronger relationships with tax policymakers via PAC support. Thus, our study links tax-specific PAC support to tax-specific outcomes, providing an economic link for the observed contribution-return relation documented in Cooper, Gulen, and Ovtchinnikov (2010).

Data Availability: All data are publicly available from sources as indicated in the text.
Longitudinal Development of Left Ventricular Diastolic Function in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Venskutonyte Laura , Jarnert Christina , Rydén Lars , Kjellström Barbro
Published: September 2014

OBJECTIVE

Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) is considered to be common in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), but information on its progression over time is lacking. We studied the longitudinal development of left ventricular diastolic function (LVDF) and myocardial blood flow reserve in patients with T2DM who were free from clinically detectable cardiovascular disease.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The LVDF was assessed in 73 patients with T2DM (mean age 67 ± 7 years; males 51%) on two occasions separated by 6.4 ± 0.8 years.

RESULTS

At baseline, LVDD was observed in 23 of the patients (32%). During follow-up, the LVDF normalized in 10 of these patients (43%) and remained unchanged in 13 of them (57%). Of the 50 patients (68%) with normal LVDF at baseline, LVDD developed in 9 (18%). Paired evaluation of myocardial blood volume index was available from 22 patients with LVDD and remained unchanged over time.

CONCLUSIONS

The condition of the majority of the investigated patients with LVDD improved or remained stable over a period of 6 years.
Prevalence of drug resistance in clinical isolates of tuberculosis from GCC: a literature review from January 2002 to March 2013
Authors: Areeshi Mohammed Yahya , Bisht Shekhar Chandra , Mandal Raju Kumar , Haque Shafiul
Published: September 2014

Introduction: The prevalence of drug resistance in clinical isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC; Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, United Arab Emirates [UAE]) countries was appraised using reports published between January 2002 and March 2013. Methodology: A total of 11,393 tuberculosis (TB) isolates from the GCC were studied through published literature and were analyzed statistically. Results: Most of the isolates were resistant to isoniazid, followed by streptomycin, rifampin, ethambutol, and pyrazinamide. The highest prevalence rate of multidrug-resistant-TB (MDR-TB) was found in UAE (9.2%), followed by Kuwait (5.9%) and Saudi Arabia (4.3%). The overall MDR-TB prevalence rate was recorded as 4.0% in the entire GCC region. Automated linear modeling revealed that isoniazid resistance had a strong relationship with the prevalence of MDR-TB in all the GCC countries and was found to be the strongest predictor for MDR-TB. Interestingly, rifampicin resistance was significantly associated with the prevalence of MDR-TB in Oman, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia, while isoniazid was identified for UAE. On the basis of a number of reports and isolates, the principal component analysis showed that, among all GCC member countries, the highest burden of TB was in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, and maximum drug resistance was present in UAE. Conclusion: The study demonstrates that the prevalence of MDR-TB in GCC countries is almost equal to other developing and developed countries, and requires immediate attention for surveillance and control.
Vancomycin-resistant enterococci colonization and bacteremia in patients with hematological malignancies
Authors: Gedik Habip , Yıldırmak Taner , Şimşek Funda , Kantürk Arzu , Arıca Deniz , Aydın Demet , Yokuş Osman , Demirel Naciye , Arabacı Çiğdem
Published: September 2014

Introduction: We retrospectively evaluated the rates of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) colonization and VRE-related infections in patients with hematological malignancies. Methodology: All patients in the hematology department of the Ministry of Health Okmeydanı Training and Research Hospital, an 800-bed tertiary hospital in İstanbul, Turkey, older than 14 years of age and who developed febrile neutropenia during chemotherapy for hematological cancers between November 2010 and November 2012 were evaluated in this retrospective observational study. Results: A total of 282 neutropenic episodes in 126 patients who met the inclusion criteria were analyzed. The mean patient age was 51.73 ± 14.4 years (range: 17–82 years), and 66 cases occurred in male patients. The mean Multinational Association for Supportive Care in Cancer score of patients with hematological malignancies was 17.18 ± 8.27. Fifty (39.68%) patients were colonized with VRE, and the mean number of VRE colonization days per patient was 34.27 ± 13.12 days. Only two patients developed VRE bacteremia: a male patient with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma who survived the infection, and a female patient with acute myeloid leukemia who died from VRE bacteremia. Conclusions: Patients with hematological malignancies accompanied by VRE colonization should be expected to develop VRE- or vancomycin-sensitive enterococci-related bacteremia under certain conditions, which include the development of severe mucositis, invasive procedures, and the use of intensive broad-spectrum antibiotics, even if infection control measures are implemented properly.
Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography of Emulsified Subretinal Silicone Oil Presenting as a Macular Inverted Pseudohypopyon
Authors: Karth Peter A. , Moshfeghi Darius M.
Published: September 2014

The authors present a rare case of an inverted pseudohypopyon due to subretinal emulsified silicone oil in the macula of a patient who underwent pars plana vitrectomy surgery for repair of retinal detachment with proliferative vitreoretinopathy 1 year prior to presentation of this finding. The patient’s predisposing diagnosis is pathologic myopia.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2014;45:437–439.]
Naissance de la paroisse « territoriale »
Authors: Lunven Anne
Published: September 2014

Contrairement à l’idée qui a longtemps prévalu, la
paroisse n’est pas apparue en même temps que le christianisme est
devenu religion officielle. L’étude des trois plus anciens actes de
Bretagne attestant de l’existence d’une hiérarchie ecclésiale,
organisée entre des églises-mères et des édifices secondaires, permet
en effet de conclure que le réseau paroissial ne découle pas d’un
démembrement croissant de grandes paroisses primitives. Ce fut
seulement au xie siècle que les rapports
sacramentels et matériels liant les fidèles à un lieu de culte furent
strictement réglementés selon le lieu de domiciliation, entraînant de
fait la reconnaissance d’un « territoire », appelé la parochia. Celle-ci ne correspondait pas toutefois à
une circonscription stricto sensu, avec des
limites linéaires et continues, mais plutôt à un semis d’âmes,
rayonnant autour d’une église principale.
Prospérer dans la guerre ? Redon pendant la Ligue (1589-1598)
Authors: Hamon Philippe
Published: September 2014

Étudier une communauté plongée dans une longue
guerre civile, comme l'est Redon pendant les guerres de la Ligue en
Bretagne (1589-1598), implique ordinairement de dresser un tableau du
préjudice subi, a fortiori quand la ville
concernée constitue comme ici un enjeu stratégique à même de susciter
agressions extérieures et violences internes. Or le dossier redonnais
permet une toute autre approche. L'entrée dans la crise, pas plus que
le changement de camp de la ville en 1595, ne provoque aucun
affrontement. Mieux encore, Redon reste totalement à l'écart des
hostilités. La présence d'une importante garnison semble avoir été un
atout, non un fardeau : non seulement elle tient à distance les
menaces militaires mais elle prélève hors de la ville de quoi
financier les soldes et entretenir l'activité économique sur place. La
division de la province ne semble pas affecter les échanges
commerciaux et la ville utilise même la crise pour capter de nouvelles
juridictions.

Largement préservée, Redon tire donc profit d'un
contexte difficile, militarisation comprise, avec une efficacité
inhabituelle. Solidaires des choix avisés de leur gouverneur, plus
sensibles à l'ordre et à la prospérité locale qu'aux idéologies
partisanes, les dominants sont les principaux, mais non les seuls,
bénéficiaires de cette situation privilégiée.
Les vingt-six administrateurs du Finistère. Histoire d'une mémoire
Authors: Le Bloas Alain
Published: September 2014

L'exécution des vingt-six administrateurs du
Finistère accusés de fédéralisme est devenue le symbole de la Terreur
à Brest. Vive et douloureuse dans les mois et les années qui l'ont
suivie, la mémoire de cet épisode s'est entretenue tout au long du xixe siècle avec ses phases de sommeil et de
réveil pour finir par s'éteindre. Cet article se propose d'examiner
l'histoire de cette mémoire où le local et le national s'articulent,
où la Révolution et le siècle qu'elle a engendré sont plus que jamais
liés.
L’élu et l’ingénieur : aménagements civils littoraux et politique en Bretagne (vers 1890-vers 1930)
Authors: Le Gall Laurent
Published: September 2014

À la croisée des revendications individuelles et/ou
collectives et des attentes de l’État (ou de ses résistances),
l’aménagement progressif d’un littoral organisé au service des
activités humaines se dote à la fin du xixe
siècle de nouveaux enjeux. Alors que le champ politique gagne
davantage en autonomie, l’anthropisation volontariste des côtes met en
jeu et en œuvre des prises de décision qui relèvent désormais autant
d’une compétence et d’un primat techniques et étatiques que d’une
implication des élus soucieux d’impulser et de contrôler des projets.
L’objet de cet article est de proposer un questionnement sur les
modalités de la politisation de l’aménagement du rivage entre 1890 et
1930.
« Être le dernier jeune »
Authors: Courant Stefan Le
Published: September 2014

Le renforcement des politiques de contrôle des migrations en Europe a eu pour effet le développement de poches d’attente tout au long du parcours des aspirants à cette migration. Parallèlement, la restriction des conditions d’obtention d’un titre de séjour a retardé l’accès à un statut régulier pour les étrangers déjà présents sur le territoire. En attendant ces « papiers » tant espérés, les étrangers en situation irrégulière sont contraints à vivre dans un éternel présent fait de multiples recommencements. Si l’obtention des « papiers » ouvre une nouvelle temporalité, un temps devenu profitable, les étrangers régularisés découvrent vite les contradictions temporelles de la vie de migrant.
La file d’attente
Authors: Monnier Gérard
Published: September 2014

À côté des évocations des écrivains, des analyses des philosophes et des sociologues, la démarche photographique prônée et pratiquée par l’auteur (refus de la mise en scène, format panoramique, etc.) permet de saisir la variété des formes d’« attendre ensemble » selon les situations (sous l’auvent d’un Abribus, à l’entrée d’un magasin…) et les contextes culturels (dans différents pays). Un des buts d’une telle démarche est de « produire une image forte du banal », à l’instar de la devise de Gustave Flaubert en littérature : « Bien écrire le médiocre. »
Le temps de punir
Authors: Bouagga Yasmine
Published: September 2014

Alors que la prison est souvent envisagée du point de vue de ceux qui la subissent, on propose ici d’interroger l’attente du point de vue des personnels de l’institution, personnels pénitentiaires mais aussi juges d’application des peines qui ont le pouvoir de moduler le temps de l’incarcération. Que produit l’attente en prison – à la fois temps de disponibilité du détenu sur lequel s’exerce le pouvoir de l’institution, et temps de transformation en vue d’un projet ? À quelles contraintes et contradictions ces personnels sont-ils eux-mêmes soumis, dans le contexte contemporain de la maison d’arrêt française caractérisé par la surpopulation et l’inoccupation des détenus ? Pour répondre à ces questions, on envisagera la prison comme un cadre de travail mettant en présence différents types de professionnels soumis à de fortes pressions organisationnelles en même temps qu’à des injonctions morales relatives aux missions affirmées par l’institution.