bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Traditional food patterns are associated with better diet quality and improved dietary adequacy in Aboriginal peoples in the Northwest Territories, Canada
Authors: Sheehy T. , Kolahdooz F. , Schaefer S. E. , Douglas D. N. , Corriveau A. , Sharma S.
Published: May 2014

Background

Traditionally, the Arctic diet has been derived entirely from locally harvested animal and plant species; however, in recent decades, imported foods purchased from grocery stores have become widely available. The present study aimed to examine Inuvialuit, traditional or nontraditional dietary patterns; nutrient density of the diet; dietary adequacy; and main food sources of energy and selected nutrient intakes.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study used a culturally appropriate quantitative food frequency questionnaire to assess diet. Traditional and nontraditional eaters were classified as those consuming more or less than 300 g of traditional food daily. Nutrient densities per 4184 kJ (1000 kcal) were determined. Dietary adequacy was determined by comparing participants' nutrient intakes with the Dietary Reference Intakes.

Results

The diet of nontraditional eaters contained, on average, a lower density of protein, niacin, vitamin B12, iron, selenium, zinc, omega‐3 fatty acids (P ≤ 0.0001), vitamin B6, potassium, thiamin, pantothenic acid (P ≤ 0.001), riboflavin and magnesium (P ≤ 0.05). Inadequate nutrient intake was more common among nontraditional eaters for calcium, folate, vitamin C, zinc, thiamin, pantothenic acid, vitamin K, magnesium, potassium and sodium. Non‐nutrient‐dense foods (i.e. high fat and high sugar foods) contributed to energy intake in both groups, more so among nontraditional eaters (45% versus 33%). Traditional foods accounted for 3.3% and 20.7% of total energy intake among nontraditional and traditional eaters, respectively.

Conclusions

Diet quality and dietary adequacy were better among Inuvialuit who consumed more traditional foods. The promotion of traditional foods should be incorporated in dietary interventions for this population.
Involvement of C2H2 zinc finger proteins in the regulation of epidermal cell fate determination in Arabidopsis
Authors: Yan An , Wu Minjie , Zhao Yongqin , Zhang Aidong , Liu Bohan , Schiefelbein John , Gan Yinbo
Published: May 2014

Cell fate determination is a basic developmental process during the growth of multicellular organisms. Trichomes and root hairs of Arabidopsis are both readily accessible structures originating from the epidermal cells of the aerial tissues and roots respectively, and they serve as excellent models for understanding the molecular mechanisms controlling cell fate determination and cell morphogenesis. The regulation of trichome and root hair formation is a complex program that consists of the integration of hormonal signals with a large number of transcriptional factors, including MYB and bHLH transcriptional factors. Studies during recent years have uncovered an important role of C2H2 type zinc finger proteins in the regulation of epidermal cell fate determination. Here in this minireview we briefly summarize the involvement of C2H2 zinc finger proteins in the control of trichome and root hair formation in Arabidopsis.
Gang Membership and Pathways to Maladaptive Parenting
Authors: Augustyn Megan Bears , Thornberry Terence P. , Krohn Marvin D.
Published: May 2014

A limited amount of research examines the short‐term consequences of gang membership. Rarer, though, is the examination of more distal consequences of gang membership. This is unfortunate because it understates the true detrimental effect of gang membership across the life course, as well as the effects it may have on children of former gang members. Using data from the Rochester Youth Development Study, this work investigates the impact of gang membership in adolescence (ages 12–18) on a particularly problematic style of parenting, child maltreatment. Using discrete time survival analysis, this study finds that gang membership increases the likelihood of child maltreatment and this relationship is mediated by the more proximal outcomes of gang membership during adolescence, precocious transitions to adulthood.
Increased beta 2 defensin in recurrent aphthous ulcer
Authors: Al‐Samadi A , Salem A , Ainola M , Hietanen J , Häyrinen‐Immonen R , Konttinen YT
Published: May 2014

Objectives

It was hypothesized that beta 2 defensin (BD‐2) is increased in RAU lesions compared with healthy controls to promote anti‐microbial host defence.

Methods

RAU and control mucosa samples were subjected to quantitative real‐time PCR and immunostained for BD‐2, CD68, mast cell tryptase and 4‐hydroxynonenal (4HNE). The effect of tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) ± interleukin‐17C (IL‐17C), without and with vitamin K3, was studied on BD‐2 expression in epithelial SCC‐25 cells.

Results

Although BD‐2 mRNA did not differ between healthy and RAU mucosa, BD‐2 stained strongly in acute‐phase RAU epithelium (P = 0.001). In controls, subepithelial BD‐2+ cells were mast cells and macrophages, whereas in RAU, most infiltrating leucocytes were BD‐2+ (P = 0.004). In cell culture, BD‐2 was increased 124‐fold by TNF‐α (P < 0.0001) and 208‐fold synergistically together with IL‐17C (P < 0.0001). 4HNE staining of RAU epithelium was not significantly increased, and vitamin K3‐induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) did not affect BD‐2.

Conclusions

Anti‐microbial BD‐2 was not affected by oxidative stress but was highly increased in the epithelial and immigrant cells in the acute‐phase RAU lesions, probably in part synergistically by TNF‐α and epithelial IL‐17C, which are known to be induced by activation of danger‐signal receptors by pathogen‐ and/or damage‐associated molecular patterns.
Taximin, a conserved plant‐specific peptide is involved in the modulation of plant‐specialized metabolism
Authors: Onrubia Miriam , Pollier Jacob , Vanden Bossche Robin , Goethals Marc , Gevaert Kris , Moyano Elisabet , Vidal‐Limon Heriberto , Cusidó Rosa M. , Palazón Javier , Goossens Alain
Published: May 2014

Small peptides play important roles in the signalling cascades that steer plant growth, development and defence, and often crosstalk with hormonal signalling. Thereby, they also modulate metabolism, including the production of bioactive molecules that are of high interest for human applications. Yew species (Taxus spp.) produce diterpenes such as the powerful anticancer agent paclitaxel, the biosynthesis of which can be stimulated by the hormone jasmonate, both in whole plants and cell suspension cultures. Here, we identified Taximin, as a gene encoding a hitherto unreported, plant‐specific, small, cysteine‐rich signalling peptide, through a transcriptome survey of jasmonate‐elicited T. baccata suspension cells grown in two‐media cultures. Taximin expression increased in a coordinated manner with that of paclitaxel biosynthesis genes. Tagged Taximin peptides were shown to enter the secretory system and localize to the plasma membrane. In agreement with this, the exogenous application of synthetic Taximin peptide variants could transiently modulate the biosynthesis of taxanes in T. baccata cell suspension cultures. Importantly, the Taximin peptide is widely conserved in the higher plant kingdom with a high degree of sequence conservation. Accordingly, Taximin overexpression could stimulate the production of nicotinic alkaloids in Nicotiana tabacum hairy root cultures in a synergistic manner with jasmonates. In contrast, no pronounced effects of Taximin overexpression on the specialized metabolism in Medicago truncatula roots were observed. This study increases our understanding of the regulation of Taxus diterpene biosynthesis in particular and plant metabolism in general. Ultimately, Taximin might increase the practical potential of metabolic engineering of medicinal plants.
GaSb oxide thermal stability studied by dynamic-XPS
Authors: McDonnell Stephen , Brennan Barry , Bursa Emin , Wallace Robert M. , Winkler Konrad , Baumann Peter
Published: May 2014

The thermal decomposition of the native GaSb oxides is studied using time resolved x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy with a temperature resolution of better than 1 K. The expected transfer of oxygen from Sb-O to Ga-O before the eventual desorption of all oxides is observed. However, an initial reaction resulting in the reduction of Sb2O3 along with the concurrent increase in both Ga2O3 and Sb2O4 is detected in the temperature range of 450–525 K. Using the relative changes in atomic concentrations of the chemical species observed; the initial reaction pathway is proposed.
Two-dimensional heat flow apparatus
Authors: McDougall Patrick , Ayars Eric
Published: May 2014

We have created an apparatus to quantitatively measure two-dimensional heat flow in a metal plate using a grid of temperature sensors read by a microcontroller. Real-time temperature data are collected from the microcontroller by a computer for comparison with a computational model of the heat equation. The microcontroller-based sensor array allows previously unavailable levels of precision at very low cost, and the combination of measurement and modeling makes for an excellent apparatus for the advanced undergraduate laboratory course.
Controlling graphene plasmons with resonant metal antennas and spatial conductivity patterns
Authors: Alonso-González P. , Nikitin A. Y. , Golmar F. , Centeno A. , Pesquera A. , Vélez S. , Chen J. , Navickaite G. , Koppens F. , Zurutuza A. , Casanova F. , Hueso L. E. , Hillenbrand R.
Published: May 2014

A controlled launch for plasmons

To create nanophotonic devices, engineers must combine large-scale optics with tiny nanoelectronics. Plasmons, the collective light-induced excitations of electrons at a metal's surface, can bridge that difference in size scales. Alonso-Gonzalez
et al.
placed structured gold “antennas” on top of a graphene layer to launch and propagate plasmonic excitations into the graphene. By carefully designing the antennas, the researchers could engineer the wavefronts of the plasmons and control the direction of propagation. This approach illustrates a versatile approach for the development of nanophotonics.

Science
, this issue p.
1369
The ancient roots of the 1%
Authors: Pringle Heather
Published: May 2014

Don't blame farming. Inequality got its start among resource-rich hunter-gatherers
Nasal CPAP and preterm bradycardia: cause or cure
Authors: MacLaren Andrew Torrance , Peters Colin , MacDonald Peter D
Published: May 2014

Nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) is widely used for the treatment of respiratory distress syndrome and apnoea of prematurity. Complications related to fixation devices have been well documented. We report a clinically well preterm baby suffering intermittent, profound episodes of bradycardia without any prior associated apnoea or desaturation. We believe these episodes were due to the oculocardiac reflex related to orbital compression from the continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) fixation straps. Bradycardia was replicated by gentle ocular compression and the episodes resolved after repositioning the CPAP straps. Vagal overstimulation has previously been reported in preterm babies but we believe this to be the first case in which pressure from CPAP strapping has been reported to trigger bradycardia. However, we suspect that similar cases could easily go unrecognised. Careful positioning of CPAP securing straps may prevent accidental vagal overstimulation contributing to episodic bradycardia.
A huge oral pyogenic granuloma with extensive alveolar bone loss and ‘sun-ray’ appearance mimicking a malignant tumour
Authors: Thada Smitha Rani , Pai Keerthilatha M , Agarwal Pankaj
Published: May 2014

Pyogenic granuloma represents an exuberant connective tissue proliferation due to a chronic stimulus or injury. Aetiological factor for this lesion may sometimes be hard to identify, but the fact that it is usually located close to the gingival margin suggests that calculus, food materials and overhanging restorations are important irritants. It rarely grows more than 2 cm in diameter and usually does not cause any changes in the alveolar bone. We report an unusual case of pyogenic granuloma with unknown aetiology that presented as an extraordinarily large sessile bilobular lesion and showed a large radiographic defect in the alveolar bone with a sun-ray pattern. This kind of clinicoradiological appearance of pyogenic granuloma as presented in our case is rare and the first of its kind.
Effects of the expansion of doctors’ offices adjacent to private pharmacies in Mexico: secondary data analysis of a national survey
Authors: Pérez-Cuevas Ricardo , Doubova Svetlana V , Wirtz Veronika J , Servan-Mori Edson , Dreser Anahí , Hernández-Ávila Mauricio
Published: May 2014

Objectives

To compare the sociodemographic characteristics, reasons for attending, perception of quality and associated out-of-pocket (OOP) expenditures of doctors’ offices adjacent to private pharmacies (DAPPs) users with users of Social Security (SS), Ministry of Health (MoH), private doctor's offices independent from pharmacies and non-users.

Setting

Secondary data analysis of the 2012 National Survey of Health and Nutrition of Mexico.

Participants

The study population comprised 25 852 individuals identified as having had a health problem 15 days before the survey, and a random sample of 12 799 ambulatory health service users.

Outcome measures

Sociodemographic characteristics, reasons for attending healthcare services, perception of quality and associated OOP expenditures.

Results

The distribution of users was as follows: DAPPs (9.2%), SS (16.1%), MoH (20.9%), private providers (15.4%) and non-users (38.5%); 65% of DAPP users were affiliated with a public institution (MoH 35%, SS 30%) and 35% reported not having health coverage. DAPP users considered the services inexpensive, convenient and with a short waiting time, yet they received ≥3 medications more often (67.2%, 95% CI 64.2% to 70.1%) than users of private doctors (55.7%, 95% CI 52.5% to 58.6%) and public institutions (SS 53.8%, 95% CI 51.6% to 55.9%; MoH 44.7%, 95% CI 42.5% to 47.0%). The probability of spending on consultations (88%, 95% CI 86% to 89%) and on medicines (97%, 95% CI 96% to 98%) was much higher for DAPP users when compared with SS (2%, 95% CI 2% to 3% and 12%, 95% CI 11% to 14%, respectively) and MoH users (11%, 95% CI 9% to 12% and 32%, 95% CI 30% to 34%, respectively).

Conclusions

DAPPs counteract current financial protection policies since a significant percentage of their users were affiliated with a public institution, reported higher OOP spending and higher number of medicines prescribed than users of other providers. The overprescription should prompt studies to learn about DAPPs’ quality of care, which may arise from the conflict of interest implicit in the linkage of prescribing and dispensing processes.
Angiostrongylus vasorum in Great Britain: a nationwide postal questionnaire survey of veterinary practices
Authors: Kirk L. , Limon G. , Guitian F. J. , Hermosilla C. , Fox M. T.
Published: May 2014

The lungworm, Angiostrongylus vasorum, was first reported in indigenous dogs in southwestern England in 1980 and has since been recorded in Wales, southeastern England and, more recently, in the West Midlands, northern England and Scotland. The nationwide distribution of the parasite was evaluated using a postal questionnaire sent to 3950 small animal practices during 2009. Information was sought on the location of each practice, awareness of the parasite locally, number of cases diagnosed over the past year and whether diagnosis was based on clinical signs alone or supported by additional tests. 1419 practices returned a usable response, the majority being located in a city/town. Nearly one‐third of responding practices were aware of the parasite locally, 20.7 per cent had seen at least one confirmed case and 0.3 per cent >20 confirmed cases over the past year. The most widely used tests were faecal examination and any type of imaging. Existing clusters of infection were detected in southeastern England and south Wales; infection was also found to be widespread in central England, though patchy in northern England and Scotland. Using distribution of clinical cases as an indicator of parasite distribution, this study confirmed that A. vasorum has spread beyond traditional UK endemic foci.
Vector bundles from generalized pairs of cocycles
Authors: Manuilov Vladimir , You Chao
Published: May 2014

It is interesting to know, how far we can generalize the notion of a group-valued cocycle keeping the property to determine a bundle. We find a generalization for pairs of cocycles and show how these generalized pairs of cocycles can still determine vector bundles.
On completely semisimple Lie algebra bundles
Authors: Kiranagi B. S. , Kumar Ranjitha , Prema G.
Published: May 2014

We study semisimple, completely semisimple Lie algebra bundles in terms of characteristic ideal bundles following Seligman. Further decomposition theorem for Lie algebra bundles over any field is proved following Dieudonné.
The annihilator graph of a commutative semigroup
Authors: Afkhami Mojgan , Khashyarmanesh Kazem , Sakhdari Seyed Mohammad
Published: May 2014

In this paper, we define and study the annihilator graph associated to a commutative semigroup with zero. Also, we characterize all annihilator graphs with three vertices.
Theoretical studies on the structure and property of alkylated dipenylamine antioxidants
Authors: Tang Zhongping , Kong Qingwei , Luo Yi , Xue Weiguo , Qu Jingping , Chen Hua , Fu Xisheng
Published: May 2014

Diarylamines ( Ar 2 NH ) are generally used as antioxidants to inhibit or retard the auto-oxidation degradation of lubricating oil by trapping ROO• radicals. In the present study, 20 kinds of 4,4′-disubstituted diphenylamine compounds were investigated through density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The results indicate that the N – H bond dissociation enthalpy (BDE) linearly correlates its one-electron oxidation potential, the difference in Mulliken atomic charge on the two atoms of N – H bond, the reaction rate constant of hydrogen transfer from Ar 2 NH to peroxy radical, and the chemical hardness of the resulted Ar 2 N • radical, respectively. The substitution of alkyl groups (electron-donating groups) decreases the N – H BDE, one-electron oxidation potential and the reaction rate constant, while that of significant electron-withdrawing groups such as - NO 2 and - COOCH 3 increases these three parameters. The electron-donating groups such as alkyls could improve the antioxidation performance of 4,4′-disubstitued diphenylamines whereas electron-withdrawing groups have the contrary effect. In addition, the frontier molecular orbital of Ar 2 NH has been also analyzed.
Geometrization of the Schrödinger equation: Application of the Maupertuis Principle to quantum mechanics
Authors: Karamatskou Antonia , Kleinert Hagen
Published: May 2014

In its geometric form, the Maupertuis Principle states that the movement of a classical particle in an external potential V(x) can be understood as a free movement in a curved space with the metric gμν(x) = 2M[V(x) - E]δμν. We extend this principle to the quantum regime by showing that the wavefunction of the particle is governed by a Schrödinger equation of a free particle moving through curved space. The kinetic operator is the Weyl-invariant Laplace–Beltrami operator. On the basis of this observation, we calculate the semiclassical expansion of the particle density.
The Palaeogene Bracken Bay–Straiton dyke: composition and controls on intrusion
Authors: MacDonald R. , Bagiński B. , MacInnes D. A. , MacGillivray J. C. , Fettes D. J.
Published: May 2014

Synopsis

The Bracken Bay–Straiton dyke, a member of the Palaeogene Mull dyke swarm, is one of the Solitary dykes of southern Scotland and northern England recognized by Geikie (1897). It shows a remarkable (unique?) change of strike direction, deviating from the regional NW–SE trend to propagate along the Southern Upland Fault for 16 km before apparently resuming its southeasterly course in the Southern Uplands. The dyke is a clinopyroxene–plagioclase–phyric quartz tholeiite, showing little petrographic variation along strike. However, geochemical data indicate that the dyke segment south of the Southern Upland Fault is not comagmatic with the main dyke; it is here distinguished as the Kello Water dyke. The reason for the dyke’s deviation at the fault is uncertain but may be related to a significant role for crustal heterogeneities, particularly Caledonian fractures which had earlier been utilized by the Late Carboniferous quartz dolerite dyke swarm.

Supplementary material:

Electron microprobe analysis data are available at
http://www.geolsoc.org.uk/SUP18737
.
Mechanisms of Resistance to Intermittent Androgen Deprivation in Patients with Prostate Cancer Identified by a Novel Computational Method
Authors: Morken Jason D. , Packer Aaron , Everett Rebecca A. , Nagy John D. , Kuang Yang
Published: May 2014

For progressive prostate cancer, intermittent androgen deprivation (IAD) is one of the most common and effective treatments. Although this treatment is usually initially effective at regressing tumors, most patients eventually develop castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), for which there is no effective treatment and is generally fatal. Although several biologic mechanisms leading to CRPC development and their relative frequencies have been identified, it is difficult to determine which mechanisms of resistance are developing in a given patient. Personalized therapy that identifies and targets specific mechanisms of resistance developing in individual patients is likely one of the most promising methods of future cancer therapy. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a biomarker for monitoring tumor progression. We incorporated a cell death rate (CDR) function into a previous dynamical PSA model that was highly accurate at fitting clinical PSA data for 7 patients. The mechanism of action of IAD is largely induction of apoptosis, and each mechanism of resistance varies in its CDR dynamics. Thus, we analyze the CDR levels and their time-dependent oscillations to identify mechanisms of resistance to IAD developing in individual patients. Cancer Res; 74(14); 3673–83. ©2014 AACR.
Mitochondrial Retrograde Signaling Mediated by UCP2 Inhibits Cancer Cell Proliferation and Tumorigenesis
Authors: Esteves Pauline , Pecqueur Claire , Ransy Céline , Esnous Catherine , Lenoir Véronique , Bouillaud Frédéric , Bulteau Anne-Laure , Lombès Anne , Prip-Buus Carina , Ricquier Daniel , Alves-Guerra Marie-Clotilde
Published: May 2014

Cancer cells tilt their energy production away from oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) toward glycolysis during malignant progression, even when aerobic metabolism is available. Reversing this phenomenon, known as the Warburg effect, may offer a generalized anticancer strategy. In this study, we show that overexpression of the mitochondrial membrane transport protein UCP2 in cancer cells is sufficient to restore a balance toward oxidative phosphorylation and to repress malignant phenotypes. Altered expression of glycolytic and oxidative enzymes mediated the effects of this metabolic shift. Notably, UCP2 overexpression increased signaling from the master energy-regulating kinase, adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase, while downregulating expression of hypoxia-induced factor. In support of recent new evidence about UCP2 function, we found that UCP2 did not function in this setting as a membrane potential uncoupling protein, but instead acted to control routing of mitochondria substrates. Taken together, our results define a strategy to reorient mitochondrial function in cancer cells toward OXPHOS that restricts their malignant phenotype. Cancer Res; 74(14); 3971–82. ©2014 AACR.
Mechanisms of Adiponectin-Associated Perivascular Function in Vascular Disease
Authors: Withers Sarah B. , Bussey Charlotte E. , Saxton Sophie N. , Melrose Heather M. , Watkins Amy E. , Heagerty Anthony M.
Published: May 2014

The concept that fat cells could influence the circulation and indeed cardiac function has been in existence for ≥20 years and has gained a wide interest and no less excitement as evidence has accrued to suggest that such effects may be profound enough to explain disease states, such as hypertension and metabolic changes associated with obesity and type II diabetes mellitus. This ATVB in Focus intends to examine our current knowledge in this field, and suggests mechanisms that may be responsible for normal perivascular function and how they become disordered in obesity. There is the tantalizing prospect of developing new therapeutic approaches to keep obese individuals healthy and redesignating type II diabetes mellitus as a vascular disease.
Functional Assembly of Kv7.1/Kv7.5 Channels With Emerging Properties on Vascular Muscle Physiology
Authors: Oliveras Anna , Roura-Ferrer Meritxell , Solé Laura , de la Cruz Alicia , Prieto Angela , Etxebarria Ainhoa , Manils Joan , Morales-Cano Daniel , Condom Enric , Soler Concepció , Cogolludo Angel , Valenzuela Carmen , Villarroel Alvaro , Comes Núria , Felipe Antonio
Published: May 2014

Objective—

Voltage-dependent K
+
(Kv) channels from the Kv7 family are expressed in blood vessels and contribute to cardiovascular physiology. Although Kv7 channel blockers trigger muscle contractions, Kv7 activators act as vasorelaxants. Kv7.1 and Kv7.5 are expressed in many vessels. Kv7.1 is under intense investigation because Kv7.1 blockers fail to modulate smooth muscle reactivity. In this study, we analyzed whether Kv7.1 and Kv7.5 may form functional heterotetrameric channels increasing the channel diversity in vascular smooth muscles.

Approach and Results—

Kv7.1 and Kv7.5 currents elicited in arterial myocytes, oocyte, and mammalian expression systems suggest the formation of heterotetrameric complexes. Kv7.1/Kv7.5 heteromers, exhibiting different pharmacological characteristics, participate in the arterial tone. Kv7.1/Kv7.5 associations were confirmed by coimmunoprecipitation, fluorescence resonance energy transfer, and fluorescence recovery after photobleaching experiments. Kv7.1/Kv7.5 heterotetramers were highly retained at the endoplasmic reticulum. Studies in HEK-293 cells, heart, brain, and smooth and skeletal muscles demonstrated that the predominant presence of Kv7.5 stimulates release of Kv7.1/Kv7.5 oligomers out of lipid raft microdomains. Electrophysiological studies supported that KCNE1 and KCNE3 regulatory subunits further increased the channel diversity. Finally, the analysis of rat isolated myocytes and human blood vessels demonstrated that Kv7.1 and Kv7.5 exhibited a differential expression, which may lead to channel diversity.

Conclusions—

Kv7.1 and Kv7.5 form heterotetrameric channels increasing the diversity of structures which fine-tune blood vessel reactivity. Because the lipid raft localization of ion channels is crucial for cardiovascular physiology, Kv7.1/Kv7.5 heteromers provide efficient spatial and temporal regulation of smooth muscle function. Our results shed light on the debate about the contribution of Kv7 channels to vasoconstriction and hypertension.
Phylloquinone Concentrations and the Risk of Vascular Calcification in Healthy Women
Authors: Dalmeijer Geertje W. , van der Schouw Yvonne T. , Booth Sarah L. , de Jong Pim A. , Beulens Joline W.J.
Published: May 2014

Objective—

To investigate the association of plasma phylloquinone concentrations with coronary artery calcification (CAC) and vascular calcification.

Approach and results—

In a prospective cohort of 508 postmenopausal women, plasma phylloquinone concentrations were measured by high-pressure liquid chromatography. Calcification was measured in the coronary arteries, aortic valve, mitral valve, and thoracic aorta by multidetector computed tomography. To combine these calcification scores, we dichotomized each of the 4 areas into present or absent. Because of the continuous measurement of CAC, we categorized this as calcification present if Agatston score was >0, and calcification score was calculated as the sum of the calcified areas. Multivariate-adjusted prevalence ratios and odds ratios were estimated using Poisson regression and multinomial logistic regression. After 8.5 years of follow-up, 22% of the women had no calcification, whereas 5% had calcification in all measured areas. Detectable phylloquinone concentrations were associated with increased CAC compared with nondetectable phylloquinone concentrations with a prevalence ratio of 1.34 (95% confidence interval, 1.01–1.77). When dividing women with detectable phylloquinone concentrations into low detectable (>0–0.70 nmol/L) and moderate to high detectable (>0.70 nmol/L) phylloquinone concentrations versus nondetectable phylloquinone concentrations, both were associated with increased CAC with a prevalence ratio of 1.32 (95% confidence interval, 0.99–1.76) and 1.36 (95% confidence interval, 1.02–1.81), respectively. Detectable phylloquinone concentrations were not associated with the number of calcified areas with an odds ratio
(no versus ≥3 areas calcifications)
of 1.60 (95% confidence interval, 0.65–3.99;
P
=0.31).

Conclusions—

Detectable phylloquinone concentrations are not associated with reduced vascular calcification but seemed to be associated with an increased prevalence of CAC.
The Gut Hormone Ghrelin Partially Reverses Energy Substrate Metabolic Alterations in the Failing Heart
Authors: Mitacchione Gianfranco , Powers Jeffrey C. , Grifoni Gino , Woitek Felix , Lam Amy , Ly Lien , Settanni Fabio , Makarewich Catherine A. , McCormick Ryan , Trovato Letizia , Houser Steven R. , Granata Riccarda , Recchia Fabio A.
Published: May 2014

Background—

The gut-derived hormone ghrelin, especially its acylated form, plays a major role in the regulation of systemic metabolism and exerts also relevant cardioprotective effects; hence, it has been proposed for the treatment of heart failure (HF). We tested the hypothesis that ghrelin can directly modulate cardiac energy substrate metabolism.

Methods and Results—

We used chronically instrumented dogs, 8 with pacing-induced HF and 6 normal controls. Human des-acyl ghrelin [1.2 nmol/kg per hour] was infused intravenously for 15 minutes, followed by washout (rebaseline) and infusion of acyl ghrelin at the same dose.
3
H-oleate and
14
C-glucose were coinfused and arterial and coronary sinus blood sampled to measure cardiac free fatty acid and glucose oxidation and lactate uptake. As expected, cardiac substrate metabolism was profoundly altered in HF because baseline oxidation levels of free fatty acids and glucose were, respectively, >70% lower and >160% higher compared with control. Neither des-acyl ghrelin nor acyl ghrelin significantly affected function and metabolism in normal hearts. However, in HF, des-acyl and acyl ghrelin enhanced myocardial oxygen consumption by 10.2±3.5% and 9.9±3.7%, respectively (
P
<0.05), and cardiac mechanical efficiency was not significantly altered. This was associated, respectively, with a 41.3±6.7% and 32.5±10.9% increase in free fatty acid oxidation and a 31.3±9.2% and 41.4±8.9% decrease in glucose oxidation (all
P
<0.05).

Conclusions—

Acute increases in des-acyl or acyl ghrelin do not interfere with cardiac metabolism in normal dogs, whereas they enhance free fatty acid oxidation and reduce glucose oxidation in HF dogs, thus partially correcting metabolic alterations in HF. This novel mechanism might contribute to the cardioprotective effects of ghrelin in HF.
Submilisievert ultralow-dose CT colonography using iterative reconstruction technique: a feasibility study
Authors: Lambert Lukas , Danes Jan , Jahoda Jiri , Masek Martin , Lisy Jiri , Ourednicek Petr
Published: May 2014

Background

Computed tomography (CT) colonography is a well established modality for the examination of symptomatic patients as well as in screening. Recent technical advances in improving image quality by iterative reconstruction contribute to the reduction of the radiation dose which is a major concern in CT imaging.

Purpose

To evaluate image quality of ultralow-dose submilisievert CT colonography using hybrid iterative reconstruction technique.

Material and Methods

Sixteen patients underwent contrast-enhanced CT colonography with standard protocol in supine position and ultralow-dose protocol in prone position. Ultralow-dose datasets were reconstructed with filtered back projection and an advanced hybrid iterative reconstruction technique. Two radiologists independently evaluated 96 colonic segments for image quality in the endoluminal view and axial thin sections. Colonic distension, smoothness of colonic wall and distortion of folds in the endoluminal view, sharpness of colonic wall delineation, perceived image noise, and presence of photon starvation artifact were rated on a five-point scale. Intraluminal noise expressed as standard deviation of Hounsfield density was measured in all segments.

Results

The mean radiation dose was 0.42 mSv and 5.48 mSv in prone and supine scans, respectively. All distended segments were rated evaluable in standard dose and ultralow-dose series reconstructed with the iterative reconstruction technique, whereas in 61% segments image quality was rated poor or unacceptable in ultralow-dose series where filtered back projection was used with worst ratings in the rectum and the sigmoid colon.

Conclusion

This pilot study shows that iterative reconstruction technique is a feasible method to decrease the radiation dose from CT colonography for both positions below 1mSv. Further investigations of larger scale need to be done to clarify, whether such a low radiation dose would influence the detection of polyps.
Diffusion weighted imaging of nasopharyngeal adenoid hypertrophy
Authors: Surov Alexey , Ryl Ina , Bartel-Friedrich Sylvia , Wienke Andreas , Kösling Sabrina
Published: May 2014

Background

Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) could be helpful for the differentiation of malignant and benign entities. Nasopharyngeal adenoid hypertrophy (NAH) is a typical benign lesion. DWI appearances of this lesion have not been reported previously.

Purpose

To identify and to analyse DWI findings of NAH.

Material and Methods

We analyzed 688 MR investigations of the head performed at our institution. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was obtained at a 1.5 T MRI device. Beside normal standard sequences DWI was obtained using a multislice single-shot echo-planar sequence. DWI was performed with b values of 0, 500, and 1000  s/mm2.

Results

The mean whole lesion ADC value was 0.83 ± 0.12 × 10–3 mm2s–1 (median, 0.82 × 10–3 mm2 s–1; range, 0.58–1.45 × 10–3 mm2 s–1). The mean ADC value of solid areas of NAH was 0.59 ± 0.11 × 10–3 mm2 s–1 (range, 0.36–0.84 × 10–3 mm2 s–1).

Conclusion

Although NAH is a benign lesion, it shows low ADC values both in childhood and in adults. This finding should be kept in mind to avoid possible misinterpretations as a malignant lesion.
Preparation of collagen porous scaffolds with controlled and sustained release of bioactive insulin
Authors: Nanda Himansu Sekhar , Kawazoe Naoki , Zhang Qin , Chen Shangwu , Chen Guoping
Published: May 2014

Controlled and local release of bioactive growth factors from porous scaffolds can provide an efficient strategy to control the complex and dynamic regulation of cellular processes in a three-dimensional microenvironment. In this study, hybrid scaffolds of collagen and poly(lactic- co-glycolic acid) microbeads were prepared by introducing insulin-releasing poly(lactic- co-glycolic acid) microbeads into collagen porous scaffolds. Insulin-incorporated poly(lactic- co-glycolic acid) microbeads of two distinct sizes, 19.4 ± 1.6 and 4.4 ± 0.9 µm, were used to prepare the hybrid scaffolds. The scaffolds had controlled pore structure, and the poly(lactic- co-glycolic acid) microbeads were well distributed on the pore walls of the scaffolds. The scaffolds had a lower initial burst and a more stable insulin release than did the free microbeads. Culture of human dermal fibroblasts in the hybrid scaffolds were affected the bioactivity of released insulin. The hybrid scaffold prepared with 19.4 ± 1.6 µm microbeads had a more linear release of insulin and a higher promotion effect on cell proliferation than did the other hybrid group and control scaffolds. The hybrid scaffold should be useful for skin tissue engineering.
Development and Validation of a Positive Youth Development Measure
Authors: Lopez Amy , Yoder Jamie R. , Brisson Daniel , Lechuga-Pena Stephanie , Jenson Jeffrey M.
Published: May 2014

Objective:

Positive Youth Development (PYD) is a resilience-based framework that accentuates positive traits in youth. PYD constructs are characteristics that are hypothesized to promote healthy development. However, measures to assess PYD constructs are lacking.

Methods:

An instrument was created to assess PYD. One hundred and forty youth between the age of 7 and 18 ( M = 11.6) completed the measure over five time points. Data were then analyzed using psychometric analysis techniques.

Results:

Findings suggest that the instrument is a reliable measure of PYD. The scale shows good reliability, with an overall Cronbach’s α of 92.

Conclusions:

The Bridge-PYD may be a useful tool for program evaluation and the assessment of theoretical constructs in the PYD models.
Mixed elastohydrodynamic lubrication line-contact formulas with different surface patterns
Authors: Masjedi M , Khonsari MM
Published: May 2014

The effect of surface pattern (orientation) on film thickness, asperity load ratio, and traction coefficient in line-contact EHL is studied. Numerical simulations results of the modified Reynolds—which takes into account the effect of surface roughness and its orientation—bulk deformation of the surfaces, and statistical elasto-plastic deformation of the surface asperities are presented. It is shown that surface pattern influences the behavior of lubricant flow, which affects the film thickness and the asperity load. The results of more than 2000 simulations are used to develop expressions to quantify the effect of surface roughness pattern in estimating the film thickness and the asperity load ratio. As an illustrative example, the contact in spur gear teeth is studied to show the utility of the developed formulas. Moreover, the traction behavior is investigated by utilizing a thermo-elastohydrodynamic approach and it is shown how the surface pattern affects the hydrodynamic and asperity parts of the traction coefficient.
First UK use of the iTClamp™ haemorrhage control system: Case report
Authors: Hudson Anthony , Glazebrook William
Published: May 2014

We present two cases of the use of a new device for external haemorrhage control, the iTClamp™ (Innovative Trauma Care, Inc., Edmonton, Canada). These are the first uses of the devices in the UK and the first times worldwide it has been used to control haemorrhage from the neck.
Studying place practices and consumption through volunteer-employed photography
Authors: Pristed Nielsen Helene , Møller Karina Torp
Published: May 2014

This article argues that taking a practice theoretical approach is useful for obtaining a nuanced understanding of transnationally mobile persons’ development of place affiliation through their adoption or rejection of locally available consumption practices. In this way, we engage in the ongoing discussion about practice theory and in how to understand the co-constellation of things, bodies and mental activities in relation to consumption. Focusing on newcomers to a particular geographic setting highlights possibilities and constraints for practice retention and adaptation, as well as reflection upon such choices. Additionally, we argue that the employed data collection techniques, involving a combination of volunteer-employed photography with participants’ comments on their own photos and information about their socio-demographic profile, constitute a particularly apt approach for shedding light on evolving consumption practices in the face of geographic mobility, and how such practices may lead to the development of place affiliation.
Correlates of Critical Thinking and College and Career Readiness for Students With and Without Disabilities
Authors: Lombardi Allison R. , Kowitt Jennifer S. , Staples Frank E.
Published: May 2014

Considered a non-academic factor that is not necessarily measured by academic indicators of college and career readiness (e.g., grade point average, college admissions exams scores), critical thinking is an important aspect of 21st century learning and thus should be embedded into secondary school instruction and assessment. In this study, secondary students with and without disabilities were assessed with a critical thinking measure and compared. Findings show significant differences between groups and the relationship to grade point average and PSAT scores. Implications are addressed for high school personnel to consider the assessment of critical thinking as part of career planning in a data-based decision-making framework to provide equal access and support to all students in terms of college and career readiness.
Smac mimetic and glucocorticoids synergize to induce apoptosis in childhood ALL by promoting ripoptosome assembly
Authors: Belz Katharina , Schoeneberger Hannah , Wehner Sibylle , Weigert Andreas , Bönig Halvard , Klingebiel Thomas , Fichtner Iduna , Fulda Simone
Published: May 2014

Key Points

Smac mimetic and GCs synergize to induce apoptosis in ALL cells in vitro and in vivo. Smac mimetic and GCs cooperate to deplete IAP proteins and to trigger formation of a RIP1/FADD/caspase-8 complex (ripoptosome).
Association between adherence to an antimicrobial stewardship program and mortality among hospitalised cancer patients with febrile neutropaenia: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Rosa Regis G , Goldani Luciano Z , dos Santos Rodrigo P
Published: May 2014

Background

Initial management of chemotherapy-induced febrile neutropaenia (FN) comprises empirical therapy with a broad-spectrum antimicrobial. Currently, there is sufficient evidence to indicate which antibiotic regimen should be administered initially. However, no randomized trial has evaluated whether adherence to an antimicrobial stewardship program (ASP) results in lower rates of mortality in this setting. The present study sought to assess the association between adherence to an ASP and mortality among hospitalised cancer patients with FN.

Methods

We conducted a prospective cohort study in a single tertiary hospital from October 2009 to August 2011. All adult patients who were admitted to the haematology ward with cancer and FN were followed up for 28 days. ASP adherence to the initial antimicrobial prescription was determined. The mortality rates of patients who were treated with antibiotics according to the ASP protocol were compared with those of patients treated with other antibiotic regimens. The multivariate Cox proportional hazards model and propensity score were used to estimate 28-day mortality risk.

Results

A total of 307 FN episodes in 169 subjects were evaluated. The rate of adherence to the ASP was 53%. In a Cox regression analysis, adjusted for propensity scores and other potential confounding factors, ASP adherence was independently associated with lower mortality (hazard ratio, 0.36; 95% confidence interval, 0.14–0.92).

Conclusions

Antimicrobial selection is important for the initial management of patients with FN, and adherence to the ASP, which calls for the rational use of antibiotics, was associated with lower mortality rates in this setting.
Tunable biphasic drug release from ethyl cellulose nanofibers fabricated using a modified coaxial electrospinning process
Authors: Li Chen , Wang Zhuan-Hua , Yu Deng-Guang , Williams Gareth R
Published: May 2014

This manuscript reports a new type of drug-loaded core-shell nanofibers that provide tunable biphasic release of quercetin. The nanofibers were fabricated using a modified coaxial electrospinning process, in which a polyvinyl chloride (PVC)-coated concentric spinneret was employed. Poly (vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) and ethyl cellulose (EC) were used as the polymer matrices to form the shell and core parts of the nanofibers, respectively. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy demonstrated that the nanofibers had linear morphologies and core-shell structures. The quercetin was found to be present in the nanofibers in the amorphous physical status, on the basis of X-ray diffraction results. In vitro release profiles showed that the PVP shell very rapidly freed its drug cargo into the solution, while the EC core provided the succedent sustained release. Variation of the drug loading permitted the release profiles to be tuned.
Paraneoplastic granulocyte colony-stimulating factor secretion in soft tissue sarcoma mimicking myeloproliferative neoplasia: a case report
Authors: Dorn Christiane , Bugl Stefanie , Malenke Elke , Müller Martin R , Weisel Katja C , Vogel Ulrich , Horger Marius , Kanz Lothar , Kopp Hans-Georg
Published: May 2014

Background

While paraneoplastic leukocytosis is a common phenomenon in solid tumors, extreme elevations of white blood counts (WBC) in the range of more than 100,000/μl are uncommon in patients with non-hematologic malignancies. Leukocytosis with mature neutrophils due to a granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) producing tumor is only seen on rare occasions.

Case presentation

Massive neutrophil leukocytosis of approximately 100,000/μl was diagnosed in a 57-year-old Caucasian woman with metastatic undifferentiated endometrial sarcoma. A bone marrow trephine biopsy revealed massively increased granulopoiesis, but no evidence of monoclonal myeloproliferative disease. After the primary tumor had been resected, white blood count (WBC) plummeted and went back to nearly normal levels within one week. With progressive metastatic disease, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) plasma levels were found to be increased by 10-fold. White blood count (WBC) strictly correlated with tumor burden and response to chemotherapy. In the final stage of treatment resistent disease, white blood count (WBC) approximated 300,000/μl.

Conclusion

We report on a granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) secreting undifferentiated endometrial sarcoma, which was associated with extreme neutrophil counts. White blood count (WBC) were closely correlated with tumor burden and associated with an aggressive clinical course. We suggest that paraneoplastic neutrophilia represents a poor prognostic sign in soft tissue sarcoma. In patients with similar constellations, antitumor therapy must not be delayed.
Vocational rehabilitation in early psychosis: cluster randomised trial
Authors: Craig Tom , Shepherd Geoff , Rinaldi Miles , Smith Jo , Carr Sarah , Preston Fay , Singh Swaran
Published: May 2014

Background

Individual placement and support (IPS) is effective in helping patients return to work but is poorly implemented because of clinical ambivalence and fears of relapse.

Aims

To assess whether a motivational intervention (motivational interviewing) directed at clinical staff to address ambivalence about employment improved patients' occupational outcomes.

Method

Two of four early intervention teams that already provided IPS were randomised to receive motivational interviewing training for clinicians, focused on attitudinal barriers to employment. The trial was registered with the International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Register (ISRCTN71943786).

Results

Of 300 eligible participants, 159 consented to the research. Occupational outcomes were obtained for 134 patients (85%) at 12-month follow-up. More patients in the intervention teams than in the IPS-only teams achieved employment by 12 months (29/68 v. 12/66). A random effects logistic regression accounting for clustering by care coordinator, and adjusted for participants' gender, ethnicity, educational and employment history and clinical status scores, confirmed superiority of the intervention (odds ratio = 4.3, 95% CI 1.5–16.6).

Conclusions

Employment outcomes were enhanced by addressing clinicians' ambivalence about their patients returning to work.