bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Digital code-switching between Cypriot and Standard Greek: Performance and identity play online
Authors: Themistocleous Christiana
Published: December 2013

Studies of code-switching in writing are very limited in comparison with the numerous investigations of this phenomenon in oral communication. Recent research has revealed that in text-based computer-mediated communication internet users bring into play the various languages available in their linguistic repertoire and, consequently, switch between them. In this case study, I investigate digital code-switching between Cypriot and Standard Greek, the two varieties of Greek spoken on the island of Cyprus. Following Auer’s conversation analytic approach and Gafaranga’s view that conversational structure coexists with social structure, I investigate code-switching in online interactions. The data to be analysed here, unlike those considered in most studies of code-switching, are written data, obtained from channel #Cyprus of Internet Relay Chat. The results suggest that code-switching in writing is influenced not only by macro-sociolinguistic factors, but they are also shaped by the medium- and social-specific characteristics of Internet Relay Chat. This, in turn, allows internet users to gain access to different roles and perform various identities within this online context.
‘Fiwi TV:’ Ethnic media and the West Indian diaspora
Authors: Gentles-Peart Kamille
Published: December 2013

This article explores the Caribbean International Network (CIN), analyzing the ideological work it performs for West Indian audiences within the cultural, socio-political and economic contexts in which it operates. I identify the specific messages that the network proffers to its audiences, and the subsequent image of the Caribbean being constructed through its rhetoric and content. The analysis of the network specifically entails assessment of its structural features, the nature and origins of its programming, as well as the manner in which it presents itself in the public sphere through its website and press releases.
Reclaiming crime prevention in an age of punishment: An American history
Authors: Welsh Brandon C , Pfeffer Rebecca D
Published: December 2013

Crime prevention has long figured prominently in the scholarly and applied traditions of criminology. Using a socio-historical approach, this article examines the developments of and influences on the concept of crime prevention in the USA over the last century. We argue that crime prevention is a unique social and environmental strategy for reducing crime and is distinct from crime control or punishment. Prevention’s main characteristics include a focus on intervening in the first instance – before a crime has been committed – and operating outside of the formal justice system. The historical record of the scholarship and practice of crime prevention in the USA embraces this view. A more current perspective sees crime prevention as the full range of techniques, from prenatal home visits to prison sentences, defined more by its outcome – the prevention of a future criminal event – than its character or approach. A return to the original meaning of prevention is considered.
Which penology for decision making in French prisons?
Authors: Cliquennois Gaëtan
Published: December 2013

This article argues that while France’s old penology remains well defended due to professional discretion and individualization of professional judgment in high security prisons ( maisons centrales), a new penal trend akin to an actuarial justice is observed in detention centres. This trend consists in governing ‘at a distance’ a mixed population of very different prisoner types. However, a cacophony of voices in the decision-making process, discretion, professional and unions stakes, face-to-face interactions, abilities of inmates to negotiate with staff members as well as disconnections and contradictions between fields of decision making are factors that explain the failure of the new penology in the most secure prisons. These organizational and professional factors are not linked to political conditions such as the welfare state or the new management of poverty as indicated by the authors of the new penology.
Back to the future? The Social Protection Floor of Bretton Woods
Authors: Helleiner Eric
Published: December 2013

This article locates the genesis of the recent initiative to create minimal levels of social protection worldwide much earlier than conventional wisdom. Rather than seeing this initiative as a relatively new one, the author argues that it is resurrecting and building upon core ideas from the foundation of the postwar international economic order in the early 1940s. This argument rests on a major reinterpretation of the origins of the 1944 Bretton Woods agreements. Drawing on extensive archival work, the author shows that the Bretton Woods negotiations were informed by new commitments to provide ‘social security’ and ‘freedom from want’ worldwide in ways that echo the aspirations of contemporary proponents of the Social Protection Floor Initiative. These goals found widespread support not just among leading US and British policymakers at the time but also among many officials from other countries involved in the Bretton Woods negotiations, including those from poor countries. Although this aspect of the Bretton Woods vision was de-emphasized after the war, this neglected history helps to identify some deep intellectual and political roots of contemporary debates.
Solar energy, bad weather days, and the temporalities of slower homes
Authors: Vannini Phillip , Taggart Jonathan
Published: December 2013

Solar energy harnessed through photovoltaic panels powers the greatest majority of the domestic electricity needs of off-grid homes. Solar energy can be rather easily stored in batteries; however, the cost of battery banks and the need to limit draining these batteries to increase their life, means that solar-powered home dwellers need to carefully monitor their energy consumption and reduce electricity use when solar energy becomes scarce. So what happens during fall and winter months when cloudy skies and long dark days make solar energy scarce? Drawing from ethnographic research with Canadian off-grid homeowners, this paper examines the everyday ways in which off-gridders adapt to seasonal darkness. Ethnographic data show how people’s diurnal and seasonal rhythms change in accordance with available sunlight and therefore more broadly how people’s relationships with place are shaped by changing temporalities of light and darkness. Focusing in particular on the alternative domestic technologies off-gridders use to reduce wattage consumption (e.g. LED televisions, DC lights, non-use of heat-producing appliances, use of manually-operated tools) and juxtaposing their lifestyles with domestic practices of the past this paper argues that off-gridders challenge the speed, light, and power assemblages of modernity, by cultivating slower rhythms and power self-sufficiency.
Digital Video Technology and Production 101
Authors: Elliot Diane L. , Goldberg Linn , Goldberg Michael J.
Published: December 2013

Videos are powerful tools for enhancing the reach and effectiveness of health promotion programs. They can be used for program promotion and recruitment, for training program implementation staff/volunteers, and as elements of an intervention. Although certain brief videos may be produced without technical assistance, others often require collaboration and contracting with professional videographers. To get practitioners started and to facilitate interactions with professional videographers, this Tool includes a guide to the jargon of video production and suggestions for how to integrate videos into health education and promotion work. For each type of video, production principles and issues to consider when working with a professional videographer are provided. The Tool also includes links to examples in each category of video applications to health promotion.
Partisan Agenda Control and the Dimensionality of Congress
Authors: Dougherty Keith L. , Lynch Michael S. , Madonna Anthony J.
Published: December 2013

Recent studies have questioned the familiar characterization of Congress as unidimensional. We argue that agenda control, orchestrated through the House Rules Committee and other techniques, can make multidimensional congresses appear more unidimensional. We evaluate this argument by examining the relationship between measures of unidimensionality and various measures of party control for the House of Representatives from 1875 to 1997, at both the roll-call level and congress level. Our findings contribute to an expanding literature explaining why a single dimension could explain most of the variance in voting data, even if latent ideology is multidimensional.
Individual Scrutiny or Politics as Usual? Senatorial Assessment of U.S. District Court Nominees
Authors: Dancey Logan , Nelson Kjersten R. , Ringsmuth Eve M.
Published: December 2013

Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearings offer senators a public opportunity to exercise their “advice and consent” privilege and scrutinize presidential nominees. In this article, we examine the purpose and functioning of confirmation hearings for federal district court nominees, which make up the majority of presidential selections to federal courts. Using transcripts from all hearings between 1993 and 2008, we find the characteristics of individual nominees have little effect on the types of questions senators pose. Instead, larger institutional and political factors—such as Senate composition, party of the president, and proximity to a presidential election—are much better predictors of how senators use their opportunity to scrutinize nominees. The results indicate senators use hearings to engage in partisan and ideological position taking rather than to ascertain the qualifications of district court nominees.
A Comparison of Empirically Based and Structured Professional Judgment Estimation of Risk Using the Structured Assessment of Violence Risk in Youth
Authors: Childs Kristina , Frick Paul J. , Ryals John S. , Lingonblad Annika , Villio Matthew J.
Published: December 2013

This study builds on a long-standing debate focusing on whether structured professional judgment (SPJ) or empirically based methods of risk estimation are more valid and reliable measures of future behavior by comparing three different measures of risk. Data were collected from the Structured Assessment of Violence Risk in Youth administered to a sample of 177 adjudicated juvenile offenders prior to being placed on probation. Three measures of risk were examined: an empirically derived measure of risk using latent class analysis, a violence risk based on SPJ, and a nonviolent delinquency risk based on SPJ. The ability of each measure to predict probation-related outcomes and recidivism was also addressed. Results provide moderate support for the continued use of the SPJ framework and highlight the need for future research regarding risk assessment procedures in juvenile justice settings.
Lifestyle and Complementary Medicine for Common Gastrointestinal Disorders in Pregnancy
Authors: White Nicole D.
Published: December 2013

Gastrointestinal disorders including nausea, vomiting, heartburn, and constipation are common in pregnancy. While safe and effective pharmacotherapy exists to ameliorate the symptoms of these conditions, many women prefer a more natural approach through lifestyle modifications or complementary medicine. Evidence concerning some of the most commonly used lifestyle or complementary medicine interventions is discussed, as well as their associated adverse effects and safety in pregnancy.
Pregnancy
Authors: Johnston Craig A. , Moreno Jennette P.
Published: December 2013

Pregnancy is a time when women are at increased risk to gain substantial weight. It is also a time when women are more health conscious and may be more likely to engage in healthier behaviors. Because of these factors, women are primed to engage in lifestyle strategies to promote healthy weight gain during pregnancy. Similarly, mothers of newborns also have an increased readiness for change, making infancy an ideal time to begin obesity prevention efforts in families. Health care providers are encouraged to take advantage of the increased health awareness and the behavioral momentum that is present surrounding pregnancy in order to promote healthy lifestyle changes for both pregnant women and new mothers.
Hubris in leadership: A peril of unbridled intuition?
Authors: Claxton Guy , Owen David , Sadler-Smith Eugene
Published: December 2013

Research attests to the perils of hubristic leadership in politics, the military and business organizations, however whilst researchers have identified hubris’ correspondences with personality disorders and various organizational and individual level factors, the cognitive and affective antecedents of hubris have been largely overlooked. In this paper we argue that intuition, existing as it does at the nexus of cognition and affect, is a central factor and that when intuition becomes misunderstood, unchecked or unbridled within the ‘cognitive economy’ of a powerful individual hubristic behaviour is more likely to appear. In what follows we will: review the concepts of hubris, Hubris Syndrome and intuition; propose intuition as an overlooked cognitive and affective source of leaders’ hubris; discuss the relationship between unbridled intuition and hubris; suggest how the perils of hubristic leadership stemming from unbridled intuition might be avoided or mitigated.
Trapeziectomy and ligament reconstruction tendon interposition for isolated scaphotrapeziotrapezoid osteoarthritis of the wrist
Authors: Langenhan R. , Hohendorff B. , Probst A.
Published: December 2013

Isolated osteoarthritis of the scaphotrapeziotrapezoid joint is rather rare compared with thumb trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the outcome of 15 consecutive patients treated with trapeziectomy/ligament reconstruction tendon interposition for isolated scaphotrapeziotrapezoid osteoarthritis of the wrist. After a mean follow-up of 54 months, 14 patients (15 wrists) were available for clinical and radiological examination. The median pain intensity was 0 on a 0–10 visual analogue scale, both at rest and with activity, mean grip strength averaged 24 kg, pinch strength 5 kg. The disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) score was 16, and a modified Mayo Wrist Score 84. Correlation between the degree of scaphotrapezoid osteoarthritis and pain at rest, pain with activity, and DASH score was not significant. The findings from our study suggest that trapeziectomy/ligament reconstruction tendon interposition is an effective procedure for treating isolated scaphotrapeziotrapezoid osteoarthritis, and that additional partial trapezoid excision is not necessary.
Completing the cycle: The use of audit to develop a mental health service in times of austerity
Authors: Shah Nisha , Donaldson Lucinda , Giridhar Ramya
Published: December 2013

Background

A published audit demonstrated that a pilot psychiatric clinic failed to capture predicted numbers of women with severe and enduring mental illness.

Methods

On the basis of recommendations from this audit, along with those from the Royal College of Psychiatrists and NICE guidelines, a more comprehensive psychiatric service was developed to meet this demand and therefore manage risk more effectively.

Results

Over the course of a year, the new service attracted a higher rate of referrals of pregnant women with severe and enduring mental illness. The majority referral source continued to be midwifery-led.

Conclusions

Audit is a useful tool for evaluating and informing service development and helped us identify further improvements needed to deliver an effective mental health service.
Pregnancy outcomes in a patient with Sjögren's disease with renal involvement
Authors: Joshi Abhishek , O'Donoghue Keelin , Mahmood Uzma , Banerjee Debasish , Banerjee Anita
Published: December 2013

Background:

Maternal and fetal outcome in pregnancy with renal failure is unpredictable, where each condition can adversely affect the other. We present a case of steroid sensitive Sjögren's nephritis worsened by pregnancy, demonstrated over the course of multiple pregnancies and investigated the aetiology.

Case:

A 28-year-old nullipara with a diagnosis of primary Sjögren's syndrome presented with a deterioration of renal function. A diagnosis of secondary tubulo-interstitial nephritis was made on renal biopsy. Her first pregnancy ended in the second trimester with a decision to deliver a female infant at 27 weeks due to worsening maternal renal function. Renal function improved immediately. A second pregnancy ended in a first trimester miscarriage. The third and fourth pregnancies delivered male infants at 35 and 34 weeks, with worsening renal function in each pregnancy, reaching end stage. Repeat biopsy showed extensive glomerulosclerosis and male cells were identified.

Conclusions:

This case of Sjögren's syndrome with renal disease demonstrated the increased risk of fetal and maternal adverse pregnancy outcomes. Renal function worsened in each pregnancy and progressed to end-stage renal disease. Fetal microchimerism offers an interesting mechanism for our patient's renal failure and its apparent relationship to her pregnancies.
Pulmonary hypertension imitating HELLP syndrome
Authors: Morton Adam
Published: December 2013

A case of undiagnosed pulmonary hypertension in a woman with mixed connective tissue disease presenting with microangiopathic haemolysis, thrombocytopenia and elevated liver enzymes imitating severe preeclampsia (HELLP syndrome) is described. Connective tissue disorders are associated with an increased prevalence of pulmonary hypertension. Maternal mortality rates with pulmonary hypertension in pregnancy are extremely high. All women with connective tissue disorders should have pulmonary hypertension excluded by echocardiography before attempting conception. End-stage pulmonary hypertension may be associated with haemolysis and thrombocytopenia and thus may imitate severe preeclampsia in pregnant women. There may be a role for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in the peripartum management of women with severe pulmonary hypertension.
Pulmonary arteriovenous malformation unmasked in pregnancy: A case report
Authors: Anin Sheba Reshmi , Ogunnoiki Wunmi , Sabharwal Tarun , Harrison-Phipps Karen
Published: December 2013

Pulmonary arteriovenous malformations are anomalous communications between arteries and veins of the pulmonary vasculature. Its incidence is rare. Pulmonary arteriovenous malformations can be asymptomatic or cause profound cardiovascular compromise and adverse neurological sequelae, as a result of right to left shunting of deoxygenated blood. Pregnancy and its physiological demands can unmask and exacerbate pulmonary arteriovenous malformations with attendant risks of life threatening complications and rarely, death. This case report describes a first presentation of pulmonary arteriovenous malformation in pregnancy and the tendency for misdiagnosis with pulmonary embolism. A multidisciplinary approach to management is pertinent considering the challenges involved in deciding the appropriate therapeutic management in pregnancy which has to be weighed against potential maternal and fetal risks.
Managing difficult emergency catheterization: what do urologists want?
Authors: Jones Abeyna LC , Armitage James N , Srirangam Shalom J
Published: December 2013

Objectives:

Acute urinary retention (AUR) is a common urological emergency; however, when approaching a difficult catheterization, this is an evidence-free zone. Our objective is to investigate current practice with the intent to reach a workable consensus for the management of patients in AUR who cannot be easily catheterized urethrally.

Subjects:

We performed a hypothetical scenario-based, multideanery survey with urology consultants and ST3+ trainees. Participants were asked how they would manage three patients who prove difficult to catheterize using standard methods: benign prostatic obstruction (BPO), urethral stricture, and meatal stenosis.

Results:

Of respondents, 38% ( n=23) indicated that a 16F curved-tip silicone catheter would be their first choice in managing a patient with BPO, followed by a suprapubic catheter (SPC) (20%, n=12) if this failed. SPC would be the first-line option for patients with a urethral stricture for 67% ( n=40) consultants, and for those with meatal stenosis, 60% would use a meatal dilator followed by SPC (22%, n=13) if this failed.

Conclusion:

Although there are general trends in preference towards managing a patient who is difficult to catheterize with AUR, there still remains considerable variation in practice due to lack of evidence in this area. We would recommend further multicentre data determining guidelines for best practice.
SAMHD1 is mutated recurrently in chronic lymphocytic leukemia and is involved in response to DNA damage
Authors: Clifford Ruth , Louis Tania , Robbe Pauline , Ackroyd Sam , Burns Adam , Timbs Adele T. , Wright Colopy Glen , Dreau Helene , Sigaux Francois , Judde Jean Gabriel , Rotger Margalida , Telenti Amalio , Lin Yea-Lih , Pasero Philippe , Maelfait Jonathan , Titsias Michalis , Cohen Dena R. , Henderson Shirley J. , Ross Mark T. , Bentley David , Hillmen Peter , Pettitt Andrew , Rehwinkel Jan , Knight Samantha J. L. , Taylor Jenny C. , Crow Yanick J. , Benkirane Monsef , Schuh Anna
Published: December 2013

Key Points

Acquired pathogenic mutations in SAMHD1 are found in up to 11% of relapsed/refractory patients with CLL. SAMHD1 is mobilized to sites of DNA damage.
Differences in content and organisational aspects of pulmonary rehabilitation programmes
Authors: Spruit Martijn A. , Pitta Fabio , Garvey Chris , ZuWallack Richard L. , Roberts C. Michael , Collins Eileen G. , Goldstein Roger , McNamara Renae , Surpas Pascale , Atsuyoshi Kawagoshi , López-Campos José-Luis , Vogiatzis Ioannis , Williams Johanna E.A. , Lareau Suzanne , Brooks Dina , Troosters Thierry , Singh Sally J. , Hartl Sylvia , Clini Enrico M. , Wouters Emiel F.M.
Published: December 2013

The aim was to study the overall content and organisational aspects of pulmonary rehabilitation programmes from a global perspective in order to get an initial appraisal on the degree of heterogeneity worldwide.

A 12-question survey on content and organisational aspects was completed by representatives of pulmonary rehabilitation programmes that had previously participated in the European Respiratory Society (ERS) COPD Audit. Moreover, all ERS members affiliated with the ERS Rehabilitation and Chronic Care and/or Physiotherapists Scientific Groups, all members of the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation, and all American Thoracic Society Pulmonary Rehabilitation Assembly members were asked to complete the surveyviamultiple e-mailings.

The survey has been completed by representatives of 430 centres from 40 countries. The findings demonstrate large differences among pulmonary rehabilitation programmes across continents for all aspects that were surveyed, including the setting, the case mix of individuals with a chronic respiratory disease, composition of the pulmonary rehabilitation team, completion rates, methods of referral and types of reimbursement.

The current findings stress the importance of future development of processes and performance metrics to monitor pulmonary rehabilitation programmes, to be able to start international benchmarking, and to provide recommendations for international standards based on evidence and best practice.
International ERS/ATS guidelines on definition, evaluation and treatment of severe asthma
Authors: Chung Kian Fan , Wenzel Sally E. , Brozek Jan L. , Bush Andrew , Castro Mario , Sterk Peter J. , Adcock Ian M. , Bateman Eric D. , Bel Elisabeth H. , Bleecker Eugene R. , Boulet Louis-Philippe , Brightling Christopher , Chanez Pascal , Dahlen Sven-Erik , Djukanovic Ratko , Frey Urs , Gaga Mina , Gibson Peter , Hamid Qutayba , Jarjour Nizar N. , Mauad Thais , Sorkness Ronald L. , Teague W. Gerald
Published: December 2013

Severe or therapy-resistant asthma is increasingly recognised as a major unmet need. A Task Force, supported by the European Respiratory Society and American Thoracic Society, reviewed the definition and provided recommendations and guidelines on the evaluation and treatment of severe asthma in children and adults.

A literature review was performed, followed by discussion by an expert committee according to the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation) approach for development of specific clinical recommendations.

When the diagnosis of asthma is confirmed and comorbidities addressed, severe asthma is defined as asthma that requires treatment with high dose inhaled corticosteroids plus a second controller and/or systemic corticosteroids to prevent it from becoming “uncontrolled” or that remains “uncontrolled” despite this therapy. Severe asthma is a heterogeneous condition consisting of phenotypes such as eosinophilic asthma. Specific recommendations on the use of sputum eosinophil count and exhaled nitric oxide to guide therapy, as well as treatment with anti-IgE antibody, methotrexate, macrolide antibiotics, antifungal agents and bronchial thermoplasty are provided.

Coordinated research efforts for improved phenotyping will provide safe and effective biomarker-driven approaches to severe asthma therapy.
A deep insight into the sialotranscriptome of the mosquito, Psorophora albipes
Authors: Chagas Andrezza C , Calvo Eric , Rios-Velásquez Claudia M , Pessoa Felipe AC , Medeiros Jansen F , Ribeiro José MC
Published: December 2013

Background

Psorophora mosquitoes are exclusively found in the Americas and have been associated with transmission of encephalitis and West Nile fever viruses, among other arboviruses. Mosquito salivary glands represent the final route of differentiation and transmission of many parasites. They also secrete molecules with powerful pharmacologic actions that modulate host hemostasis, inflammation, and immune response. Here, we employed next generation sequencing and proteome approaches to investigate for the first time the salivary composition of a mosquito member of the Psorophora genus. We additionally discuss the evolutionary position of this mosquito genus into the Culicidae family by comparing the identity of its secreted salivary compounds to other mosquito salivary proteins identified so far.

Results

Illumina sequencing resulted in 13,535,229 sequence reads, which were assembled into 3,247 contigs. All families were classified according to their in silico-predicted function/ activity. Annotation of these sequences allowed classification of their products into 83 salivary protein families, twenty (24.39%) of which were confirmed by our subsequent proteome analysis. Two protein families were deorphanized from Aedes and one from Ochlerotatus, while four protein families were described as novel to Psorophora genus because they had no match with any other known mosquito salivary sequence. Several protein families described as exclusive to Culicines were present in Psorophora mosquitoes, while we did not identify any member of the protein families already known as unique to Anophelines. Also, the Psorophora salivary proteins had better identity to homologs in Aedes (69.23%), followed by Ochlerotatus (8.15%), Culex (6.52%), and Anopheles (4.66%), respectively.

Conclusions

This is the first sialome (from the Greek sialo = saliva) catalog of salivary proteins from a Psorophora mosquito, which may be useful for better understanding the lifecycle of this mosquito and the role of its salivary secretion in arboviral transmission.
Analysis of mass spectrometry data from the secretome of an explant model of articular cartilage exposed to pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory stimuli using machine learning
Authors: Swan Anna L , Hillier Kirsty L , Smith Julia R , Allaway David , Liddell Susan , Bacardit Jaume , Mobasheri Ali
Published: December 2013

Background

Osteoarthritis (OA) is an inflammatory disease of synovial joints involving the loss and degeneration of articular cartilage. The gold standard for evaluating cartilage loss in OA is the measurement of joint space width on standard radiographs. However, in most cases the diagnosis is made well after the onset of the disease, when the symptoms are well established. Identification of early biomarkers of OA can facilitate earlier diagnosis, improve disease monitoring and predict responses to therapeutic interventions.

Methods

This study describes the bioinformatic analysis of data generated from high throughput proteomics for identification of potential biomarkers of OA. The mass spectrometry data was generated using a canine explant model of articular cartilage treated with the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin 1 β (IL-1β). The bioinformatics analysis involved the application of machine learning and network analysis to the proteomic mass spectrometry data. A rule based machine learning technique, BioHEL, was used to create a model that classified the samples into their relevant treatment groups by identifying those proteins that separated samples into their respective groups. The proteins identified were considered to be potential biomarkers. Protein networks were also generated; from these networks, proteins pivotal to the classification were identified.

Results

BioHEL correctly classified eighteen out of twenty-three samples, giving a classification accuracy of 78.3% for the dataset. The dataset included the four classes of control, IL-1β, carprofen, and IL-1β and carprofen together. This exceeded the other machine learners that were used for a comparison, on the same dataset, with the exception of another rule-based method, JRip, which performed equally well. The proteins that were most frequently used in rules generated by BioHEL were found to include a number of relevant proteins including matrix metalloproteinase 3, interleukin 8 and matrix gla protein.

Conclusions

Using this protocol, combining an in vitro model of OA with bioinformatics analysis, a number of relevant extracellular matrix proteins were identified, thereby supporting the application of these bioinformatics tools for analysis of proteomic data from in vitro models of cartilage degradation.
Treating to the target of remission in early rheumatoid arthritis is cost-effective: results of the DREAM registry
Authors: Vermeer Marloes , Kievit Wietske , Kuper Hillechiena H , Braakman-Jansen Louise MA , Bernelot Moens Hein J , Zijlstra Theo R , den Broeder Alfons A , van Riel Piet LCM , Fransen Jaap , van de Laar Mart AFJ
Published: December 2013

Background

Where health economic studies are frequently performed using modelling, with input from randomized controlled trials and best guesses, we used real-life data to analyse the cost-effectiveness and cost-utility of a treatment strategy aiming to the target of remission compared to usual care in early rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

We used real-life data from comparable cohorts in the Dutch Rheumatoid Arthritis Monitoring (DREAM) registry: the DREAM remission induction cohort (treat-to-target, T2T) and the Nijmegen early RA inception cohort (usual care, UC). Both cohorts were followed prospectively using the DREAM registry methodology. All patients fulfilled the American College of Rheumatology criteria for RA and were included in the cohort at the time of diagnosis. The T2T cohort was treated according to a protocolised strategy aiming at remission (Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS28) < 2.6). The UC cohort was treated without DAS28-guided treatment decisions. EuroQol-5D utility scores were estimated from the Health Assessment Questionnaire. A health care perspective was adopted and direct medical costs were collected. The incremental cost effectiveness ratio (ICER) per patient in remission and incremental cost utility ratio (ICUR) per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained were calculated over two and three years of follow-up.

Results

Two year data were available for 261 T2T patients and 213 UC patients; an extended follow-up of three years was available for 127 and 180 patients, respectively. T2T produced higher remission percentages and a larger gain in QALYs than UC. The ICER was € 3,591 per patient in remission after two years and T2T was dominant after three years. The ICUR was € 19,410 per QALY after two years and T2T was dominant after three years.

Conclusions

We can conclude that treating to the target of remission in early RA is cost-effective compared with UC. The data suggest that in the third year, T2T becomes cost-saving.
Cytotoxicity, mode of action and antibacterial activities of selected Saudi Arabian medicinal plants
Authors: Kuete Victor , Wiench Benjamin , Alsaid Mansour S , Alyahya Muhammad A , Fankam Aimé G , Shahat Abdelaaty A , Efferth Thomas
Published: December 2013

Background

The flora of Saudi Arabia is one of the richest biodiversity areas in the Arabian Peninsula and comprises very important genetic resources of crop and medicinal plants. The present study was designed to investigate the cytotoxicity and the antibacterial activities of the organic extracts from twenty six Saudi Arabian medicinal plants. The study was also extended to the investigation of the effects of the extracts from the four best plants, Ononis serrata (SY160), Haplophyllum tuberculatum (SY177), Pulicaria crispa (SY179), and Achillea beiberstenii (SY-200) on cell cycle distribution, apoptosis, caspases activities and mitochondrial function in leukemia CCRF-CEM cell line.

Methods

A resazurin assay was used to assess the cytotoxicity of the extracts on a panel of human cancer cell lines whilst the microbroth dilution was used to determine the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the samples against twelve bacterial strains belonging to four species, Escherichia coli, Enterobacter aerogenes, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Results

The best activity on leukemia cell lines were recorded with SY177 (IC50 of 9.94 μg/mL) and SY179 (IC50 of 1.81 μg/mL) against CCRF-CEM as well as Ach-b (IC50 of 9.30 μg/mL) and SY160 (IC50 of 5.06 μg/mL) against HL60 cells. The extracts from SY177 and SY179 were also toxic against the seven solid cancer cell lines studied with the highest IC50 values of 31.64 μg/mL (SY177 against Hep-G2 cells). SY177 and Ach-b induced cell cycle arrest in G0/G1 and S phases whilst SY160 and SY179 induced arrest in G0/G1 phase. All the four plant extracts induced apoptosis in CCRF-CEM cells with the alteration of the mitochondrial membrane potential. In the antibacterial assays, only Ach-b displayed moderate antibacterial activities against E. coli and E. aerogenes ATCC strains (MIC of 256 μg/mL), AG100ATeT and K. pneumoniae ATCC strains (MIC of 128 μg/mL).

Conclusions

Finally, the results of the present investigation provided supportive data for the possible use of some Saudi Arabian plants investigated herein, and mostly Haplophyllum tuberculatum, Pulicaria crispa, Ononis serrata and Achillea beiberstenii in the control of cancer diseases.
Id4 dependent acetylation restores mutant-p53 transcriptional activity
Authors: Knowell Ashley E , Patel Divya , Morton Derrick J , Sharma Pankaj , Glymph Shanora , Chaudhary Jaideep
Published: December 2013

Background

The mechanisms that can restore biological activity of mutant p53 are an area of high interest given that mutant p53 expression is observed in one third of prostate cancer. Here we demonstrate that Id4, an HLH transcriptional regulator and a tumor suppressor, can restore the mutant p53 transcriptional activity in prostate cancer cells.

Methods

Id4 was over-expressed in prostate cancer cell line DU145 harboring mutant p53 (P223L and V274F) and silenced in LNCaP cells with wild type p53. The cells were used to quantitate apoptosis, p53 localization, p53 DNA binding and transcriptional activity. Immuno-precipitation/-blot studies were performed to demonstrate interactions between Id4, p53 and CBP/p300 and acetylation of specific lysine residues within p53.

Results

Ectopic expression of Id4 in DU145 cells resulted in increased apoptosis and expression of BAX, PUMA and p21, the transcriptional targets of p53. Mutant p53 gained DNA binding and transcriptional activity in the presence of Id4 in DU145 cells. Conversely, loss of Id4 in LNCaP cells abrogated wild type p53 DNA binding and transactivation potential. Gain of Id4 resulted in increased acetylation of mutant p53 whereas loss of Id4 lead to decreased acetylation in DU145 and LNCaP cells respectively. Id4 dependent acetylation of p53 was in part due to a physical interaction between Id4, p53 and acetyl-transferase CBP/p300.

Conclusions

Taken together, our results suggest that Id4 regulates the activity of wild type and mutant p53. Id4 promoted the assembly of a macromolecular complex involving CBP/P300 that resulted in acetylation of p53 at K373, a critical post-translational modification required for its biological activity.
Microrna-124 targets flotillin-1 to regulate proliferation and migration in breast cancer
Authors: Li Laisheng , Luo Jinmei , Wang Bo , Wang Dong , Xie Xinhua , Yuan Linjing , Guo Jiaoli , Xi Shaoyan , Gao Jie , Lin Xiaoti , Kong Yanan , Xu Xiangdong , Tang Hailing , Xie Xiaoming , Liu Min
Published: December 2013

Background

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been documented as playing important roles in cancer development. In this study, we investigated the role of miR-124 in breast cancer and clarified the regulation of flotillin-1 (FLOT1) by miR-124.

Methods

The expression levels of miR-124 were examined in breast cancer cell lines and patient specimens using quantitative reverse transcription-PCR. The clinicopathological significance of the resultant data was later analyzed. Next, we explored the function of miR-124 to determine its potential roles on cancer cell growth and migration in vitro. A luciferase reporter assay was conducted to confirm the target gene of miR-124, and the results were validated in cell lines and patient specimens.

Results

We found that miR-124 expression was significantly downregulated in breast cancer cell lines and patient specimen compared with normal cell lines and paired adjacent normal tissues (P < 0.0001), respectively. MiR-124 was also associated with tumor node metastasis (TNM) stage (P = 0.0007) and lymph node metastasis (P = 0.0004). In breast cancer cell lines, the ectopic expression of miR-124 inhibited cell growth and migration in vitro. Moreover, we identified the FLOT1 gene as a novel direct target of miR-124, and miR-124 ectopic expression significantly inhibited FLOT1. Luciferase assays confirmed that miR-124 could directly bind to the 3′ untranslated region of FLOT1 and suppress translation. Moreover, FLOT1 was widely upregulated, and inversely correlated with miR-124 in breast cancer tissues. Consistent with the effect of miR-124, the knockdown of FLOT1 significantly inhibited breast cancer cell growth and migration. We also observed that the rescue expression of FLOT1 partially restored the effects of miR-124.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrated that miR-124 might be a tumor suppressor in breast cancer via the regulation of FLOT1. This microRNA could serve as a potential diagnostic marker and therapeutic target for breast cancer.
Sialic acid-binding Ig-like lectin-7 interacts with HIV-1 gp120 and facilitates infection of CD4posT cells and macrophages
Authors: Varchetta Stefania , Lusso Paolo , Hudspeth Kelly , Mikulak Joanna , Mele Dalila , Paolucci Stefania , Cimbro Raffaello , Malnati Mauro , Riva Agostino , Maserati Renato , Mondelli Mario U , Mavilio Domenico
Published: December 2013

Background

Sialic acid-binding Ig-like lectin-7 (Siglec-7) expression is strongly reduced on natural killer (NK) cells from HIV-1 infected viremic patients. To investigate the mechanism(s) underlying this phenomenon, we hypothesized that Siglec-7 could contribute to the infection of CD4pos target cells following its interaction with HIV-1 envelope (Env) glycoprotein 120 (gp120).

Results

The ability of Siglec-7 to bind gp120 Env in a sialic acid-dependent manner facilitates the infection of both T cells and monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs). Indeed, pre-incubation of HIV-1 with soluble Siglec-7 (sSiglec-7) increases the infection rate of CD4pos T cells, which do not constitutively express Siglec-7. Conversely, selective blockade of Siglec-7 markedly reduces the degree of HIV-1 infection in Siglec-7pos MDMs. Finally, the sSiglec-7 amount is increased in the serum of AIDS patients with high levels of HIV-1 viremia and inversely correlates with CD4pos T cell counts.

Conclusions

Our results show that Siglec-7 binds HIV-1 and contributes to enhance the susceptibility to infection of CD4pos T cells and MDMs. This phenomenon plays a role in HIV-1 pathogenesis and in disease progression, as suggested by the inverse correlation between high serum level of sSiglec-7 and the low CD4pos T cell count observed in AIDS patients in the presence of chronic viral replication.
The ascending aortic image quality and the whole aortic radiation dose of high-pitch dual-source CT angiography
Authors: Liu Ying , Xu Jian , Li Jian , Ren Jing , Liu Hongtao , Xu Junqing , Wei Mengqi , Hao Yuewen , Zheng Minwen
Published: December 2013

Background

Aortic dissection is a lift-threatening medical emergency associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. The incidence rate of aortic dissection is estimated at 5 to 30 per 1 million people per year. The prompt and correct diagnosis of aortic dissection is critical. This study was to compare the ascending aortic image quality and the whole aortic radiation dose of high-pitch dual-source CT angiography and conventional dual-source CT angiography.

Methods

A total of 110 consecutive patients with suspected aortic dissection and other aortic disorders were randomly divided into two groups. Group A underwent traditional scan mode and Group B underwent high-pitch dual-source CT scan mode. The image quality and radiation dose of two groups were compared.

Results

Close interobserver agreement was found for image quality scores (κ = 0.87). The image quality of ascending aorta was significantly better in the high-pitch group than in the conventional group (2.78 ± 0.46 vs 1.57 ± 0.43, P < 0.001). There was no significant difference of the CT attenuation values, the aortic image noise and SNR between two groups. The mean radiation dose of high-pitch group was also significantly lower than that of conventional group (2.7 ± 0.6 mSv vs. 3.9 ± 0.9 mSv, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

High-pitch dual-source CT angiography of the whole aorta can provide motion-artifact-free imaging of the ascending aorta at a low radiation dose compared to conventional protocol.
Akt inhibitors: mechanism of action and implications for anticancer therapeutics
Authors: Bhutani Jaikrit , Sheikh Asfandyar , Niazi Asfandyar Khan
Published: December 2013

Akt, better known as protein kinase B (PKB), is a serine/threonine-specific protein kinase which acts as mediator via PI3K/Akt pathway in many biological processes like glucose metabolism, apoptosis, cell differentiation and transcription. Akt1 gene amplification has been implicated in gastric carcinoma while Akt2 amplification has been linked with ovarian, pancreas, breast and stomach tumors. The use of Akt inhibitors as monotherapy or in combination with other anticancer drugs could be useful for combating drug resistance and improving response. Thus, comprehensive understanding of Akt and its linked signaling pathways (PI3K, PKB, mTOR etc.) is necessary to lead to newer drug development and use.
Resveratrol induces insulin gene expression in mouse pancreatic α-cells
Authors: Xie Sherwin , Sinha Rohit Anthony , Singh Brijesh K , Li Guo Dong , Han Weiping , Yen Paul M
Published: December 2013

Background

Type 1 and type 2 diabetes are characterized by loss of β-cells; therefore, β-cell regeneration has become one of the primary approaches to diabetes therapy. Resveratrol, a naturally occurring polyphenolic compound, has been shown to improve glycaemic control in diabetic patients, but its action on pancreatic α-cells is not well understood.

Findings

Using mouse α-cells (αTC9), we showed that resveratrol induces expression of pancreatic β-cell genes such as Pdx1 and Ins2 in a SirT1-dependent manner. The mRNA and protein levels of insulin were further increased by histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibition.

Conclusion

In summary, we provide new mechanistic insight into the anti-diabetic action of resveratrol through its ability to express β-cell genes in α-cells.
High levels of genetic diversity in Penaeus monodon populations from the east coast of India
Authors: Khedkar Gulab Dattarao , Reddy A. Chandrashekar , Ron Tetszuan Benny , Haymer David
Published: December 2013

Quality production of the shrimp Penaeus monodon in hatchery operations depends heavily on the evaluation of genetic diversity and population structure of brood stocks. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequences have been widely used to study genetic variability and relationships in many crustacean groups, and these same markers may be incorporated into evaluation studies of shrimp broods and populations. For this purpose we looked at variation in mitochondrial D-loop sequences as an indicator of genetic diversity in shrimp populations from a region of India that represents the main sources of new material for brood stocks. In our study of these populations the overall mean genetic diversity was 0.191. The highest level of genetic diversity (0.357) was observed in the Kakinada population, whereas the lowest diversity (0.0171) was observed in the Nellore population. The results also indicate that overall, the populations along the Andhra Pradesh coast are genetically diverse despite the fact that there is considerable gene flow between them. From the results, it is evident that east cost of India shows high genetic diversity among P. monodon broods and no evidence of loss of diversity due to excessive inbreeding. The fact that the genetic variability of these populations has been maintained, despite ten years of dependence on these broods, shows that at the present time there is no indication of over exploitation.