bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CEO Age and Financial Reporting Quality
Authors: Huang Hua-Wei , Rose-Green Ena , Lee Chih-Chen
Published: July 2012

SYNOPSIS:

This study examines the association between chief executive officer (CEO) age and the financial reporting quality of firms. The financial reporting qualities examined are the meeting or beating of analyst earnings forecasts and financial restatements. Based on extant research, we hypothesize that older CEOs are associated with higher-quality financial reporting. Using a sample of 3,413 firms for the period 2005 to 2008, we find a positive association between CEO age and financial reporting quality. Specifically, we find that CEO age is negatively associated with firms meeting or beating analyst earnings forecasts and financial restatements. Our study therefore extends the corporate governance and financial reporting quality literature by identifying CEO age as a determinant of financial reporting quality.

Data Availability: Data are publicly available.
Executive Turnover Following Option Backdating Allegations
Authors: Efendi Jap , Files Rebecca , Ouyang Bo , Swanson Edward P.
Published: July 2012

We find that the likelihood of forced turnover in the CEO and CFO positions is significantly higher for firms in the aftermath of option backdating than in propensity-score matched control firms. Forced turnover occurs in about 36 percent of the accused firms. The forced turnover rates for CEOs and CFOs are similar and several times higher than normal. The displaced managers are further punished by the managerial labor market, as they are much less likely than control firm managers to be rehired at comparable positions. We also find that backdating firms restructure CEO compensation to rely less on stock options. Finally, we learn the higher turnover extends to the General Counsel. While boards are often viewed as unresponsive to criticisms involving executive compensation, they did respond quite decisively to option backdating allegations and the accompanying adverse publicity.

Data Availability: All data used in this study are publicly available from the sources indicated.
The Role of MicroRNA-146a in the Pathogenesis of the Diabetic Wound-Healing Impairment
Authors: Xu Junwang , Wu Wenjie , Zhang Liping , Dorset-Martin Wanda , Morris Michael W. , Mitchell Marc E. , Liechty Kenneth W.
Published: July 2012

The impairment in diabetic wound healing represents a significant clinical problem. Chronic inflammation is thought to play a central role in the pathogenesis of this impairment. We have previously shown that treatment of diabetic murine wounds with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can improve healing, but the mechanisms are not completely defined. MicroRNA-146a (miR-146a) has been implicated in regulation of the immune and inflammatory responses. We hypothesized that abnormal miRNA-146a expression may contribute to the chronic inflammation. To test this hypothesis, we examined the expression of miRNA-146a and its target genes in diabetic and nondiabetic mice at baseline and after injury. MiR-146a expression was significantly downregulated in diabetic mouse wounds. Decreased miR-146a levels also closely correlated with increased gene expression of its proinflammatory target genes. Furthermore, the correction of the diabetic wound-healing impairment with MSC treatment was associated with a significant increase in the miR-146a expression level and decreased gene expression of its proinflammatory target genes. These results provide the first evidence that decreased expression of miR-146a in diabetic wounds in response to injury may, in part, be responsible for the abnormal inflammatory response seen in diabetic wounds and may contribute to wound-healing impairment.
Efficacy and Safety of Switching From the DPP-4 Inhibitor Sitagliptin to the Human GLP-1 Analog Liraglutide After 52 Weeks in Metformin-Treated Patients With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Pratley Richard E. , Nauck Michael A. , Bailey Timothy , Montanya Eduard , Filetti Sebastiano , Garber Alan J. , Thomsen Anne B. , Furber Sabina , Davies Melanie ,   for the 1860-LIRA-DPP-4 Study Group
Published: July 2012

OBJECTIVE

To assess the efficacy and safety of switching from sitagliptin to liraglutide in metformin-treated adults with type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

In an open-label trial, participants randomized to receive either liraglutide (1.2 or 1.8 mg/day) or sitagliptin (100 mg/day), each added to metformin, continued treatment for 52 weeks. In a 26-week extension, sitagliptin-treated participants were randomly allocated to receive instead liraglutide at either 1.2 or 1.8 mg/day, while participants originally randomized to receive liraglutide continued unchanged.

RESULTS

Although 52 weeks of sitagliptin changed glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) by −0.9% from baseline, additional decreases occurred after switching to liraglutide (1.2 mg/day, −0.2%, P = 0.006; 1.8 mg/day, −0.5%, P = 0.0001). Conversion to liraglutide was associated with reductions in fasting plasma glucose (FPG) (1.2 mg/day, −0.8 mmol/L, P = 0.0004; 1.8 mg/day, −1.4 mmol/L, P < 0.0001) and body weight (1.2 mg/day, −1.6 kg; 1.8 mg/day, −2.5 kg; both P < 0.0001) and with an increased proportion of patients reaching HbA1c <7% (from ∼30% to ∼50%). Overall treatment satisfaction, assessed by the Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire, improved after switching to liraglutide (pooled 1.2 and 1.8 mg/day, 1.3; P = 0.0189). After switching, mostly transient nausea occurred in 21% of participants, and minor hypoglycemia remained low (3–4% of participants). Continuing liraglutide treatment at 1.2 mg/day and 1.8 mg/day for 78 weeks reduced HbA1c (baseline 8.3 and 8.4%, respectively) by −0.9 and −1.3%, respectively; FPG by −1.3 and −1.7 mmol/L, respectively; and weight by −2.6 and −3.1 kg, respectively, with 9–10% of participants reporting minor hypoglycemia.

CONCLUSIONS

Glycemic control, weight, and treatment satisfaction improved after switching from sitagliptin to liraglutide, albeit with a transient increase in gastrointestinal reactions.
Fetal Central Nervous System Injury in Third Trimester Stillbirth: A Clinicopathologic Study of 63 Cases
Authors: Jacques Suzanne M. , Kupsky William J. , Giorgadze Tamar , Qureshi Faisal
Published: July 2012

We report the neuropathologic findings and clinicopathologic associations in 63 3rd trimester singleton stillborn fetuses. All were ≥28 weeks estimated gestational age (EGA) with complete autopsies, including placental examination. Fetuses with chromosomal abnormalities, major congenital anomalies, and intrapartum demise were excluded. The cases were divided into those with abruption ( n = 12) and those with unexplained fetal demise ( n = 51). The latter group was then subdivided by gestational age with 3 subgroups (preterm 28 to <32 weeks EGA ( n = 16), preterm 32 to <37 weeks EGA ( n = 13), and term 37–41 weeks EGA ( n = 22). Each group was further subdivided as appropriate-for-gestational age/large-for-gestational age (AGA/LGA) or small-for-gestational age (SGA). Placental lesions were also evaluated and correlated with brain lesions.

Established or recent injury involving gray or white matter was seen in 88% of the fetuses with unexplained demise versus 42% with abruption ( P = 0.001). The most common form of brain injury was established gray matter damage, seen in 65% of the fetuses with unexplained demise versus 25% with abruption ( P = 0.021), the most common pattern being established pontosubicular neuronal necrosis plus established neuronal necrosis in other sites. There was no significant difference in the frequency of brain injury between the SGA fetuses and AGA/LGA fetuses or between the unexplained stillbirth preterm and term subgroups, and there was no unequivocal correlation between placental lesions and brain lesions. Brain injury, most frequently established gray matter damage, is seen in the majority of stillborn infants with unexplained demise, indicating that the brain injury predates the period immediately before death.
Sex hormone regulation of collagen concentrations in cranial cruciate ligaments of sexually immature male rabbits
Authors: Light Victoria A. , Montgomery Ron D. , Akingbemi Benson T.
Published: July 2012

Objective—To investigate the effects of gonadectomy on collagen homeostasis in cranial cruciate ligaments of male rabbits.

Animals—30 sexually immature (16-week-old) male New Zealand White rabbits.

Procedures—Rabbits were randomly assigned to 5 groups of 6 rabbits each: sexually intact, placebo (control group); castrated, placebo; castrated, testosterone; castrated, dihydrotestosterone; and castrated, 17β-estradiol (E2). Control rabbits underwent a sham operation, and all other rabbits underwent gonadectomy. At the time of gonadectomy, the placebo and sex hormones were administered via slow-release pellets implanted subcutaneously as assigned. After 21 days of hormone supplementation, measurements were obtained of serum testosterone and E2 concentrations, ligament collagen characteristics, and androgen receptor, estrogen receoptor α, and matrix metalloproteinase expression.

Results—Following gonadectomy and hormone supplementation, the treatment groups differed in serum testosterone and E2 concentrations to various degrees. Collagen concentrations were lower and fiber diameters higher in the absence of sex hormones, in association with the degrees of estrogen receptor a and androgen receptor expression. Although differences were detected among the groups in matrix metalloproteinase expression, these differences were not significant.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Sex hormones appeared to play a role in cranial cruciate ligament homeostasis in male rabbits. Physiologic changes triggered by the lack of sex hormones following gonadectomy in sexually immature rabbits may potentially predispose those rabbits to orthopedic injuries.
Oncolysis of canine tumor cells by myxoma virus lacking the serp2 gene
Authors: Urbasic Ashlee S. , Hynes Stacy , Somrak Amy , Contakos Stacey , Rahman Masmudur M. , Liu Jia , MacNeill Amy L.
Published: July 2012

Objective—To determine the oncolytic efficacy of an attenuated form of myxoma virus lacking the serp2 gene in canine tumor cells.

Sample—Primary cells were isolated from tumors that were surgically removed from dogs and from connective tissue obtained from the cadaver of a dog. Cells of various established cell lines from tumors and nontumorous tissues were obtained.

Procedures—Experiments were performed with cells in monolayer culture. Cell cultures were inoculated with wild-type myxoma viruses or myxoma viruses lacking the serp2 gene, and measures of cytopathic effects, viral growth kinetics, and cell death and apoptosis were determined.

Results—Myxoma viruses replicated in cells of many of the primary and established canine tumor cell lines. Canine tumor cells in which expression of activated protein kinase B was upregulated were more permissive to myxoma virus infection than were cells in which expression of activated protein kinase B was not upregulated. Myxoma viruses lacking the serp2 gene caused more cytopathic effects in canine tumor cells because of apoptosis than did wild-type myxoma viruses.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results of the present study indicated myxoma viruses lacking the serp2 gene may be useful for treatment of cancer in dogs.

Impact for Human Medicine—Results of the present study may be useful for development of novel oncolytic treatments for tumors in humans.
Histopathological patterns of ovarian tumors at BPKIHS
Authors: Pradhan A , Sinha A K , Upreti D
Published: July 2012

Introduction: Ovarian tumors account for fifth most common cause of cancer related death in females involving a variety of histological diagnosis. It accounts for 6% of all cancers. Though it is one of the treatable cancers due to its sensitivity to anticancer therapies, it frequently does not result in symptoms until the cancer has spread extensively.Objectives: To study the incidence, histopathological spectrum and clinical correlates of ovarian tumours at B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences (BPKIHS).Methods: A cross-sectional study was undertaken during a period of one year (1st Jan. 31st Dec 2006). The tumors were classified according to WHO classification after thorough examination of H&E slides under light microscope. Data on clinical presentation and physical findings were also recorded in each case.Results: There were a total of 83 cases. Surface epithelial tumors emerged as the commonest variety accounting for 47%, followed by Germ cell tumors (45.8%). Sex . cord stromal tumors and metastatic tumors accounted 3.6% each. The age range was 10 . 86 years. Metastatic tumors involved younger age groups. Abdominal mass was the commonest clinical presentation followed by pain abdomen.Conclusion: At BPKIHS, ovarian tumors were found to occur in wide range of age (10-86years) with abdominal mass and pain abdomen being the commonest mode of clinical presentation .Histology revealed that surface epithelial tumors and germ cell tumors together constitute the large majority of the case (92.8%). An accurate histological diagnosis and staging is therapeutically and prognostically important.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hren.v10i2.6570 Health Renaissance 2012; Vol 10 (No.2); 87-97
SEM evaluation of gap at the resin dentin interface in Class II composite resin restoration: an in vitro study
Authors: Mazumdar P , Das U Kumar , Kundu R
Published: July 2012

Introduction: Composite resins have become one of the most commonly used direct restorative materials for anterior and posterior teeth.Objectives: To observe and analyze the gap at the resin dentin interface in class II cavities restored with light cure composite resin in four experimental groups employing 37% phosphoric acid or self etching monomers and restored with /without light cure flowable composite resin.Methods: 40 sound maxillary first premolars, extracted due to orthodontic reasons was taken, distoproximal cavities were prepared and divided into 4 groups. Teeth of Group 1 was etched by 37% Phosphoric acid and light cure flowable composite resin was used, in group 2 ,two coats of self etching acidic monomer were applied and light cure flowable composite resin was used. Teeth of group 3 was etched with 37% phosphoric acid and restored without light cure flowable composite resin and in group 4, two coats of self etching acidic monomer were applied and restored without using light cure flowable composite resin material. Thermocycling was done after finishing and polishing and viewed under scanning electron microscope to observe and analyze the gap between tooth and the restoration.Result: Gap was observed at dentin-composite resin interface in all 4 groups. Results were evaluated by F-test and Manwhitney U test. No statistically significant difference was found.Conclusion: Use of flowable composite resin liner and the etching technique do not have any influence on the gap.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hren.v10i2.6571 Health Renaissance 2012; Vol 10 (No.2); 98-104
Prevalence and clinical features of pityriasis versicolor in children
Authors: Rijal A , Agrawal S , Bhattarai S
Published: July 2012

Background: Pityriasis versicolor (P.versicolor) is a mild chronic infection of the skin caused by Malassezia yeasts. The disease is more prevalent in teenagers and adults and children are rarely affected.Objective: To study the prevalence and clinical presentation of P.versicolor in children.Methods: All children below 14years of age presenting with hypo pigmented macules were screened for P.versicolor. A 10% KOH examination of skin scrapping was done in all the screened patients. A positive KOH mount showing spores and hyphae were included in the study. The clinical and epidemiological data was noted.Results: The total number of children with hypo pigmented macules was 102 and 58 were positive for PV. In 31.2%patients the lesions were on the face and these patients were below 1 years of age. Most cases presented in the summer months. Oil massage was seen in all patients.Conclusion: Hypo pigmented macules in infants should be screened for PV as this is seen to be quite common. Occlusion due to oil massage may cause PV.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hren.v10i2.6574 Health Renaissance 2012; Vol 10 (No.2); 105-107
Level of compliance and factors associated with non-compliance to treatment among the mentally ill patients
Authors: Lama S , Lakshmi K V , Shyangwa P M , Parajuli P
Published: July 2012

Background: Mental illnesses are treatable and need medication and other therapies i.e. counseling, psychotherapy etc for the better outcome. Poor adherence to psychiatric medication regimens is a major obstacle to the effective care of persons who have chronic mental illness.Objectives: The study aims to identify the level of compliance and factors associated with non-compliance to treatment regimen.Methods: This was a hospital based cross sectional study carried out in psychiatric ward and OPD at B.P.Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan Nepal. A total of 150 patients were included as study samples using purposive sampling technique. Data was collected using self developed, pre tested, semi structured Pro forma by interview method.Results: Half of the patients showed average compliance. Thirty seven percentages of patients had good compliance and only 13% showed poor compliance. There was no association between drug compliance and demographic variables (p> 0.05). Drug compliance was significantly associated with factors such as drug related aspects, treatment access related factors, quality of interaction with treating team, family support, attitude towards mental illness and relatives' insight towards mental illness (p<0.05 ).Conclusion: The findings of the study highlighted the various factors such as drug related, social support, and treatment access related factors are influencing the drug compliance among the mentally ill patients.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hren.v10i2.6577 Health Renaissance 2012; Vol 10 (No.2); 113-117
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy: an experience of university hospital in eastern Nepal
Authors: Bajracharya A , Adhikary S , Agrawal C S
Published: July 2012

Introduction: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy has become the standard treatment for symptomatic gall stones disease. Objective of this study to assess the safety of this procedure, to audit the conversion and bile duct injury rates and the factors which influence these. Methods: A total of 346 laparoscopic cholecystectomy over a six months period (15 April 2010 to 14 October 2010) with their demographics and ethnic group, conversion to open operation and bile duct injury were recorded. Pre operative, operative and the relevant data were collected prospectively. A chi squire test was done to determine significance of any differences between subgroups. Results: Male to female ratio was 1:4. The most common indication for surgery was biliary colic/dyspepsia (51%),cholecystitis (chronic- 49.4%, acute- 12%), pancreatitis, gallbladder polyp, history of recurrent attacks 16.5%,obesity 19.1%. 128 were operated by consultant, 170 by junior consultants, 48 were by senior residents. There was no statistically significant difference found in the duration of surgery between consultants and junior consultants (P=0.264), however significance between consultants and senior residents (P=<0.001)was observed. Conclusion: Despite limited resources, laparoscopic cholecystectomy is feasible and safe for gallstones disease even in developing country like Nepal.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hren.v10i2.6582 Health Renaissance 2012; Vol 10 (No.2); 134-136
Fahr's disease: a rare neurodegenerative disorder
Authors: Ahmad K , Dhungel K , Sah P , Ansari S , Shashikar Dr.
Published: July 2012

Fahr's disease is a rare neurodegenerative disorder that is characterized by the bilateral symmetrical deposition of calcium in the basal ganglia, thalamus, dentate nuclei and centrum semiovale in the absence of hypoparathyroidism. It is often familial. Hereby, we are reporting a rare case of Fahr's disease who presented with repeated episodes of seizures and was diagnosed as Fahr's disease after performing computed tomographic (CT) scan.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hren.v10i2.6589 Health Renaissance 2012; Vol 10 (No.2); 155-156
INASP support to improve medical journals of developing countries: BJMS experience
Authors: Al-Mahmood Abu Kholdun
Published: July 2012

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v11i2.11417 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol. 11 No. 02 April 2012 71-73
Right superior aberrant renal artery - its embryological significance
Authors: Kumar G Parveen
Published: July 2012

During routine dissection of an old male cadaver, in the Department of Anatomy, Pinnamaneni Siddhartha Institute of Medical science, Chinoutpalli, Andhra Pradesh, India, presence of right superior aberrant renal artery was noted. It took origin from the lateral aspect of abdominal aorta, below the origin of superior mesenteric artery and above the right main renal artery .The right superior renal artery run towards upper pole of the right kidney. Proper knowledge of variations of the arteries supplying the kidney is essential not only to the anatomists but also to the vascular surgeons, urologists, nephrologists and radiologists. Such vascular variations as noted in the present study have been explained in light of embryogenic development. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v11i2.11484 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol. 11 No. 02 April 2012: 148-150
Spironolactone; the ultimate blocker of RAAS cascade in hypertensive patients with special reference to its cardiovascular benefits: Revisiting the forgotten ways
Authors: Sunil Kumar Kota , Sruti Jammula , Siva Krishna Kota , Sandip Panda , Lalit Kumar Meher , Kirtikumar D Modi
Published: July 2012

Hypertension is a major risk factor for various macro and microvascular complications in a patient with diabetes. Control of hypertension is of paramount importance in the care of a diabetes subject. The goals for blood pressure in diabetes subjects are below 130/ 80 mmHg and below 125/75 mmHg if accompanying renal impairment is there. Spironolactone is a medication that has been used to treat high blood pressure since the 1960s. While there is some belief spironolactone reduces blood pressure, there are concerns due to the potential for this drug to cause adverse effects. Previous Meta analysis has shown that spironolactone reduces systolic/diastolic blood pressure by approximately 20/7 mmHg compared to placebo. Spironolactone has also been shown to decrease morbidity and mortality in patients with heart failure. We have tried to emphasize upon the usage of this old but important drug in management of resistant hypertension with reference to its mode of action, benefits and recent studies pertinent to cardiovascular benefits of spironolactone. Data Source:We searched PUBMED and MEDLINE database for relevant articles including key words. References of each article were further reviewed for final synthesis of the manuscript. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v11i2.8664 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol. 11 No. 02 April 2012: 80-86
Tumor Associated Macrophages-Friends Turned Foe? A Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Jairajpuri Zeeba Shamim , Agarwal Usha
Published: July 2012

Most malignant tumors are infiltrated by inflammatory cells and it has long been considered that such infiltrates may be evidence of a host response to the tumor. Although lymphocytes are prominent in the inflammatory infiltrate, macrophages are also present, often in considerable numbers. Breast carcinoma is one such tumor where tumor associated macrophages (TAM) have been reported to be widespread, more so in Western literature. There is paucity of information about the biological and prognostic significance of this phenomenon in India. Ours is a tertiary center which receives approximately100 to120cases of breast carcinoma for pathological evaluation annually. Here we report the first case in our experience which showed large numbers of macrophages infiltrating the stroma around the tumor cells.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v11i2.8928 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol. 11 No. 02 April 2012: 139-142
Incidence of Instrument Fall During Caesarean Section: An Enigma
Authors: Joshi Chitra , Joshi Anil Kumar , Pal Bhawani , Mohsin Zehra , Sharma Rajyashri
Published: July 2012

Objective: The aim of the study was to analyse and compare statistically the incidence of accidental fall of instruments during elective and emergency caesarean section. Material and Methods: A prospective study was carried out at (V. C. S. G. G. Medical Sciences and Research Institute) Srinagar, Pauri Garhwal, India over a period of 24 months. The instrument fall during elective and emergency caesarean sections was observed. The observer counted the number of times an instrument fell during surgery. The personnel responsible were identified. A note of the nature of instrument falling was made. Results: We observed 362 surgeries which included 242 emergency caesarean sections and 120 elective caesarean sections. There were a total of 159 falls. Falls were classified as major and minor. There were 22 falls (18.33%) during elective caesarean sections and 137 falls (56.61%) during emergency caesarean sections. There were 53 major and 106 minor falls. Two or more falls were noted in 31 surgeries. In 96 instances (60.37%) the operating surgeon was responsible for the fall. In 37 cases (23.27%) assisting surgeon and in 17 cases (10.69%) the scrub nurse was responsible for the fall of the instruments. Nine falls (5.66%) were unaccountable. Most falls in elective caesarean section were in later half of the surgery while in emergency caesarean section, they were before and during the extraction of the baby. The surgeries were delayed, on an average by 5.7 minutes after a major fall of an instrument. Conclusions: Falling of instruments in the theatre is a common problem all over the world. This leads to increase in operating time, more resources and quality compromise. The operating surgeon was mainly responsible for the fall. Ashort training programme in instrument handling should be conducted for operating surgeons which may be helpful in preventing such avoidable falls. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v11i2.8957 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol. 11 No. 02 April 2012: 87-90
Effects of Vitamin D Treatment on Skeletal Muscle Histology and Ultrastructural Changes in a Rodent Model
Authors: Alkharfy Khalid M. , Al-Daghri Nasser M. , Ahmed Mukhtar , Yakout Sobhy M.
Published: July 2012

Vitamin D is well known for its role in maintaining calcium and phosphorus homeostasis and in promoting bone mineralization; however, more of its pleiotropic effects have been described recently. The aim of the present investigation was to study the effect of vitamin D treatment on skeletal muscles changes under different dietary conditions using an animal model. Four groups of C57BL/6J mice (n = 11 each) were maintained on either low fat diet (LFD) or high fat diet ‎‎(HFD) with and without 1α,25–dihydroxyvitamin D3 (calcitriol) for 16 weeks. Animal weigh was recorded at baseline and then regular intervals, and at the end of the study, skeletal muscle tissues were harvested for the evaluation of the histopathological and ultrastructural changes. When control C57BL/6J mice were fed high-fat diet for 12 weeks, body weight gain was significantly increased compared with mice fed a LFD. (30.2% vs. 8.4%, p < 0.01). There was a significant gradual decrease in the weight of HFD fed mice that were treated with vitamin D as compared with a steady increase in the weights of controls (6.8% vs. 28.7%, p < 0.01).
While the LFD group showed some ultrastructural changes, HDF fed on mice showed great muscle structural abnormalities. The whole sarcosome along with its membrane and cristae were severely damaged with scattered myocytes in HFD group. Furthermore, the mitochondria appeared weak and were on the verge of degenerations. The bands were diminished with loss of connections among myofibrils. These changes were attenuated in the HFD group treated with vitamin D with tissues have regained their normal structural appearance. The current findings indicate an important effect of vitamin D on skeletal muscle histology under HFD conditions.
La médiation de l'ombre : de la « pré-vision » à la prévision. Une étude clinique dans le cadre de l'autisme infantile
Authors: Brun Marie-Agnès , Chouvier Bernard
Published: July 2012

Résumé L’impossibilité d’avoir accès à toute prévision est patente dans la façon d’être des enfants autistes que nous accompagnons. Tout se passe comme si aucun vécu ne pouvait faire retour, comme si rien ne pouvait être anticipé. À l’instar de son ombre, l’enfant autiste semble s’agripper à son environnement, s’y coller sensoriellement au plus près, abrasant de la sorte tout recul, qu’il soit spatial ou temporel. Dans une perspective thérapeutique, nous avons engagé pour la première fois, dans le cadre de l’autisme, l’ombre du corps propre en tant que médiation. En effet, bien qu’elle soit une image bidimensionnelle du corps, l’ombre désigne également le relief du monde sur lequel elle se projette. En cela, elle nous a paru offrir des perspectives de dégagement et constituer un entre-deux apte à ouvrir à l’intégration d’un premier écart, condition de l’accès à la prévision. Par l’entremise d’une étude de cas, nous rendons compte ici de cette expérience princeps.
Thérapie psychomotrice auprès d'un enfant présentant des troubles envahissants du développement
Authors: Devanne Élise
Published: July 2012

Résumé Cet article relate quelques mois de la prise en charge d’un petit garçon de 3 ans, Jonathan, présentant des troubles envahissants du développement. Cette expérience de thérapie psychomotrice met en évidence ses troubles d’un point de vue psychodynamique. Ceux-ci sont centrés sur l’image du corps et les angoisses corporelles. Deux principales manipulations d’objets de Jonathan rendent compte de cette expérience clinique : celles des ballons et des feutres. Ce texte témoigne également du processus thérapeutique qui vise à accompagner et à étayer Jonathan dans une reprise de la structuration du moi corporel. La thérapie psychomotrice repose sur la mise en mots des manipulations de l’enfant. La reconnaissance de nos propres éprouvés est au cœur du processus thérapeutique. Il s’agit d’amener l’enfant vers une conscience de lui-même et de l’autre, dans une relation sûre et différenciée.
What's the trouble ? About gender, Judith Butler and Edith Stein...
Authors: Rastoin Cécile
Published: July 2012

Résumé On peut se demander pourquoi les mouvements subversifs doivent tant aux intellectuelles juives. De façon étonnante, nous nous proposons, pour traiter cette question, de dresser un portrait comparé d’Edith Stein et de Judith Butler, dont les racines juives sont peu évoquées dans ce dernier cas. Des féminismes différents les marquent toutes les deux, de même que toutes deux S’affrontent aux normes du monde païen, et y apportent des réponses singulières. En croisant les regards et les lectures, on S’aperçoit que le Dieu de la Révélation judéo-chrétienne créée, sépare, féconde par sa Parole mais qu’il n’a pas d’« identité sexuelle » ni de pratique sexuée. La chasteté n’est pas « naturelle » mais libère les capacités spirituelles de l’être humain. Il ne devrait pas être possible de S’autoriser de la Bible pour encourager la marginalisation ; historiquement, pourtant, il y a eu violence. Toujours en croisant les itinéraires personnels, les compétences intellectuelles et les traditions spirituels, ce sont les grandes questions de la postmodernité sur la différence sexuelle qui surgissent ici. Il y a beaucoup de fruits inespérés à laisser mûrir de tels croisements en termes d’anthropologie théologique fondamentale, mais aussi de discussions plus pointues autour de la controverse du gender .
Une diplomatie de professeurs au cœur de l'Allemagne vaincue : la mission Haguenin à Berlin (mars 1919-juin 1920)
Authors: Aballéa Marion
Published: July 2012

Résumé De mars 1919 à juin 1920, une mission officieuse, dirigée par le professeur Émile Haguenin et composée d’universitaires, a été à Berlin l’instrument du Quai d’Orsay voulant reprendre la main sur les affaires allemandes. Évoluant dans un cadre institutionnel flou et dans un paysage allemand plus confus encore, la mission Haguenin a représenté une expérience diplomatique inédite : opportuniste et volontariste, faisant reposer son action essentiellement sur les relations personnelles en Allemagne et sur une large autonomie par rapport à Paris, elle a dessiné une recomposition des rôles du diplomate et s’est pensée comme l’outil d’une rénovation de la relation diplomatique entre la France et l’Allemagne. Si, née de la guerre, la Mission ne survit pas à la paix, elle laisse son empreinte en 1920 sur l’ambassade de France qui rouvre ses portes à Berlin, et sur la relation entre les deux pays.
Tango de Neutres sur fond de guerre : les relations économiques entre la Suisse et l'Argentine (1938-1945)
Authors: Lucas Isabelle
Published: July 2012

Résumé Cet article porte sur les relations économiques entre deux pays restés neutres durant la guerre. Fondé sur des documents d’archives encore inexploités, il vise à comprendre comment la Suisse et l’Argentine sont parvenues à maintenir, et même à renforcer, leurs échanges malgré les obstacles liés au conflit. La guerre offre à la Suisse l’opportunité de gagner des parts importantes du marché argentin pour les produits phares de son industrie d’exportation. Au-delà des circonstances de la guerre, ce sont aussi les stratégies volontaristes mises en œuvre par les milieux dirigeants helvétiques qui permettent ce résultat. Parmi ces stratégies, un crédit de 40 millions de francs suisses octroyés par les milieux financiers au Gouvernement argentin est au cœur de l’analyse.
La France, les États-Unis et la Force interafricaine au Zaïre (1978-1979)
Authors: Kinsey Powell Nathaniel
Published: July 2012

Résumé Cet article examine la diplomatie franco-américaine entourant le déploiement de la « Force interafricaine » au Zaïre en 1978-1979. Cette force, qui comprenait des unités venant de cinq pays africains, visait à sécuriser la province du Shaba, dans le Sud du Zaïre, qui venait de subir deux invasions des « Gendarmes katangais » basés dans l’État d’Angola voisin. Le soutien logistique, diplomatique et financier fourni par les États-Unis et surtout par la France, joua un rôle de premier plan dans la survie du régime de Mobutu Sese Seko. Fondé sur les archives diplomatiques françaises et américaines, cet article explore les mobiles et les intérêts qui motivèrent les hommes politiques de ces deux pays à cette époque. Il suggère que la France s’était davantage engagée que les États-Unis dans son soutien à Mobutu. Les Américains, sous l’administration Carter, sensibles à une certaine conception des Droits de l’homme, hésitaient à donner trop d’appui à un régime qui paraissait souvent les transgresser. En revanche, la France voyait en Mobutu un pilier essentiel pour ses intérêts géopolitiques en Afrique.
L'Occident et la crise lituanienne du printemps 1990
Authors: Bergmane Una
Published: July 2012

Résumé Le printemps 1990, marqué par les négociations sur la réunification allemande, fut également une période clé dans le processus de désintégration soviétique. En effet, le 11 mars 1990, la Lituanie est devenue la première République soviétique à proclamer son indépendance. Elle est bientôt suivie et appuyée par les deux autres États baltes, mettant ainsi en question l’intégrité de l’Union et la stabilité du pouvoir de Mikhaïl Gorbatchev. L’auteur de cet article retrace les actions et analyse les positions occidentales face aux tentatives soviétiques de forcer la Lituanie à annuler sa déclaration d’indépendance. Cette recherche est fondée sur des archives présidentielles et diplomatiques françaises consultées par dérogation, sur des archives présidentielles récemment déclassifiées aux États-Unis et sur des documents allemands publiés.
Selecting Concepts for a Concept-Based Curriculum: Application of a Benchmark Approach
Authors: Giddens Jean Foret , Wright Mary , Gray Irene
Published: July 2012

In response to a transformational movement in nursing education, faculty across the country are considering changes to curricula and approaches to teaching. As a result, an emerging trend in many nursing programs is the adoption of a concept-based curriculum. As part of the curriculum development process, the selection of concepts, competencies, and exemplars on which to build courses and base content is needed. This article presents a benchmark approach used to validate and finalize concept selection among educators developing a concept-based curriculum for a statewide nursing consortium. These findings are intended to inform other nurse educators who are currently involved with or are considering this curriculum approach.
Señas de identidad judías y cristianas en la cuentística medieval: algunos ejemplos hispánicos
Authors: Alba Amparo , Sainz de la Maza Carlos
Published: July 2012

En este artículo los autores analizan la función del cuento como elemento literario de afirmación de la identidad cultural, judía o cristiana, en el mundo hispánico medieval. A modo de ilustración, se presenta un corpus de relatos tomados de obras medievales judías y en fuentes cristianas y que contienen elementos relevantes para el análisis.
La sinagoga Mayor de Segovia y sus propiedades urbanas a comienzos del siglo XV
Authors: Bartolomé Herrero Bonifacio
Published: July 2012

La sinagoga Mayor de Segovia fue construida a fines del siglo XIII o entrado ya el siglo XIV. A comienzos del siglo XV fue tomada a los judíos y consagrada como iglesia bajo la advocación del Corpus Christi, siendo entregada en 1421 su posesión a la abadía agustina de Santa María de Párraces. En el presente trabajo el autor recopila las noticias conocidas de esta sinagoga, se analiza la significación religiosa, social y económica de la iglesia de Corpus Christi desde su consagración hasta la expulsión de los judíos, y se estudian seis contratos de alquiler (fechados entre 1424 y 1478) que permiten reconstruir el conjunto de bienes inmuebles que habían pertenecido a la antigua sinagoga
ZBTB32 Is an Early Repressor of the CIITA and MHC Class II Gene Expression during B Cell Differentiation to Plasma Cells
Authors: Yoon Hye Suk , Scharer Christopher D. , Majumder Parimal , Davis Carl W. , Butler Royce , Zinzow-Kramer Wendy , Skountzou Ioanna , Koutsonanos Dimitrios G. , Ahmed Rafi , Boss Jeremy M.
Published: July 2012

CIITA and MHC class II expression is silenced during the differentiation of B cells to plasma cells. When B cell differentiation is carried out ex vivo, CIITA silencing occurs rapidly, but the factors contributing to this event are not known. ZBTB32, also known as repressor of GATA3, was identified as an early repressor of CIITA in an ex vivo plasma cell differentiation model. ZBTB32 activity occurred at a time when B lymphocyte-induced maturation protein-1 (Blimp-1), the regulator of plasma cell fate and suppressor of CIITA, was minimally induced. Ectopic expression of ZBTB32 suppressed CIITA and I-A gene expression in B cells. Short hairpin RNA depletion of ZBTB32 in a plasma cell line resulted in re-expression of CIITA and I-A. Compared with conditional Blimp-1 knockout and wild-type B cells, B cells from ZBTB32/ROG-knockout mice displayed delayed kinetics in silencing CIITA during ex vivo plasma cell differentiation. ZBTB32 was found to bind to the CIITA gene, suggesting that ZBTB32 directly regulates CIITA. Lastly, ZBTB32 and Blimp-1 coimmunoprecipitated, suggesting that the two repressors may ultimately function together to silence CIITA expression. These results introduce ZBTB32 as a novel regulator of MHC-II gene expression and a potential regulatory partner of Blimp-1 in repressing gene expression.
Differential Interaction of the Two Related Fungal SpeciesCandida albicansandCandida dubliniensiswith Human Neutrophils
Authors: Svobodová Eliška , Staib Peter , Losse Josephine , Hennicke Florian , Barz Dagmar , Józsi Mihály
Published: July 2012

Candida albicans, the most common facultative human pathogenic fungus is of major medical importance, whereas the closely related species Candida dubliniensis is less virulent and rarely causes life-threatening, systemic infections. Little is known, however, about the reasons for this difference in pathogenicity, and especially on the interactions of C. dubliniensis with the human immune system. Because innate immunity and, in particular, neutrophil granulocytes play a major role in host antifungal defense, we studied the responses of human neutrophils to clinical isolates of both C. albicans and C. dubliniensis. C. dubliniensis was found to support neutrophil migration and fungal cell uptake to a greater extent in comparison with C. albicans, whereas inducing less neutrophil damage and extracellular trap formation. The production of antimicrobial reactive oxygen species, myeloperoxidase, and lactoferrin, as well as the inflammatory chemokine IL-8 by neutrophils was increased when stimulated with C. dubliniensis as compared with C. albicans. However, most of the analyzed macrophage-derived inflammatory and regulatory cytokines and chemokines, such as IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-1ra, TNF-α, IL-10, G-CSF, and GM-CSF, were less induced by C. dubliniensis. Similarly, the amounts of the antifungal immunity-related IL-17A produced by PBMCs was significantly lower when challenged with C. dubliniensis than with C. albicans. These data indicate that C. dubliniensis triggers stronger early neutrophil responses than C. albicans, thus providing insight into the differential virulence of these two closely related fungal species, and suggest that this is, in part, due to their differential capacity to form hyphae.
Endothelial Cells and Fibroblasts Amplify the Arthritogenic Type I IFN Response in Murine Lyme Disease and Are Major Sources of Chemokines inBorrelia burgdorferi-Infected Joint Tissue
Authors: Lochhead Robert B. , Sonderegger F. Lynn , Ma Ying , Brewster James E. , Cornwall Doug , Maylor-Hagen Heather , Miller Jennifer C. , Zachary James F. , Weis John H. , Weis Janis J.
Published: July 2012

Localized elevation in type I IFN has been uniquely linked to the severe Lyme arthritis that develops in C3H mice infected with the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi. In this study, the dynamic interactions that result in generation of these responses were further examined in C3H mice carrying the type I IFN receptor gene ablation, which effectively blocks all autocrine/paracrine signaling crucial to induction of downstream effectors. Reciprocal radiation chimeras between C3H and IFNAR1−/− mice implicated both radiation-sensitive and radiation-resistant cells of the joint tissue in the proarthritic induction of type I IFN. Ex vivo analysis of cells from the naive joint revealed CD45+ cells residing in the tissue to be uniquely capable of initiating the type I IFN response to B. burgdorferi. Type I IFN responses were analyzed in real time by lineage sorting of cells from infected joint tissue. This demonstrated that myeloid cells, endothelial cells, and fibroblasts were responsible for propagating the robust IFN response, which peaked at day 7 postinfection and rapidly resolved. Endothelial cells and fibroblasts were the dominant sources of IFN signature transcripts in the joint tissue. Fibroblasts were also the major early source of chemokines associated with polymorphonuclear leukocyte and monocyte/macrophage infiltration, thus providing a focal point for arthritis development. These findings suggest joint-localized interactions among related and unrelated stromal, endothelial, and myeloid cell lineages that may be broadly applicable to understanding the pathogeneses of diseases associated with type I IFN signature, including systemic lupus erythematosus and some rheumatoid arthritides.
Psychophysical Interpretation for Utility Measures
Authors: He Yuqing
Published: July 2012

The paper explores utility measures by combining experiments with mathematical derivations in the psychophysics paradigm. The analysis on the ultimatum game experiment reveals evidences for the utility threshold and thus supports Bernoulli’s utility logarithmic law. Both experimental results and theoretical derivations show that the logarithmic law is suitable for the description of commodity choice and the power law for risk choice. The further mathematical demonstration indicates the logarithmic law for utility scaling to be a Klein– Rubin utility function, a utility function well defined in microeconomics. Based on this, the experimental utility measure is connected with the econometric model Linear Expenditure System, and presents an experimental procedure for testing the utility maximization hypothesis, which will resolve a long unsettled perplexity in a fundamental stone of economics since Gossen proposed it in 1854.
Interactions between leaf nitrogen status and longevity in relation to N cycling in three contrasting European forest canopies
Authors: Wang L. , Ibrom A. , Korhonen J. F. J. , Arnoud Frumau K. F. , Wu J. , Pihlatie M. , Schjoerring J. K.
Published: July 2012

Abstract. Seasonal and spatial variations in foliar nitrogen (N) parameters were investigated in three European forests with different tree species, viz. beech (Fagus sylvatica L.), Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii, Mirb., Franco) and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) in Denmark, The Netherlands and Finland, respectively. This was done in order to obtain information about functional acclimation, tree internal N conservation and its relevance for both ecosystem internal N cycling and foliar N exchange with the atmosphere. Leaf N pools generally showed much higher seasonal variability in beech trees than in the coniferous canopies. The concentrations of N and chlorophyll in the beech leaves were synchronized with the seasonal course of solar radiation implying close physiological acclimation, which was not observed in the coniferous needles. During phases of intensive N metabolism in the beech leaves, the NH4+ concentration rose considerably. This was compensated for by a strong pH decrease resulting in relatively low Γ values (ratio between tissue NH4+ and H+). The Γ values in the coniferous were even smaller than in beech, indicating low probability of NH3 emissions from the foliage to the atmosphere as an N conserving mechanism. The reduction in foliage N content during senescence was interpreted as N re-translocation from the senescing leaves into the rest of the trees. The N re-translocation efficiency (ηr) ranged from 37 to 70% and decreased with the time necessary for full renewal of the canopy foliage. Comparison with literature data from in total 23 tree species showed a general tendency for ηr to on average be reduced by 8% per year the canopy stays longer, i.e. with each additional year it takes for canopy renewal. The boreal pine site returned the lowest amount of N via foliage litter to the soil, while the temperate Douglas fir stand which had the largest peak canopy N content and the lowestηr returned the highest amount of N to the soil. These results support the hypothesis that a high N status, e.g. as a consequence of chronically high atmospheric N inputs, increases ecosystem internal over tree-bulk-tissue internal N cycling in conifer stands. The two evergreen tree species investigated in the present study behaved very differently in all relevant parameters, i.e. needle longevity, Nc and ηr, showing that generalisations on tree internal vs. ecosystem internal N cycling cannot be made on the basis of the leaf habit alone.