bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of Synthetic Host Defense Peptide Mimics That Exert Dual Antimicrobial and Anti-Inflammatory Activities
Authors: Som Abhigyan , Navasa Nicolás , Percher Avital , Scott Richard W. , Tew Gregory N. , Anguita Juan
Published: September 2012

A group of synthetic antimicrobial oligomers, inspired by naturally occurring antimicrobial peptides, were analyzed for the ability to modulate innate immune responses to Toll-like receptor (TLR) ligands. These synthetic mimics of antimicrobial peptides (SMAMPs) specifically reduced cytokine production in response toStaphylococcus aureusand theS. aureuscomponent lipoteichoic acid (LTA), a TLR2 agonist. Anti-inflammatory SMAMPs prevented the induction of tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and IL-10 in response toS. aureusor LTA, but no other TLR2 ligands. We show that these SMAMPs bind specifically to LTAin vitroand prevent its interaction with TLR2. Importantly, the SMAMP greatly reduced the induction of TNF and IL-6in vivoin mice acutely infected withS. aureuswhile simultaneously reducing bacterial loads dramatically (4 log10). Thus, these SMAMPs can eliminate the damage induced by pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) while simultaneously eliminating infectionin vivo. They are the first known SMAMPs to demonstrate anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activitiesin vivo.
Accurate and Rapid Identification of Candida spp. Frequently Associated with Fungemia by Using PCR and the Microarray-Based Prove-it Sepsis Assay
Authors: Aittakorpi Anne , Kuusela Pentti , Koukila-Kähkölä Pirkko , Vaara Martti , Petrou Michael , Gant Vanya , Mäki Minna
Published: September 2012

The rapid identification of microbes responsible for bloodstream infections (BSIs) allows more focused and effective therapies and outcomes. DNA sequence-based methods offer an opportunity for faster, accurate diagnosis and for effective therapy. As our objective of the study, the ability of the Prove-it Sepsis platform, already proven as a rapid PCR- and microarray-based assay for the majority of sepsis-causing bacteria, was extended to also rapidly identify clinically relevant yeasts in blood culture. The performance characteristics of this extended platform are described. We found that the extended diagnostic Prove-it Sepsis platform was found to be highly accurate when analyzing primary isolates, spiked blood cultures, nucleic acid extracts from a retrospective blood culture data set, and primary blood cultures. Comparison of the blood culture results from the Prove-it Sepsis platform with those from conventional culture-based methods or by gene sequencing demonstrated a sensitivity of 99% and a specificity of 98% for fungal targets (based on analysis of a total of 388 specimens). Total assay time was 3 h from DNA extraction to BSI diagnosis. These results extend the performance characteristics of the Prove-it platform for bacteria to the easy, rapid, and accurate detection and species identification of yeasts in positive blood cultures. Incorporation of this extended and rapid diagnostic platform into the tools for clinical patient management would allow possibly faster identification and more focused therapies for BSIs.
Relationship between within-Host Fitness and Virulence in the Vesicular Stomatitis Virus: Correlation with Partial Decoupling
Authors: Furió Victoria , Garijo Raquel , Durán María , Moya Andrés , Bell John C. , Sanjuán Rafael
Published: September 2012

Given the parasitic nature of viruses, it is sometimes assumed that rates of viral replication and dissemination within hosts (within-host fitness) correlate with virulence. However, there is currently little empirical evidence supporting this principle. To test this, we quantified the fitness and virulence of 21 single- or double-nucleotide mutants of the vesicular stomatitis virus in baby hamster kidney cells (BHK-21). We found that, overall, these two traits correlated positively, but significant outliers were identified. Particularly, a single mutation in the conserved C terminus of the N nucleocapsid (U1323A) had a strongly deleterious fitness effect but did not alter or even slightly increased virulence. We also found a double mutant of the M matrix protein and G glycoprotein (U2617G/A3802G mutant) with high fitness yet low virulence. We further characterized these mutants in primary cultures from mouse brain cells andin vivoand found that their relative fitness values were similar to those observed in BHK-21 cells. The mutations had weak effects on the virus-induced death rate of total brain cells, although they specifically reduced neuron death rates. Furthermore, increased apoptosis levels were detected in neurons infected with the U2617G/A3802G mutant, consistent with its known inability to block interferon secretion.In vivo, this mutant had reduced virulence and, despite its low brain titer, it retained a relatively high fitness value owing to its ability to suppress competitor viruses. Overall, our results are in broad agreement with the notion that viral fitness and virulence should be positively correlated but show that certain mutations can break this association and that the fitness-virulence relationship can depend on complex virus-host and virus-virus interactions.
Upstream AUG Codons in the Simian Immunodeficiency Virus SIVmac239 Genome Regulate Rev and Env Protein Translation
Authors: van der Velden Gisela J. , Klaver Bep , Das Atze T. , Berkhout Ben
Published: September 2012

The mRNAs encoding the Rev and Env proteins of simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) are unique because upstream translation start codons are present that may modulate the expression of these viral proteins. This is true for the regular mRNAs, but we also report novel mRNA splicing variants that encode up to five upstream AUG (uAUG) codons. Their influence on Rev and Env translation was measured by mutational inactivation in reporter constructs and in the SIVmac239 strain. An intricate regulatory mechanism was disclosed that allows the virus to express a balanced amount of these two proteins. This insight also allows the design of vector constructs that efficiently express these proteins.
Evolutionary Conservation of the PA-X Open Reading Frame in Segment 3 of Influenza A Virus
Authors: Shi Mang , Jagger Brett W. , Wise Helen M. , Digard Paul , Holmes Edward C. , Taubenberger Jeffery K.
Published: September 2012

PA-X is a fusion protein of influenza A virus encoded in part from a +1 frameshifted X open reading frame (X-ORF) in segment 3. We show that the X-ORFs of diverse influenza A viruses can be divided into two groups that differ in selection pressure and likely function, reflected in the presence of an internal stop codon and a change in synonymous diversity. Notably, truncated forms of PA-X evolved convergently in swine and dogs, suggesting a strong species-specific effect.
Doppler ultrasound and tibial tuberosity maturation status predicts pain in adolescent male athletes with Osgood-Schlatter's disease: a case series with comparison group and clinical interpretation
Authors: Sailly Matthieu , Whiteley Rod , Johnson Amanda
Published: September 2012

Background

The pathogenesis of the Osgood-Schlatter's disease (OSD) is still debated. The fragmentation of the ossification centre has been questioned as a definitive sign of OSD and has been seen as a normal development of the anterior tibial tubercle (ATT).

Objectives

It is unknown if such changes are present in the presumed pathological tendon insertion seen in OSD, nor the relation of Doppler-positive changes to pain on clinical examination.

Methods

A prospective analysis was carried out on 20 consecutive symptomatic male athletes (13.9 years±1.3) and a comparison group of asymptomatic subjects. All underwent a comparative clinical assessment and ultrasound with colour Doppler scan on both knees. Subjective pain was recorded with a visual analogue scale (VAS) during provocative manoeuvres: palpation, resisted contraction and single leg squat.

Results

Positive Doppler US (within the distal end of the patellar tendon) was associated with higher pain on palpation (47±24.5 vs 18±11.4, p<0.01) and resisted static contraction (59±20.2 vs 27±12.5, p<0.001) compared with Doppler-negative subjects. No Doppler activity was found in the comparison group. VAS for palpation and resisted contraction of the athletes graded as stage 2 (51.1±22.0 and 60.0±21.2) were significantly higher than stage 3 (17.8±12.0 and 18.9±16.9) and stage 4 (15.0±7.1 and 25.0±7.1; p<0.01).

Conclusions

More painful OSD is associated with the presence of neo-vessels. This may be linked with a particular stage of ATT maturation and applied compressive forces. A Doppler ultrasound scan adds practical information to develop the care plan of the patient.
Jurisdictional, socioeconomic and gender inequalities in child health and development: analysis of a national census of 5-year-olds in Australia
Authors: Brinkman Sally A , Gialamas Angela , Rahman Azizur , Mittinty Murthy N , Gregory Tess A , Silburn Sven , Goldfeld Sharon , Zubrick Stephen R , Carr Vaughan , Janus Magdalena , Hertzman Clyde , Lynch John W
Published: September 2012

Objectives

Early child development may have important consequences for inequalities in health and well-being. This paper explores population level patterns of child development across Australian jurisdictions, considering socioeconomic and demographic characteristics.

Design

Census of child development across Australia.

Setting and participants

Teachers complete a developmental checklist, the Australian Early Development Index (AEDI), for all children in their first year of full-time schooling. Between May and July 2009, the AEDI was collected by 14 628 teachers in primary schools (government and non-government) across Australia, providing information on 261 147 children (approximately 97.5% of the estimated 5-year-old population).

Outcome measures

Level of developmental vulnerability in Australian children for five developmental domains: physical well-being, social competence, emotional maturity, language and cognitive skills and communication skills and general knowledge.

Results

The results show demographic and socioeconomic inequalities in child development as well as within and between jurisdiction inequalities. The magnitude of the overall level of inequality in child development and the impact of covariates varies considerably both between and within jurisdiction by sex. For example, the difference in overall developmental vulnerability between the best-performing and worst-performing jurisdiction is 12.5% for males and 7.1% for females. Levels of absolute social inequality within jurisdictions range from 8.2% for females to 12.7% for males.

Conclusions

The different mix of universal and targeted services provided within jurisdictions from pregnancy to age 5 may contribute to inequality across the country. These results illustrate the potential utility of a developmental census to shed light on the impact of differences in universal and targeted services to support child development by school entry.
Inflammation as a predictor for delayed cerebral ischemia after aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage
Authors: McMahon Catherine J , Hopkins Stephen , Vail Andy , King Andrew T , Smith Debi , Illingworth Karen J , Clark Simon , Rothwell Nancy J , Tyrrell Pippa J
Published: September 2012

Background

The mechanism of development of delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is poorly understood. Inflammatory processes are implicated in the development of ischemic stroke and may also predispose to the development of DCI following SAH. The objective of this study was to test whether concentrations of circulating inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin 1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra)) were predictive for DCI following SAH. Secondary analyses considered white cell count (WCC) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR).

Methods

This was a single-center case-control study nested within a prospective cohort. Plasma inflammatory markers were measured in patients up to 15 days after SAH (initial, peak, average, final and rate of change to final). Cases were defined as those developing DCI. Inflammatory markers were compared between cases and randomly selected matched controls.

Results

Among the 179 participants there were 46 cases of DCI (26%). In primary analyses the rate of change of IL-6 was associated with DCI (OR 2.3 (95% CI 1.1 to 5.0); p=0.03). The final value and rate of change of WCC were associated with DCI (OR 1.2 (95% CI 1.0 to 1.3) and OR 1.3 (95% CI 1.0 to 1.6), respectively). High values of ESR were associated with DCI (OR 2.4 (95% CI 1.3 to 4.6) initial; OR 2.3 (95% CI 1.3 to 4.2) average; OR 2.1 (95% CI 1.1 to 3.9) peak; and OR 2.0 (95% CI 1.2 to 3.3) final value).

Conclusions

Leucocytosis and change in IL-6 prior to DCI reflect impending cerebral ischemia. The time-independent association of ESR with DCI after SAH may identify this as a risk factor. These data suggest that systemic inflammatory mechanisms may increase the susceptibility to the development of DCI after SAH.
RhoA localization with caveolin-1 regulates vascular contractions to serotonin
Authors: Nuno Daniel W. , England Sarah K. , Lamping Kathryn G.
Published: September 2012

Vascular smooth muscle contraction occurs following an initial response to an increase in intracellular calcium concentration and a sustained response following increases in the sensitivity of contractile proteins to calcium (calcium sensitization). This latter process is regulated by the rhoA/rho kinase pathway and activated by serotonin. In multiple cell types, signaling molecules compartmentalize within caveolae to regulate their activation. We hypothesized that serotonin differentially compartmentalizes rhoA within caveolar versus noncaveolar lipid rafts to regulate sustained vascular contractions. To test this hypothesis, we measured aortic contractions in response to serotonin in wild-type (WT) and cav-1-deficient mice (cav-1 KO). RhoA-dependent contractions in response to serotonin were markedly augmented in arteries from cav-1 KO mice despite a modest reduction in rhoA expression compared with WT. We found that under basal conditions, rhoA in WT arteries was primarily localized within high-density sucrose gradient fractions but temporally shifted to low-density fractions in response to serotonin. In contrast, rhoA in cav-1 KO arteries was primarily in low-density fractions and shifted to high-density fractions in a similar timeframe as that seen in WT mice. We conclude that localization of rhoA to caveolar versus noncaveolar lipid rafts differentially regulates its activation and contractions to rhoA-dependent agonists with greater activation associated with its localization to noncaveolar rafts. Disruption of rhoA localization within caveolae may contribute to increased activation and enhanced vascular contractions in cardiovascular disease.
Mechanisms underlying the inhibitory effects of uroguanylin on NHE3 transport activity in renal proximal tubule
Authors: Lessa Lucília M. A. , Carraro-Lacroix Luciene R. , Crajoinas Renato O. , Bezerra Camila N. , Dariolli Rafael , Girardi Adriana C. C. , Fonteles Manassés C. , Malnic Gerhard
Published: September 2012

We previously demonstrated that uroguanylin (UGN) significantly inhibits Na+/H+exchanger (NHE)3-mediated bicarbonate reabsorption. In the present study, we aimed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the action of UGN on NHE3 in rat renal proximal tubules and in a proximal tubule cell line (LLC-PK1). The in vivo studies were performed by the stationary microperfusion technique, in which we measured H+secretion in rat renal proximal segments, through a H+-sensitive microelectrode. UGN (1 μM) significantly inhibited the net of proximal bicarbonate reabsorption. The inhibitory effect of UGN was completely abolished by either the protein kinase G (PKG) inhibitor KT5823 or by the protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor H-89. The effects of UGN in vitro were found to be similar to those obtained by microperfusion. Indeed, we observed that incubation of LLC-PK1cells with UGN induced an increase in the intracellular levels of cAMP and cGMP, as well as activation of both PKA and PKG. Furthermore, we found that UGN can increase the levels of NHE3 phosphorylation at the PKA consensus sites 552 and 605 in LLC-PK1cells. Finally, treatment of LLC-PK1cells with UGN reduced the amount of NHE3 at the cell surface. Overall, our data suggest that the inhibitory effect of UGN on NHE3 transport activity in proximal tubule is mediated by activation of both cGMP/PKG and cAMP/PKA signaling pathways which in turn leads to NHE3 phosphorylation and reduced NHE3 surface expression. Moreover, this study sheds light on mechanisms by which guanylin peptides are intricately involved in the maintenance of salt and water homeostasis.
Coapplication of noisy patterned electrical stimuli and NMDA plus serotonin facilitates fictive locomotion in the rat spinal cord
Authors: Dose Francesco , Taccola Giuliano
Published: September 2012

A new stimulating protocol [fictive locomotion-induced stimulation (FL istim)], consisting of intrinsically variable weak waveforms applied to a single dorsal root is very effective (though not optimal as it eventually wanes away) in activating the locomotor program of the isolated rat spinal cord. The present study explored whether combination of FL istim with low doses of pharmacological agents that raise network excitability might further improve the functional outcome, using this in vitro model. FL istim was applied together with N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) + serotonin, while fictive locomotion (FL) was electrophysiologically recorded from lumbar ventral roots. Superimposing FL istim on FL evoked by these neurochemicals persistently accelerated locomotor-like cycles to a set periodicity and modulated cycle amplitude depending on FL istim rate. Trains of stereotyped rectangular pulses failed to replicate this phenomenon. The GABAB agonist baclofen dose dependently inhibited, in a reversible fashion, FL evoked by either FL istim or square pulses. Sustained episodes of FL emerged when FL istim was delivered, at an intensity subthreshold for FL, in conjunction with subthreshold pharmacological stimulation. Such an effect was, however, not found when high potassium solution instead of NMDA + serotonin was used. These results suggest that the combined action of subthreshold FL istim (e.g., via epidural stimulation) and neurochemicals should be tested in vivo to improve locomotor rehabilitation after injury. In fact, reactivation of spinal locomotor circuits by conventional electrical stimulation of afferent fibers is difficult, while pharmacological activation of spinal networks is clinically impracticable due to concurrent unwanted effects. We speculate that associating subthreshold chemical and electrical inputs might decrease side effects when attempting to evoke human locomotor patterns.
Effects of Yoga Interventions on Fatigue: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Boehm Katja , Ostermann Thomas , Milazzo Stefania , Büssing Arndt
Published: September 2012

Background. Researchers aimed at systematically reviewing and meta-analyzing the effectiveness of yoga interventions for fatigue.Methods. PubMed/Medline was searched until January 2012 for controlled clinical studies. Two reviewers independently extracted the data. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed. A meta-analysis was performed.Results. Nineteen clinical studies (total ) were included in this review. Investigated yoga styles included Hatha, Iyengar, Asanas, Patanjali, Sahaja, and Tibetan yoga. Participants were suffering from cancer, multiple sclerosis, dialysis, chronic pancreatitis, fibromyalgia, asthma, or were healthy. Yoga had a small positive effect on fatigue (SMD = 0.27, 59% CI = 0.23–0.31). Seven studies received 4 points on the Jadad score. There were baseline differences in at least 5 studies.Conclusion. Overall, the effects of yoga interventions on fatigue were only small, particularly in cancer patients. Although yoga is generally a safe therapeutic intervention and effective to attenuate other health-related symptoms, this meta-analysis was not able to define the powerful effect of yoga on patients suffering from fatigue. Treatment effects of yoga could be improved in well-designed future studies. According to the GRADE recommendations assessing the overall quality of evidence, there is a moderate effect of the confidence placed in the estimates of the effects discussed here.
q‐Analogues of the Bernoulli and Genocchi Polynomials and the Srivastava‐Pintér Addition Theorems
Authors: Mahmudov N. I.
Published: September 2012

The main purpose of this paper is to introduce and investigate a new class of generalized Bernoulli and Genocchi
polynomials based on the q‐integers. The q‐analogues of well‐known formulas are derived. The q‐analogue
of the Srivastava‐Pintér addition theorem is obtained.
Favorable Outcome of Ramsay Hunt Syndrome under Dexamethasone
Authors: Finsterer Josef , Bachtiar Arian , Niedermayr Anton
Published: September 2012

A 20-year-old student under chronic stress developed a painful reddish left ear, vesicles on the left ear, severe left-sided peripheral facial-nerve palsy, and hypoesthesia of the left upper lip, after exposure to a ventilator. Ramsay Hunt syndrome was diagnosed. Instead of prednisolone she received dexamethasone (40 mg/d) but nonetheless recovered completely after 12 weeks.
A Jacobi Dual‐Petrov Galerkin‐Jacobi Collocation Method for Solving Korteweg‐de Vries Equations
Authors: Bhrawy Ali H. , Al-Shomrani M. M.
Published: September 2012

The present paper is devoted to the development of a new scheme to solve the initial‐boundary value Korteweg‐de Vries equation which models many physical phenomena such as surface water waves in a channel. The scheme consists of Jacobi dual‐Petrov Galerkin‐Jacobi collocation method in space combined with Crank‐Nicholson‐leap‐frog method in time
such that at each time step only a sparse banded linear algebraic system needs to be solved. Numerical results are presented to show that the proposed numerical method is accurate and efficient for Korteweg‐de Vries equations and other third‐order nonlinear equations.
Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection following Topical Hormone Replacement Therapy
Authors: Pan Alexander L. , Fergusson David , Hong Robert , Badawi Ramy A.
Published: September 2012

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection is a rare condition, usually presenting as an acute coronary syndrome, and is often seen in states associated with high systemic estrogen levels such as pregnancy or oral contraceptive use. While topical hormonal replacement therapy may result in increased estrogen levels similar to those documented with oral contraceptive use, there are no reported cases of spontaneous coronary dissection with topical hormonal replacement therapy. We describe a 53-year-old female who developed two spontaneous coronary dissections while on topical hormonal replacement therapy. The patient had no other risk factors for coronary dissection. After withdrawal from topical hormonal therapy, our patient has done well and has not had recurrent coronary artery dissections over a one-year follow-up period. The potential contributory role of topical hormonal therapy as a cause of spontaneous coronary dissection should be recognized.
On Chattering-Free Dynamic Sliding Mode Controller Design
Authors: Chang Jeang-Lin
Published: September 2012

For a class of linear MIMO uncertain systems, a dynamic sliding mode control algorithm that avoids the chattering problem is proposed in this paper. Without using any differentiator, we develop a modified asymptotically stable second-order sliding mode control law in which the proposed controller can guarantee the finite time convergence to the sliding mode and can show that the system states asymptotically approach to zero. Finally, a numerical example is explained for demonstrating the applicability of the proposed scheme.
Ferulsinaic Acid Modulates SOD, GSH, and Antioxidant Enzymes in Diabetic Kidney
Authors: Sayed Ahmed Amir Radwan
Published: September 2012

The efficacy of Ferulsinaic acid (FA) to modulate the antioxidant enzymes and to reduce oxidative stress induced-diabetic nephropathy (DN) was studied. Rats were fed diets enriched with sucrose (50%, wt/wt), lard (30%, wt/wt), and cholesterol (2.5%, wt/wt) for 8 weeks to induce insulin resistance. After a DN model was induced by streptozotocin; 5, 50 and 500 mg/kg of FA were administrated by oral intragastric intubation for 12 weeks. In FA-treated diabetic rats, glucose, kidney/body weight ratio, creatinine, BUN, albuminurea, and creatinine clearance were significantly decreased compared with non treated diabetic rats. Diabetic rats showed decreased activities of SOD and GSH; increased concentrations of malondialdehyde and IL-6 in the serum and kidney, and increased levels of 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine in urine and renal cortex. FA-treatment restored the altered parameters in a dose-dependent manner. The ultra morphologic abnormalities in the kidney of diabetic rats were markedly ameliorated by FA treatment. Furthermore, FA acid was found to attenuate chronic inflammation induced by both Carrageenan and dextran in rats. We conclude that FA confers protection against injuries in the kidneys of diabetic rats by increasing activities of antioxidant enzymes and inhibiting accumulation of oxidized DNA in the kidney, suggesting a potential drug for the prevention and therapy of DN.
A Neural Network Nonlinear Multimodel Ensemble to Improve Precipitation Forecasts over Continental US
Authors: Krasnopolsky Vladimir M. , Lin Ying
Published: September 2012

A novel multimodel ensemble approach based on learning from data using the neural network (NN) technique is formulated and applied for improving 24-hour precipitation forecasts over the continental US. The developed nonlinear approach allowed us to account for nonlinear correlation between ensemble members and to produce “optimal” forecast represented by a nonlinear NN ensemble mean. The NN approach is compared with the conservative multi-model ensemble, with multiple linear regression ensemble approaches, and with results obtained by human forecasters. The NN multi-model ensemble improves upon conservative multi-model ensemble and multiple linear regression ensemble, it (1) significantly reduces high bias at low precipitation level, (2) significantly reduces low bias at high precipitation level, and (3) sharpens features making them closer to the observed ones. The NN multi-model ensemble performs at least as well as human forecasters supplied with the same information. The developed approach is a generic approach that can be applied to other multi-model ensemble fields as well as to single model ensembles.
Nutraceutical Interventions for Promoting Healthy Aging in Invertebrate Models
Authors: Dong Yuqing , Guha Sujay , Sun Xiaoping , Cao Min , Wang Xiaoxia , Zou Sige
Published: September 2012

Aging is a complex and inevitable biological process that is associated with numerous chronically debilitating health effects. Development of effective interventions for promoting healthy aging is an active but challenging area of research. Mechanistic studies in various model organisms, noticeably two invertebrates,Caenorhabditis elegansandDrosophila melanogaster, have identified many genes and pathways as well as dietary interventions that modulate lifespan and healthspan. These studies have shed light on some of the mechanisms involved in aging processes and provide valuable guidance for developing efficacious aging interventions. Nutraceuticals made from various plants contain a significant amount of phytochemicals with diverse biological activities. Phytochemicals can modulate many signaling pathways that exert numerous health benefits, such as reducing cancer incidence and inflammation, and promoting healthy aging. In this paper, we outline the current progress in aging intervention studies using nutraceuticals from an evolutionary perspective in invertebrate models.
Blood Pressure and Global Risk Assessment in a Swedish Population
Authors: Eckner Jenny , Larsson Charlotte A. , Råstam Lennart , Lindblad Ulf
Published: September 2012

This study investigated the association between SCORE and the 2007 ESH-ESC blood pressure categories and explored achievements of blood pressure goals considering global risk. In 2001–2005, a random sample of inhabitants aged 30–74 years in southwestern Sweden was invited to a survey of cardiovascular risk factors. The study enrolled 2816 participants (participation rate 76%). Blood pressure was categorized according to the 2007 ESH-ESC guidelines. Global risk of 10-year CVD death was estimated using the Swedish SCORE chart also accounting for additional risk from diabetes (SCORE-DM). SCORE-DM increased in both sexes from optimal blood pressure to manifest hypertension but did not differ between the normal blood pressure categories. However, SCORE-DM became significantly higher among those with temporarily high blood pressure (men 3.3 SD (1.7), women 1.1 (1.8)) and hypertension (3.6 (2.0), 2.0 (2.0)), compared to optimal blood pressure (1.6 (2.9), 0.6 (1.9)). In the presence of both hypertension and diabetes, high-risk subjects dominated (men 76%, women 61%), and correspondingly a major proportion of patients with known hypertension were at high risk at a blood pressure  mm Hg. These findings have strong implications on blood pressure evaluation in clinical practice and support the use of SCORE to evaluate global risk.
Chiral Solid Solutions for the NMR Analysis of Enantiomers: A Potential New Approach to Chiral Analysis
Authors: Klika Karel D.
Published: September 2012

Differences between the solid-state13C CP-MAS NMR spectra of holemic samples of the two enantiomers of 2,2′-dihydroxy-1,1′-binaphthyl (binol) were not sufficiently emphatic to reliably distinguish them, though they are readily distinguishable from the spectrum of the bimate of the compound crystallized from an equimatic sample. Inducing an additional chiral environment by cocondensation with sucrose as a chiral selector (CS) provided a method to yield differential spectra for the two enantiomers and thus effect enantiodifferentiation by way of solid-state NMR using weak interactions from a CS.
Understanding Reversals of Association between Cancer Screening and Race/Ethnicity
Authors: Rakowski William , Rogers Michelle L. , Dominick Gregory M. , Clark Melissa A.
Published: September 2012

Background: We used a composite variable composed of insurance status, income, and race/ethnicity to investigate access-enhancing programs as a possible reason for “reversals of association” and large percent changes (LPC), between race/ethnicity and cancer screening, when comparing the unadjusted and adjusted ORs.

Methods: Data were from women aged 40–64 years, using the combined 2008 and 2010 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System surveys. Recent mammography was within the past 2 years, and recent Pap testing was within the past 3 years. Initial analyses using all variables singly were followed by analyses that used the composite variable with the remaining covariates.

Results: Analyses with race/ethnicity singly indicated reversals of association for Hispanic women and higher estimated screening for black and Hispanic women than for white women. Analyses with the composite variable found no reversals of association, but there were several LPCs for Hispanic and black women, for lower income, and for uninsured women. White, uninsured, lower income women were among those with the lowest utilization.

Conclusions: Results were consistent with the possibility that access-enhancing programs for lower income, uninsured and often non-white women can lead to overestimates of screening, reversals of association, and LPCs in multivariable analyses. Attention should be given to identifying LPCs to unadjusted ORs. Lower income, uninsured, white women are also a group at risk of extremely low mammography and Pap test utilization.

Impact: Combining variables to create better-targeted population subgroups may help in the interpretation of analyses that produce reversals of association and LPCs for correlates of cancer screening utilization. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 21(9); 1450–7. ©2012 AACR.
Compaction of e-glass fabric preforms in the vacuum infusion process: (a) use of characterization database in a model and (b) experiments
Authors: Yenilmez Bekir , Sozer E Murat
Published: September 2012

Compaction of e-glass fabric preforms (random, woven and biaxial) embedded with a distribution medium (polypropylene) is coupled with 1D resin (polyester) flow during initial application of vacuum, mold filling and fiber relaxation stages of vacuum infusion. In our previous study,1 the compaction characterization procedure had been designed and conducted to realistically model the compaction behavior of fiber preforms in vacuum infusion such that the loading was done on a dry specimen; fiber settling was allowed under constant compaction pressure; unloading was done after the specimen was wetted and the fiber relaxation was characterized at constant pressure. To investigate the effects of characterization components on the part thickness evolution, two compaction models (“unloading only” and “unloading and time-dependent relaxation”) were coupled with two models of flow (“uncoupled” and “coupled” pressure-thickness-permeability). The results of the coupled model of “unloading and time-dependent relaxation” and “coupled pressure-thickness-permeability” was the closest to the vacuum infusion experiments.
Addressing the Achievement Gap and Disproportionality Through the Use of Culturally Responsive Teaching Practices
Authors: Griner Angela Christine , Stewart Martha Lue
Published: September 2012

Culturally responsive practices in schools and classrooms have been shown to be an effective means of addressing the achievement gap as well as the disproportionate representation of racially, culturally, ethnically, and linguistically diverse students in programs serving students with special needs. While there has been much research discussing these issues, teachers and school staff lack clear examples and tools for best practices toward addressing these issues effectively. This research provides a practical tool to encourage teachers and school staff to engage in reflective, culturally responsive practice as well as highlighting the need to include a range of stakeholders in the process of developing, implementing, and evaluating tools for educational practice.
How Lines Organize Compulsory Interaction, Emotion Management, and “Emotional Taxes”
Authors: Malvini Redden Shawna
Published: September 2012

Everyday nearly two million people use commercial air transportation in the United States. To fly, each passenger must perform a unique type of emotion management that may impact their entire travel experience. Using ethnographic observation and interviews, this project explores how airport structures—security queues in particular—serve to cue emotional responses for passengers and shape interactions with others. Specifically highlighted are the reflexive nature of emotions, how emotions “travel” among people and through contexts to influence communication, and the consequences of emotion management for individuals and organizations. In examining compulsory interactions between passengers and employees, the study forwards a new emotion management construct specific to customers—“emotional taxes” or the emotional performances customers must “pay” to negotiate a compulsory interaction.
Autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome (ASIA) induced by biomaterials injection other than silicone medical grade
Authors: Alijotas-Reig J , Garcia-Gimenez V , Llurba E , Vilardell-Tarrés M
Published: September 2012

Background: Systemic autoimmune/granulomatous adverse reactions related to biomaterials other than silicone have rarely been reported. Aim: The aim of this paper is to communicate the cases of autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvants (ASIA) in a study of Spanish patients suffering from inflammatory disorders related to biomaterial injections other than silicone, principally hyaluronic acid, acrylamides or methacrylate compounds. Methods: The authors performed a retrospective analysis of the clinical, laboratory, histopathology and follow-up of a cohort of 250 cases of patients suffering from inflammatory/autoimmune disorders related to bioimplant injections. Results: Of these 250 cases, patients with adverse reactions related to silicone injections ( n = 65) were excluded. Of the remaining 185, 15 cases (8%) had systemic or distant and multiple complaints that could be categorized as ASIA. In all but four patients, inflammatory features at the implantation site preceded distant or systemic manifestations. Abnormal blood tests were common. Eleven cases (73.3%) with inflammatory localized nodules and panniculitis evolved into a variety of disorders, namely, primary biliary cirrhosis, Sjögren’s syndrome, sarcoidosis, human adjuvant disease and inflammatory polyradiculopathy. Four cases presented primarily with systemic autoimmune disorders. Conclusions: Infrequently, biomaterials other than silicone can provoke local inflammatory adverse reactions that may evolve into systemic autoimmune and/or granulomatous disorders. Whether or not these biomaterials act as an adjuvant, they could be included in the ASIA category.
Elite social capital and the regional economy
Authors: Christopoulos Dimitris
Published: September 2012

This article examines elite interaction and its potential to affect local development. A theoretical discussion sets the stage for a systematic exploration of the social capital of regional elites in a comparative study of 12 European Union regions. The working assumption is that elite social capital and trust between elite groups reflect on the regional development record. A survey of experts captures a number of proxy variables on elite social capital. In a cross-sectional study we observe an association between levels of gross domestic product and the propensity of elites to act in concert. Associations are also evident between concerted action and similarity in attitudes between regional elite actors.
Spirituality, Religiosity, and Spiritual Pain Among Caregivers of Patients With Advanced Cancer
Authors: Delgado-Guay Marvin Omar , Parsons Henrique A. , Hui David , Cruz Maxine G. De la , Thorney Steven , Bruera Eduardo
Published: September 2012

Background:

Caregivers of patients with advanced cancer often face physical, social, and emotional distress as well as spiritual pain. Limited research has focused on the spiritual aspects of caregivers’ suffering in the palliative care setting.

Methods:

We interviewed 43 caregivers of patients with advanced cancer in our palliative care outpatient clinic. We determined demographic characteristics, religious affiliation, and relationship to the patient. Levels of spirituality, religiosity, and spiritual pain were self-reported using numeric rating scales (0 = lowest; 10 = highest). The participants completed various validated questionnaires to assess sleep disturbances, psychosocial distress, coping skills, and quality of life (QOL).

Results:

The median age was 52 years(range, 21-83); 29 (67%) were women, 34 (78%) were white, 7 (17%) were African American, and 2 (5%) were Hispanic; 39 (91%) were Christian, 1 (2%) was Jewish, and 1 (2%) was agnostic; 37(86%) were married; 18 (42%) were working full time; and 25(58%) were spouses. All considered themselves spiritual, and 98% considered themselves religious, with median scores of 8 (interquartile range, 6-10) and 8 (interquartile range, 4-9), respectively. All the caregivers reported that spirituality and religiosity helped them cope with their loved one’s illness, and many reported that spirituality and religiosity had a positive impact on their loved one’s physical (58%) and emotional (76%) symptoms. Spiritual pain was reported by 23 (58%), with a median score of 5 (interquartile range, 2-8). Caregivers with spiritual pain had higher levels of anxiety (median 10 vs 4; P = .002), depression (6 vs 2; P = .006), and denial (3 vs 2; P = .01); more behavioral disengagement (3 vs 2; P = 0.011) more dysfunctional coping strategies (19 vs 16; P < .001) and worse QOL (70 vs 51; P < .001) than those who did not have spiritual pain.

Conclusions:

The majority of caregivers of patients with advanced cancer considered themselves spiritual and religious. Despite this, there is high prevalence of spiritual pain in this population. Caregivers with spiritual pain experienced worse psychological distress and worse QOL. These findings support the importance of spiritual assessment of and spiritual support for caregivers in this setting.
Stroke Prevention in Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Haft Jacob I.
Published: September 2012

New orally administered anticoagulants will simplify stroke-prevention strategies in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Novel anticoagulants, such as dabigatran etexilate, a direct thrombin inhibitor, and rivaroxaban, a direct factor Xa inhibitor, have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with nonvalvular AF. In addition, the factor Xa inhibitor apixaban has been reported to be as effective as warfarin in a large, randomized clinical trial, and the efficacy of edoxaban is being assessed in a phase III warfarin comparison trial. This review discusses the limitations of vitamin K antagonist therapy for patients with AF and establishes the need for alternative, effective anticoagulation with an improved benefit–risk ratio for the prevention of stroke. Novel anticoagulants have the potential to provide convenient, effective stroke prophylaxis without many of the issues inherent in the use of traditional agents.
Peripheral Nerve Blockade and Neonatal Limb Ischemia
Authors: Carolis Maria Pia De , Bersani Iliana , Piersigilli Fiammetta , Rubortone Serena Antonia , Occhipinti Federica , Lacerenza Serafina , Romagnoli Costantino
Published: September 2012

Considering the high frequency of bleeding complications following fibrinolytic treatment in neonates, peripheral nerve blockade (PNB) has been proposed alone or in association with lower doses of tissue plasminogen activator, as a possible new therapeutic approach in the management of neonatal limb ischemia (LI) secondary to vasospasm and/or thrombosis. The present article provides a review of the current knowledge about the topic, in order to evaluate the efficacy and safety of this therapeutic approach. According to the few case reports documented in literature and to our experience, PNB could be considered as valid procedure for the treatment of LI, especially during neonatal period, when the risk of serious bleeding associated with fibrinolytic or anticoagulant therapy is higher. Peripheral nerve blockade resulted in a safe and effective procedure for the treatment of neonatal vascular spasm and thrombosis.
Attributing Causality in Qualitative Research
Authors: Donmoyer Robert
Published: September 2012

This brief article sets the stage for the three articles about causality and qualitative research by Maxwell, Donmoyer, and Anderson & Scott (as well as Erickson’s critique of these articles) that follow by placing the debate about causality in qualitative research in an historical context. This article notes that the use of qualitative methods historically often was justified by claims that qualitative methods represented a new and radically different paradigm, a paradigm that, among other things, rejected the notion that social phenomena could be described or explained in cause and effect terms. This article suggests that the paradigm talk of the past should not be dismissed cavalierly since all empirical research is framed and, therefore, influenced by the a priori assumptions of the researcher (and the particular research community that has socialized the researcher). However, the article also suggests that earlier thinking about paradigms and qualitative methods—and, more specifically, thinking that unequivocally dismisses the possibility of causal explanations in qualitative research—needs to be reconsidered. This reconsideration, of course, is what the papers that follow do, albeit in quite different ways.
Authority Structures and Service Reform in Multilevel Urban Governance
Authors: Hughes Sara
Published: September 2012

Research on urban service delivery strategies lacks a multilevel approach able to account for the influence of authority structures on effective reform. A comparative analysis of efforts to increase recycled wastewater production in the United States (specifically California) and Australia is used to evaluate the effectiveness of centralized and decentralized urban governance systems in reform efforts and, more importantly, the institutional and political mechanisms underlying these differences. The results show that Australia, with a more centralized system, has more effectively set and implemented an urban water governance agenda that includes recycled urban wastewater. However, in both places local resistance has been a barrier to effective change. These findings demonstrate that reform capacity and policy success may differ between governance systems while common barriers and political dynamics persist.
Cannabis, a complex plant: different compounds and different effects on individuals
Authors: Atakan Zerrin
Published: September 2012

Cannabis is a complex plant, with major compounds such as delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol, which have opposing effects. The discovery of its compounds has led to the further discovery of an important neurotransmitter system called the endocannabinoid system. This system is widely distributed in the brain and in the body, and is considered to be responsible for numerous significant functions. There has been a recent and consistent worldwide increase in cannabis potency, with increasing associated health concerns. A number of epidemiological research projects have shown links between dose-related cannabis use and an increased risk of development of an enduring psychotic illness. However, it is also known that not everyone who uses cannabis is affected adversely in the same way. What makes someone more susceptible to its negative effects is not yet known, however there are some emerging vulnerability factors, ranging from certain genes to personality characteristics. In this article we first provide an overview of the biochemical basis of cannabis research by examining the different effects of the two main compounds of the plant and the endocannabinoid system, and then go on to review available information on the possible factors explaining variation of its effects upon different individuals.