bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Platelet‐derived growth factor BB and DD and angiopoietin1 are altered in follicular fluid from polycystic ovary syndrome patients
Authors: Scotti Leopoldina , Parborell Fernanda , Irusta Griselda , De Zuñiga Ignacio , Bisioli Claudio , Pettorossi Hernan , Tesone Marta , Abramovich Dalhia
Published: May 2014

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrinological pathology among women of reproductive age, and is characterized by abnormalities in ovarian angiogenesis, among other features. Consistent with this association, follicular fluid (FF) concentration and ovarian expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are increased in PCOS patients. In this study, we examined the protein levels of platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF) BB and DD (PDGFBB and PDGFDD), angiopoietin 1 and 2 (ANGPT1 and ANGPT2), and their soluble receptor sTIE2 in FF from PCOS and control patients undergoing assisted reproductive techniques. We also analyzed the effect of FF from PCOS and control patients on tight and adherens junction protein expression in an endothelial cell line. PDGFBB and PDGFDD were significantly lower whereas ANGPT1 concentration was significantly higher in FF from PCOS patients than from control patients. No changes were found in the concentration of ANGPT2 or sTIE2. Expression of claudin‐5 was significantly increased in endothelial cells incubated for 24 hr in the presence of FF from PCOS versus from control patients, while vascular‐endothelial cadherin, β‐catenin, and zonula occludens 1 expression were unchanged. The changes observed in the levels of PDGF isoforms and ANGPT1 may prevent VEGF‐induced vascular permeability in the PCOS ovary by regulating endothelial‐cell‐junction protein levels. Restoring the levels of angiogenic factors may provide new insights into PCOS treatment and the prevention of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in affected women. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 81: 748–756, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Post‐contrast myocardialT1and ECV disagree in a longitudinal canine study
Authors: Koopmann Matthias , Hong KyungPyo , Kholmovski Eugene G. , Huang Eric C. , Hu Nan , Ying Jian , Levenson Richard , Vijayakumar Sathya , Dosdall Derek J. , Ranjan Ravi , Kim Daniel
Published: May 2014

Both post‐contrast myocardialT1and extracellular volume (ECV) measurements have been associated with diffuse interstitial fibrosis. The cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) field is migrating towards ECV, because it is largely insensitive to confounders that affect post‐contrast myocardialT1. Despite the theoretical advantages of myocardial ECV over post‐contrast myocardialT1, systematic experimental studies comparing the two measurements are largely lacking. We sought to measure the temporal changes in post‐contrast myocardialT1and ECV in an established canine model with chronic atrial fibrillation.

Seventeen mongrel dogs, implanted with a pacemaker to induce chronic atrial fibrillation via rapid atrial pacing, were scanned multiple times for a total of 46 CMR scans at 3T. These dogs with different disease durations (0–22 months) were part of a separate longitudinal study aimed at studying the relationship between AF and pathophysiology. In each animal, we measured native and post‐contrastT1values and hematocrit. Temporal changes in post‐contrast myocardialT1and ECV, as well as other CMR parameters, were modeled with linear mixed effect models to account for repeated measurements over disease duration.

In 17 animals, post‐contrast myocardialT1decreased significantly from 872 to 698 ms (p< 0.001), which corresponds to a 24.9% relative reduction. In contrast, ECV increased from 21.0 to 22.0% (p= 0.38), which corresponds to only a 4.5% relative increase. To partially investigate this discrepancy, we quantified collagen volume fraction (CVF) in post‐mortem heart tissues of six canines sacrificed at different disease durations (0–22 months). CVF quantified by histology increased from 0.9 to 1.9% (p= 0.56), which agrees better with ECV than with post‐contrast myocardialT1. This study shows that post‐contrast myocardialT1and ECV may disagree in a longitudinal canine study. A more comprehensive study, including histologic, cardiac, and renal functional analyses, is warranted to test rigorously which CMR parameter (ECV or post‐contrast myocardialT1) agrees better with CVF. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Metabolic spectroscopy of inflammation in a bleomycin‐induced lung injury model using hyperpolarized 1‐13C pyruvate
Authors: Shaghaghi Hoora , Kadlecek Stephen , Deshpande Charuhas , Siddiqui Sarmad , Martinez Daniel , Pourfathi Mehrdad , Hamedani Hooman , Ishii Masaru , Profka Harrilla , Rizi Rahim
Published: May 2014

Metabolic activity in the lung is known to change in response to external insults, inflammation, and cancer. We report measurements of metabolism in the isolated, perfused rat lung of healthy controls and in diseased lungs undergoing acute inflammation using hyperpolarized 1‐13C‐labeled pyruvate. The overall apparent activity of lactate dehydrogenase is shown to increase significantly (on average by a factor of 3.3) at the 7 day acute stage and to revert substantially to baseline at 21 days, while other markers indicating monocarboxylate uptake and transamination rate are unchanged. Elevated lung lactate signal levels correlate well with phosphodiester levels as determined with 31P spectroscopy and with the presence of neutrophils as determined by histology, consistent with a relationship between intracellular lactate pool labeling and the density and type of inflammatory cells present. We discuss several alternate hypotheses, and conclude that the most probable source of the observed signal increase is direct uptake and metabolism of pyruvate by inflammatory cells and primarily neutrophils. This signal is seen in high contrast to the low baseline activity of the lung. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inverse association between diabetes and altitude: A cross‐sectional study in the adult population of the United States
Authors: Woolcott Orison O. , Castillo Oscar A. , Gutierrez Cesar , Elashoff Robert M. , Stefanovski Darko , Bergman Richard N.
Published: May 2014

Objective

To determine whether geographical elevation is inversely associated with diabetes, while adjusting for multiple risk factors.

Methods

This is a cross‐sectional analysis of publicly available online data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 2009. Final dataset included 285,196 US adult subjects. Odds ratios were obtained from multilevel mixed‐effects logistic regression analysis.

Results

Among US adults (≥20 years old), the odds ratio for diabetes was 1.00 between 0 and 499 m of altitude (reference), 0.95 (95% confidence interval, 0.90‐1.01) between 500 and 1,499 m, and 0.88 (0.81‐0.96) between 1,500 and 3,500 m, adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, ethnicity, self‐reported fruit and vegetable consumption, self‐reported physical activity, current smoking status, level of education, income, health status, employment status, and county‐level information on migration rate, urbanization, and latitude. The inverse association between altitude and diabetes in the US was found among men [0.84 (0.76‐0.94)], but not women [1.09 (0.97‐1.22)].

Conclusions

Among US adults, living at high altitude (1,500‐3,500 m) is associated with lower odds of having diabetes than living between 0 and 499 m, while adjusting for multiple risk factors. Our findings suggest that geographical elevation may be an important factor linked to diabetes.
Preliminary evidence of cognitive and brain abnormalities in uncomplicated adolescent obesity
Authors: Yau Po Lai , Kang Esther H. , Javier David C. , Convit Antonio
Published: May 2014

Objective

To ascertain whether pediatric obesity without clinically significant insulin resistance (IR) impacts brain structure and function.

Methods

Thirty obese and 30 matched lean adolescents, all without clinically significant IR or a diagnosis of metabolic syndrome (MetS), received comprehensive endocrine, neuropsychological, and MRI evaluations.

Results

Relative to lean adolescents, obese non‐IR adolescents had significantly lower academic achievement (i.e., arithmetic and spelling) and tended to score lower on working memory, attention, psychomotor efficiency, and mental flexibility. In line with our prior work on adolescent MetS, memory was unaffected in uncomplicated obesity. Reductions in the thickness of the orbitofrontal and anterior cingulate cortices as well as reductions of microstructural integrity in major white matter tracts without gross volume changes were also uncovered.

Conclusions

It was documented, for the first time, that adolescents with uncomplicated obesity already have subtle brain alterations and lower performance in selective cognitive domains. When interpreting these preliminary data in the context of our prior reports of similar, but more extensive brain findings in obese adolescents with MetS and T2DM, it was concluded that “uncomplicated” obesity may also result in subtle brain alterations, suggesting a possible dose effect with more severe metabolic dysregulation giving rise to greater abnormalities.
Matched weight loss induced by sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass similarly improves metabolic function in obese subjects
Authors: Bradley David , Magkos Faidon , Eagon J. Christopher , Varela J. Esteban , Gastaldelli Amalia , Okunade Adewole L. , Patterson Bruce W. , Klein Samuel
Published: May 2014

Objective

The effects of marked weight loss, induced by Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass (RYGB) or sleeve gastrectomy (SG) surgeries, on insulin sensitivity, β‐cell function and the metabolic response to a mixed meal were evaluated.

Methods

Fourteen nondiabetic insulin‐resistant patients who were scheduled to undergo SG (n = 7) or RYGB (n = 7) procedures completed a hyperinsulinemic‐euglycemic clamp procedure and a mixed‐meal tolerance test before surgery and after losing ∼20% of their initial body weight.

Results

Insulin sensitivity (insulin‐stimulated glucose disposal during a clamp procedure), oral glucose tolerance (postprandial plasma glucose area under the curve), and β‐cell function (insulin secretion in relationship to insulin sensitivity) improved after weight loss, and were not different between surgical groups. The metabolic response to meal ingestion was similar after RYGB or SG, manifested by rapid delivery of ingested glucose into the systemic circulation and a large early postprandial increase in plasma glucose, insulin, and C‐peptide concentrations in both groups.

Conclusions

When matched on weight loss, RYGB and SG surgeries result in similar improvements in the two major factors involved in regulating plasma glucose homeostasis, insulin sensitivity and β‐cell function in obese people without diabetes.
Thermal decomposition behavior of silica‐phenolic composite exposed to one‐sided radiant heating
Authors: Shi Shengbo , Liang Jun , He Rujie
Published: May 2014

When polymer‐matrix composite reaches sufficiently high temperature, pyrolysis reactions of the polymer matrix occur. The thermal decomposition behavior of silica‐phenolic composite was investigated using solar radiant heating experiment with one‐sided heat flux. Thermogravimetric studies and combined thermal analysis techniques were performed to characterize the thermal decomposition kinetics of phenolic resin. Simultaneously a thermal response model was used to calculate the through‐thickness temperature distribution. The calculated time‐dependent temperature profile at different material depths were compared with the experimental results measured at the same location. The silica‐phenolic composite exhibited an excellent thermal insulation during thermal exposure. The postheating specimen was sectioned in millimeter segments to determine the density profile. On the basis of the density profile, the transition from char layer to pyrolysis zone to virgin material was estimated. Finally, the material morphology was analyzed for silica‐phenolic composite after thermal exposure. POLYM. COMPOS., 36:1557–1564, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Surviving the infarct: A profile of cardiac myosin binding protein‐C pathogenicity, diagnostic utility, and proteomics in the ischemic myocardium
Authors: Lynch Thomas L. , Sadayappan Sakthivel
Published: May 2014

Cardiac myosin binding protein‐C (cMyBP‐C) is a regulatory protein of the contractile apparatus within the cardiac sarcomere. Ischemic injury to the heart during myocardial infarction (MI) results in the cleavage of cMyBP‐C in a phosphorylation‐dependent manner and release of an N‐terminal fragment (C0C1f) into the circulation. C0C1f has been shown to be pathogenic within cardiac tissue, leading to the development of heart failure. Based on its high levels and early release into the circulation post‐MI, C0C1f may serve as a novel biomarker for diagnosing MI more effectively than current clinically used biomarkers. Over time, circulating C0C1f could trigger an autoimmune response leading to myocarditis and progressive cardiac dysfunction. Given the importance of cMyBP‐C phosphorylation state in the context of proteolytic cleavage and release into the circulation post‐MI, understanding the posttranslational modifications (PTMs) of cMyBP‐C would help in further elucidating the role of this protein in health and disease. Accordingly, recent studies have implemented the latest proteomics approaches to define the PTMs of cMyBP‐C. The use of such proteomics assays may provide accurate quantitation of the levels of cMyBP‐C in the circulation following MI, which could, in turn, demonstrate the efficacy of using plasma cMyBP‐C as a cardiac‐specific early biomarker of MI. In this review, we define the pathogenic and potential immunogenic effects of C0C1f on cardiac function in the post‐MI heart. We also discuss the most advanced proteomics approaches now used to determine cMyBP‐C PTMs with the aim of validating C0C1f as an early biomarker of MI.
Room‐temperature photoluminescence in quasi‐2D TlGaSe2 and TlInS2semiconductors
Authors: Grivickas Vytautas , Gulbinas Karolis , Gavryushin Vladimir , Bikbajevas Vitalijus , Korolik Olga V. , Mazanik Alexander V. , Fedotov Alexander K.
Published: May 2014

We reveal the intrinsic band‐to‐band photoluminescence (PL) in Tl‐based anisotropic semiconductors by means of confocal spectroscopy. The PL achieves largest value for k ⊥ c, where c is the layers stacking axis, and is dependent on polarization. In TlGaSe2, the band edge absorption spectra were determined at different excitation geometry by using techniques of depth‐resolved free‐carrier absorption (FCA) and photoacoustic response (PAR). A strong absorption enhancement is detected in a large spectral area in the near‐surface region lateral to ab plane. The band‐to‐band absorption enhancement is the most probable cause for high PL intensity. The near‐surface behavior, different from the bulk, might implement useful photonic functionality at room temperature (RT). (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Effects of diallyl trisulfide on induction of apoptotic death in murine leukemia WEHI‐3 cells in vitro and alterations of the immune responses in normal and leukemic mice in vivo
Authors: Hung Fang‐Ming , Shang Hung‐Sheng , Tang Nou‐Ying , Lin Jen‐Jyh , Lu Kung‐Wen , Lin Jing‐Pin , Ko Yang‐Ching , Yu Chien‐Chih , Wang Hai‐Lung , Liao Jung‐Chi , Lu Hsu‐Feng , Chung Jing‐Gung
Published: May 2014

Diallyl trisulfide (DATS), a chemopreventive dietary constituent and extracted from garlic, has been shown to against cultured many types of human cancer cell liens but the fate of apoptosis in murine leukemia cells in vitro and immune responses in leukemic mice remain elusive. Herein, we clarified the actions of DATS on growth inhibition of murine leukemia WEHI‐3 cells in vitro and used WEHI‐3 cells to generate leukemic mice in vivo, following to investigate the effects of DATS in animal model. In in vitro study, DATS induced apoptosis of WEHI‐3 cells through the G0/G1 phase arrest and induction of caspase‐3 activation. In in vivo study DATS decreased the weight of spleen of leukemia mice but did not affect the spleen weight of normal mice. DATS promoted the immune responses such as promotions of the macrophage phagocytosis and NK cell activities in WEHI‐3 leukemic and normal mice. However, DATS only promotes NK cell activities in normal mice. DATS increases the surface markers of CD11b and Mac‐3 in leukemia mice but only promoted CD3 in normal mice. In conclusion, the present study indicates that DATS induces cell death through induction of apoptosis in mice leukemia WHEI‐3 cells. DATS also promotes immune responses in leukemia and normal mice in vivo. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 30: 1343–1353, 2015.
Peptide nanofibrils as enhancers of retroviral gene transfer
Authors: Meier Christoph , Weil Tanja , Kirchhoff Frank , Münch Jan
Published: May 2014

Amyloid fibrils are polypeptide‐based polymers that are typically associated with neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease. More recently, it has become clear that amyloid fibrils also fulfill functional roles in hormone storage and biosynthesis. Furthermore, it has been demonstrated that semen contains abundant levels of polycationic amyloid fibrils. The natural role of these seminal amyloids remains elusive. Strikingly, however, they drastically enhance HIV‐1 infection and may be exploited by the virus to increase its sexual transmission rate. Their strong activity in enhancing HIV‐1 infection suggests that seminal amyloid might also promote transduction by retroviral vectors. Indeed, SEVI (semen‐derived enhancer of virus infection), the best characterized seminal amyloid, boosts retroviral gene transfer more efficiently than conventional additives. However, the use of SEVI as laboratory tool for efficient retroviral gene transfer is limited because the polypeptide monomers are relatively expensive to produce. Furthermore, standardized production of SEVI fibrils with similar high activities is difficult to achieve because of the stochastic nature of the amyloid assembly process. These obstacles can be overcome by recently identified smaller peptides that spontaneously self‐assemble into nanofibrils. These nanofibrils increase retroviral gene transfer even more efficiently than SEVI, are easy to produce and to handle, and seem to be safe as assessed in an ex vivo gene transfer study. Furthermore, peptide‐based nanofibrils allow to concentrate viral particles by low‐speed centrifugation. Specific adaption and customization of self‐assembling peptides might lead to novel nanofibrils with versatile biological functions, e.g., targeted retroviral gene transfer or drug delivery.

This article is categorized under:

Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology

Biology‐Inspired Nanomaterials > Peptide‐Based Structures
Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Pathway in Patients Undergoing Pancreaticoduodenectomy
Authors: Braga Marco , Pecorelli Nicolò , Ariotti Riccardo , Capretti Giovanni , Greco Massimiliano , Balzano Gianpaolo , Castoldi Renato , Beretta Luigi
Published: May 2014

Background

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS®) pathways have reduced morbidity and length of hospital stay (LOS) in orthopedics, bariatric, and colorectal surgery. New perioperative care protocols have been tested in patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD), with controversial results on morbidity. Incomplete data about ERAS items compliance have been reported. The aim of this study was to assess compliance with an ERAS protocol and its impact on short‐term outcome in patients undergoing PD.

Methods

A comprehensive ERAS protocol was applied in 115 consecutive patients undergoing PD. Each ERAS patient was matched with one patient who received standard perioperative care. Match criteria were age, gender, malignant/benign disease, and PD‐specific prognostic score.

Results

No adverse effect related to ERAS items occurred. Compliance with postoperative items ranged between 38 and 66 %. The ERAS group had an earlier recovery of mobilization (p < 0.001), oral feeding (p < 0.001), gut motility (p < 0.001), and an earlier suspension of intravenous fluids (p = 0.041). No difference between ERAS and control group was found in mortality, overall morbidity, and major complication rates. Subgroup analysis showed that 43/60 (71 %) patients with early postoperative low compliance with the ERAS pathway had complications. The ERAS pathway significantly shortened LOS in uneventful patients or those with minor complications (11.2 vs. 13.7 days, p = 0.001).

Conclusion

The ERAS pathway was feasible and safe, yielding an earlier postoperative recovery. An ERAS protocol should be implemented in patients undergoing PD; however, patients with early postoperative low compliance should be carefully managed.
Effects of environmental and anthropogenic drivers on Amur tiger distribution in northeastern China
Authors: Jiang Guangshun , Sun Haiyi , Lang Jianmin , Yang Lijuan , Li Cheng , Lyet Arnaud , Long Barney , Miquelle Dale G. , Zhang Changzhi , Aramilev Sergey , Ma Jianzhang , Zhang Minghai
Published: May 2014

We examined environmental and anthropogenic factors drive range loss in large mammals, using presence data of Amur tigers opportunistically collected between 2000 and 2012, and anthropogenic and environmental variables to model the distribution of the Amur tiger in northeastern China. Our results suggested that population distribution models of different subregions showed different habitat factors determining tiger population distribution patterns. Where farmland cover was over 50 km2per pixel (196 km2), distance was within 15 km to the railway in Changbaishan and road density (length per pixel) increased in Wandashan, the relative probability of Amur tiger occurrence exhibited monotonic avoidance responses; however, where distance was within 150 km of the Sino‐Russia border, the occurrence probability of Amur tiger was relatively high. We analyzed the avoidance or preference responses of Amur tiger distribution to elevation, snow depth and Viewshed. Furthermore, different subregional models detected a variety of spatial autocorrelation distances due to different population clustering patterns. We found that spatial models significantly improved model fits for non‐spatial models and made more robust habitat suitability predications than that of non‐spatial models. Consequently, these findings provide useful guidance for habitat conservation and management.
Analysis of Biodiesel Feedstock Using GCMS and Unsupervised Chemometric Methods
Authors: Flood Mariel E. , Goding Julian C. , O’Connor Jack B. , Ragon Dorisanne Y. , Hupp Amber M.
Published: May 2014

Various biodiesel feedstocks were evaluated using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry data combined with unsupervised chemometric methods of analysis. Peak areas of the fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) present in the biodiesel feedstocks (soybean oil, canola oil, waste grease, animal tallow, etc.) were utilized. The importance of chromatographic parameters, such as temperature program and column polarity, was examined with respect to the clustering that was observed using principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA). Biodiesels in this study clustered based on feedstock type regardless of temperature program or column type, as long as FAME isomers were resolved from one another. As such, the number and type of FAME components required to observe this clustering was investigated further. In general, the minor components in the sample did not provide improved clustering and thus did not need to be included. In addition, data from various temperature programs or column types were combined to yield similar clustering, showing potential versatility in analyzing similar samples across laboratories using different columns and column properties. Overall, we determined that (1) minor FAME components are non‐essential for feedstock identification and (2) PCA and HCA clustering is based on feedstock, regardless of column selection, so long as resolution of FAME isomers is achieved.
Les «causes secrètes» causalité et déterminisme à l'âge classique
Authors: Cléro Jean-Pierre
Published: May 2014

La notion de « cause secrète », à laquelle les classiques ont largement eu recours, est liée à une pratique de la science et à une conception de ses méthodes telles que la « loi » se trouve au coeur du dispositif. Si certains phénomènes paraissent ne pas être régis par la loi, il faut alors se mettre à amender la loi par de « petites équations ». Si le calcul des probabilités entre en scène, c'est pour déceler précisément la présence de causes qui, d'abord secrètes, le seront moins par la suite, et seront, de toute façon, conformes aux lois.
Causalité historique et contemporanéité relative: de la relativité einsteinienne aux sciences historiques
Authors: Bontems Vincent
Published: May 2014

La construction de référentiels historiques suppose la distinction et l'articulation entre les temps chronologique et phénoménologique. Parce qu'elle relativise la notion de simultanéité et renverse son rapport avec celle de causalité, la théorie de la relativité restreinte peut induire des réflexions analogues au sujet de la notion de « contemporanéité » en histoire de l'art (Panofsky) ou en épistémologie (Bachelard). Cette méthode « relativiste », parfois méconnue, coordonne les éclairages historiciste et présentiste.
La compétence historienne à l'épreuve de l'autorité un débat académique au XCIIIe siècle
Authors: Schandeler Jean-Pierre
Published: May 2014

Le débat qui se déroule dans les années 1720 à l'Académie royale des inscriptions et belles-lettres, sur la possibilité ou non de connaître l'histoire des premiers siècles de Rome, est généralement interprété comme une mise au point épistémologique par l'un des protagonistes. Une mise en contexte qui prend en considération les enjeux politiques de la dispute permet de comprendre que ce débat est l'amorce d'un processus d'autonomisation du champ des études historiques savantes, non seulement du point de vue de la division des savoirs, mais aussi par rapport au pouvoir monarchique.
« La fin justifie les moyens. » réalisme et causalité historique à l'époque moderne
Authors: Catteeuw Laurie
Published: May 2014

Perçue sur la longue durée, depuis le début de l'époque moderne, la causalité en histoire ne peut être abstraite d'une réflexion sur « la raison et l'usage des États ». Ce réalisme agit au coeur des arts de gouverner, des pratiques qui mettent en oeuvre l'adage selon lequel « la fin justifie les moyens». Pour saisir les effets de cette maxime sur la définition de la causalité, il s'agit ici d'interroger les modalités de la description des faits historiques, les usages de la censure (désignée comme moyen nécessaire aux fins poursuivies), le calcul de l'aléatoire en politique.
A liberationist constitution? Maidan's revolutionary agenda and challenges for constitutional reform in Ukraine
Authors: Tyushka Andriy
Published: May 2014

The new wave of the ‘Euro Revolution’ in Ukraine has revealed yet another glaring gap in the country's social and political order: a constitutional one. The violation of Ukrainian citizens’ basic constitutional rights and freedoms, against the backdrop of excessively wide and frequently abused presidential powers, called for the emergence of a constitutional agenda for the revolutionary movement. The re-transition to the parliamentary-presidential form of government, accomplished in mid-February 2014, represents only the first stage of the constitutional agenda set by ‘Maidan’. Further changes to the form of government are forthcoming, which will very likely see Ukraine become a parliamentary republic. The constitutional process has been suspended, however, due to various constraining factors, both internal (the upcoming presidential elections) and external (Russia's aggression in Crimea). Given the inherent demand for a continued constitutional transition to a parliamentary republic, the process is likely to be accomplished by the end of 2014.
Azerbaijan and the impact of the lack of democratisation on relations with the EU
Authors: Alieva Leila
Published: May 2014

In 2009 Azerbaijan joined the EU's Eastern Partnership (EaP) programme, officially confirming its devotion to the once-preferred strategic foreign-policy course–-that of integration with European and Euro-Atlantic structures. However, Azerbaijan's official interest in such integration has since waned, which is reflected in the country's near-last-place position in signing the EaP agreements. In 2014, of all the areas involved, Azerbaijan has so far only signed the visa facilitation and readmission agreements. On key interests only one appears to be mutual in practice–-that of energy security. Of all EaP countries, Azerbaijan appeared to be the most capable of resisting various Russian pressures by avoiding policies provoking its powerful northern neighbour, while at the same time balancing interests and playing a strategic role in the area of EU energy security. However, this political avoidance and balancing act has been reached at the expense of increasing deviation from its key strategic path and identity as laid down by the founders of the modern nation state of Azerbaijan, resulting in a change in the nature of relations with the EU.
Underestimating Yourself: The EU and the Political Realities of the Eastern Neighbourhood
Authors: Cornell Svante E.
Published: May 2014

European leaders were taken by surprise by the Ukraine crisis and Russia's response to the Eastern Partnership. They should not have been: all questions raised by the Ukraine crisis first emerged with the 2008 war in Georgia. European leaders appear not to have grasped the fundamentally different forms of integration that the EU and Russia have proposed–-and especially the fact that voluntary European integration in the Eastern Partnership effectively negates Russia's need for weak, authoritarian states to form part of its restored empire. In responding to the crisis, EU leaders face a challenge from Russia that is asymmetric: Russia uses direct threats to the sovereignty of the EU's eastern neighbours, especially through unresolved conflicts, matters the EU is ill-equipped to handle. Finding ways to remedy this gap will be an important task for the EU in the immediate future.
The Ukraine crisis brings the threat of democracy to Russia's doorstep
Authors: Wilson Andrew
Published: May 2014

Russia has five fears about the events in Ukraine: foreign policy choice, security and sovereignty, the challenge to the entire post-Soviet order or the sistema (the corrupt and authoritarian economic and political system established in Ukraine and Russia since 1991), the growth of Ukrainian nationalism and the need to consolidate Putin's domestic rule. Of these, the fourth, which is Putin's stated reason for intervention in Crimea, is least important. The survival of his sistema is what is really at stake.
EEG in lissencephaly
Authors: Jain Puneet , Aneja Satinder , Sharma Suvasini
Published: May 2014

We report the characteristic EEG findings of an infant with lissencephaly who presented with infantile spasms.
Dietary therapy in childhood epilepsy, an overview
Authors: Gulati Sheffali , Chakrabarty Biswaroop
Published: May 2014

This review highlights the current consensus guidelines regarding use of dietary therapy in childhood epilepsy. Comprehensive search was done in the electronic database, journals, reference lists and dissertations related to the field. In childhood epilepsy, about one-third patients are medically refractory. Surgical resection is an effective modality only in a third of these cases. Dietary therapy causes upto 30–40% reduction in seizure frequency in drug refractory epilepsy. The various forms of dietary therapies described are ketogenic diet, modified Atkins diet and low glycemic index treatment. Apart from ketogenesis, the ketogenic diet also exerts its effect by modulating brain energetics and neurotransmitter circuitry. The classical ketogenic diet comprises of fat to carbohydrate ratio of 4:1 (in terms of weight in grams). Modified Atkins diet is restrictive only for carbohydrates (≤20 g per day). Low glycemic index treatment allows carbohydrate of upto 60 g per day with food items having glycemic index of less than 50. Consensus recommendations for indications and contraindications of dietary therapy in childhood epilepsy have been formulated. Moreover caution has to be warranted for various metabolic and systemic side effects described with this form of therapy. Laboratory and clinical assessment prior to initiation and periodically on therapy is recommended. A trial of dietary therapy is labeled as failure only if there is no response even after 12 weeks of therapy. There is research ongoing globally on dietary therapy with preliminary encouraging reports in status epilepticus and other neurological conditions like migraine, brain tumor and autism.
Factors associated with utilization of reproductive healthcare services among migrant women workers in Chong Qing, China
Authors: Su Shu , Zhang Fan , Liu Qin , Wang Yang , Wen Jing , Tang Xiaojun , Zhang Lei
Published: May 2014

Objective

To investigate the use of reproductive healthcare services among migrant women workers in Chong Qing, China, and provide suggestions to improve the utilization of these services by young women.

Methods

In a qualitative interview‐based study between March, 2013 and June, 2013, personal in‐depth interviews were conducted among young women workers, factory doctors, healthcare service providers, and policy‐makers in Chong Qing, China.

Results

Women workers seldom visited hospitals and did so only when their pain became unbearable. The workers’ use of reproductive healthcare services was particularly influenced by the high cost of hospitalization and long waiting periods. Factory doctors could only solve minor problems. Public healthcare providers stated that migrant women had a higher morbidity rate from reproductive tract infections as compared with local women. The policy‐makers considered that the health system was beneficial to women's reproductive health; however, few workers had good comprehension of government policies.

Conclusion

Migrant women workers are vulnerable owing to lack of reproductive health care. The government and both social and health enterprise should consider the convenience of these women and the affordability of treatments when formulating reproductive healthcare policies. Effective measures should be taken to improve the use of these services by migrant women workers.
Role of thyrotropin‐releasing hormone test in re‐evaluation of congenital hypothyroidism
Authors: Chen Li‐Min , Chen Yen‐Chun , Hsiao Hui‐Pin , Chen Bai‐Hsiun , Chao Mei‐Chyn
Published: May 2014

The thyrotropin‐releasing hormone (TRH) test is useful for differentiating central and primary hypothyroidism, and is also valuable for diagnosing hypothyroidism. The threshold of the TRH test is usually set at 10–40 mIU/L. However, some experts are of the opinion that the TRH test has a limited role in evaluating hypothyroidism because of the clinical application of the new‐generation thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) assay. We reviewed a case series to analyze the clinical use of the TRH test in the re‐evaluation of congenital hypothyroidism. In total, data on 228 children with eutopic thyroid glands and neonatal hyperthyrotropinemia under levothyroxine replacement were collected. Basal TSH levels were measured and the TRH test was performed at the age of 3 years for re‐evaluation of congenital hypothyroidism, and statistical analysis was performed. All of the patients were followed up to avoid over‐ or under‐treatment. At the age of 3 years, 31.6% of the patients still had hypothyroidism. There was no significant difference between basal TSH level and TRH test in the diagnosis of hypothyroidism (p = 0.23). The negative predictive value of the basal TSH level was 100%, however, the positive predictive value was only 43.6%. When the TSH level was near the upper limit of the normal range (4.5–8.5 mIU/L), the TRH test result had a better correlation with hypothyroidism than the basal TSH level (p = 0.03). The threshold of the TRH test set at 60 mIU/L had the greatest area under the curve, with a negative predictive value of 95.2% and a positive predictive value of 80.2%. Neonatal hyperthyrotropinemia was a risk factor for hypothyroidism. We suggest that the TRH test should be administered in children with a basal TSH value near the upper limit of the normal range, and the threshold of the TRH test should be set at 60 mIU/L.
Histone deacetylase inhibitor‐mediated cell death is distinct from its global effect on chromatin
Authors: Luchenko Victoria L. , Litman Thomas , Chakraborty Arup R. , Heffner Aaron , Devor Christopher , Wilkerson Julia , Stein Wilfred , Robey Robert W. , Bangiolo Lois , Levens David , Bates Susan E.
Published: May 2014

Romidepsin and vorinostat are histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACis) that have activity in T‐cell lymphomas, but have not gained traction in solid tumors. To gain deeper insight into mechanisms of HDACi efficacy, we systematically surveyed 19 cell lines with different molecular phenotypes, comparing romidepsin and vorinostat at equipotent doses. Acetylation at H3K9 and H4K8 along with 22 other histone lysine acetylation and methylation modifications were measured by reverse phase proteomics array (RPPA), and compared with growth inhibition (IC50), and cell cycle arrest. These assays typically used to assess HDACi effect showed that acetylation and methylation of specific lysine residues in response to HDACis were consistent across cell lines, and not related to drug sensitivity. Using a treatment duration more reflective of the clinical exposure, cell death detected by annexin staining following a 6 h drug exposure identified a subset of cell lines, including the T‐cell lymphoma line, that was markedly more sensitive to HDAC inhibition. Kinetic parameters (Km values) were determined for lysine acetylation and for cell cycle data and were themselves correlated following HDACi exposure, but neither parameter correlated with cell death. The impact on cell survival signaling varied with the molecular phenotype. This study suggests that cellular response to HDACis can be viewed as two distinct effects: a chromatin effect and a cell death effect. All cells undergo acetylation, which is necessary but not sufficient for cell death. Cells not primed for apoptosis will not respond with cell death to the impact of altered histone acetylation. The divergent apoptotic responses observed reflect the variable clinical outcome of HDACi treatment. These observations should change our approach to the development of therapeutic strategies that exploit the dual activities of HDACis.
Site‐Specific Loading at the Fifth Metatarsal Base in Rehabilitative Devices: Implications for Jones Fracture Treatment
Authors: Hunt Kenneth J. , Goeb Yannick , Esparza Rolando , Malone Maria , Shultz Rebecca , Matheson Gordon
Published: May 2014

Background

Fractures of the fifth metatarsal base are a relatively common injury. Whether treated surgically or nonsurgically, injury rehabilitation typically involves immobilization in a rigid sandal or short controlled ankle movement (CAM) walker boot.

Objective

To determine the peak pressure, contact pressure, and impulse at the base of the fifth metatarsal in 3 common footwear devices during common gait activities.

Design

This was a retrospective comparative study.

Setting

Research was conducted in a sports performance laboratory at a university.

Participants

Twenty subjects without a recent history of foot injuries volunteered to participate.

Methods

Each subject performed 3 common gait activities (walking, heel walking, and pivoting) in 3 footwear devices (short CAM walker boot, postoperative sandal, running shoe). Pressure data were sampled (100 Hz) using individually sized plantar pressure insoles and software (Tekscan). Walking trials were collected at 1.0 m/s ± 5% (FusionSport Timing Gates).

Outcome Measurements

Peak pressure, contact pressure, and impulse at the fifth metatarsal base region were determined for all trials for all subjects. Mixed‐effect regression models were used to compare pairwise differences in outcome variables between footwear devices.

Results

The CAM walker boot resulted in significantly lower peak pressure at the fifth metatarsal during walking and heel‐walking relative to the postoperative sandal (P < .01) and during heel‐walking (P < .01) relative to the standard athletic shoe. The CAM walker boot significantly reduced contact pressures at the fifth metatarsal during walking and heel‐walking relative to the postoperative sandal (P < .01), and during heel‐walking relative to the standard athletic shoe (P < .001).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that the short CAM walker boot more effectively offloads the fifth metatarsal during common gait activities than a postoperative sandal or a standard athletic shoe. A short CAM walker boot may be a beneficial rehabilitative tool for patients undergoing rehabilitation after treatment of Jones fractures and other base of fifth metatarsal fractures.
A New Approach to the Study of Parties Entering Government
Authors: Glasgow Garrett , Golder Sona N.
Published: May 2014

Previous studies of the factors that influence the ability of parties to join governments have estimated binary choice models using the parties as the unit of analysis, which inappropriately treats each party in a government formation opportunity as an independent observation (a problem that clustered standard errors do not solve) and does not allow researchers to control for important coalition-level effects. This article demonstrates that a preferred methodological approach is to first estimate a standard multinomial choice model (conditional logit or mixed logit) of coalition formation, using government formation opportunities as the unit of analysis and potential governments as the choice alternatives. The probabilities of parties joining governments can then be recovered by simply summing the probabilities for the potential governments that contain each party. An empirical example shows how the substantive conclusions about a party's likelihood of entering office can change depending on the methodological approach taken.
Do genetic risk scores for body mass index predict risk of phobic anxiety? Evidence for a shared genetic risk factor
Authors: Walter S. , Glymour M. M. , Koenen K. , Liang L. , Tchetgen Tchetgen E. J. , Cornelis M. , Chang S.-C. , Rewak M. , Rimm E. , Kawachi I. , Kubzansky L. D.
Published: May 2014

Background

Obesity and anxiety are often linked but the direction of effects is not clear.

Method

Using genetic instrumental variable (IV) analyses in 5911 female participants from the Nurses' Health Study (NHS, initiated 1976) and 3697 male participants from the Health Professional Follow-up Study (HPFS, initiated 1986), we aimed to determine whether obesity increases symptoms of phobic anxiety. As instrumental variables we used the fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) gene, the melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) gene and a genetic risk score (GRS) based on 32 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that significantly predict body mass index (BMI). ‘Functional’ GRSs corresponding with specific biological pathways that shape BMI (adipogenesis, appetite and cardiopulmonary) were considered. The main outcome was phobic anxiety measured by the Crown Crisp Index (CCI) in 2004 in the NHS and in 2000 in the HPFS.

Results

In observational analysis, a 1-unit higher BMI was associated with higher phobic anxiety symptoms [women:β = 0.05, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.030–0.068; men:β = 0.04, 95% CI 0.016–0.071). IV analyses showed that BMI was associated with higher phobic anxiety symptoms in theFTO-instrumented analysis (p = 0.005) but not in the GRS-instrumented analysis (p = 0.256). Functional GRSs showed heterogeneous, non-significant effects of BMI on phobic anxiety symptoms.

Conclusions

Our findings do not provide conclusive evidence in favor of the hypothesis that higher BMI leads to higher levels of phobic anxiety, but rather suggest that genes that influence obesity, in particularFTO, may have direct effects on phobic anxiety, and hence that obesity and phobic anxiety may share common genetic determinants.
Poverty Transitions and Trigger Events across EU Groups of Countries: Evidence from EU-SILC
Authors: POLIN VERONICA , RAITANO MICHELE
Published: May 2014

The dynamics of income poverty in European countries have been extensively analysed using the ECHP dataset, run from 1994 to 2001 in the ‘old’ fifteen member states. Using EU-SILC longitudinal data, the purpose of this paper is to update this type of analysis to 2006 by including the ‘new’ EU member states and focusing on poverty mobility. The demographic and economic events associated with households falling into or exiting poverty are analysed through both descriptive analyses and logit regressions. The analysis compares six groups of countries clustered according to welfare regime typologies. The results reveal that most poverty transitions are associated with economic events, but the entry rates after the occurrence of demographic events are also crucial. With respect to poverty entry rates, differences among groups of countries are consistent with their welfare regime typologies, but a less clear ranking among them emerges when considering poverty exit rates and when regressions are estimated while controlling for household characteristics.
Homelessness, Empowerment and Self-reliance in Scotland and Ireland: The Impact of Legal Rights to Housing for Homeless People
Authors: WATTS BETH
Published: May 2014

This paper explores the impact of legal rights to housing for homeless people, focusing on the capacity of such rights to ‘empower’ those experiencing homelessness. Lukes’ (2005) three-dimensional view of power, complemented by Bourdieu's (1972) concept of ‘habitus’, is used to distinguish between conceptualisations of empowerment. A distinction is drawn between ‘traditional’ understandings of empowerment, which focus on people's capacity to realise their ‘subjective interests’, and on understandings that foreground ‘real interests’. These latter ‘radical’ perspectives direct attention to people's ‘habitus’ – their internalised dispositions to perceive situations and act in particular ways. Empirically, the paper draws on a qualitative comparison of approaches to homelessness in Scotland and Ireland. Whereas in Scotland virtually all those who are homeless now have a legal right to settled accommodation, Ireland has rejected such a ‘legalistic’ approach, pursuing a consensus driven ‘social partnership’ model. Based on primary research with national experts, service providers and homeless single men in both countries, it is argued that legal rights can effectively empower homeless people. These findings call into question popular and political understandings of the relationship between legal welfare rights and self-reliance.