bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Circadian Protein Period 1 Contributes to Blood Pressure Control and Coordinately Regulates Renal Sodium Transport Genes
Authors: Stow Lisa R. , Richards Jacob , Cheng Kit-Yan , Lynch I. Jeanette , Jeffers Lauren A. , Greenlee Megan M. , Cain Brian D. , Wingo Charles S. , Gumz Michelle L.
Published: April 2012

The circadian clock protein period 1 (Per1) contributes to the regulation of expression of the α subunit of the renal epithelial sodium channel at the basal level and in response to the mineralocorticoid hormone aldosterone. The goals of the present study were to define the role of Per1 in the regulation of additional renal sodium handling genes in cortical collecting duct cells and to evaluate blood pressure (BP) in mice lacking functional Per1. To determine whether Per1 regulates additional genes important in renal sodium handling, a candidate gene approach was used. Immortalized collecting duct cells were transfected with a nontarget small interfering RNA or a Per1-specific small interfering RNA. Expression of the genes for α-epithelial sodium channel and Fxyd5, a positive regulator of Na, K-ATPase activity, decreased in response to Per1 knockdown. Conversely, mRNA expression of caveolin 1, Ube2e3, and ET-1, all negative effectors of epithelial sodium channel, was induced after Per1 knockdown. These results led us to evaluate BP in
Per1
KO mice. Mice lacking Per1 exhibit significantly reduced BP and elevated renal ET-1 levels compared with wild-type animals. Given the established role of renal ET-1 in epithelial sodium channel inhibition and BP control, elevated renal ET-1 is one possible explanation for the lower BP observed in
Per1
KO mice. These data support a role for the circadian clock protein Per1 in the coordinate regulation of genes involved in renal sodium reabsorption. Importantly, the lower BP observed in
Per1
KO mice compared with wild-type mice suggests a role for Per1 in BP control as well.
Diabetes and Reduced Risk for Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms and Dissections: A Nationwide Case‐Control Study
Authors: Prakash Siddharth K. , Pedroza Claudia , Khalil Yameen A. , Milewicz Dianna M.
Published: April 2012

Background

Vascular diseases are the principal causes of death and disability in people with diabetes. At the same time, studies suggest a protective role of diabetes in the development of abdominal aortic aneurysms. We sought to determine whether diabetes is associated with decreased hospitalization due to thoracic aortic aneurysms and dissections (TAAD).

Methods and Results

We used the 2006 and 2007 Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) to determine TAAD discharge rates. Control subjects were randomly selected to achieve three controls per case. Predictor variables in multilevel logistic regression included age, race, median income, diabetes, and hypertension. We estimated that the average rate of hospital discharge for TAAD among individuals diagnosed with diabetes was 9.7 per 10 000, compared to 15.6 per 10 000 among all discharges. The prevalence of diabetes was substantially lower in TAAD (13%) than in control (22%) records. After adjustment for demographic characteristics, the negative association between diabetes and TAAD remained highly significant in both NIS datasets. Compared to discharges without diabetes, those with chronic complications of diabetes were least likely to be diagnosed with TAAD (OR [odds ratio] 0.17, 95% CI, 0.12–0.23). A significant association remained between uncomplicated diabetes and TAAD. We replicated these findings in an independent group of patients who were hospitalized with acute thoracic aortic dissections.

Conclusions

The principal implication of our findings is that diabetes is independently associated with a decreased rate of hospitalization due to TAAD in proportion to the severity of diabetic complications. Future studies should consider diabetes in predictive models of aneurysm expansion or dissection.

(
J Am Heart Assoc
. 2012;1:e000323 doi: 10.1161/JAHA.111.000323.)
Predicting clinically significant change in an inpatient program for people with severe mental illness
Authors: Gonda Talia , Deane Frank P , Murugesan Ganapathi
Published: April 2012

Objective:

The first aim of this study was to assess the proportion of patients who achieved reliable and clinically significant change over the course of treatment in an inpatient psychosocial rehabilitation program. The second aim was to determine whether age, gender, length of stay, and diagnosis and co-morbid diagnosis predicted those who were classified as improved or not improved, using clinical significance criteria.

Method:

Three hundred and thirty-seven patients from inpatient units at Bloomfield Hospital, Orange, New South Wales, Australia were assessed at admission, 3-month reviews and discharge using the expanded Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale, the Health of the Nation Outcome Scales and the Kessler 10.

Results:

Reliable and clinically significant improvement was found for 32.4% of inpatients on psychiatric symptomatology, 19.5% on psychosocial functioning and 20.2% on psychological distress. Logistic regression analyses found that the predictor variables collectively predicted those who made reliable and clinically significant improvement on psychiatric symptomatology, but not on psychosocial functioning or psychological distress. Those with a primary diagnosis of schizo-affective disorder had higher rates of improvement in psychiatric symptomatology compared to those with a diagnosis of schizophrenia. Those with co-morbid substance abuse disorders showed a trend towards greater improvement.

Conclusions:

Inpatient treatment is associated with clinically significant improvements for some patients with a severe mental illness. Patients with schizo-affective disorders are proportionally more likely to make improvement.
Hypoplasia-associated Severe Early Childhood Caries – A Proposed Definition
Authors: Caufield P.W. , Li Y. , Bromage T.G.
Published: April 2012

We propose a new classification of severe early childhood caries (S-ECC): hypoplasia-associated severe early childhood caries (HAS-ECC). This form of caries affects mostly young children living at or below poverty, characterized by structurally damaged primary teeth that are particularly vulnerable to dental caries. These predisposing developmental dental defects are mainly permutations of enamel hypoplasia (EHP). Anthropologists and dental researchers consider EHP an indicator for infant and maternal stresses including malnutrition, a variety of illnesses, and adverse birthing conditions. Differentiation of HAS-ECC from other forms of early childhood caries is warranted because of its distinct etiology, clinical presentation, and eventual management. Defining HAS-ECC has important clinical implications: Therapies that control or prevent other types of caries are likely to be less effective with HAS-ECC because the structural integrity of the teeth is compromised prior to their emergence into the oral cavity. By the time these children present to the dentist, the treatment options often become limited to surgical management under general anesthesia. To prevent HAS-ECC, dentists must partner with other health providers to develop interventions that begin with pregnant mothers, with the aim of eliminating or ameliorating the covariates accompanying poverty, including better pre- and post-natal care and nutrition.
Experimental determination of bending behavior of multilayered and multidirectionally-stitched E-Glass fabric structures for composites
Authors: Bilisik Kadir , Yolacan Gaye
Published: April 2012

The aim of this study was to experimentally determine the bending behavior of developed multilayered multistitched E-Glass preform structures. For this reason, a bending rigidity test instrument based on the cantilever test principle was used. A bending rigidity test was conducted on all developed multilayered multistitched E-Glass preform structures. Yarn linear density and fabric density influenced the bending rigidity of single layer E-Glass fabric. The single layer fabric's bending rigidity depended on the off-axis angle orientations in the fabric plane. On the other hand, the bending rigidity of the multilayered unstitched E-Glass fabric structure depended on the number of fabric layers. The bending rigidities of the multilayered four directional hand and machine stitched E-Glass preform structures were high compared with one and two directional hand and machine stitched E-Glass preform structures. The bending rigidities of all heavy (6 step/cm) machine stitched E-Glass preform structures were high compared with light (2 step/cm) machine and hand (1 step/cm) stitched E-Glass preform structures. In addition, the bending rigidities of all developed multilayered hand and machine stitched E-Glass preform structures were higher than those of unstitched preform structures due to stitching. In addition, the multilayered multistitched preform structures showed a low order of bending curvatures compared with the multilayered unstitched preform structures. The results indicated that the number of stitching directions and stitching steps substantially affected the bending rigidity of the developed preform structures. Stitching yarn type was also a parameter for the bending behaviorof the multistitched preform structures. It was considered that the unstitched fabric structure could be easily formed whereas the directional stitched E-Glass preform structure became stiff and could not be easily formed.
Teachers’ Trust in Role Partners, Intention to Continue in Teaching, and Schools Social Composition in Israel
Authors: Addi-Raccah Audrey
Published: April 2012

The study examines teachers’ trust in their role partners and its relation to their intention to continue teaching at schools with high and low socioeconomic composition. Based on a questionnaire completed by 149 Israeli teachers in in-service training programs, and interviews with 10 teachers, it was found that teachers attribute different social roles to trust depending on the school’s social composition. In schools with low socioeconomic composition, teachers highly trusted colleagues. In schools with high socioeconomic composition, teachers trusted clients. Trust was linked to teachers’ plans to continue teaching. The implications of these findings regarding teachers’ work are discussed.
National Audience Tastes in Hollywood Film Genres
Authors: Fu W. Wayne
Published: April 2012

Studies of transnational media flow and reception discuss audiences as cultural-linguistic groups that make idiosyncratic content choices, but say little to distinguish or explain their collective tastes. The literature on (inter)cultural consumption suggests that cultural preferences are more similar among societies that share a cultural or linguistic affinity than those that do not. Examining national acceptance of, and taste in, Hollywood films within a global sample of countries, this study quantifies the dissimilarities in genre preferences between the United States and importing countries based on 2002-2007 box-office sales. The analysis shows that genre taste dissimilarities are related positively to cultural distance between countries, and negatively to the English proficiency of the importing country. Furthermore, the economic attributes of the importer have no effect on taste dissimilarity. The analysis also shows that the genre tastes of individual countries have converged toward those of American audiences during these years.
Radical Culture in Black Necropolis
Authors: Sites William
Published: April 2012

Post–World War II urban history, by prioritizing either political economy or cultural consumption, has tended to produce narratives of African American experience that emphasize marginalization or incorporation. This article examines a group of Chicago activists and musicians surrounding the jazz experimentalist Sun Ra and his business partner Alton Abraham to explore the contribution of radical political currents and heterodox cultural practices to black urban culture of the early postwar period. Sun Ra and his colleagues engaged in various modes of vernacular dissemination—public preaching, political broadsheets, and, especially, musical performances for community associations and local commercial audiences—to challenge what they saw as the catastrophic degradation of black Americans in the postwar city and to present utopian alternatives. In the process, Ra, Abraham, and their associates developed a distinctive form of cultural production, one that departed from the market-liberal, race-relations orthodoxies of metropolitan elites, black or white, and that anticipated the more visible black cultural radicalism of the 1960s.
The Effect of Cartilaginous Reinforcing Sutures on Initial Tracheal Anastomotic Strength
Authors: Schilt Peter N. , Musunuru Swapna , Kokoska Mimi , McRae Bryan , O’Neill Daniel , Halum Stacey L.
Published: April 2012

Objective

During tracheal resection with primary anastomosis, cartilaginous reinforcing sutures may be placed outside of the primary anastomosis with the goal of preventing early dehiscence. The direct effect of such reinforcing sutures on anastomotic strength has not been previously investigated. The goal of this study was to determine if the addition of cartilaginous reinforcing sutures adds to tracheal anastomosis stability.

Study Design

Prospective cadaver study.

Setting

This research was conducted at an anatomy lab at Indiana University School of Medicine.

Subjects and Methods

Twelve cadaver tracheas were harvested. Each trachea was bifurcated, with 1 segment of each trachea transected and anastomosed using circumferential sutures and the remaining tracheal segment undergoing the same procedure with the addition of cartilaginous reinforcing sutures. Segments (proximal versus distal) were alternated to control for potential anatomic‐based strength differences. The force necessary for anastomotic rupture was measured, and a Wilcoxon signed‐rank test was used to compare means.

Results

Analysis demonstrated the mean anastomotic rupture point for tracheas with reinforcing sutures was 297 N (95% confidence interval = 241.1‐352.9), while the mean for trials without reinforcing sutures was 173 N (95% confidence interval = 142.63‐203.37; P =. 0054). The point of rupture occurred at the anastomosis in 1 case with reinforcing sutures and in 8 of 11 cases without reinforcing sutures.

Conclusions

Cartilaginous reinforcing sutures were found to provide a higher force requirement for tracheal anastomotic rupture when compared with anastomoses without these sutures. This improved stability in tracheal anastomosis may result in a decreased risk of early tracheal rupture after anastomosis.
Minocycline benefits negative symptoms in early schizophrenia: a randomised double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial in patients on standard treatment
Authors: Chaudhry Imran B , Hallak Jaime , Husain Nusrat , Minhas Fareed , Stirling John , Richardson Paul , Dursun Serdar , Dunn Graham , Deakin Bill
Published: April 2012

The onset and early course of schizophrenia is associated with subtle loss of grey matter which may be responsible for the evolution and persistence of symptoms such as apathy, emotional blunting, and social withdrawal. Such ‘negative’ symptoms are unaffected by current antipsychotic therapies. There is evidence that the antibiotic minocycline has neuroprotective properties. We investigated whether the addition of minocycline to treatment as usual (TAU) for 1 year in early psychosis would reduce negative symptoms compared with placebo. In total, 144 participants within 5 years of first onset in Brazil and Pakistan were randomised to receive TAU plus placebo or minocycline. The primary outcome measures were the negative and positive syndrome ratings using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale. Some 94 patients completed the trial. The mean improvement in negative symptoms for the minocycline group was 9.2 and in the placebo group 4.7, an adjusted difference of 3.53 (s.e. 1.01) 95% CI: 1.55, 5.51; p < 0.001 in the intention-to-treat population. The effect was present in both countries. The addition of minocycline to TAU early in the course of schizophrenia predominantly improves negative symptoms. Whether this is mediated by neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory or others actions is under investigation.
P2X7 receptor blockade reverses purinergic facilitation of neck muscle nociception in mice
Authors: Ristić Dejan , Ellrich Jens
Published: April 2012

Introduction: Facilitation of neck muscle nociception mediated via purinergic signalling may play a role in the pathophysiology of tension-type headache (TTH). The present study addressed reversal of purinergic facilitation of brainstem nociception via P2X7 antagonist action in anaesthetized mice.

Methods: Following administration of α,β-meATP (i.m. 20 µL/min, 20 µL each) into semispinal neck muscles, the impact of neck muscle nociceptive input on brainstem processing was monitored by the jaw-opening reflex in anaesthetized mice ( n = 20). The hypothesized involvement of the P2X7 receptor in the α,β-meATP effect was addressed with i.p. (systemic) and i.m. (semispinalis, 20 µL/min, 20 µL each) administration of P2X7 inhibitor A438079 during established facilitation; i.p. saline served as control.

Results: α,β-meATP reliably induced jaw-opening reflex facilitation (256 ± 48% (mean ± SEM), n = 20). I.p. A438079 (150, 300 µmol/kg) completely reversed this α,β-meATP effect dose-dependently. Neither saline nor intramuscular A438079 (100 µM) altered facilitated brainstem nociceptive processing.

Discussion: These data suggest that muscular structures are not directly involved in the P2X7 antagonist-mediated reversal of purinergic facilitation. Instead, involvement of neuronal structures, particularly of the central nervous system, seems more probable. The results from this animal experimental model may point to involvement of purinergic P2X7 receptors in TTH pathophysiology and may suggest potential future targets for its pharmacological treatment.
The Normative Social Influence on Eco-Friendly Consumer Behavior: The Moderating Effect of Environmental Marketing Claims
Authors: Kim Hanna , Lee Eun-Jung , Hur Won-Moo
Published: April 2012

Building on the normative conduct theory and the extant literature of environmental marketing, this study explores whether eco-friendly consumer behavior in the apparel market is influenced by variations in social norms and by consumer's environmental concern. An online survey was administered with a total of 332 members from a U.S. consumer panel. The results confirm the significant effects of the type of social norms (i.e., injunctive versus descriptive norms) and the level of environmental concern on purchase intentions. Furthermore, the type of environmental marketing claim (i.e., extrinsic versus intrinsic claims) is shown to moderate the positive influences of injunctive norms and of the level of environmental concern on purchase intentions. Theoretical and managerial implications are discussed.
Optimization of turning parameters by using design of experiments and simulated annealing algorithm based on audible acoustic emission signals
Authors: Tamizharasan T , Barnabas J Kingston , Pakkirisamy V
Published: April 2012

The direct measurement of flank wear at regular intervals of time during machining consumes men and machine hours. This analysis focuses on the online monitoring of flank wear in turning from the experimentally observed audible acoustic emission signal. It is used as one of the indirect methods of monitoring flank wear in turning. The corresponding flank wear in all the test conditions for a machining time of 300 s are observed and recorded. When the value of the audible acoustic emission signal tends to reach the unsafe limit corresponding to the flank wear of above 0.2 mm, the operator is alerted to stop the operation to replace the tool. This technique minimizes the tool cost without sacrificing the quality of the final product. Also, this analysis inter-relates the performances of the design of experiments, regression analysis and simulated annealing algorithm to obtain the best possible solution. The result of this analysis identifies the optimal values of selected parameters for effective and efficient machining. The experimental, optimized and predicted values of flank wear are compared and correlated with the experimental audible acoustic emission signal.
Geometric error reduction in the assembly of axi-symmetric rigid components: a two-dimensional case study
Authors: Hussain Tanweer , McWilliam Stewart , Popov Atanas A , Yang Zhufang
Published: April 2012

In this article, the assembly of axi-symmetric rigid structures from imprecisely manufactured components is considered to produce a ‘straight-build’ assembly. The eccentricity of the assembly is improved by selecting the best relative orientation of each component and using four different strategies to control the assembly errors. The presentation is simplified by considering the assembly of two-dimensional structures, and the Monte Carlo simulation technique is used to quantify the propagation of random component variations on the resulting assembly. The axial and radial run-outs for each component are used to represent component variability and these quantities are represented as Gaussian random variables. The influence of component variations on the assembly is predicted using connective assembly models. Numerical results are presented for assemblies consisting of: (a) identical rectangular components; and (b) non-identical rectangular components. The results are compared with each other and those obtained using ‘direct-build’ assembly, which does not control the assembly errors. It is found that assembly variations can be reduced significantly using the proposed techniques.
Biomechanical behavior and histological organization of the three-layered passive esophagus as a function of topography
Authors: Stavropoulou Eleni A , Dafalias Yannis F , Sokolis Dimitrios P
Published: April 2012

The zero-stress state of the mucosa-submucosa and two muscle esophageal layers has been delineated, but their multi-axial response has not, because muscle dissection may not leave tubular specimens intact for inflation/extension testing. The histomechanical behavior of the three-layered porcine esophagus was investigated in this study, through light microscopic examination and uniaxial tension, with two-dimensional strain measurement in pairs of orthogonally oriented specimens. The two-dimensional Fung-type strain–energy function described suitably the pseudo-elastic tissue response, affording faithful simulations to our data. Differences in the scleroprotein content and configuration were identified as a function of layer, topography, and orientation, substantiating the macromechanical differences found. In view of the failure and optimized material parameters, the mucosa-submucosa was stronger and stiffer than muscle, associating it with a higher collagen content. A notable topographical distribution was apparent, with data for the abdominal region differentiated from that for the cervical region, owing to the existence of inner muscle with a circumferential arrangement and of outer muscle with a longitudinal arrangement in the former region, and of both muscle layers with oblique arrangement in the latter region, with thoracic esophagus being a transition zone. Tissue from the mucosa-submucosa was stronger and stiffer longitudinally, relating with a preferential collagen reinforcement along that axis, but more extensible in the orthogonal axis.
Experimental study of evacuated-tube solar water heaters in Hong Kong
Authors: Chow T-T , Chan L-S , Fong K-F , Tan R , Dong Z
Published: April 2012

The evacuated tube solar water heaters are widely in use today. But so far their thermal performance has not been systematically evaluated, despite the increased popularity. An experimental solar hot water system including two collector types, namely water-in-glass and heat-pipe, of evacuated tube solar water heater has been set up. Their capacity is typical for serving single family domestic hot water system. Performance tests were carried out in Hong Kong and under almost identical boundary conditions by placing the two collectors side-by-side. The energy performance has been analysed and the daily efficiency, transient efficiency and night-time heat loss were compared. While the energy acquisition performance of the heat-pipe collector design is found slightly better, the heat loss performance is found weaker than the water-in-glass collector design.
Response: Training Doctoral Students to be Scientists
Authors: Pollio David E.
Published: April 2012

The purpose of this article is to begin framing doctoral training for a science of social work. This process starts by examining two seemingly simple questions: “What is a social work scientist?” and “How do we train social work scientists?” In answering the first question, some basic assumptions and concepts about what constitutes a “social work scientist” are articulated, and how this individual is distinct from a “sharp” (a researcher with no independent vision), a scholar, and even a scientist within other disciplines. In responding to the second, these concepts are operationalized into educational principles necessary to creating new social work scientists.
Response: Social Work, Science, Social Impact
Authors: Nurius Paula S. , Kemp Susan P.
Published: April 2012

Shifts in the ways that science is being undertaken and marshaled toward social change argue for a new kind of professional competence. Taking the view that the science of social work is centrally about the relationship of research to social impact, the authors extend Fong’s focus on transdisciplinary and translational approaches to science, illustrating ways that national and international priorities are exerting enormous influence in structures for and expectations of science relevant to social work. The authors also emphasize the growing centrality of transformational research, focusing in particular on the interdependence of education and impact. The intent is to stimulate reflectiveness regarding social work’s preparedness to support and indeed amplify a robust culture of high impact science, including more confident, clearly articulated roles and skills in this contemporary scientific landscape.
Cultivating Security
Authors: Despard Erin
Published: April 2012

After the 2001 attacks on the World Trade Centre, landscape architects in North America have been called on to design public landscapes that are not only more secure but also aesthetically pleasing. In this article, the author explores the cultural and political implications of certain plant-based design strategies drawn from the Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design movement—in particular those that facilitate visual surveillance of public landscapes. Taking a broadly socio-semiotic approach, the author attempts to use a consideration of the way particular techniques work, socially and practically speaking, to reveal forms of significance that would not otherwise be apparent. The author concludes with a brief analysis of the winning design for the new American Embassy in London, as an example of a landscape attempting to be both environmentally friendly and secure.
Fandom, brandom and the limits of participatory culture
Authors: Guschwan Matthew
Published: April 2012

This article approaches sports team supporters from two lenses: (1) that of branding, which defines supporters as loyal customers and potential commodities; (2) that of fandom, which understands supporters as agentive meaning-producers who use fandom for their own uses. This juxtaposition reveals how fans’ sense of symbolic ownership is both impelled and disavowed. I use the term ‘brandom’ to refer to brand-controlled ‘fan’ communities that lack real autonomy. The case study of the Lazio Irriducibili ‘ultràs’ fan club in Rome Italy, demonstrates the potential of organized fans to create and promote branded commodities and, furthermore, it shows the potential of organized fans to threaten the symbolic and financial legitimacy of sports team/brand ownership, and the typical relationship that exists between fans (consumers) and teams (brands).
Ontogeny of angiotensin type 2 and type 1 receptor expression in mice
Authors: Gao Juan , Chao Jie , Parbhu Karma-Jaya K , Yu Li , Xiao Liang , Gao Fei , Gao Lie
Published: April 2012

In the current experiment, we determined angiotensin type 2 receptor (AT2R) and angiotensin type 1 receptor (AT1R) protein expression by western blot analysis in developing normal mice. The results indicate that: (1) in all detected brain regions and in the spinal cord, adult mice exhibited significantly higher AT2R expression and lower AT1R expression in total protein extracts compared to fetuses and neonates; (2) other major organs, including heart, lung, liver and kidney, exhibited the same expression pattern as the brain and spinal cord; (3) reciprocal changes in AT2R and AT1R expression were found in the total protein extracts from the brainstems of mice from one-day prenatal to six weeks of age, and there was a negative correlation between AT2R and AT1R protein expression; (4) in both membrane and cytosolic fractions from the brainstem, adult mice exhibited higher AT2R and lower AT1R expression than did fetuses and neonates; and (5) in the brainstem, there were no significant differences in AT2R and AT1R messenger RNA (mRNA) levels among fetal, neonatal and adult mice. The above results reconfirmed our previous finding in rats that adult animals have higher AT2R and lower AT1R expression compared to fetuses and neonates. These data imply an involvement of AT1R in fetal development and of AT2R in adult function.
Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Assessment Following Exercise Training in Patients With Intermittent Claudication and in Untrained Healthy Participants
Authors: Manfredini Fabio , Malagoni Anna Maria , Mandini Simona , Felisatti Michele , Mascoli Francesco , Basaglia Nino , Manfredini Roberto , Mikhailidis Dimitri P , Zamboni Paolo
Published: April 2012

Selected near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) parameters were assessed in healthy untrained participants and in peripheral arterial disease (PAD) trained patients to evaluate their usefulness in rehabilitative outcome. Forty-five PAD and 15 healthy participants were studied at entry and at 34 ± 2 weeks. Healthy participants performed their usual activities. Patients with PAD performed 2 home-based programs: structured at prescribed pace (S-pre, n = 31) and unstructured at free pace (U-free, n = 14). We measured ankle–brachial index (ABI), NIRS calf oxygen consumption at rest, NIRS dynamic muscle perfusion during an incremental test, and walking capacity. In all patients with PAD the NIRS parameters significantly increased approaching the stable values of untrained healthy participants. Among PAD, only S-pre group showed significant improvements in hemodynamic, functional, and NIRS parameters with selective adaptations in the worse legs. The assessment of NIRS parameters, that were found stable without training in healthy and modified in PAD only following structured training, might outline the local exercise-induced adaptations.
Brachialis muscle transfer to the forearm for the treatment of deformities in spastic cerebral palsy
Authors: Ozkan T. , Bicer A. , Aydin H. U. , Tuncer S. , Aydin A. , Hosbay Z. Y.
Published: April 2012

The use of the brachialis muscle for tendon transfers in cerebral palsy has not been described previously. In this study, the brachialis muscle was used for transfer in 11 patients with spastic cerebral palsy for the restoration of forearm supination, wrist extension, or finger extension.

Four patients underwent brachialis rerouting supinatorplasty. Active supination increased in two (60° and 50°), minimally increased in one (5°), and did not change in one patient. Five patients had a brachialis to extensor carpi radialis brevis transfer. The mean gain in postoperative active wrist extension was 65°. Two patients with finger flexion deformity and no active metacarpophalangeal joint movement underwent a brachialis to extensor digitorum communis transfer, and they attained an improved posture of finger extension although their postoperative metacarpophalangeal flexion–extension movement arc was 5° and 25°. None of the patients developed any loss of active flexion at the elbow. Our preliminary experience suggests that the brachialis muscle may serve as an alternative tendon transfer in cerebral palsy.
A new mouse model mimicking thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura: correction of symptoms by recombinant human ADAMTS13
Authors: Schiviz Alexandra , Wuersch Kuno , Piskernik Christina , Dietrich Barbara , Hoellriegl Werner , Rottensteiner Hanspeter , Scheiflinger Friedrich , Schwarz Hans Peter , Muchitsch Eva-Maria
Published: April 2012

Deficiency of a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with a thrombospondin type 1 motif, member 13 (ADAMTS13), a VWF-cleaving protease, is the key factor in the pathogenesis of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), a life-threatening thrombotic microangiopathy. It is well established that ADAMTS13 deficiency results in elevated plasma levels of ultra-large VWF multimers (ULVWF), which are prone to induce platelet aggregation; however, the actual trigger of TTP development remains uncertain. Here we describe a new animal model in which some TTP-like symptoms can be triggered in ADAMTS13 knockout mice by challenge with 2000 units/kg body weight of recombinant human VWF containing ULVWF multimers. Animals rapidly showed clinical symptoms and developed severe thrombocytopenia. Schistocytosis, a decrease in hematocrit, and elevated serum lactate dehydrogenase levels were observed. The heart was identified as the most sensitive target organ with rapid onset of extensive platelet aggregation in the ventricles and myocardial necrosis. Prophylactic administration of 200 units/kg recombinant human ADAMTS13 protected ADAMTS13 knockout mice from developing TTP. Therapeutic administration of 320 units/kg rhADAMTS13 reduced the incidence and severity of TTP findings in a treatment interval-dependent manner. We therefore consider this newly established mouse model of thrombotic microangiopathy highly predictive for investigating the efficacy of new treatments for TTP.
Comparative genomics and transcriptomics of lineages I, II, and III strains of Listeria monocytogenes
Authors: Hain Torsten , Ghai Rohit , Billion André , Kuenne Carsten Tobias , Steinweg Christiane , Izar Benjamin , Mohamed Walid , Mraheil Mobarak Abu , Domann Eugen , Schaffrath Silke , Kärst Uwe , Goesmann Alexander , Oehm Sebastian , Pühler Alfred , Merkl Rainer , Vorwerk Sonja , Glaser Philippe , Garrido Patricia , Rusniok Christophe , Buchrieser Carmen , Goebel Werner , Chakraborty Trinad
Published: April 2012

Background

Listeria monocytogenesis a food-borne pathogen that causes infections with a high-mortality rate and has served as an invaluable model for intracellular parasitism. Here, we report complete genome sequences for twoL. monocytogenesstrains belonging to serotype 4a (L99) and 4b (CLIP80459), and transcriptomes of representative strains from lineages I, II, and III, thereby permitting in-depth comparison of genome- and transcriptome -based data from three lineages ofL. monocytogenes. Lineage III, represented by the 4a L99 genome is known to contain strains less virulent for humans.

Results

The genome analysis of the weakly pathogenic L99 serotype 4a provides extensive evidence of virulence gene decay, including loss of several important surface proteins. The 4b CLIP80459 genome, unlike the previously sequenced 4b F2365 genome harbours an intactinlBinvasion gene. These lineage I strains are characterized by the lack of prophage genes, as they share only a single prophage locus with otherL. monocytogenesgenomes 1/2a EGD-e and 4a L99. Comparative transcriptome analysis during intracellular growth uncovered adaptive expression level differences in lineages I, II and III ofListeria, notable amongst which was a strong intracellular induction of flagellar genes in strain 4a L99 compared to the other lineages. Furthermore, extensive differences between strains are manifest at levels of metabolic flux control and phosphorylated sugar uptake. Intriguingly, prophage gene expression was found to be a hallmark of intracellular gene expression. Deletion mutants in the single shared prophage locus of lineage II strain EGD-e 1/2a, thelmaoperon, revealed severe attenuation of virulence in a murine infection model.

Conclusion

Comparative genomics and transcriptome analysis ofL. monocytogenesstrains from three lineages implicate prophage genes in intracellular adaptation and indicate that gene loss and decay may have led to the emergence of attenuated lineages.
Relationships between food consumption and living arrangements among university students in four European countries - A cross-sectional study
Authors: El Ansari Walid , Stock Christiane , Mikolajczyk Rafael T
Published: April 2012

Background

The transition of young people from school to university has many health implications. Food choice at the university can differ because of childhood food consumption patterns, sex and the living arrangements. Food consumption may change especially if students are living away from home. We aimed to assess food consumption patterns among university students from four European countries and how they differ by their living arrangements.

Methods

We analysed data from a cross-country survey assessing health and health behaviours of students. The sample comprised a total of 2402 first year undergraduate students from one university in each of the countries of Germany, Denmark, Poland and Bulgaria. Food consumption was assessed by means of a food frequency questionnaire with 9 food groups (indicators).

Results

Students’ food consumption patterns differed across the countries. Frequent consumption of unhealthy items was common. Bulgarian students reported most often frequent consumption of sweets and cakes and snacks (e.g. chips and fast food). Polish students reported the least frequent consumption of vegetables and a low consumption of fruits. Across all countries except Bulgaria, men reported substantially more often frequent consumption of snacks than women. Students living at parental home consumed more fruit, vegetables, and meat than those who resided outside of their family home in all studied countries. There was more variation with regard to cakes and salads with more frequent consumption of cakes among Bulgarian female students and Danish male students and more frequent consumption of salads among Danish female students not living at parental home, compared to students from other countries.

Conclusions

Nutrition habits of university students differed across countries and by sex. Students living at parental home displayed more healthy nutrition habits, with some exceptions.
Validation of the theoretical domains framework for use in behaviour change and implementation research
Authors: Cane James , O’Connor Denise , Michie Susan
Published: April 2012

Background

An integrative theoretical framework, developed for cross-disciplinary implementation and other behaviour change research, has been applied across a wide range of clinical situations. This study tests the validity of this framework.

Methods

Validity was investigated by behavioural experts sorting 112 unique theoretical constructs using closed and open sort tasks. The extent of replication was tested by Discriminant Content Validation and Fuzzy Cluster Analysis.

Results

There was good support for a refinement of the framework comprising 14 domains of theoretical constructs (average silhouette value 0.29): ‘Knowledge’, ‘Skills’, ‘Social/Professional Role and Identity’, ‘Beliefs about Capabilities’, ‘Optimism’, ‘Beliefs about Consequences’, ‘Reinforcement’, ‘Intentions’, ‘Goals’, ‘Memory, Attention and Decision Processes’, ‘Environmental Context and Resources’, ‘Social Influences’, ‘Emotions’, and ‘Behavioural Regulation’.

Conclusions

The refined Theoretical Domains Framework has a strengthened empirical base and provides a method for theoretically assessing implementation problems, as well as professional and other health-related behaviours as a basis for intervention development.
Serum BAFF and APRIL levels in patients with IgG4-related disease and their clinical significance
Authors: Kiyama Kazuhiro , Kawabata Daisuke , Hosono Yuji , Kitagori Koji , Yukawa Naoichiro , Yoshifuji Hajime , Omura Koichiro , Fujii Takao , Mimori Tsuneyo
Published: April 2012

Introduction

B cell-activating factor of the tumor necrosis factor family (BAFF) and a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL) play a crucial role in B cell development, survival, and antibody production. Here we analyzed the serum levels of BAFF and APRIL and their respective clinical associations in patients with an immunoglobulin (Ig) G4-related disease (IgG4-RD).

Methods

We measured serum levels of BAFF and APRIL in patients with IgG4-RD, primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS), and healthy individuals. Serum BAFF and APRIL levels in IgG4-RD were assessed for correlations with serological parameters, including Ig, particularly IgG4, and the number of affected organs. Serum BAFF and APRIL levels in IgG4-RD were monitored during glucocorticoid (GC) therapy.

Results

Serum BAFF and APRIL levels in patients with IgG4-RD were significantly higher (P < 0.01) than in healthy individuals. The BAFF levels of patients with IgG4-RD were comparable to those of patients with pSS. Although clinical parameters, such as serum IgG4 and the number of affected organs, were not correlated with the levels of BAFF, serum APRIL levels were inversely correlated with serum IgG4 levels (r = -0.626, P < 0.05). While serum BAFF levels decreased following GC therapy, serum APRIL levels increased during follow-up.

Conclusion

These results indicate that BAFF and APRIL might be useful markers for predicting disease activity in IgG4-RD. Further studies are needed to elucidate the role of BAFF and APRIL in the pathogenesis of IgG4-RD.
Genome-wide identification and characterization of replication origins by deep sequencing
Authors: Xu Jia , Yanagisawa Yoshimi , Tsankov Alexander M , Hart Christopher , Aoki Keita , Kommajosyula Naveen , Steinmann Kathleen E , Bochicchio James , Russ Carsten , Regev Aviv , Rando Oliver J , Nusbaum Chad , Niki Hironori , Milos Patrice , Weng Zhiping , Rhind Nicholas
Published: April 2012

Background

DNA replication initiates at distinct origins in eukaryotic genomes, but the genomic features that define these sites are not well understood.

Results

We have taken a combined experimental and bioinformatic approach to identify and characterize origins of replication in three distantly related fission yeasts: Schizosaccharomyces pombe, Schizosaccharomyces octosporus and Schizosaccharomyces japonicus. Using single-molecule deep sequencing to construct amplification-free high-resolution replication profiles, we located origins and identified sequence motifs that predict origin function. We then mapped nucleosome occupancy by deep sequencing of mononucleosomal DNA from the corresponding species, finding that origins tend to occupy nucleosome-depleted regions.

Conclusions

The sequences that specify origins are evolutionarily plastic, with low complexity nucleosome-excluding sequences functioning in S. pombe and S. octosporus, and binding sites for trans-acting nucleosome-excluding proteins functioning in S. japonicus. Furthermore, chromosome-scale variation in replication timing is conserved independently of origin location and via a mechanism distinct from known heterochromatic effects on origin function. These results are consistent with a model in which origins are simply the nucleosome-depleted regions of the genome with the highest affinity for the origin recognition complex. This approach provides a general strategy for understanding the mechanisms that define DNA replication origins in eukaryotes.
Mediation of Drosophilaautosomal dosage effects and compensation by network interactions
Authors: Malone John H , Cho Dong-Yeon , Mattiuzzo Nicolas R , Artieri Carlo G , Jiang Lichun , Dale Ryan K , Smith Harold E , McDaniel Jennifer , Munro Sarah , Salit Marc , Andrews Justen , Przytycka Teresa M , Oliver Brian
Published: April 2012

Background

Gene dosage change is a mild perturbation that is a valuable tool for pathway reconstruction in Drosophila. While it is often assumed that reducing gene dose by half leads to two-fold less expression, there is partial autosomal dosage compensation in Drosophila, which may be mediated by feedback or buffering in expression networks.

Results

We profiled expression in engineered flies where gene dose was reduced from two to one. While expression of most one-dose genes was reduced, the gene-specific dose responses were heterogeneous. Expression of two-dose genes that are first-degree neighbors of one-dose genes in novel network models also changed, and the directionality of change depended on the response of one-dose genes.

Conclusions

Our data indicate that expression perturbation propagates in network space. Autosomal compensation, or the lack thereof, is a gene-specific response, largely mediated by interactions with the rest of the transcriptome.
Dynamic Changes in Cervical Glycosaminoglycan Composition during Normal Pregnancy and Preterm Birth
Authors: Akgul Yucel , Holt Roxane , Mummert Mark , Word Ann , Mahendroo Mala
Published: April 2012

Glycosaminoglycans (GAG) have diverse functions that regulate macromolecular assembly in the extracellular matrix. During pregnancy, the rigid cervix transforms to a pliable structure to allow birth. Quantitative assessment of cervical GAG is a prerequisite to identify GAG functions in term and preterm birth. In the current study, total GAG levels increased at term, yet the abundance, chain length, and sulfation levels of sulfated GAG remained constant. The increase in total GAG resulted exclusively from an increase in hyaluronan (HA). HA can form large structures that promote increased viscosity, hydration, and matrix disorganization as well as small structures that have roles in inflammation. HA levels increased from 19% of total GAG in early pregnancy to 71% at term. Activity of the HA-metabolizing enzyme, hyaluronidase, increased in labor, resulting in metabolism of large to small HA. Similar to mice, HA transitions from high to low molecular weight in term human cervix. Mouse preterm models were also characterized by an increase in HA resulting from differential expression of the HA synthase (Has) genes, with increased Has1 in preterm in contrast to Has2 induction at term. The Has2 gene but not Has1 is regulated in part by estrogen. These studies identify a shift in sulfated GAG dominance in the early pregnant cervix to HA dominance in term and preterm ripening. Increased HA synthesis along with hyaluronidase-induced changes in HA size in mice and women suggest diverse contributions of HA to macromolecular changes in the extracellular matrix, resulting in loss of tensile strength during parturition.
Mental health workers’ views on the criminalization of suicidal behaviour in Uganda
Authors: Hjelmeland Heidi , Kinyanda Eugene , Knizek Birthe Loa
Published: April 2012

Attempted suicide is still criminalized in Uganda. However, the Ministry of Health has asked the psychiatric community to help in the work to abolish this law. The purpose of this study was to investigate how Ugandan mental health workers view this law. We conducted a qualitative interview study of 30 mental health workers (psychiatrists, psychologists, psychiatric clinical officers and psychiatric nurses). We found that two-thirds of this sample wanted the law abolished, mainly because they view suicidal behaviour as a mental health issue. Some, however, wanted to keep the law because they viewed it as a suicide prevention in that it would deter people from killing themselves. A few were ambivalent. The findings indicate a need for increased awareness of the negative consequences of the law as well as educating mental health workers in understanding of suicidal behaviour and suicidal people.