bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Critical Reflections on Participatory Action Research in a Prison Setting
Authors: Crabtree Jeffrey L. , Wall Jarrod M. , Ohm David
Published: September 2016

There is little information about prison-related occupational deprivation, and about doing research in prison. To document an occupational therapist and two prisoners’ critical reflections on an informal occupational therapy education program using participatory action research (PAR), we reflect on our combined experiences of evaluating an occupational therapy program. The reflections include articulation of power differentials and examples of occupational deprivation and injustice at every stage of the program evaluation process. We found that the PAR process allowed all collaborators to engage of co-occupation and gain a keener understanding of occupational justice. With co-occupation came personal growth and an appreciation for each other’s humanity despite our diverse backgrounds. Recognizing that research in prison can be challenging, the results suggest it can also be rewarding. We offer insights and practical suggestions for doing research in prison.
A Variable bandwidth spectrum auction mechanism with performance guarantee
Authors: Bu Xiaofei , Sun Yu-E , Zhang Lina , Huang He , Wang Baowei
Published: September 2016

Spectrum resource is experiencing a rapid growth, which cannot meet the demand of the ever-increasing wireless communications technologies in recent years. Spectrum auctions in the secondary market have been considered as a prominent way to solve this challenge due to its fairness and effectiveness. However, most of the existing studies mainly focus on allocating spectrum in units of channels without considering allocate spectrum with variable bandwidths to the secondary users, which has been supported by the software-defined radio technologies. Variable bandwidth trading can make the usage of spectrum more flexible and efficient. Thus, we study the spectrum auction problem where the primary user wants to share a continuous spectrum with the secondary users, and each secondary user has a fixed transmission demand. The target of this work is to design a truthful auction mechanism, which can allocate spectrum with variable bandwidths to the secondary users and maximize the social efficiency at the same time. We first propose a bid-monotone winner determination mechanism to decide the winning secondary users in the auction. Since the optimal winner determination problem is NP-hard, we prove that the proposed mechanism has an approximation factor of 10. Then, a channel allocation mechanism is proposed, which can allocate spectrum to winners without interference. Finally, we compute the critical value for each winner to ensure truthfulness. We can demonstrate that the proposed auction mechanism is truthful through theoretical analysis. We also perform extensive simulations to study the performance of the proposed auction mechanism, and the simulation results corroborate our theoretical analysis.
Are Leadership and Management Essential for Good Research? An Interview Study of Genetic Researchers
Authors: Antes Alison L. , Mart Adelina , DuBois James M.
Published: September 2016

Principal investigators are responsible for a myriad of leadership and management activities in their work. The practices they use to navigate these responsibilities ultimately influence the quality and integrity of research. However, leadership and management roles in research have received scant empirical examination. Semi-structured interviews with 32 National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded genetic researchers revealed that they considered leadership and management essential for effective research, but their scientific training inadequately prepared them. We also report management practices that the researchers described using in their labs, as well as their perceptions of a proposed intervention to enhance laboratory leadership. These findings suggest best practices for the research community, future directions for scientific training, and implications for research on leadership and management in science.
Attitudes Toward Testicular Cancer and Self-Examination Among Northern Irish Males
Authors: Roy Rachel Kathryn , Casson Karen
Published: September 2016

Testicular cancer incidence rates are increasing worldwide making it the most common malignancy in males aged 15 to 45 years. Without a known way to prevent the disease health professionals must promote awareness and early detection. A literature review identified a scarcity of information regarding awareness and knowledge of, and attitudes toward, testicular cancer and testicular self-examination among men in Northern Ireland. This study aimed to establish baseline data for Northern Ireland using a convenience sample of 150 men, aged 18 to 45 years. The sample was recruited from across the country and so represents a range of education and area deprivation levels. An online survey was used to collect data. Results showed that while 39% of respondents correctly identified the age group at highest risk for testicular cancer, only 17% of respondents had ever heard of a testicular self-examination. Analysis revealed knowledge, awareness, and attitudes differed by age groups and area deprivation quintiles. It is recommended that health promoters in Northern Ireland and elsewhere use these findings to tailor health promotion initiatives to engage men and raise testicular cancer and self-examination awareness.
Aneurysmal Bone Cyst Involving the Pisiform: A Case Report
Authors: Zancolli Eduardo P. , Ranson John M. , Thirkannad Sunil M.
Published: September 2016

Background: Aneurysmal bone cysts are an uncommon form of benign primary bone tumors; affection of the hand is very rare. Methods: A rigorous review of the literature showed that this type of tumor has not previously been described in the pisiform. In this article, we report the occurrence of an aneurysmal bone tumor in the pisiform of the left hand of a 19-year-old male. Results: This tumor was successfully treated through surgical excision with an uneventful recovery. We describe the process behind the diagnosis of the lesion and the subsequent treatment in an attempt to highlight the rare but possible occurrence of aneurysmal bone cysts in the pisiform. Conclusion: Appropriate treatment of aneurysmal bone cysts in this location is required, due to the anatomical nature of the pisiform itself with the risks of pathologic fracture and ulnar nerve compression.
Particle swarm optimization used with proportional–derivative control to analyze nonlinear behavior in the atomic force microscope
Authors: Hsieh Chin-Tsung , Yau Her-Terng , Wang Cheng-Chi , Hsieh Yi-Sheng
Published: September 2016

An investigation of nonlinear probe behavior in an atomic force microscope, caused by different excitation frequencies, was carried out as well as an analysis and subsequent regulation using particle swarm optimization in combination with proportional–derivative control. The dynamic behavior was resolved by numerical analysis using the atomic force microscope probe governing equations and the properties were examined using phase portrait, bifurcation diagrams, Poincaré maps, and the maximum Lyapunov exponent. The results show that excitation frequency ratio can actuate periodic, sub-harmonic, and chaotic behavior in the system under certain conditions. A proportional–derivative controller was employed to control the chaos, and particle swarm optimization was used to find the proportional–derivative parameters. Integral absolute error was used to evaluate the quality of the parameters for the performance indicator. The generation of nonlinear behavior and a chaotic state may be effectively suppressed to improve the stability and performance of an atomic force microscope system.
Experimental and finite element evaluations of debonding in composite sandwich structure with core thickness variations
Authors: Saeid Ali A , Donaldson Steven L
Published: September 2016

An important failure mode in sandwich structures is the debonding between the core and facesheet, which can destroy the load capacity of the structure. This work addressed the critical interfacial modes and studied the effects of thickness variation of the core material. The single cantilever beam geometry is utilized for conducting experiments after optimizing the thicknesses of the core and facesheet by minimizing the difference in the bending stiffness matrix between the upper facesheet and the lower facesheet/core combination. Two different core material thicknesses were tested. The experimental results showed that the critical energy release rate could be influenced by core thickness variations. Furthermore, the cohesive zone method and elastic–plastic core material model in conjunction with fracture criteria were used to model the entire structure failure response. The validation results predicted load–extension curves in agreement with actual tests for both single cantilever beam geometry specimens. The model also had the ability to predict the crack initiation in the core materials which occurred under the interface zone as in the actual test. In addition, the mixed-mode ratios through the interface area were analyzed as function of crack length to assess its influence on both single cantilever beam thickness specimens.
Aerobic Physical Fitness and Recreational Sports Participation After Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Barber-Westin Sue D. , Noyes Frank R.
Published: September 2016

Context:

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is routinely performed in younger patients who desire to be active in fitness and recreational sports. The activities patients can participate in without symptoms and the level of aerobic fitness routinely maintained are important to investigate.

Objective:

To determine physical activity (PA) and recreational sports resumed after primary TKA, symptoms or limitations with these activities, and the effect of postoperative rehabilitation on achieving fitness and sports goals.

Data Sources:

A systematic review of the literature from 2005 through 2015 was conducted using the PubMed database.

Study Selection:

Original investigations that were conducted at least 1 year after primary TKA and reported the percentage of patients who returned to recreational activities or routinely participated in aerobic PA recommended by the American Heart Association (AHA) were included in this study.

Study Design:

Systematic review.

Level of Evidence:

Level 4.

Data Extraction:

Data were extracted as available from 19 eligible studies. Assessment of study quality was rated using the MINORS (Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies) instrument.

Results:

There were 5179 knees (mean age, 67.5 years) followed for a mean 4.8 years postoperatively. Marked variability was present between studies regarding the percentage of patients who resumed recreational activities (34%-100%), most of which were low impact. Only 2 studies used accelerometers to measure PA; these reported a low range (0%-16.5%) of patients who met AHA guidelines. Few studies determined whether symptoms or limitations were experienced during PA. None described rehabilitation exercises or factors that would influence patients’ ability to return to recreational or fitness activities.

Conclusion:

Little evidence is available regarding the effect of TKA on return to recreational and (objectively measured) aerobic fitness. The extent of symptoms or limitations during PA and the long-term effects of such problems remain unclear. Valid predictions cannot be made on factors that may affect return to recreational sports or other aerobic PA after TKA.
Recurrent hepatobiliary sepsis in a patient with von Meyenburg complexes: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Koay Doreen Siew Ching , Leow Wei Qiang , Tan Thuan Tong , Slapak Gabrielle
Published: September 2016

The von Meyenburg complex (VMC) is a rare, congenital malformation of the ductal plate. It is typically asymptomatic and usually discovered incidentally. We report a unique case of recurrent life-threatening hepatobiliary sepsis caused by VMC and a review of the literature. A 62-year-old man presented with recurrent episodes of life-threatening hepatobiliary sepsis. Extensive investigations only showed that he has VMCs without any other source of sepsis or underlying immunodeficiency states. Despite prolonged courses of antibiotics which resolved each episode of sepsis, he suffers repeated recurrences of hepatobiliary sepsis. Liver transplantation is now being considered in view of his refractoriness to medical therapy. As VMC can present with severe hepatobiliary sepsis, it is therefore essential to recognise its presence. This case adds to the literature the atypical but life-threatening clinical presentation of VMC.
A Comparative Study of the Effects of Different Glossing Conditions on EFL Learners’ Vocabulary Recall
Authors: Danesh Tayebeh , Farvardin Mohammad Taghi
Published: September 2016

This quasi-experimental study examined the effects of different glossing conditions on English as a foreign language (EFL) learners’ vocabulary recall. To this end, five glossing conditions were adopted (i.e., inference-gloss-gloss, gloss-retrieval-gloss, inference-gloss-retrieval-gloss, gloss-retrieval-gloss-retrieval, and full glossing). The participants were 140 MA students of Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL). They were randomly assigned to one glossing condition to read an English reading passage. Five target words were glossed in different glossing conditions within a reading passage. To ensure the participants’ attention focused on the reading material, the participants were told that a multiple-choice reading comprehension test would be administrated. Afterward, two vocabulary tests (i.e., form recall and meaning recall) were conducted. The results of one-way MANOVAs and the post hoc Scheffé tests revealed that the full glossing condition group did significantly better than other glossing groups in vocabulary form recall, whereas the gloss-retrieval-gloss-retrieval condition group outperformed other four groups in vocabulary meaning recall.
Patterns of Systemic Hypertension among Adults with Perinatally Acquired HIV
Authors: Ryscavage Patrick , Macharia Thomas , Trinidad Lino R. , Lovelace Susan , Tepper Vicki , Redfield Robert
Published: September 2016

Patients with perinatally acquired HIV may be at risk for the development of age-related non-AIDS diseases. The primary aim of this study was to describe patterns of systemic hypertension among a cohort of adults (≥18 years) with perinatally acquired HIV. A retrospective cohort study was conducted among adults (≥18 years) with perinatally acquired HIV infection. Primary outcomes included documentation of systemic hypertension as well as several additional non-AIDS-associated illnesses. Systemic hypertension incidence rates and rate ratios (RRs) were calculated among groups aged ≥18 and <18 years at the time of hypertension diagnosis. The overall prevalence of hypertension in the cohort (N = 109) was 26.6%, and the incidence rate of hypertension was significantly higher among those aged ≥18 years compared to those who are aged <18 years at the time of diagnosis (RR: 10.0, CI: 7.29-13.71). By multivariable analysis, only coexisting renal disease was associated with an increased risk of hypertension diagnosis.
Pediatric Hereditary Neuralgic Amyotrophy
Authors: Chuk Raymond , Sheppard Megan , Wallace Geoff , Coman David
Published: September 2016

Hereditary neuralgic amyotrophy is a rare disorder characterized by the sudden onset of recurrent episodes of painful brachial plexus neuropathies, followed by atrophy within a few weeks. The authors present the case of a 5-year-old boy who developed hereditary neuralgic amyotrophy in the right upper limb after a gastroenteritis illness. He made a full and rapid recovery with the use of intravenous immunoglobulin. A subsequent episode in the left upper limb during the course of intravenous immunoglobulin was significantly attenuated. A de novo c.262C>T mutation in exon 2 of the SEPT9 gene was identified. To our knowledge, he is the first pediatric patient with SEPT9 hereditary neuralgic amyotrophy to be treated with intravenous immunoglobulin. The authors hypothesize that the c.262C>T mutation in exon 2 of the SEPT9 gene generates pathology via the numerous isoforms under specific conditions and that intravenous immunoglobulin can play a role at the epigenetic level of improving dysfunctional SEPT9 expression.
Lay Judgments of Mental Health Treatment Options
Authors: Marsh Jessecae K. , Romano Amanda L.
Published: September 2016

Background: Past research shows that people believe psychologically caused mental disorders are helped by different treatments than biologically caused mental disorders. However, it is unknown how people think about treatment when limited information is known to identify the disorder. Objective: Our objective was to explore how laypeople judged the helpfulness of treatments when a limited set of mental health symptoms is presented. Method: Across four experiments, Mechanical Turk and college undergraduate participants (N = 331) read descriptions displaying sets of three mental health symptoms and rated how helpful pharmaceuticals, counseling, or alternative medicine would be on a 0 (not at all helpful) to 100 (completely helpful) scale. We measured judgments for perceived mental and medical symptoms (Experiment 1) and how judgments were influenced by symptom severity (Experiment 2), duration (Experiment 3), and if alternative medicine and conventional treatments were used in conjunction (Experiment 4). Results: Perceived mental symptoms were rated as helped by counseling, while perceived medical symptoms were rated as helped by medication. Alternative medicine was never rated as extremely helpful. For example, in Experiment 1, counseling (mean [M] = 80.1) was rated more helpful than pharmaceuticals (M = 50.5; P < 0.001) or alternative medicine (M = 45.1; P < 0.001) for mental symptoms, and pharmaceuticals (M = 62.6) was rated more helpful than counseling (M = 36.1; P < 0.001) or alternative medicine (M = 47.5; P < 0.001) for medical symptoms. This pattern held regardless of severity, duration, or the adjunct use of alternative medicine. Limitations: We employed a general population sample and measured hypothetical treatment judgments. Conclusions: Mental health symptoms viewed as problems of the mind are thought to need different treatment than mental health symptoms seen as problems of the body.
Phase 1/2 study of lenalidomide combined with low-dose cyclophosphamide and prednisone in lenalidomide-refractory multiple myeloma
Authors: Nijhof Inger S. , Franssen Laurens E. , Levin Mark-David , Bos Gerard M. J. , Broijl Annemiek , Klein Saskia K. , Koene Harry R. , Bloem Andries C. , Beeker Aart , Faber Laura M. , van der Spek Ellen , Ypma Paula F. , Raymakers Reinier , van Spronsen Dick-Johan , Westerweel Peter E. , Oostvogels Rimke , van Velzen Jeroen , van Kessel Berris , Mutis Tuna , Sonneveld Pieter , Zweegman Sonja , Lokhorst Henk M. , van de Donk Niels W. C. J.
Published: September 2016

Key Points

REP is an active combination in MM patients refractory to lenalidomide. REP is an all-oral and generally well-tolerated regimen.
systemPipeR: NGS workflow and report generation environment
Authors: Backman Tyler W. H. , Girke Thomas
Published: September 2016

Background

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) has revolutionized how research is carried out in many areas of biology and medicine. However, the analysis of NGS data remains a major obstacle to the efficient utilization of the technology, as it requires complex multi-step processing of big data demanding considerable computational expertise from users. While substantial effort has been invested on the development of software dedicated to the individual analysis steps of NGS experiments, insufficient resources are currently available for integrating the individual software components within the widely used R/Bioconductor environment into automated workflows capable of running the analysis of most types of NGS applications from start-to-finish in a time-efficient and reproducible manner.

Results

To address this need, we have developed the R/Bioconductor package systemPipeR. It is an extensible environment for both building and running end-to-end analysis workflows with automated report generation for a wide range of NGS applications. Its unique features include a uniform workflow interface across different NGS applications, automated report generation, and support for running both R and command-line software on local computers and computer clusters. A flexible sample annotation infrastructure efficiently handles complex sample sets and experimental designs. To simplify the analysis of widely used NGS applications, the package provides pre-configured workflows and reporting templates for RNA-Seq, ChIP-Seq, VAR-Seq and Ribo-Seq. Additional workflow templates will be provided in the future.

Conclusions

systemPipeR accelerates the extraction of reproducible analysis results from NGS experiments. By combining the capabilities of many R/Bioconductor and command-line tools, it makes efficient use of existing software resources without limiting the user to a set of predefined methods or environments. systemPipeR is freely available for all common operating systems from Bioconductor (http://bioconductor.org/packages/devel/systemPipeR).
DBSecSys 2.0: a database of Burkholderia mallei and Burkholderia pseudomallei secretion systems
Authors: Memišević Vesna , Kumar Kamal , Zavaljevski Nela , DeShazer David , Wallqvist Anders , Reifman Jaques
Published: September 2016

Background

Burkholderia mallei and B. pseudomallei are the causative agents of glanders and melioidosis, respectively, diseases with high morbidity and mortality rates. B. mallei and B. pseudomallei are closely related genetically; B. mallei evolved from an ancestral strain of B. pseudomallei by genome reduction and adaptation to an obligate intracellular lifestyle. Although these two bacteria cause different diseases, they share multiple virulence factors, including bacterial secretion systems, which represent key components of bacterial pathogenicity. Despite recent progress, the secretion system proteins for B. mallei and B. pseudomallei, their pathogenic mechanisms of action, and host factors are not well characterized.

Results

We previously developed a manually curated database, DBSecSys, of bacterial secretion system proteins for B. mallei. Here, we report an expansion of the database with corresponding information about B. pseudomallei. DBSecSys 2.0 contains comprehensive literature-based and computationally derived information about B. mallei ATCC 23344 and literature-based and computationally derived information about B. pseudomallei K96243. The database contains updated information for 163 B. mallei proteins from the previous database and 61 additional B. mallei proteins, and new information for 281 B. pseudomallei proteins associated with 5 secretion systems, their 1,633 human- and murine-interacting targets, and 2,400 host-B. mallei interactions and 2,286 host-B. pseudomallei interactions. The database also includes information about 13 pathogenic mechanisms of action for B. mallei and B. pseudomallei secretion system proteins inferred from the available literature or computationally. Additionally, DBSecSys 2.0 provides details about 82 virulence attenuation experiments for 52 B. mallei secretion system proteins and 98 virulence attenuation experiments for 61 B. pseudomallei secretion system proteins. We updated the Web interface and data access layer to speed-up users’ search of detailed information for orthologous proteins related to secretion systems of the two pathogens.

Conclusions

The updates of DBSecSys 2.0 provide unique capabilities to access comprehensive information about secretion systems of B. mallei and B. pseudomallei. They enable studies and comparisons of corresponding proteins of these two closely related pathogens and their host-interacting partners.

The database is available at http://dbsecsys.bhsai.org.
Exosomes/tricalcium phosphate combination scaffolds can enhance bone regeneration by activating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway
Authors: Zhang Jieyuan , Liu Xiaolin , Li Haiyan , Chen Chunyuan , Hu Bin , Niu Xin , Li Qing , Zhao Bizeng , Xie Zongping , Wang Yang
Published: September 2016

Background

Recently, accumulating evidence has shown that exosomes, the naturally secreted nanocarriers of cells, can exert therapeutic effects in various disease models in the absence of parent cells. However, application of exosomes in bone defect repair and regeneration has been rarely reported, and little is known regarding their underlying mechanisms.

Methods

Exosomes derived from human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hiPS-MSC-Exos) were combined with tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) to repair critical-sized calvarial bone defects, and the efficacy was assessed by histological examination. We evaluated the in vitro effects of hiPSC-MSC-Exos on the proliferation, migration, and osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) by cell-counting, scratch assays, and qRT-PCR, respectively. Gene expression profiling and bioinformatics analyses were also used to identify the underlying mechanisms in the repair.

Results

We found that the exosome/β-TCP combination scaffolds could enhance osteogenesis as compared to pure β-TCP scaffolds. In vitro assays showed that the exosomes could release from β-TCP and could be internalized by hBMSCs. In addition, the internalization of exosomes into hBMSCs could profoundly enhance the proliferation, migration, and osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs. Furthermore, gene expression profiling and bioinformatics analyses demonstrated that exosome/β-TCP combination scaffolds significantly altered the expression of a network of genes involved in the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Functional studies further confirmed that the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway was the critical mediator during the exosome-induced osteogenic responses of hBMSCs.

Conclusions

We propose that the exosomes can enhance the osteoinductivity of β-TCP through activating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway of hBMSCs, which means that the exosome/β-TCP combination scaffolds possess better osteogenesis activity than pure β-TCP scaffolds. These results indicate that naturally secreted nanocarriers-exosomes can be used as a bioactive material to improve the bioactivity of the biomaterials, and that hiPS-MSC-Exos combined with β-TCP scaffolds can be potentially used for repairing bone defects.
The mechanosensor of mesenchymal stem cells: mechanosensitive channel or cytoskeleton?
Authors: Xiao E. , Chen Chider , Zhang Yi
Published: September 2016

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent adult stem cells. MSCs and their potential for use in regenerative medicine have been investigated extensively. Recently, the mechanisms by which MSCs detect mechanical stimuli have been described in detail. As in other cell types, both mechanosensitive channels, such as transient receptor potential melastatin 7 (TRPM7), and the cytoskeleton, including actin and actomyosin, have been implicated in mechanosensation in MSCs. This review will focus on discussing the precise role of TRPM7 and the cytoskeleton in mechanosensation in MSCs.
Evaluation of amniotic mesenchymal cell derivatives on cytokine production in equine alveolar macrophages: an in vitro approach to lung inflammation
Authors: Zucca Enrica , Corsini Emanuela , Galbiati Valentina , Lange-Consiglio Anna , Ferrucci Francesco
Published: September 2016

Background

Data obtained in both animal models and clinical trials suggest that cell-based therapies represent a potential therapeutic strategy for lung repair and remodeling. Recently, new therapeutic approaches based on the use of stem cell derivatives (e.g., conditioned medium (CM) and microvesicles (MVs)) to regenerate tissues and improve their functions were proposed. The aim of this study was to investigate the immunomodulatory effects of equine amniotic mesenchymal cell derivatives on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced cytokine production in equine alveolar macrophages, which may be beneficial in lung inflammatory disorders such as recurrent airway obstruction (RAO) in horses. RAO shares many features with human asthma, including an increased number of cells expressing mRNA for interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-5 and a decreased expression of IFN-γ in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of affected horses.

Methods

The release of TNF-α, IL-6, and TGF-β1 at different time points (1, 24, 48, and 72 h) was measured in equine alveolar macrophages stimulated or not with LPS (10 and 100 ng/mL) in the presence or absence of 10 % CM or 50 × 106MVs/mL.

Cytokines were measured using commercially available ELISA kits. For multiple comparisons, analysis of variance was used with Tukey post-hoc test. Differences were considered significant atp ≤ 0.05.

Results

Significant modulatory effects of CM on LPS-induced TNF-α release at 24 h, and of both CM and MVs on TNF-α release at 48 h were observed. A trend toward a modulatory effect of both CM and MVs on the release of TGF-β and possibly IL-6 was visible over time.

Conclusions

Results support the potential use of CM and MVs in lung regenerative medicine, especially in situations in which TGF-β may be detrimental, such as respiratory allergy. Further studies should evaluate the potential clinical applications of CM and MVs in equine lung diseases, such as RAO and other inflammatory disorders.
Hyaluronan induces odontoblastic differentiation of dental pulp stem cells via CD44
Authors: Umemura Naoki , Ohkoshi Emika , Tajima Masamichi , Kikuchi Hirotaka , Katayama Tadashi , Sakagami Hiroshi
Published: September 2016

Background

Dental pulp tissue contains many undifferentiated mesenchymal cells, which retain the ability to differentiate into mature cells. Induced pluripotent stem cells have been developed from various cell sources, including dental pulp-derived stem cells, and evaluated for potential application to regenerative therapy. Dental pulp tissues overexpress CD44, a cell-adhesion factor involved in the induction of mineralization. In this study, we investigated the effects of hyaluronan—a known CD44 ligand—on dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs).

Methods

DPSC CD44 expression was analyzed using immunofluorescence staining, flow cytometry, and western blotting. Cell proliferation was evaluated using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Effects of hyaluronan on the cell cycle were analyzed by flow cytometry. Alkaline phosphatase activity was employed as marker of mineralization and measured by fluorometric quantification and western blotting. Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2, BMP-4, dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP), and dentin matrix acidic phosphoprotein 1 (DMP-1) levels were measured using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Odontoblastic differentiation and the close cell signaling examination of DPSC differentiation were determined using western blotting.

Results

Hyaluronan induced expression of the odontoblastic differentiation markers DMP-1 and DSPP. Moreover, the odontoblastic differentiation induced by hyaluronan was mediated by CD44—but not by Akt, Smad1 or MAPK signaling.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that hyaluronan induces odontoblastic differentiation of DPSCs via CD44. This suggests that hyaluronan plays a crucial role in the induction of odontoblastic differentiation from DPSCs. Our findings may aid the development of new, inexpensive, and effective conservative treatments for dental pulp repair.
Recent advances in animal and human pluripotent stem cell modeling of cardiac laminopathy
Authors: Lee Yee-Ki , Jiang Yu , Ran Xin-Ru , Lau Yee-Man , Ng Kwong-Man , Lai Wing-Hon Kevin , Siu Chung-Wah , Tse Hung-Fat
Published: September 2016

Laminopathy is a disease closely related to deficiency of the nuclear matrix protein lamin A/C or failure in prelamin A processing, and leads to accumulation of the misfold protein causing progeria. The resultant disrupted lamin function is highly associated with abnormal nuclear architecture, cell senescence, apoptosis, and unstable genome integrity. To date, the effects of loss in nuclear integrity on the susceptible organ, striated muscle, have been commonly associated with muscular dystrophy, dilated cardiac myopathy (DCM), and conduction defeats, but have not been studied intensively. In this review, we aim to summarize recent breakthroughs in an in vivo laminopathy model and in vitro study using patient-specific human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) that reproduce the pathophysiological phenotype for further drug screening. We describe several in-vivo transgenic mouse models to elucidate the effects of Lmna H222P, N195K mutations, and LMNA knockout on cardiac function, in terms of hemodynamic and electrical signal propagation; certain strategies targeted on stress-related MAPK are mentioned. We will also discuss human iPSC cardiomyocytes serving as a platform to reveal the underlying mechanisms, such as the altered mechanical sensation in electrical coupling of the heart conduction system and ion channel alternation in relation to altered nuclear architecture, and furthermore to enable screening of drugs that can attenuate this cardiac premature aging phenotype by inhibition of prelamin misfolding and oxidative stress, and also enhancement of autophagy protein clearance and cardiac-protective microRNA.
Cold burn injuries in the UK: the 11-year experience of a tertiary burns centre
Authors: Nizamoglu Metin , Tan Alethea , Vickers Tobias , Segaren Nicholas , Barnes David , Dziewulski Peter
Published: September 2016

Background

Guidance for the management of thermal injuries has evolved with improved understanding of burn pathophysiology. Guidance for the management of cold burn injuries is not widely available. The management of these burns differs from the standard management of thermal injuries. This study aimed to review the etiology and management of all cold burns presenting to a large regional burn centre in the UK and to provide a simplified management pathway for cold burns.

Methods

An 11-year retrospective  analysis (1 January 2003–31 December 2014)  of all cold injuries presenting to a regional burns centre in the UK was conducted. Patient case notes were reviewed for injury mechanism, first aid administered, treatment outcomes and time to healing. An anonymized nationwide survey on aspects of management of cold burns was disseminated between 13 July 2015–5 October 2015 to British Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS) and Plastic Surgery Trainees Association (PLASTA) members in the UK. Electronic searches of MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library were performed to identify relevant literature to provide evidence for a management pathway for cold burn injuries.

Results

Twenty-three patients were identified. Age range was 8 months–69 years. Total body surface area (TBSA) burn ranged from 0.25 to 5 %. Twenty cases involved peripheral limbs. Seventeen (73.9 %)cases were accidental, with the remaining six (26.1 %) cases being deliberate self-inflicted injuries. Only eight patients received first aid. All except one patient were managed conservatively. One case required skin graft application due to delayed healing. We received 52 responses from a total of 200 questionaires. Ninety percent of responders think clearer guidelines should exist. We present a simplified management pathway based on evidence identified in our literature search. 

Conclusions

Cold burns are uncommon in comparison to other types of burn injuries. In the UK, a disproportionate number of cold burn injuries are deliberately self-inflicted, especially in the younger patient population. Our findings reflect a gap in clinical knowledge and experience. We proposed a simplified management pathway for managing cold burn injuries, consisting of adequate first aid using warm water, oral prostaglandin inhibitors, deroofing of blisters and topical antithromboxane therapy.
Genetic Determinants of Cisplatin Resistance in Patients With Advanced Germ Cell Tumors
Authors: Bagrodia Aditya , Lee Byron H. , Lee William , Cha Eugene K. , Sfakianos John P. , Iyer Gopa , Pietzak Eugene J. , Gao Sizhi Paul , Zabor Emily C. , Ostrovnaya Irina , Kaffenberger Samuel D. , Syed Aijazuddin , Arcila Maria E. , Chaganti Raju S. , Kundra Ritika , Eng Jana , Hreiki Joseph , Vacic Vladimir , Arora Kanika , Oschwald Dayna M. , Berger Michael F. , Bajorin Dean F. , Bains Manjit S. , Schultz Nikolaus , Reuter Victor E. , Sheinfeld Joel , Bosl George J. , Al-Ahmadie Hikmat A. , Solit David B. , Feldman Darren R.
Published: September 2016

Purpose

Owing to its exquisite chemotherapy sensitivity, most patients with metastatic germ cell tumors (GCTs) are cured with cisplatin-based chemotherapy. However, up to 30% of patients with advanced GCT exhibit cisplatin resistance, which requires intensive salvage treatment, and have a 50% risk of cancer-related death. To identify a genetic basis for cisplatin resistance, we performed whole-exome and targeted sequencing of cisplatin-sensitive and cisplatin-resistant GCTs.

Methods

Men with GCT who received a cisplatin-containing chemotherapy regimen and had available tumor tissue were eligible to participate in this study. Whole-exome sequencing or targeted exon-capture–based sequencing was performed on 180 tumors. Patients were categorized as cisplatin sensitive or cisplatin resistant by using a combination of postchemotherapy parameters, including serum tumor marker levels, radiology, and pathology at surgical resection of residual disease.

Results

TP53 alterations were present exclusively in cisplatin-resistant tumors and were particularly prevalent among primary mediastinal nonseminomas (72%). TP53 pathway alterations including MDM2 amplifications were more common among patients with adverse clinical features, categorized as poor risk according to the International Germ Cell Cancer Collaborative Group (IGCCCG) model. Despite this association, TP53 and MDM2 alterations predicted adverse prognosis independent of the IGCCCG model. Actionable alterations, including novel RAC1 mutations, were detected in 55% of cisplatin-resistant GCTs.

Conclusion

In GCT, TP53 and MDM2 alterations were associated with cisplatin resistance and inferior outcomes, independent of the IGCCCG model. The finding of frequent TP53 alterations among mediastinal primary nonseminomas may explain the more frequent chemoresistance observed with this tumor subtype. A substantial portion of cisplatin-resistant GCTs harbor actionable alterations, which might respond to targeted therapies. Genomic profiling of patients with advanced GCT could improve current risk stratification and identify novel therapeutic approaches for patients with cisplatin-resistant disease.
Role of Gut Microbiota and Short Chain Fatty Acids in Modulating Energy Harvest and Fat Partitioning in Youth
Authors: Goffredo Martina , Mass Kendra , Parks Elizabeth J. , Wagner David A. , McClure Emily Ann , Graf Joerg , Savoye Mary , Pierpont Bridget , Cline Gary , Santoro Nicola
Published: September 2016

Objective:

We aimed at determining the relationship of the gut microbiota and short chain fatty acids with obesity and fat partitioning and at testing potential differences in the ability of gut microbiota to ferment equal amounts of carbohydrates (CHO) between lean and obese youth.

Research Design and Methods:

We analyzed the gut microbiota of 84 youth in whom body fat distribution was measured by fast-magnetic resonance imaging, de novo lipogenesis (DNL) quantitated using deuterated water, and the capability of gut flora to ferment CHO was assessed by 13C-fructose treatment in vitro.

Results:

A significant association was found between the Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio, and the abundance of Bacteroidetes and Actinobacteria with body mass index, visceral and SC fat (all P < .05). Plasma acetate, propionate, and butyrate were associated with body mass index and visceral and SC fat (all P < .05) and with hepatic DNL (P = .01, P = .09, P = .04, respectively). Moreover, the rate of CHO fermentation from the gut flora was higher in obese than in lean subjects (P = .018).

Conclusions:

These data demonstrate that obese youth show a different gut flora composition than lean and that short chain fatty acids are associated with body fat partitioning and DNL. Also, the gut microbiota of obese youth have a higher capability than the gut flora of lean to oxidize CHO.
Thyroid Function and Cancer Risk: The Rotterdam Study
Authors: Khan Samer R. , Chaker Layal , Ruiter Rikje , Aerts Joachim G. J. V. , Hofman Albert , Dehghan Abbas , Franco Oscar H. , Stricker Bruno H. C. , Peeters Robin P.
Published: September 2016

Context:

In vitro and in vivo experiments have assigned both oncosuppressive and oncogenic properties to thyroid hormones. Population-based studies have found inconclusive results.

Objective:

We aimed to prospectively assess the relation between thyroid function and incident cancer in a population-based setting.

Design, Setting, and Participants:

The current study is a prospective population-based cohort study including 10 318 participants for whom baseline measurements of free T4 (FT4) and/or TSH were available.

Main Outcome Measures:

Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess hazard ratios (HRs) of any solid non-skin cancer, as well as lung, breast, prostate, and gastrointestinal cancer specifically.

Results:

Higher FT4 levels were associated with a higher risk of any solid cancer (HR, 1.42; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.12–1.79), lung cancer (HR, 2.33; 95% CI, 1.39–3.92) and breast (HR, 1.77; 95% CI, 1.10–2.84) cancer. The risk estimates were similar after exclusion of thyroid-altering medication, but the association lost significance for breast cancer. Compared with the lowest FT4 tertile, the highest tertile was associated with a 1.13-fold increased risk of any solid, 1.79-fold increased risk of lung, and 1.14-fold increased risk of breast cancer (P for trend <.05 for all). For TSH levels we found no associations with cancer risk. There was no differential effect of sex or age on the association between thyroid function and cancer risk.

Conclusions:

Higher FT4 levels are significantly associated with an increased risk of any solid, lung, and breast cancer. Further research should elucidate the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms.
Η αλληλογραφία του Κοραή των χρόνων 1799-1809
Authors: Φραγκίσκος Εμμανουήλ Ν.
Published: September 2016

No abstract
Henri Berr (1863-1954)
Authors: Μουρέλος Γιώργος
Published: September 2016

No abstract
Ελληνική Βιβλιογραφία 1800-1863. Προσθήκες
Authors: Παγώνη Χριστίνα
Published: September 2016

No abstract
Άγνωστη επιστολή του Γεωργ. Τερτσέτη
Authors: Bouchard Jacques
Published: September 2016

No abstract
Αθανάσιος Πάριος (Ανέκδοτα κείμενα)
Authors: Δημαράς Κ. Θ.
Published: September 2016

No abstract
Un patriote Hongrois en Grèce. Le conte Étienne Széchenyi
Authors: Baumgarten Sandor
Published: September 2016

No abstract
Ο εκδότης του Πορτολάνου του Τάγια του 1573
Authors: Μακρυμίχαλος Στέφανος Ι.
Published: September 2016

No abstract
Ελληνική Βιβλιογραφία 1800–1863. Προσθήκες
Authors: Μοσχονάς Εμμ. Ι.
Published: September 2016

No abstract
Ο Parsons και ο Fisk στο Γυμνάσιο της Χίου το 1820
Authors: Clogg Richard
Published: September 2016

No abstract
Συγχαρητική επιστολή του Κων. Οικονόμου του εξ Οικονόμων στο μητροπολίτη Χίου Πλάτωνα
Authors: Σκουβαράς Βαγγέλης
Published: September 2016

No abstract
Ο Ιωάννης Καποδίστριας τέκτων κανονικός
Authors: Κρητικός Παν. Γ.
Published: September 2016

No abstract
Οι μεταφράσεις του Ν. Λούντζη για τον Σολωμό (Οι κώδικες της Ζακύνθου)
Authors: Coutelle Louis
Published: September 2016

No abstract
Το χειρόγραφο Ziskind αριθ. 22 του Πανεπιστημίου Yale
Authors: Βαπόρης Νομικός Μιχ.
Published: September 2016

No abstract
Μια βιβλιογραφική διευκρίνηση. Ο «Πρόδρομος της Ελληνικής Βιβλιοθήκης» του Κοραή
Authors: Δρούλια Λουκία
Published: September 2016

No abstract
Νέα στοιχεία για τον Κωνσταντίνο Σταμάτη
Authors: Κουμαριανού Αικατερίνη
Published: September 2016

No abstract
Ελληνικοί πορτολάνοι του 16ου, 17ου και 18ου αιώνος
Authors: Μακρυμίχαλος Στέφανος Ι.
Published: September 2016

No abstract
Ελληνικοί πορτολάνοι του 16ου, 17ου και 18ου αιώνος. Συμπληρώματα
Authors: Μακρυμίχαλος Στέφανος Ι.
Published: September 2016

No abstract
Tre lettere inedite di Ugo Foscolo (1826, 1827)
Authors: Moullàs Panaghiotis
Published: September 2016

No abstract
Περίανδρος Φιλίππου. Τα κείμενα
Authors: Παναγιωτόπουλος Β. Π.
Published: September 2016

No abstract
Η φιλία Κοραή – Villoison και τα προβλήματά της. Β΄
Authors: Φραγκίσκος Εμμ. Ν.
Published: September 2016

No abstract
Λιθογραφίες από ένα αθησαύριστο έντυπο του Π. Δ. Στεφανίτση
Authors: Ασδραχάς Σπύρος Ι.
Published: September 2016

No abstract
Μακάριος Καβαδίας (;-1824)
Authors: Ασδραχάς Σπ. Ι.
Published: September 2016

No abstract
Ο χρόνος της φοίτησης του Α. Λασκαράτου στην Ιόνιο Ακαδημία
Authors: Ασδραχάς Σπύρος Ι.
Published: September 2016

No abstract
Βηλαρικά σημειώματα Α'. Tο στιχούργημα «Κατά γυναικών»
Authors: Βρανούσης Λ. Ι.
Published: September 2016

No abstract
Les relations des navigateurs français aux Archives Nationales de France
Authors: Catsantonis–Avraméas Anne
Published: September 2016

No abstract
Η συνεργασία του Κωνστ. Νικολόπουλου στο γαλλικό Τύπο από το 1821 ως το 1824
Authors: Δημάκης Ιωάν. Κ.
Published: September 2016

No abstract
Père et fils dans l’Aufklärung Néohellénique: les Panagiodor–Nikovul
Authors: Nicolopoulos J.
Published: September 2016

No abstract
Άγνωστη έκδοση της «Ερωφίλης»;
Authors: Μουλλάς Παν.
Published: September 2016

No abstract
Οι τέκτονες και η Φιλική Εταιρεία. Εμμ. Ξάνθος και Παν. Καραγιάννης
Authors: Παναγιωτόπουλος Β. Π.
Published: September 2016

No abstract
Χρονολογικά στις επιστολές Κοραή
Authors: Φραγκίσκος Εμμ. Ν.
Published: September 2016

No abstract
Αντώνιος Τσούνης Φιλικός και Ιερολοχίτης (ανέκδοτα κείμενα)
Authors: Κονόμος Ντίνος
Published: September 2016

No abstract
Ηλία Σταθόπουλου «Γραμματική της νέας και αρχαίας Ελληνικής γλώσσης». Βιβλιογραφική διευκρίνιση
Authors: Μοσχονάς Εμμ. Ι.
Published: September 2016

No abstract
From one generation to the next
Authors: Neville Sarah
Published: September 2016

The government has asked early years settings to promote British values; these lend themselves to activities that will help children celebrate National Grandparents Day.
Nature's very own play things
Authors: Francis-Pester Dawn
Published: September 2016

As beach holidays start to become a distant memory we suggest activities and craft ideas that will make use of some of the pebbles the children may have brought home with them.
F is for our fabulous two feet…
Authors: Hammond Paula , Lillie Stephen
Published: September 2016

This month, we continue our series that takes the form of an extended alphabetical adventure around the body, helping children to get to know themselves a little better.
Inspecting safeguarding
Authors: Martland Rebecca
Published: September 2016

Ofsted has released an update to its publication, Inspecting safeguarding in early years, education and skills settings, which childminders should familiarise themselves with.
Things we all agree on
Authors: Webb Penny
Published: September 2016

There is a general consensus in the early years community that formal schooling should not start before seven-years-old, a theory backed by the work and thoughts of the pioneers.
Nothing to do with amphibians
Authors: Garner Lynne
Published: September 2016

This is the last in our series, which has explored the lives of different insects that live in the woods, parks and gardens of the UK. This month, we explore the world of frog hoppers.
Green fingered garden growers
Authors: Ward Sue
Published: September 2016

In the fifth of a series of extracts from The Early Years Gardening Handbook by Sue Ward (Practical Pre-School Books) we look at some common planting and care techniques.