bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contra-Lateral Needling in the Treatment of Hemiplegia Due to Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Gao Huanmin , Gao Xia , Liang Guixia , Ma Ben-Xu
Published: January 2014

Contra-lateral Needling, a traditional acupuncture technique, means contra-lateral acupuncture by inserting needles into acupoints on the relative healthy side of the body opposite to the injured side to treat diseases such as apoplexy with high efficacy. However, there are not many
well-designed and controlled clinical evidences found in the literature. Therefore the present study was designed to assess its therapeutic responses in the treatment of hemiplegia due to acute ischemic stroke. A clinical study was conducted with randomly selected 106 patients who have acute
ischemic stroke confirmed by MRI. The subjects were assigned into 3 groups: 45 in the contra-lateral needling group received acupuncture on the unaffected limbs; 45 in the conventional acupuncture group received acupuncture on the hemiplegic limbs; and 16 in the non-acupuncture group received
the similar medical and nursing care as subjects in other two groups but no acupuncture treatment. Acupuncture was given daily for 45 minutes for 30 days. The clinical therapeutic responses rate, Neurological Deficits Score (NDS), Modified Barthel Index (MBI) and Fugl-Meger Assertion (FMA)
were used to evaluate the effectiveness ono days treatment. The therapeutic response rate of the contra-lateral needling group was 46.67%, while 31.11% in the conventional acupuncture group, and 18.75% in the non-acupuncture group. The NDS of Contra-lateral needling group decreased more significantly
than that of the conventional acupuncture group (p<0.01). The study also found that the MBI and FMA of Contra-lateral needling group increased more significantly than those of the conventional acupuncture group (p<O. OI, respectively). Contra-lateral needling might be more effective
than the conventional acupuncture in the treatment of hemiplegia due to acute ischemic stroke in terms of increasing the recovery of neurological functions, promoting ADL (activities for daily living) rehabilitation and the limbs motor function.
Newly Discovered Quick, Non-Invasive Screening Method of Bone Marrow Malignancies Including Various Leukemias, Hodgkin's Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, & Multiple Myeloma by Abnormality of Small Rectangular Area within Bone Marrow Organ Representation Areas of the Face
Authors: Omura Yoshiaki , O'Young Brian , Jones Marilyn , Nihrane Abdalla , Duvvi Harsha , Paluch Kamila , Shimotsuura Yasuhiro , Ohki Motomu
Published: January 2014

Diagnoses of bone marrow associated malignancies such as Acute & Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, Acute & Chronic Myelogenous (Myeloid) Leukemia, Hodgkin's Lymphoma & Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, and Multiple Myeloma are often missed without a blood test. However, in 2008, Omura
Y reported several newly discovered organ representation areas that exist between the lower end of the eyebrows and upper end of the upper eyelid. This space was divided into 5 organ representation areas. The first space (more than 1/4 of entire space) near the side of the face (temple) is
the bone marrow representation area (BMRA). Therefore, we examined the bone marrow representation areas non-invasively using the Bi-Digital O-Ring Test (BDORT). When the small rectangular shaped part of the BMRA is strong negative (-) with more than -2, often there is a malignancy associated
with bone marrow. In this area, we found 1) Integrin a5∼1 & Oncogen C-fos Ab2 increased very significantly between 125∼300 ng BDORT units; 2) very high Chrysotile Asbestos (0.11∼0.14 mg); 3) markedly reduced Acetylcholine ofless than 1 ng; 4) significantly reduced telomere
ofless than 1 yg (=10-24 g); and 5) Increased 8-0H-dG (often more than 5 ng). Once the abnormal small rectangular area is localized by BDORT, by detecting the specific microscope slide which produces EMF (electromagnetic field) resonance, one can diagnose these malignancies non-invasively
in about 10 minutes. When a subject has anyone of the above 7 types of bone marrow associated malignancies, the 5 aforementioned abnormal parameters can be detected. When Acetylcholine is markedly reduced to 0.25 ng or less, 8-0H-dG is 10 ng or higher, and Sirtuin 1 (one of the 7 mammalian
longevity genes products) in both the Hippocampus and the body is 0.025 pg or less, most of the patients have a very poor prognosis. However, we found that increasing normal cell telomere & longevity gene product Sirtuin 1 can often improve both pathology & prognosis. All measurements
are in BDORT units (the weight required to produce maximum EMF resonance).
Acute Effects of Electro-acupuncture (EA) On Hippocampal Long Term Potentiation (LTP) of Perforant Path-Dentate Gyrus Granule Cells Synapse Related to Memory
Authors: He Xiaokuo , Yan Tiebin , Chen Rongfa , Ran Dongzhi
Published: January 2014

Acupuncture, a traditional Chinese therapeutic method, has been widely used in clinical practice to treat diseases such as stroke, Bell's palsy, Alzheimer disease, Parkinson diseases, dysmenorrhea and chronic pain. Mounting lab data had suggested that electro-acupuncture could alleviate
dementia and restore long term potentiation of hippocampus in rat. Clinical data also indicated that electro-acupuncture could improve electrical activity of brain in vascular dementia patients. However, its biological basis and acute effects on hippocampal long term potentiation (LTP) remain
not well understood. Therefore, we sought to investigate whether acute electro-acupuncture (acupoints: ST36 and SP6; continuous wave, 2 mV, 2Hz; lasted 20 min) could enhance LTP of perforant path-dentate gyrus granule cells in anesthetized rat and explore its underlying mechanisms. We found
that electro-acupuncture could significantly increase PS2/PS1 in pair pulse test (p <0.05, inter-pulse interval: 20ms and 90ms). When compared to control group, electro-acupuncture could significantly enhance LTP to about 234% which was about 143% of that in control group (p
<0.05). It suggested that electro-acupuncture could modulate the function of interneurons in hippocampus hence increase LTP.
Effects of Combining Electroacupuncture with General Anesthesia Induced by Sevoflurane in Patients Undergoing Supratentorial Craniotomy and Improvements in Their Clinical Recovery Profile & Blood Enkephalin
Authors: Yang Caixia , An Lixin , Han Ruquan , Lin Song , Kang Xixiong , Wang Baoguo
Published: January 2014

Drug-induced anesthesia combined with electroacupuncture (EA) in patients has been put into practice in recent years in China. In this study, we showed the effectiveness of EA on the speed of post-operative recovery of patients undergoing supratentorial craniotomy and the potential
clinical mechanism of EA. Dual channel electrical stimulator made by HANS Beijing connected the following acupoints respectively: LI4 (Hegu), SJ5 (Waiguan), ST36 (Zusanli), BL63 (Jinmen), LR3 (Taichong), and GB40 (Qiuxu). Disperse-dense and symmetric biphasic pulse waves were selected, frequency
of waves (pulse rates) were 2Hz/100Hz, altered/3sec; pulse duration was 0.6ms/0.2ms, 2Hz: 0.6ms, 100Hz: 0.2ms; symmetric biphasic pulse wave. We found that the EA-group required 9.62% less sevoflurane than the sham EA-group (P<0.05). During recovery from anesthesia, the autonomous respiration
recovery time, tracheo-tube removal time, eye-opening time, voluntary motor recovery time, orientation force recovery time, and the operating-room departure time of the EA-group were all significantly shortened 35.86%, 27.07%, 38.38%, 30.11%, 34.95%, 28.80% than the corresponding sham EA-group,
respectively (P<0.05). The serum enkephalin values were elevated in the EA group versus the sham EA-group.
Comparison of 2 Methods of Non-invasive Treatment between Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulation and Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Stimulation as Replacement of Invasive Manual Acupuncture
Authors: Kim Soo-Byeong , Kim Jung-Yoon , Park Sun-Woo , Lee Na-Ra , Lee Seung-Wook , Kim Young-Ho , Lee Yong-Heum
Published: January 2014

The aim of this study was to find the non-invasive optimal alternative method for Manual Acupuncture. Existing researches had reported that Transcutaneous Electrical Acupoint Stimulation (TEAS) was an effective treatment method instead of manual acupuncture. In place of the TEAS, we
suggested the Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields (PEMFs). Thus, we designed the PEMFs system which can stimulate only an acupoint. There have been no researches which reported therapeutic effect when stimulating at an identical acupoint by TEAS and PEMFs. Hence, this study investigated the therapeutic
effect on the muscle fatigue after the strenuous knee extension/flexion exercise by two stimulations. We selected the stimulation method of both TEAS and PEMFs by using 2Hz biphasic rectangular wave pulse and pulse width 0.2ms. The magnetic flux was the 30.92mT (309.2gauss) at 2 Hz. The electromyogram
(EMG) and the maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) at rectus femoris were measured. The Median Frequency (MF) at TEAS group was significantly effective at 6 minutes (p=0.499). The PEMFs group was recovered to the MF rapidly after 4 minutes (p=0.166). The results of the peak torque
indicated that both non-stimulation group and TEAS group did not recover to the peak torque at pre-exercise during the recovery period (p<0.05). In contrast, the significant treatment effect of PEMFs group was found after 14 minutes (p=0.135). The results of this study demonstrated
that PEMFs were better than TEAS as a non-invasive method to replace the manual acupuncture.
The Effects of Acupuncture on the Levels of Blood Pressure and Nitric Oxide in Hypertensive Patients
Authors: Severcan Çınar , Çevik Cemal , Acar H. Volkan , Sivri Ayşe Banu Çayci , Mit Ş. Setenay , Geçioğlu Ersel , Paşaoğlu Özge Tuğçe , Gündüztepe Yasemin
Published: January 2014

Hypertension possess a significant risk factor for a variety of diseases and affects millions of people all around the world. Recent studies suggest that NO plays a role in pathogenesis of hypertension while some investigators find a close relationship between acupuncture treatment
and NO levels. We therefore aimed to investigate the effect of acupuncture on the levels of blood pressure and nitric oxide (NO) in hypertensive patients. After obtaining institutional ethics committee approval and patients' informed consent, 32 essential hypertensive patients aged between
32-65 and taking antihypertensive drugs were included to the study. A total of 10 sessions of manual acupuncture were applied on body acupoints (EX-HN3 (Yintang), KI 3, LIV 3, SP 9, LI 4, HT 7, ST 36, SP 6) in 10 weeks. Systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) levels and blood NO
levels were measured for 3 times (i.e. before & after the first session, and after the 10 th session). Main outcome measures of our study were the changes in SBP and DBP as well as nitric oxide levels between 3 measurements were compared. Our study showed that SBP and DBP values decreased
both after the 1st and 10th sessions of acupuncture treatments (p<0.05). The NO concentration also increased both after the 1st (71.5%) and 10th sessions (184.6%) (p<0.05).
Somatic Acupuncture Versus Ear Acupuncture in Migraine Therapy: A Randomized, Controlled, Blind Study
Authors: Ceccherelli Francesco , Lovato Antonello , Piana Eugenio , Gagliardi Giuseppe , Roveri Antonella
Published: January 2014

This study compares the clinical effectiveness of somatic and ear acupuncture for treatment of migraine without aura. 35 patients were divided into 2 groups, one receiving somatic and the other ear acupuncture. Both groups were treated once a week for 8 weeks and needles were stimulated
manually. The severity of pain was evaluated with the Migraine Index and the visual analogue of Scott-Huskisson; other 2 tests were used to monitor the pain threshold and Zung's Self-rating Depression Scale was applied to assess variations in patients' mood. These tests were performed before
the beginning and at the end of treatment and, for the follow up, after 1, 3 and 6 months from the end of therapy. On the basis of the migraine index, pain at the end of therapy was significantly lower than before the treatment, being residual pain 54.83% and 63.43%, respectively for somatic
and ear acupuncture. Apparently, the 2 treatments were equally effective, as no significant difference could be assessed. On the contrary, a significant difference between the 2 groups was clear during the follow up: in fact, after 6 months residual pain was 16.80% and 48.83% for somatic and
ear acupuncture, respectively (p=0.038). These results were confirmed by the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) test and by the evaluation of pain threshold. It is noteworthy that also Zung's depression test showed a significant decrease of score was present in both groups, at all the times investigated
with no difference between the two treatments. These results, though preliminary, are quite promising in supporting the effectiveness of ear acupuncture for treatment of migraine without aura.
Factors Significantly Increasing or Inhibiting Early Stages of Malignant Melanoma (M.M.) and Non-Invasive Evaluation of New Treatment by Ingestion and External Application of Optimal Doses of the Most Effective anti-M.M. substances: Haritaki, Cilantro, Vitamin D3, Nori,
EPA with DHA, & Application of Special (+) Solar Energy Stored Paper, which Reducedthe M.M. Active Area& Asbestos Rapidly
Authors: Omura Yoshiaki , Jones Marilyn , Duvvi Harsha , Paluch Kamila , Shimotsuura Yasuhiro , Ohki Motomu
Published: January 2014

Sterilizing the pre-cancer skin of malignant melanoma (M.M.) with 70% Isopropyl alcohol intensified malignancy &the malignant response extended to surrounding normallooking skin, whilesterilizing with 80% (vodka) or 12% (plum wine) ethyl alcohol completely inhibited M.M. in the
area (both effects lasted for about 90 minutes initially). Burnt food (bread, vegetables, meat, and fish), a variety of smoked & non-smokedfish-skin, many animal's skin, pepper, Vitamin C over 75 mg, mango, pineapple, coconut, almond, sugars, Saccharine & Aspartame, garlic, onion,
etc& Electromagnetic field from cellular phones worsened M.M.& induced abnormal M.M. response of surrounding skin. We found the followingfactors inhibit early stage of M.M. significantly: 1) Increasing normal cell telomere, by taking 500mg Haritaki, often reached between 400-1150 ng&
gradually diminished, but the M.M. response was completely inhibited until normal cell telomeres are reduced to 150 ng, which takes 6-8 hours. More than 70 mg Vitamin C, Orange Juice, &other high Vitamin C containing substances shouldn't be taken because they completely inhibit the effects
of Haritaki. 2)We found Chrysotile asbestos &Tremolite asbestos (¼ of the Chrysotile amount) coexist. A special Cilantro tablet was used to remove asbestos & some toxic metals. 3) Vitamin D3 400 I.U. has a maximum inhibiting effect on M.M. but 800 I.U. or higher promotes
malignancy. 4) Noricontaining Iodine, etc., was used. 5) EPA 180 mm with DHA 120 mg was most effectively used after metastasis to the surrounding skin was eliminated. When we combined 1 Cilantro tablet & Vitamin D3 400 I.U. withsmall Nori pieces& EPA with DHA, the effect
of complete inhibition of M.M. lasted 9-11 hours. When these anti-M.M. substances (Haritaki, Vitamin D3, Cilantro, Nori, EPA with DHA) were taken together, the effect lasted 12-14 hoursand M.M. involvement in surrounding normal-looking skin disappeared rapidly&original dark
brown or black areassatisfying "ABCD" of M.M. completely fell off. Both oral & frequent external application of mixed solution of plum wine & the same combination of anti-M.M. substances can be used as very effective treatment by taking 2-3 times daily. Additional application of special
(+) Solar Energy Stored Paper reduced asbestos &accelerated reduction of M.M. positive area rapidly. This methodwith individualized optimal doses has also been successfully applied to treatseveral other types of malignancies.
La lutte contre les conflits d'intérêts : essor de la transparence ou règne de la méfiance ?
Authors: Mekki Mustapha
Published: January 2014

Les derniers scandales (Cahuzac, Woerth, Mediator), qui ont défrayé la chronique tant dans la sphère publique que dans la sphère privée, ont révélé l’installation insidieuse et progressive d’une « société de défiance ». L’une des principales causes de cette méfiance à l’égard des décideurs politiques, juridiques ou économiques est l’existence de nombreux conflits d’intérêts illégitimes. Tant le droit privé que le droit public tentent aujourd’hui d’instaurer une plus grande transparence afin de restaurer ce lien de confiance indispensable à la construction d’une société de droit dans un État de droit. Cependant, pour lutter efficacement contre les mauvais conflits d’intérêts, encore faut-il choisir les armes adéquates. À défaut, il se pourrait que le remède soit bien pire que le mal !
Conflits d'intérêts : glaive ou boomerang ?
Authors: Pinault Michel
Published: January 2014

Il n’y a pas de vie publique, dans une démocratie moderne, sans conflits d’intérêts potentiels. Entre le glaive émoussé du droit pénal et le boomerang des effets collatéraux indésirables d’un dispositif intrusif à l’excès, une voie pratique et équilibrée se dessine. Définir, identifier, gérer, rendre compte. Tels sont les points de passage obligés d’une politique de prévention des conflits d’intérêts efficace et adaptée à la réalité
Transparence : la double peine des familles
Authors: de Béchillon Denys
Published: January 2014

L’embarquement des familles du personnel politique dans l’injonction générale de transparence réputée propre à prévenir les conflits d’intérêts et à garantir le retour de la confiance fonctionne comme une double peine : parce qu’il jette ces proches au feu d’une frénésie de lumière et de purification déraisonnable autant qu’improductive, mais aussi – et peut-être surtout – parce qu’il les y jette à leur corps défendant, sans qu’ils soient jamais appelés à y consentir, et donc au mépris de leurs droits.
Les conflits d'intérêts chez les élus
Authors: Prat Michel-Pierre , Janvier Cyril
Published: January 2014

Le conflit d’intérêts des élus est généralement abordé sous l’angle répressif : il n’est condamnable que s’il est consommé. Une approche plus constructive, qui restaurerait l’indispensable lien de confiance entre citoyens et élus, passerait par une politique de prévention structurée, s’appuyant sur les travaux des commissions Sauvé et Jospin par exemple. Le projet de loi relatif à la déontologie et à la prévention des conflits d’intérêts dans la vie publique s’inscrit cependant en retrait par rapport à ces initiatives, tout comme les premières discussions parlementaires. La loi risque de se révéler insuffisante, ne répondant pas aux attentes citoyennes...
La presse française en manque d'une instance déontologique
Authors: Gerbaud Dominique
Published: January 2014

La presse française fait exception en Europe. La déontologie ne repose que sur la conscience individuelle des journalistes et n’est régie par aucun code précis qui s’imposerait à toute la profession. Les chartes professionnelles datent des années 1900, n’ont pas de caractère contraignant et n’abordent que de façon très éloignée les conflits d’intérêts. Pourtant, ils sont légion dans la profession. Cela va des doubles casquettes de journalistes qui se font rémunérer pour de menus travaux de conseils ou d’animation aux compagnes de ministres qui restent journalistes politiques, en passant par les voyages de presse. Il manque en France une instance déontologique nationale. Elle est en voie de constitution.
La gestion des conflits d'intérêts du juge : entre statut et vertu
Authors: Guinchard Serge
Published: January 2014

Les conflits d’intérêts du juge sont au cœur de l’exigence d’une justice de qualité, rendue sereinement et à l’abri de tout soupçon de dépendance à l’égard d’un pouvoir, quel qu’il soit, et de partialité personnelle. Les liens qui pourraient opposer ou attacher un juge à l’une des parties doivent être combattus préventivement et, au besoin, a posteriori par l’annulation de la décision qui serait rendue dans de telles conditions. Mais la réponse du droit positif diffère selon que le juge est un magistrat de carrière ou un juge non professionnel. Dans le premier cas, le statut protecteur de son indépendance est la meilleure des garanties pour éviter les conflits d’intérêts. Dans le second cas, l’absence de statut (arbitre) ou un statut moins protecteur (juges des tribunaux de commerce, par exemple) déplace la gestion de ces conflits vers l’impartialité du juge, vers sa vertu, à base d’éthique personnelle.
Professions libérales juridiques et conflits d'intérêts
Authors: Tricot Daniel
Published: January 2014

Les règles déontologiques posées à l’égard des professions juridiques libérales, toutes réglementées, sont de nature à éviter les conflits d’intérêts dans l’exercice indépendant des activités. Pourtant, lorsque ces conflits se présentent, il convient de les identifier et d’en mesurer les risques pour les traiter sans encourir de sanctions.
Les entreprises, laboratoire des modes de lutte contre les conflits d'intérêts ?
Authors: Magnier Véronique
Published: January 2014

L’entreprise concentre une communauté d’intérêts divers et, à ce titre, constitue un laboratoire propice à l’étude des conflits d’intérêts. Depuis longtemps, le droit sanctionne un dirigeant social ayant privilégié son intérêt personnel au détriment de l’intérêt social. La multiplication des situations de conflits, difficiles à diagnostiquer, a récemment conduit à compléter utilement le droit positif par des recommandations favorisant la prévention et la transparence, notamment par le biais de déclarations d’intérêts. Se pose toutefois la question de l’efficacité de ces recommandations.
Indépendance et expertise : santé publique et prévention des conflits d'intérêts
Authors: Houssin Didier
Published: January 2014

L’expertise scientifique joue un rôle important en appui des décisions qui relèvent de la santé publique et dont les impacts humains et économiques sont lourds. La compétence et l’impartialité des experts sollicités sont un enjeu crucial pour la crédibilité des avis rendus et des décisions ensuite prises. Afin de garantir que les avis scientifiques sont impartiaux, la prévention des conflits d’intérêts est devenue un thème important de préoccupation au niveau national et international, conduisant à des textes légaux ou réglementaires et à la définition de bonnes pratiques.
Les conflits d'intérêts et le droit pénal
Authors: Rebut Didier
Published: January 2014

Le droit pénal ignore la notion de conflits d’intérêts. Ainsi, les dispositions sur les conflits d’intérêts ne sont pas pénalement sanctionnées et il n’existe pas de délit général sanctionnant ces conflits. L’étude des délits de prise illégale d’intérêts montre pourtant que ces délits ont un champ d’application très étendu qui permet une large répression des situations de conflits d’intérêts. C’est donc le manque de sensibilité à la notion de conflits d’intérêts qui explique que l’on soutienne souvent que ces conflits font l’objet d’une répression pénale insuffisante.
In vitro study of beneficial properties and safety of lactic acid bacteria isolated from Portuguese fermented meat products
Authors: Todorov S.D. , Franco B.D.G.M. , Wiid I.J.
Published: January 2014

Many lactic acid bacteria produce bacteriocins with a rather broad spectrum of inhibition, which could offer potential applications in food preservation. Bacteriocin production by starter cultures may bring advantage to these strains in competitive interactions with pathogenic bacteria from the food matrix. The objective of this study was to determine the safety of beneficial strains (Lactobacillus plantarum ST202Ch and ST216Ch, Enterococcus faecium ST211Ch, and Lactobacillus sakei ST22Ch, ST153Ch and ST154Ch) previously isolated from fermented meat products and characterised as bacteriocin producers. Auto-aggregation was strain-specific, and values of 28.97, 27.86 and 28.56% were recorded for L. sakei ST22Ch, ST153Ch and ST154Ch, respectively, 16.95 and 14.58% for L. plantarum ST202Ch and ST216Ch, respectively, and 12.77% for E. faecium ST211Ch. Various degrees of co-aggregation between 28.85 and 44.76% for Listeria monocytogenes 211 and 409, and between 23.60 to 34.96% for E. faecium ATCC 19443 were observed. According to the results of the diffusion method, the studied strains demonstrated susceptibility to penicillin G, ampicillin, amoxicillin, amoxicillin/clavulonic acid, imipenem, linezolid, and tetracycline. In addition, the susceptibility of the six strains to various non-antibiotic commercial drugs was examined. Production of β-galactosidase by L. sakei ST22Ch, ST153Ch and ST154Ch, L. plantarum ST202Ch and ST216Ch, and E. faecium ST211Ch was confirmed by employing sterile filter paper discs impregnated with o-nitrophenyl-β-D-galactopyranose. A statistically significant (P<0.001) inhibition of Mycobacterium tuberculosis growth by bacteriocins produced by L. plantarum ST202Ch (38.3%) and ST216Ch (48.6%), L. sakei ST153Ch (16.2%) and ST154Ch (16.1%), and E. faecium ST211Ch (21.7%) was observed. As determined by the polymerase chain reaction, the tested strains showed a low virulence gene profile.
Probiotics for human lactational mastitis
Authors: Fernández L. , Arroyo R. , Espinosa I. , Marín M. , Jiménez E. , Rodríguez J.M.
Published: January 2014

The use of culture-dependent and -independent techniques to study the human milk microbiota and microbiome has revealed a complex ecosystem with a much greater diversity than previously anticipated. The potential role of the milk microbiome appears to have implications not only for short- and long-term infant health but also for mammary health. In fact, mammary disbiosis, which may be triggered by a variety of host, microbial and medical factors, often leads to acute, subacute or subclinical mastitis, a condition that represents the first medical cause for undesired weaning. Multiresistance to antibiotics, together with formation of biofilms and mechanisms for evasion of the host immune response, is a common feature among the bacterial agents involved. This explains why this condition uses to be elusive to antibiotic therapy and why the development of new strategies for mastitis management based on probiotics is particularly appealing. In fact, selected lactobacilli strains isolated from breast milk have already shown a high efficacy for treatment.
Meta-analysis: Lactobacillus reuteri strain DSM 17938 (and the original strain ATCC 55730) for treating acute gastroenteritis in children
Authors: Szajewska H. , Urbańska M. , Chmielewska A. , Weizman Z. , Shamir R.
Published: January 2014

Lactobacillus reuteri ATCC 55730 has been shown to provide a moderate clinical effect in the treatment of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) in children. However, as the L. reuteri ATCC 55730 strain was found to carry potentially transferable resistance traits for tetracycline and lincomycin, it was replaced by a new strain, L. reuteri DSM 17938, without unwanted plasmid-borne antibiotic resistance. Bioequivalence of the two strains has been suggested. We aimed to systematically evaluate data on the effectiveness of L. reuteri DSM 17938 and the original strain, L. reuteri ATCC 55730, in the treatment of AGE in children. The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, and EMBASE databases, reference lists, and abstract books of major scientific meetings were searched in August 2013, with no language restrictions, for relevant randomised controlled trials (RCTs). Two RCTs (n=196) that evaluated L. reuteri DSM 17938 and three RCTs (n=156) that evaluated L. reuteri ATCC 55730, which involved hospitalised children aged 3 to 60 months, met the inclusion criteria. Compared with placebo or no treatment, DSM 17938 significantly reduced the duration of diarrhoea (mean difference -32 h, 95% confidence interval (CI): -41 to -24) and increased the chance of cure on day 3 (relative risk: 3.5, 95% CI: 1.2 to 10.8, random effects model). Similar results were obtained with the original strain, L. reuteri ATCC 55730. In conclusion, in hospitalised children, use of both strains of L. reuteri reduced the duration of diarrhoea, and more children were cured within 3 days. Data from outpatients and countryspecific cost-effectiveness analyses are needed. Given the limited data and the methodological limitations of the included trials, the evidence should be viewed with caution.
Untargeted screening of secondary metabolites in fungal cultures and samples from mouldy indoor environments by time-of-flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Malysheva S.V. , Polizzi V. , Moretti A. , Van Peteghem C. , De Kimpe N. , Van Bocxlaer J. , Diana Di Mavungu J. , De Saeger S.
Published: January 2014

Nowadays, complaints about poor indoor air quality have become common. The variety of indoor air health problems include chronic fatigue, allergy, skin and eye irritation, and can be caused by several factors including fungi and their metabolites present in a building. The objective of this study was to establish a method for untargeted analysis of secondary fungal metabolites in indoor environments. As a detection technique, time-of-flight mass spectrometry was chosen, as it provided mass accuracy and higher sensitivity in full scan acquisition mode compared to tandem mass spectrometers. The method was first applied to fungal cultures, namely Penicillium brevicompactum and Chaetomium murorum, which were isolated from mouldy houses and grown on building materials under laboratory conditions for 7-21 days. Following the proposed strategy based on accurate mass measurement and post-acquisition data processing using principal component analysis, roquefortine C, brevianamide A and mycophenolic acid were identified in Penicillium sp., while chaetoglobosin A was found to be produced by Chaetomium sp. Subsequently, samples from mouldy inhabited buildings were analysed using the developed method. The actual presence of meleagrin was demonstrated in mouldy indoor environment. Applying the method to air and dust samples collected in these mouldy buildings, no metabolites were detected possibly due to generally low concentrations in these types of samples.
Determination of T-2 and HT-2 toxins in food and feed: an update
Authors: Krska R. , Malachova A. , Berthiller F. , van Egmond H.P.
Published: January 2014

Based on the recent scientific opinion of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) Panel on Contaminants in the Food Chain on the risks to human and animal health related to the presence of T-2 and HT-2 toxins in food and feed that was published by EFSA in the EFSA Journal, this article provides an update on the determination of these Fusarium mycotoxins. After a brief introduction into the chemistry of these toxins, both chromatographic and immuno-analytical methods are discussed for the determination of these type A trichothecenes. During the last decade, liquid chromatography with (tandem) mass spectrometry has become the most frequently used method for the determination of T-2 and HT-2 toxins, often within a multi-analyte approach. However, complex matrices and the resulting signal suppression effects, as observed particularly in electrospray-mass spectrometry methods owing to matrix effects, may require careful optimisation of clean-up, usage of matrix matched standards, or e.g. the use of internal standards. For specific purposes where extremely low limits of quantification are needed, e.g. for the analysis of duplicate diets, a dedicated gas chromatography method with multistage mass spectrometry has become available. Other novel analytical approaches to determine T-2 and HT-2 toxins in food and feed include biosensor-based methods in surface plasmon resonance and electrochemical formats, as well as DNA microchip assays. For rapid screening, several immunochemical methods (mostly ELISAs) have become available and some are sold as commercial test kits. Whereas these methods work fast, cross-reactivities with other trichothecenes can have an undesired effect on their accuracy. While proficiency tests including T-2 and HT-2 toxins have been carried out, none of the chromatographic or immunochemical methods have been formally validated in interlaboratory validation studies. There are no certified reference materials available for T-2 and HT-2 toxins.
Effect of Aspergillus flavus contamination on the inherent quality of Glycyrrhiza uralensis
Authors: Zhou S. , Kong W. , Cao J. , Logrieco A.F. , Yang S. , Yang M.
Published: January 2014

Glycyrrhiza uralensis is a common edible plant of the Chinese Materia Medica (CMM). Such a herb might be naturally contaminated with toxicogenic fungi producing various mycotoxins that can cause serious harm to humans. So far, studies have focused mainly on mycotoxin detection in CMM, but the effect of mycotoxin production on the inherent quality of CMM has not been investigated and elucidated. In the present study, sterilised G. uralensis was inoculated and incubated with Aspergillus flavus for several days to investigate the effect of aflatoxins accumulation on the inherent quality of G. uralensis. Changes in content of aflatoxin B1, B2, G1 and G2, and the herb's four bioactive components, i.e. glycyrrhizic acid, liquiritin apioside, liquiritin and liquiritigenin, were detected using ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled with fluorescence and photodiode array detection, respectively. The results showed that incubation of G. uralensis with A. flavus for 10 days resulted in the accumulation of aflatoxins, especially aflatoxin B1 and B2, and the reduction of the four bioactive components. From the negative correlation between the content of aflatoxins and bioactive components, it can be concluded that fungal contamination does not only result in harmful mycotoxins in CMM, but also influences its inherent quality.
A few cognitive issues in multimedia language teaching
Authors: Raby Françoise , Baille Jacques
Published: January 2014

Quels seront les effets de la révolution multimédia ? Le multimédia signifie l’intégration des équipements, mais cela ne signifie pas pour autant une intégration des processus cognitifs. La recherche appliquée en linguistique ne permet pas, pour le moment, de répondre à la question de savoir si le multimédia impose une nouvelle structuration des contenus linguistiques. L’introduction du multimédia dans l’apprentissage des langues devrait donc favoriser un nouveau type de recherche didactique visant à établir de nouveaux modèles d’apprentissage.
The computerisation of a manuscript corpus: Expressions of compulsion in eighteenth-century sermons
Authors: Deconinck-Brossard Françoise
Published: January 2014

Analyse de discours assistée par ordinateur, appliquant les concepts de la linguistique synchronique de l’énonciation à un corpus diachronique dont on étudie les stratégies sémantique et syntaxique. L’informatisation de l’étude textuelle a révélé des formes stylistiques inattendues, telle l’absence presque totale de pronoms féminins et de termes négatifs dans les expressions de l’obligation, ainsi qu’une idéologie latitudinaire. Cependant, il faut connaître les limites de la méthode utilisée, même si elle ouvre la voie à de nouvelles recherches textuelles.
Organising information for multimedia learning
Authors: Bickerton David
Published: January 2014

Les supports texte, sons et images pour apprenants en langues qui sont créés et distribués aujourd’hui peuvent l’être sous forme numérique. Cet article examine un échantillon de systèmes en vigueur (surtout en Grande-Bretagne) pour la classification de documents à des fins didactiques. Il suggère que nos techniques de gestion de données « bibliographiques » fortement structurées devront faire place à des systèmes permettant un accès direct et flexible selon des critères spécifiques à l’apprenant et à ses besoins immédiats. Cette conception d’un accès dynamique aux données définit l’approche de l’équipe de recherche du projet MELODI et mène à des conclusions importantes pour toute institution qui souhaite gérer et échanger des documents à destination d’apprenants de langues.
Virtual reality and language work
Authors: Gallet-Blanchard Liliane
Published: January 2014

Pour la raison évidente, mais non rédhibitoire que la réalité virtuelle a la réputation d’être inabordable pour des universités peu argentées, pratiquement aucune investigation n’a été faite dans ce domaine. Après avoir pris part à diverses conférences au Centre Pompidou à Paris et lu Virtual Reality de Howard Rheingold, je pense que nous ne devons plus nous poser le problème de ce que nous pouvons faire, mais de ce que nous voulons faire désormais. De plus, au lieu de nous plaindre de la mauvaise qualité des logiciels ou des QCMs existants, nous pouvons maintenant influencer les choix des sociétés commerciales et avoir notre mot à dire quant au futur de l’éducation : c’est hic et nunc qu’il nous faut écrire les logiciels appropriés. J’ai choisi le domaine de l’anglais de spécialité (en particulier celui de l’anglais médical pour diverses raisons que je ferai apparaître à partir de vidéos), pour montrer les possibilités offertes par la réalité virtuelle dans le domaine de l’apprentissage des langues : des exemples précis illustreront les notions de simulation, de téléprésence, de liberté et de créativité.
Hypertexte, multimédia et inter-culture(s)
Authors: Cazade Alain , Perry Evelyn
Published: January 2014

L’environnement hypertexte et le multimédia accompagnent aujourd’hui tout apprentissage des langues sur ordinateur. Mais cette richesse ne doit exclure ni facilité ni simplicité d’emploi tant pour l’enseignant que pour l’apprenant. L’analyse des réponses de l’apprenant et de ses tâtonnements orientera une recherche très intéressante sur les différents comportements cognitifs rencontrés. « Black Market » est un exemple d’hypertexte faisant travailler sur des textes, des documents iconographiques et des « fichiers son ». Le monde de l’EAO, en pleine reconversion, nous oblige à réfléchir ensemble à ce qu’il faut en faire pour aboutir à autre chose qu’un gadget sophistiqué ne tenant pas suffisamment compte des préoccupations légitimes de la pédagogie en général et des avancées particulières de la recherche en matière d’étude des langues.
Du global au particulier ou comment lire efficacement des documents scientifiques
Authors: Marchand Hélène
Published: January 2014

Cette communication présente une problématique de lecture qui privilégie l’approche globale du texte sur une lecture linéaire. Seront exposés les critères objectifs et les exercices pratiques qui permettent à l’étudiant de sélectionner l’essentiel sans avoir à tout lire.
L’impact des préoccupations managériales sur l’administration locale de la justice pénale française
Authors: Gautron Virginie
Published: January 2014

Pour analyser l’impact des préoccupations managériales sur l’administration de la justice pénale, cet article se propose de restituer les résultats d’une recherche pluridisciplinaire comparant les évolutions des modes de traitement des délits dans cinq juridictions françaises. La base empirique de l’étude se fonde sur une soixantaine d’entretiens, des observations et l’analyse statistique d’un échantillon composé de 7 500 dossiers délictuels, sélectionnés sur une période de dix années (2000-2010).
Probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus Inhibits the Formation of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps
Authors: Vong Linda , Lorentz Robert J. , Assa Amit , Glogauer Michael , Sherman Philip M.
Published: January 2014

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are an essential component of the antimicrobial repertoire and represent an effective means by which neutrophils capture, contain, and kill microorganisms. However, the uncontrolled or excessive liberation of NETs also damages surrounding cells and can contribute to disease pathophysiology. Alterations in the gut microbiota, as well as the presence of local and systemic markers of inflammation, are strongly associated with the manifestation of a spectrum of intestinal disorders, including chronic inflammatory bowel disease. Although probiotics exert beneficial effects on gut homeostasis, their direct effect on neutrophils, which are abundant in the setting of intestinal inflammation, remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects of nonpathogenic, enteropathogenic, and probiotic bacteria on the dynamics of NET formation. Using murine bone marrow–derived neutrophils and the neutrophil-differentiated human myeloid cell line d.HL-60, we demonstrate for the first time, to our knowledge, that probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus strain GG inhibits both PMA- and Staphylococcus aureus–induced formation of NETs. Moreover, probiotic L. rhamnosus strain GG had potent antioxidative activity: dampening reactive oxygen species production and phagocytic capacity of the neutrophils while protecting against cell cytotoxicity. Within the milieu of the gut, this represents a novel mechanism by which probiotics can locally dampen innate immune responses and confer desensitization toward luminal Ags.
Modulation of Nonneutralizing HIV-1 gp41 Responses by an MHC-Restricted TH Epitope Overlapping Those of Membrane Proximal External Region Broadly Neutralizing Antibodies
Authors: Zhang Jinsong , Alam S. Munir , Bouton-Verville Hilary , Chen Yao , Newman Amanda , Stewart Shelley , Jaeger Frederick H. , Montefiori David C. , Dennison S. Moses , Haynes Barton F. , Verkoczy Laurent
Published: January 2014

A goal of HIV-1 vaccine development is to elicit broadly neutralizing Abs (BnAbs), but current immunization strategies fail to induce BnAbs, and for unknown reasons, often induce nonneutralizing Abs instead. To explore potential host genetic contributions controlling Ab responses to the HIV-1 Envelope, we have used congenic strains to identify a critical role for MHC class II restriction in modulating Ab responses to the membrane proximal external region (MPER) of gp41, a key vaccine target. Immunized H-2d–congenic strains had more rapid, sustained, and elevated MPER+ Ab titers than those bearing other haplotypes, regardless of immunogen, adjuvant, or prime or boost regimen used, including formulations designed to provide T cell help. H-2d–restricted MPER+ serum Ab responses depended on CD4 TH interactions with class II (as revealed in immunized intra–H-2d/b congenic or CD154−/− H-2d strains, and by selective abrogation of MPER restimulated, H-2d–restricted primed splenocytes by class II–blocking Abs), and failed to neutralize HIV-1 in the TZM-b/l neutralization assay, coinciding with lack of specificity for an aspartate residue in the neutralization core of BnAb 2F5. Unexpectedly, H-2d–restricted MPER+ responses functionally mapped to a core TH epitope partially overlapping the 2F5/z13/4E10 BnAb epitopes as well as nonneutralizing B cell–Ab binding residues. We propose that class II restriction contributes to the general heterogeneity of nonneutralizing gp41 responses induced by Envelope. Moreover, the proximity of TH and B cell epitopes in this restriction may have to be considered in redesigning minimal MPER immunogens aimed at exclusively binding BnAb epitopes and triggering MPER+ BnAbs.
α-Galactosylceramide but Not Phenyl-Glycolipids Induced NKT Cell Anergy and IL-33–Mediated Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cell Accumulation via Upregulation of egr2/3
Authors: Huang Jing-Rong , Tsai Yi-Chien , Chang Ya-Jen , Wu Jen-Chien , Hung Jung-Tung , Lin Kun-Hsien , Wong Chi-Huey , Yu Alice L.
Published: January 2014

Strategies for cancer immunotherapy include activating immune system for therapeutic benefit or blockade of immune checkpoints. To harness innate immunity to fight cancer, α-galactosylceramide (α-GalCer) has been used to activate NKT cells. Unfortunately, administration of α-GalCer causes long-term NKT cell anergy, but the molecular mechanism is unclear. In this study, we showed that α-GalCer–triggered egr2/3, which induced programmed death 1 and cbl-b in NKT cells, leading to NKT cell anergy. We also uncovered the induction of the immunosuppressive myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in the spleen by α-GalCer that might attenuate its antitumor efficacy. The accumulation of MDSC was accompanied by 20-fold rise in their arg-1 mRNAs and enhanced expression of programmed death 1/programmed death ligand 1. Furthermore, α-GalCer–induced egr-2/3 in hepatic NKT cells upregulated their TRAIL in addition to Fas ligand (FasL) and induced alarm signaling molecule IL-33 in Kupffer cells, presumably because of liver damage triggered by TRAIL/FasL. We further demonstrated that IL-33–stimulated macrophages produce G-CSF, which in turn, boosted MDSCs. Thus, α-GalCer–induced FasL/TRAIL and IL-33 provided a novel mechanism underlying α-GalCer–induced hepatotoxicity and MDSC accumulation. In contrast, analogs of α-GalCer containing phenyl group in the lipid tail could neither induce NKT anergy nor enhance MDSCs accumulation. Furthermore, tumor-infiltrating MDSCs in mice injected repeatedly with α-GalCer were 2-fold higher than those treated with phenyl-glycolipids. These results not only revealed the induction of MDSC via IL-33 as a new mechanism for α-GalCer–elicited immunosuppression but also provided one of the mechanisms underlying the superior antitumor potency of phenyl-glycolipids. Our findings have important implications for the development of NKT-stimulatory glycolipids as vaccine adjuvants and anticancer therapeutics.
De Syntax of Dutch: nieuw gereedschap voor de internationale neerlandistiek
Authors: Broekhuis Hans
Published: January 2014

Dutch is one of the most well-studied living languages; research on it has had a major, and continuing, impact on the development of formal linguistic theory, and it plays an important role in various other types of linguistic research. It is therefore unfortunate that there is no recent comprehensive scientifically based description of the grammar of Dutch that is accessible to a wider international audience. The series Syntax of Dutch (SoD), which has become available as of the period 2012-6 in book form (Amsterdam University Press) as well as open access publications (oapen.org), aims at filling this gap for syntax. The SoD is primarily intended as a tool for scientific research, but may also be useful in other contexts. This article provides some general information about this series concerning its target group, goals, object of description and overall organization in order to enable the reader to determine when the SoD can be fruitfully used in, e.g., classroom situations. Work on the SoD will continue after completion of the book series within the wider context of the project Language Portal Dutch/Frisian, and this article therefore also discusses some future prospects.
Zullen de goden pas tevreden zijn als zij de tanden in het eigen vlees hebben gezet? - De betekenis van leven en werk van Heinrich von Kleist voor De keisnijder van Fichtenwald (1976) van Louis Ferron
Authors: Konst Jan
Published: January 2014

This article discusses the significance of the life and work of Heinrich von Kleist (1777-1811) in De keisnijder van Fichtenwald (The stone cutter of Fichtenwald; 1976) by Louis Ferron (1942-2005). In this historical novel, which is set in a fictitious Nazi concentration camp, the prisoners perform two plays. In the first, the last hours and joined suicide of Kleist and his beloved Henriette Vogel are brought on stage. In the second, the final act of Kleist’s Penthesilea (1808), in which the amazon queen deprives herself of life, is performed. In this article it is shown that these two plays have a key importance for the interpretation of De keisnijder van Fichtenwald. They also shed new light on the ideas of Ferron on fascism, which are placed within the broader framework of German cultural history.