bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Allure or alternative? Direct democracy and party identification
Authors: Fatke Matthias
Published: January 2014

This article presents the first investigation of whether and how party identification is influenced by direct democratic institutions. The concept of party identification is of central interest to political science. Despite declining partisan attachment and increasing dealignment among voters, little systematic evidence exists as to which factors influence individual party identification. Our article contributes to improving on this lacuna by considering the educative effects of direct democratic institutions. Theoretically, two competing hypotheses are plausible. On the one hand, direct democracy might strengthen political parties and promote the need for cues so that voters succumb to the allure of partisan attachment. On the other hand, direct democracy might provide an alternative to the representational function of political parties thus rendering party identification less essential. Drawing on recent data from the Swiss cantons, we estimate multi-level models. Our analyses, though giving support to the alternative hypothesis, yield some surprising findings.
Generational differences in the career beginnings of teaching sociologists
Authors: Marshall Helen , Robinson Peter
Published: January 2014

Nineteen academics talking about their entry to teaching sociology reveal how differing institutional contexts have affected the making of their careers. Participants were drawn to sociology in order to understand or to change the world, but the attraction was shaped by the availability of the discipline; for earlier entrants there was a search for an intellectual home while recent entrants made a simple choice from available options. While all participants reported elements of luck and made pragmatic choices about their careers, two decades of structural changes to higher education mean that the kinds of luck they have and the choices they make differ considerably. There is some suggestion that changes within the discipline have also affected careers. The questions are posed whether the two groups are ‘generations’ of sociologists, and, if so, what might be the implications for the professional association and for the discipline.
Predictors of Heavy Episodic Drinking and Weekly Drunkenness Among Immigrant Latinos in North Carolina
Authors: Daniel-Ulloa Jason , Reboussin Beth A. , Gilbert Paul A. , Mann Lilli , Alonzo Jorge , Downs Mario , Rhodes Scott D.
Published: January 2014

Few studies have examined correlates of heavy drinking among rural immigrant Latino men. This analysis identified correlates of typical week drunkenness and past 30-day heavy episodic drinking, within a sample of immigrant Latino men in rural North Carolina ( n = 258). In the bivariate analyses, Mexican birth, entering the United States as an adult, and year-round employment were associated with increased odds of typical week drunkenness, and higher acculturation and affiliation with a religion with strict prohibitions against drinking alcohol were associated with lower odds of typical week drunkenness. Being older, Mexican birth, entering the United States as an adult, and lower acculturation were associated with increased odds of heavy episodic drinking, and affiliation with a religion with strict prohibitions against drinking alcohol and completing high school were associated with decreased odds of heavy episodic drinking. In multivariable modeling, only religious affiliation was associated with typical week drunkenness. Mexican birth, entering the United States as an adult, and lower acculturation were associated with increased odds of heavy episodic drinking, and affiliation with a religion with strict prohibitions against drinking alcohol and completing high school were associated with lower odds of heavy episodic drinking. The health of minority men in the United States has been neglected, and immigrant Latino men comprise a particularly vulnerable population. This analysis provides initial data on some factors associated with heavy drinking within a population about which little is known. Future studies should examine moderating or mediating factors between age, acculturation, religiosity, and heavy drinking that might be targets for behavioral interventions.
Elevated expression of connective tissue growth factor, osteopontin and increased collagen content in human ascending thoracic aortic aneurysms
Authors: Meng YH , Tian C , Liu L , Wang L , Chang Q
Published: January 2014

Little is known about the molecular mechanisms of ascending thoracic aortic aneurysms (ATAAs). Abnormal extracellular matrix changes and variations of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) have been implicated in abdominal aortic aneurysm formation. Our objective was to investigate the alterations of collagen, stimulators of collagen synthesis and synthetic VSMCs in patients with ATAA. Surgical samples from ATAA were taken from 20 patients, and 18 control aortas were obtained during coronary artery bypass surgery. All aortic wall specimens were fixed for histology and immunohistochemistry for collagen, connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and osteopontin. Realtime polymerase chain reaction was used to determine their mRNA expression. Histology and semi-quantitative analysis demonstrated that protein levels of collagen, CTGF and osteopontin significantly increased by 1.9-, 1.4- and 2.2-fold, respectively ( P < 0.01 for all) in the ATAA group than in the control group. Similar results were shown in mRNA levels of type Iα1and IIIα1 collagen, CTGF and osteopontin. The protein levels of CTGF and osteopontin were positively correlated with aortic diameter ( r = 0.67, r = 0.73; P < 0.01 for both). In conclusion, overexpression of aortic CTGF and synthetic VSMCs marker (osteopontin), which is likely to be responsible for elevated aortic collagen content, may provide a potential mechanism for aneurysmal enlargement.
Single-stage thoracic and abdominal endovascular aneurysm repair for multilevel aortic disease
Authors: Samura Makoto , Zempo Nobuya , Ikeda Yoshitaka , Hidaka Masaaki , Kaneda Yoshikazu , Suzuki Kazuhiro , Tsuboi Hidetoshi , Hamano Kimikazu
Published: January 2014

This investigation evaluated the results of single-stage thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair (TEVAR) and endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) for multilevel aortic disease in a series of nine patients. The lesions repaired included thoracic and abdominal aortic aneurysms ( n = 7) and subacute type B dissections with abdominal aortic aneurysms ( n = 2). All procedures were successfully performed, and none of the patients experienced postoperative stroke or spinal cord ischemia. The median follow-up period for these patients was 18.9 months (range 1.7–31.4 months) and none of the patients exhibited any signs of type I endoleaks or aneurysmal diameter enlargements more than 5 mm. In conclusion, single-stage TEVAR and EVAR procedures for multilevel aortic disease were found to be safe and feasible modalities for high-risk patients.
Improved results in the management of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm may not be on the basis of endovascular aneurysm repair alone
Authors: Mukherjee Dipankar , Kfoury Elias , Schmidt Keilla , Waked Tarek , Hashemi Homayoun
Published: January 2014

Recent improvement in the survival of patients presenting with a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (rAAA) has been credited to endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). We present our clinical series in the management of rAAA from 2007 to 2011. A total of 55 consecutive patient charts were reviewed. Thirty-eight patients underwent EVAR, 17 of the 55 patients did not have favorable anatomy for EVAR. Nine of the 17 patients underwent standard open repair. Eight patients underwent a ‘hybrid repair’ defined as suprarenal aortic endovascular balloon control followed by open repair. Overall 30-day mortality for all 55 patients was 22%. Mortality for the patients managed by endovascular aortic aneurysm repair was 26% compared with 22% with open repair. There were no deaths in the eight patients undergoing the hybrid repair. Endovascular balloon control of the aorta followed by open rAAA repair in patients who are not candidates for rEVAR has produced good results in our experience. Improved results being reported in the management of rAAA may not be on the basis of endovascular repair alone.
Diagnostic accuracy of mean platelet volume in thromboangiitis obliterans
Authors: Yavuz Celal , Caliskan Ahmet , Karahan Oguz , Demirtas Sinan , Yazici Suleyman
Published: January 2014

Thromboangiitis obliterans (TAO) affects small- and medium-sized vessels of the extremities via a non-atherosclerotic inflammatory process in the elderly. Although diagnostic criteria have been determined, only a few studies have been described in the laboratory features. Diagnostic biomarkers are important for reducing disruptions caused by TAO. The diagnostic importance of mean platelet volume (MPV) was investigated in TAO patients. Forty-four patients diagnosed with TAO (study group) and 45 healthy individuals (control group) were included in the study. The age, gender and complete blood parameters obtained via peripheral venous blood samples were compared between the two groups. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used for determining the diagnostic accuracy of the MPV variable. All the variables were statistically similar in each group except MPV and platelet counts. MPV was significantly higher and platelet count was significantly lower in the TAO group ( P < 0.05). In addition, diagnostic accuracy was measured by the area under the ROC curve (Figure  1 ), and MPV differs significantly ( P < 0.001), with a value of 0.783 (95% CI: 0.711–0.854). This study indicates that MPV is probably an important diagnostic predictor in TAO patients. Detection of blood parameters such as platelet properties is important for meticulous care of these patients. [Figure: see text]
Oxidative and antioxidative pathways might contribute to thromboangiitis obliterans pathophysiology
Authors: Alamdari Daryoush Hamidi , Ravari Hassan , Tavallaie Shima , Fazeli Bahare
Published: January 2014

Higher oxidative and lower antioxidative markers have been reported in patients with thromboangiitis obliterans (TAO) when compared with healthy control groups. However, the recent literature has not compared the results with healthy smokers, despite the observed effects of cigarette smoke on oxidative and antioxidative pathways. The aim of this study was to determine the oxidative stress status in TAO patients compared with healthy smokers, through direct assessment of the pro-oxidant–antioxidant balance (PAB) assay. The study included 21 patients with TAO, 19 smokers and 17 non-smokers. Comparison between groups revealed a significant increase in PAB value in the TAO group when compared with the smoker ( P = 0.001) and non-smoker ( P < 0.001) groups. About 95% of TAO cases had PAB value more than 50 units. The PAB value more than 50 might increase the relative risk of TAO presentation about seven folds (relative risk [RR] = 7.464, confidence interval [CI] = 95%). The increased PAB value in the TAO might be due to impairment of the oxidative and antioxidative pathways. Based on this hypothesis, the effect of cigarette smoke on oxidative stress might be exaggerated in TAO and may lead to inflammatory and thrombotic events. Further studies for evaluating antioxidant therapies on the outcome of TAO are recommended.
Successful treatment of a spontaneous rupture of the left external iliac vein in a man
Authors: Sadaghianloo Nirvana , Jean-Baptiste Elixène , Haudebourg Pierre , Declemy Serge , Mousnier Aurélien , Hassen-Khodja Réda
Published: January 2014

Spontaneous rupture of the external iliac vein associated with a May–Thurner syndrome is infrequent, particularly in men. We report a case of previously healthy 73-year-old man with a left iliac vein thrombosis, who presented a large lower left abdominal hematoma of sudden-unset. Emergent laparotomy revealed a 3-cm longitudinal tear in the left external iliac vein, which was repaired primarily. Patient's recovery was uneventful. Possible etiological factors have been identified as venous hypertension due to iliac vein thrombosis associated with Cockett syndrome, as well as inflammatory venous wall. Some other estrogenic factors could explain female preponderance of the event.
Epidemiology of concomitant injuries in traumatic thoracic aortic rupture: A meta-analysis
Authors: Antonopoulos Constantine N , Sfyroeras George S , Kallinis Aristides , Kakisis John D , Liapis Christos D , Petridou Eleni Th
Published: January 2014

Traumatic thoracic aortic rupture is a highly lethal injury. For those who arrive alive at the hospital, it is of utmost importance to quickly evaluate concomitant injuries and prioritize therapeutic interventions. We aimed to review the frequency of concomitant injuries in patients with thoracic aortic rupture, according to anatomic location and type of injury. A systematic literature search of six medical databases led to the identification of 90 publications; 27 categories of thoracic aortic rupture concomitant injuries were thereafter created. The respective pooled proportions and 95% confidence intervals were calculated and ranked in order of frequency. Among the 7258 patients studied, orthopedic fractures were the most frequent thoracic aortic rupture concomitant injury, amounting to a high pooled proportion of almost 70%, followed by thoracic injury in ∼50% and abdominal injury in over 40%. Pooled proportion for any type of head injury was also high (37%) pointing to the multiple-injury type of lesions among thoracic aortic rupture victims. Thoracic aortic rupture is a devastating injury, but rarely occurs as a sole traumatic entity. The recognition of concomitant thoracic, abdominal, head injuries and fractures after thoracic aortic rupture is of paramount importance. Future studies should focus on the impact of these injuries upon survival, morbidity and disability of multiple-injured thoracic aortic rupture patients.
Application of dual Willis covered stents in the management of large fusiform carotid aneurysms in a canine model
Authors: Wan-Yin Shi , Ming-Hua Li , Lei Yan , Yue-Qi Zhu , Jian-Ping Gu
Published: January 2014

This study evaluates the efficacy of dual Willis covered stents for the treatment of large fusiform carotid aneurysms in a canine model. Carotid fusiform aneurysms >10 mm long were surgically created in 10 dogs and were then repaired using either single or dual covered stents. Clinical results were assessed by scheduled angiography and histological features by light and electron microscopy. Angiography immediately post-op and 6 months after surgery revealed aneurysm isolation rates of 60 and 20% for the single stent technique and 60 and 100% for the dual stent technique, respectively. The rate of complete obliteration of the aneurysm sac differed significantly between treatments ( P = 0.048). The dual stent technique also resulted in greater endothelialization. For large carotid fusiform aneurysms in a canine model, endovascular repair using dual Willis covered stents is technically feasible and more effectively obliterates the aneurysm sac than the use of a single stent.
Preventive journalism as a means of controlling regional media in Russia
Authors: Erzikova Elina , Lowrey Wilson
Published: January 2014

This article utilizes new institutional theory and its principle – coercive isomorphism – to examine explicit and implicit pressures exerted on news organizations by a regional government in Russia in 2009 and 2010. The study found that while empowering regional reporters by the myth of helping underprivileged citizens, the authorities divert the media from scrutinizing the government. The political officials outsource media relations to media themselves, turning them into public relations agents. This mission seems to homogenize the content of regional newspapers since the government becomes the main source of information.
A snapshot of global health education at North American universities
Authors: Lencucha Raphael , Mohindra Katia
Published: January 2014

Global health education is becoming increasingly prominent in North America. It is widely agreed upon that global health is an important aspect of an education in the health sciences and increasingly in other disciplines such as law, economics and political science. There is currently a paucity of studies examining the content of global health courses at the post-secondary level. The purpose of our research is to identify the content areas being covered in global health curricula in North American universities, as a first step in mapping global health curricula across North America. We collected 67 course syllabi from 31 universities and analyzed the topics covered in the course. This snapshot of global health education will aid students searching for global health content, as well as educators and university administrators who are developing or expanding global health programs in Canada and the United States.
Long‐term outcome of cyclosporin rescue therapy in acute, steroid‐refractory severe ulcerative colitis
Authors: Molnár Tamás , Farkas Klaudia , Szepes Zoltán , Nagy Ferenc , Szűcs Mónika , Nyári Tibor , Bálint Anita , Wittmann Tibor
Published: January 2014

Background

Although cyclosporin is effective in severe ulcerative colitis (UC), long‐term colectomy rate varies between 60 and 88% among patients in whom cyclosporin initially induced remission. The aim of our study was to evaluate the long‐term outcome and the optimal duration of cyclosporin therapy in acute, severe UC.

Methods

A total of 73 patients underwent i.v. cyclosporin therapy for a steroid refractory flare up of UC between 1998 and 2009. All patients were treated with 1 mg/kg i.v. methylprednisolone for 3–7 days before the administration of cyclosporin. Patients received i.v. cyclosporin of 4–5 mg/kg for 5 days following oral treatment.

Results

The mean follow up after the initiation of cyclosporin was 4.2 years. There were 20 patients who underwent early colectomy. Cyclosporin had to be discontinued due to side effects in 22 patients. Cyclosporin failed and late colectomy was performed in 14 of the 53 responders. Duration of cyclosporin treatment was significantly longer in those who avoided colectomy. The probability of avoiding colectomy proved to be 66% in case of 1‐year treatment period with cyclosporin. The longer treatment period resulted in longer colectomy‐free disease course.

Conclusions

Cyclosporin is effective in acute, severe UC during long‐term follow up. Our data suggest that the longer cyclosporin is used, the more it is possible to avoid colectomy in the future.
Fixed-point theorems for nonlinear operators with singular perturbations and applications
Authors: Yan Baoqiang , O’Regan Donal , Agarwal Ravi P
Published: January 2014

In this paper, using fixed-point index theory and approximation techniques, we consider the existence and multiplicity of fixed points of some nonlinear operators with singular perturbation. As an application we consider the existence and multiplicity of positive solutions of singular systems of multi-point boundary value problems, which improve the results in the literature.
Human maternal heritage in Andalusia (Spain): its composition reveals high internal complexity and distinctive influences of mtDNA haplogroups U6 and L in the western and eastern side of region
Authors: Hernández Candela L , Reales Guillermo , Dugoujon Jean-Michel , Novelletto Andrea , Rodríguez Juan Nicolás , Cuesta Pedro , Calderón Rosario
Published: January 2014

Background

The archeology and history of the ancient Mediterranean have shown that this sea has been a permeable obstacle to human migration. Multiple cultural exchanges around the Mediterranean have taken place with presumably population admixtures. A gravitational territory of those migrations has been the Iberian Peninsula. Here we present a comprehensive analysis of the maternal gene pool, by means of control region sequencing and PCR-RFLP typing, of autochthonous Andalusians originating from the coastal provinces of Huelva and Granada, located respectively in the west and the east of the region.

Results

The mtDNA haplogroup composition of these two southern Spanish populations has revealed a wide spectrum of haplogroups from different geographical origins. The registered frequencies of Eurasian markers, together with the high incidence and diversification of African maternal lineages (15% of the total mitochondrial variability) among Huelva Andalusians when compared to its eastwards relatives of Granada and other Iberian populations, constitute relevant findings unknown up-to-date on the characteristics of mtDNA within Andalusia that testifies a female population substructure. Therefore, Andalusia must not be considered a single, unique population.

Conclusions

The maternal legacy among Andalusians reflects distinctive local histories, pointing out the role of the westernmost territory of Peninsular Spain as a noticeable recipient of multiple and diverse human migrations. The obtained results underline the necessity of further research on genetic relationships in both sides of the western Mediterranean, using carefully collected samples from autochthonous individuals. Many studies have focused on recent North African gene flow towards Iberia, yet scientific attention should be now directed to thoroughly study the introduction of European genes in northwest Africa across the sea, in order to determine its magnitude, timescale and methods, and to compare them to those terrestrial movements from eastern Africa and southwestern Asia.
Cost-efficient high-throughput HLA typing by MiSeq amplicon sequencing
Authors: Lange Vinzenz , Böhme Irina , Hofmann Jan , Lang Kathrin , Sauter Jürgen , Schöne Bianca , Paul Patrick , Albrecht Viviane , Andreas Johanna M , Baier Daniel M , Nething Jochen , Ehninger Ulf , Schwarzelt Carmen , Pingel Julia , Ehninger Gerhard , Schmidt Alexander H
Published: January 2014

Background

A close match of the HLA alleles between donor and recipient is an important prerequisite for successful unrelated hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. To increase the chances of finding an unrelated donor, registries recruit many hundred thousands of volunteers each year. Many registries with limited resources have had to find a trade-off between cost and resolution and extent of typing for newly recruited donors in the past. Therefore, we have taken advantage of recent improvements in NGS to develop a workflow for low-cost, high-resolution HLA typing.

Results

We have established a straightforward three-step workflow for high-throughput HLA typing: Exons 2 and 3 of HLA-A, -B, -C, -DRB1, -DQB1 and -DPB1 are amplified by PCR on Fluidigm Access Array microfluidic chips. Illumina sequencing adapters and sample specific tags are directly incorporated during PCR. Upon pooling and cleanup, 384 samples are sequenced in a single Illumina MiSeq run. We developed “neXtype” for streamlined data analysis and HLA allele assignment. The workflow was validated with 1140 samples typed at 6 loci. All neXtype results were concordant with the Sanger sequences, demonstrating error-free typing of more than 6000 HLA loci. Current capacity in routine operation is 12,000 samples per week.

Conclusions

The workflow presented proved to be a cost-efficient alternative to Sanger sequencing for high-throughput HLA typing. Despite the focus on cost efficiency, resolution exceeds the current standards of Sanger typing for donor registration.
CodaChrome: a tool for the visualization of proteome conservation across all fully sequenced bacterial genomes
Authors: Rokicki Joe , Knox David , Dowell Robin D , Copley Shelley D
Published: January 2014

Background

The relationships between bacterial genomes are complicated by rampant horizontal gene transfer, varied selection pressures, acquisition of new genes, loss of genes, and divergence of genes, even in closely related lineages. As more and more bacterial genomes are sequenced, organizing and interpreting the incredible amount of relational information that connects them becomes increasingly difficult.

Results

We have developed CodaChrome (http://www.sourceforge.com/p/codachrome), a one-versus-all proteome comparison tool that allows the user to visually investigate the relationship between a bacterial proteome of interest and the proteomes encoded by every other bacterial genome recorded in GenBank in a massive interactive heat map. This tool has allowed us to rapidly identify the most highly conserved proteins encoded in the bacterial pan-genome, fast-clock genes useful for subtyping of bacterial species, the evolutionary history of an indel in the Sphingobium lineage, and an example of horizontal gene transfer from a member of the genus Enterococcus to a recent ancestor of Helicobacter pylori.

Conclusion

CodaChrome is a user-friendly and powerful tool for simultaneously visualizing relationships between thousands of proteomes.
Biological, socio-demographic, work and lifestyle determinants of sitting in young adult women: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Uijtdewilligen Léonie , Twisk Jos WR , Singh Amika S , Chinapaw Mai JM , van Mechelen Willem , Brown Wendy J
Published: January 2014

Background

Sitting is associated with health risks. Factors that influence sitting are however not well understood. The aim was to examine the biological, socio-demographic, work-related and lifestyle determinants of sitting time (including during transport, work and leisure) in young adult Australian women.

Methods

Self-reported data from 11,676 participants (aged 22–27 years in 2000) in the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health were collected over 9 years in 2000, 2003, 2006 and 2009. Generalised Estimating Equations were used to examine univariable and multivariable associations of body mass index (BMI), country of birth, area of residence, education, marital status, number of children, occupational status, working hours, physical activity, smoking, alcohol intake and stress with week- and weekend-day sitting time.

Results

Compared with women in the respective referent categories, (1) women with higher BMI, those born in Asia, those with less than University level education, doing white collar work, working 41–48 hours a week, current smokers, non, rare or risky/high risk drinkers and those being somewhat stressed had significantly higher sitting time; and (2) women living in rural and remote areas, partnered women, those with children, those without a paid job and blue collar workers, those working less than 34 hours a week, and active women had significantly lower sitting time.

Conclusions

Among young adult Australian women, those with higher BMI, those born in Asia, those with higher level occupations and long working hours, were most at risk of higher sitting time. These results can be used to identify at-risk groups and inform intervention development.
Equivalent titanium dioxide nanoparticle deposition by intratracheal instillation and whole body inhalation: the effect of dose rate on acute respiratory tract inflammation
Authors: Baisch Brittany L , Corson Nancy M , Wade-Mercer Pamela , Gelein Robert , Kennell Andrea J , Oberdörster Günter , Elder Alison
Published: January 2014

Background

The increased production of nanomaterials has caused a corresponding increase in concern about human exposures in consumer and occupational settings. Studies in rodents have evaluated dose–response relationships following respiratory tract (RT) delivery of nanoparticles (NPs) in order to identify potential hazards. However, these studies often use bolus methods that deliver NPs at high dose rates that do not reflect real world exposures and do not measure the actual deposited dose of NPs. We hypothesize that the delivered dose rate is a key determinant of the inflammatory response in the RT when the deposited dose is constant.

Methods

F-344 rats were exposed to the same deposited doses of titanium dioxide (TiO2) NPs by single or repeated high dose rate intratracheal instillation or low dose rate whole body aerosol inhalation. Controls were exposed to saline or filtered air. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) neutrophils, biochemical parameters and inflammatory mediator release were quantified 4, 8, and 24 hr and 7 days after exposure.

Results

Although the initial lung burdens of TiO2 were the same between the two methods, instillation resulted in greater short term retention than inhalation. There was a statistically significant increase in BALF neutrophils at 4, 8 and 24 hr after the single high dose TiO2 instillation compared to saline controls and to TiO2 inhalation, whereas TiO2 inhalation resulted in a modest, yet significant, increase in BALF neutrophils 24 hr after exposure. The acute inflammatory response following instillation was driven primarily by monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and macrophage inflammatory protein-2, mainly within the lung. Increases in heme oxygenase-1 in the lung were also higher following instillation than inhalation. TiO2 inhalation resulted in few time dependent changes in the inflammatory mediator release. The single low dose and repeated exposure scenarios had similar BALF cellular and mediator response trends, although the responses for single exposures were more robust.

Conclusions

High dose rate NP delivery elicits significantly greater inflammation compared to low dose rate delivery. Although high dose rate methods can be used for quantitative ranking of NP hazards, these data caution against their use for quantitative risk assessment.
Activated Spinal Astrocytes are Involved in the Maintenance of Chronic Widespread Mechanical Hyperalgesia after Cast Immobilization
Authors: Ohmichi Mika , Ohmichi Yusuke , Ohishi Hitoshi , Yoshimoto Takahiko , Morimoto Atsuko , Li Yuqiang , Sakurai Hiroki , Nakano Takashi , Sato Jun
Published: January 2014

Background:

In the present study, we examined spinal glial cell activation as a central nervous system mechanism of widespread mechanical hyperalgesia in rats that experienced chronic post-cast pain (CPCP) 2 weeks after cast immobilization. Activated spinal microglia and astrocytes were investigated immunohistologically in lumbar and coccygeal spinal cord segments 1 day, 5 weeks, and 13 weeks following cast removal.

Results:

In the lumbar cord, astrocytes were activated after microglia. Astrocytes also were activated after microglia in the coccygeal cord, but with a delay that was longer than that observed in the lumbar cord. This activation pattern paralleled the observation that mechanical hyperalgesia occurred in the hindleg or the hindpaw before the tail. The activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) immune response in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) on the last day of cast immobilization suggested that nerve damage might not occur in CPCP rats. The neural activation assessed by the phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (pERK) immune response in DRG arose 1 day after cast removal. In addition, L-α-aminoadipate (L-α-AA), an inhibitor of astrocyte activation administered intrathecally 5 weeks after cast removal, inhibited mechanical hyperalgesia in several body parts including the lower leg skin and muscles bilaterally, hindpaws, and tail.

Conclusions:

These findings suggest that activation of lumbar cord astrocytes is an important factor in widespread mechanical hyperalgesia in CPCP.
An evaluation of the effectiveness of a multi-modal intervention in frail and pre-frail older people with type 2 diabetes - the MID-Frail study: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Rodríguez-Mañas Leocadio , Bayer Antony J , Kelly Mark , Zeyfang Andrej , Izquierdo Mikel , Laosa Olga , Hardman Timothy C , Sinclair Alan J
Published: January 2014

Background

Diabetes, a highly prevalent, chronic disease, is associated with increasing frailty and functional decline in older people, with concomitant personal, social, and public health implications. We describe the rationale and methods of the multi-modal intervention in diabetes in frailty (MID-Frail) study.

Methods/Design

The MID-Frail study is an open, randomised, multicentre study, with random allocation by clusters (each trial site) to a usual care group or an intervention group. A total of 1,718 subjects will be randomised with each site enrolling on average 14 or 15 subjects. The primary objective of the study is to evaluate, in comparison with usual clinical practice, the effectiveness of a multi-modal intervention (specific clinical targets, education, diet, and resistance training exercise) in frail and pre-frail subjects aged ≥70 years with type 2 diabetes in terms of the difference in function 2 years post-randomisation. Difference in function will be measured by changes in a summary ordinal score on the short physical performance battery (SPPB) of at least one point. Secondary outcomes include daily activities, economic evaluation, and quality of life.

Discussion

The MID-Frail study will provide evidence on the clinical, functional, social, and economic impact of a multi-modal approach in frail and pre-frail older people with type 2 diabetes.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01654341.
Rapid and reliable detection of α-globin copy number variations by quantitative real-time PCR
Authors: Grimholt Runa M , Urdal Petter , Klingenberg Olav , Piehler Armin P
Published: January 2014

Background

Alpha-thalassemia is the most common human genetic disease worldwide. Copy number variations in the form of deletions of α-globin genes lead to α-thalassemia while duplications of α-globin genes can cause a severe phenotype in β-thalassemia carriers due to accentuation of globin chain imbalance. It is important to have simple and reliable methods to identify unknown or rare deletions and duplications in cases in which thalassemia is suspected but cannot be confirmed by multiplex gap-PCR. Here we describe a copy number variation assay to detect deletions and duplications in the α-globin gene cluster (HBA-CNV).

Results

Quantitative real-time PCR was performed using four TaqMan® assays which specifically amplify target sequences representing both the α-globin genes, the –α3.7 deletion and the HS-40 region. The copy number for each target was determined by the 2-ΔΔCq method. To validate our method, we compared the HBA-CNV method with traditional gap-PCR in 108 samples from patients referred to our laboratory for hemoglobinopathy evaluation. To determine the robustness of the four assays, we analyzed samples with and without deletions diluted to obtain different DNA concentrations. The HBA-CNV method identified the correct copy numbers in all 108 samples. All four assays showed the correct copy number within a wide range of DNA concentrations (3.2-100 ng/μL), showing that it is a robust and reliable method. By using the method in routine diagnostics of hemoglobinopathies we have also identified several deletions and duplications that are not detected with conventional gap-PCR.

Conclusions

HBA-CNV is able to detect all known large deletions and duplications affecting the α-globin genes, providing a flexible and simple workflow with rapid and reliable results.
Spray drying as a strategy for biosurfactant recovery, concentration and storage
Authors: Barcelos Gisely S , Dias Lívia C , Fernandes Péricles L , Fernandes Rita de Cássi R , Borges Arnaldo C , Kalks Karlos HM , Tótola Marcos R
Published: January 2014

The objective of this study was to analyze the use of Spray Drying for concentration and preservation of biosurfactants produced by Bacillus subtilis LBBMA RI4914 isolated from a heavy oil reservoir. Kaolinite and maltodextrin 10DE or 20DE were tested as drying adjuvants. Surface activity of the biosurfactant was analyzed by preparing dilution x surface activity curves of crude biosurfactant, crude biosurfactant plus adjuvants and of the dried products, after their reconstitution in water. The shelf life of the dried products was also evaluated. Spray drying was effective in the recovery and concentration of biosurfactant, while keeping its surface activity. Drying adjuvants were required to obtain a solid product with the desired characteristics. These compounds did not interfere with tensoactive properties of the biosurfactant molecules. The dehydrated product maintained its surfactant properties during storage at room temperature during the evaluation period (120 days), with no detectable loss of activity.
Reduced levels of CCL2 and CXCL10 in systemic lupus erythematosus patients under treatment with prednisone, mycophenolate mofetil, or hydroxychloroquine, except in a high STAT1 subset
Authors: Dominguez-Gutierrez Paul R , Ceribelli Angela , Satoh Minoru , Sobel Eric S , Reeves Westley H , Chan Edward KL
Published: January 2014

Introduction

Our recent data showed that signal transducers and activators of transcription 1 (STAT1), adenosine deaminase acting on RNA (ADAR), C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2), and C-X-C motif chemokine 10 (CXCL10) were significantly elevated in a systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) cohort compared to healthy donors. High and low STAT1 subsets were identified in SLE patient visits. The present study analyzed the correlation of common treatments used in SLE with the levels of these biomarkers.

Methods

Peripheral blood leukocytes were collected from 65 healthy donors and 103 SLE patients, of whom 60 had samples from two or more visits. Total RNA was isolated and analyzed for the expression of mRNA and microRNA using Taqman real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays. Relative expression of interferon signature genes, CCL2, and CXCL10 were determined by the ΔΔCT method. Results were correlated with therapy using prednisone, mycophenolate mofetil, and hydroxychloroquine and analyzed by Wilcoxon/Kruskal-Wallis test and Fisher’s exact test.

Results

CCL2 and CXCL10 were significantly higher in untreated patients compared to treated patients, however, in high STAT1 patient visits there is no significant difference between treated and untreated patients’ visits. When comparing linear regression fits of interferon (IFN) score with CCL2 and CXCL10, untreated patients and high STAT1 patients displayed significantly higher slopes compared to treated patients. There was no significant difference between the slopes of high STAT1 and untreated patients indicating that CCL2 and CXCL10 were correlated with type-I IFN in high STAT1 patients similar to that in untreated patients. CCL2 and CXCL10 levels in the high STAT1 subset remained high in treated patient visits compared to those of the low STAT1 subset.

Conclusions

Among the biomarkers analyzed, only CCL2 and CXCL10 showed significantly reduced levels in treated compared to untreated SLE patients. STAT1, CCL2, and CXCL10 are potentially useful indicators of therapeutic action in SLE patients. Further work is needed to determine whether high STAT1 levels convey resistance to therapies commonly used to treat SLE and whether STAT1 inhibitors may have therapeutic implication for these patients.
Equine bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells are heterogeneous in MHC class II expression and capable of inciting an immune response in vitro
Authors: Schnabel Lauren V , Pezzanite Lynn M , Antczak Douglas F , Felippe M Julia Bevilaqua , Fortier Lisa A
Published: January 2014

Introduction

The horse is a valuable species to assess the effect of allogeneic mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) in regenerative treatments. No studies to date have examined recipient response to major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-mismatched equine MSCs. The purposes of this study were to immunophenotype MSCs from horses of known MHC haplotype and to compare the immunogenicity of MSCs with differing MHC class II expression.

Methods

MSCs and peripheral blood leukocytes (PBLs) were obtained from Thoroughbred horses (n = 10) of known MHC haplotype (ELA-A2, -A3, and -A9 homozygotes). MSCs were cultured through P8; cells from each passage (P2 to P8) were cryopreserved until used. Immunophenotyping of MHC class I and II, CD44, CD29, CD90, LFA-1, and CD45RB was performed by using flow cytometry. Tri-lineage differentiation assays were performed to confirm MSC multipotency. Recombinant equine IFN-γ was used to stimulate MHC class II negative MSCs in culture, after which expression of MHC class II was re-examined. To assess the ability of MHC class II negative or positive MSCs to stimulate an immune response, modified one-way mixed leukocyte reactions (MLRs) were performed by using MHC-matched and mismatched responder PBLs and stimulator PBLs or MSCs. Proliferation of gated CFSE-labeled CD3+ responder T cells was evaluated via CFSE attenuation by using flow cytometry and reported as the number of cells in the proliferating T-cell gate.

Results

MSCs varied widely in MHC class II expression despite being homogenous in terms of “stemness” marker expression and ability to undergo trilineage differentiation. Stimulation of MHC class II negative MSCs with IFN-γ resulted in markedly increased expression of MHC class II. MLR results revealed that MHC-mismatched MHC class II-positive MSCs caused significantly increased responder T-cell proliferation compared with MHC-mismatched MHC class II-negative and MHC-matched MSCs, and equivalent to that of the positive control of MHC-mismatched leukocytes.

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest that MSCs should be confirmed as MHC class II negative before allogeneic application. Additionally, it must be considered that even MHC class II-negative MSCs could upregulate MHC class II expression if implanted into an area of active inflammation, as demonstrated with in vitro stimulation with IFN-γ.
Human ethmoid sinus mucosa: a promising novel tissue source of mesenchymal progenitor cells
Authors: Cho Kyu-Sup , Park Hee-Young , Roh Hwan-Jung , Bravo Dawn T , Hwang Peter H , Nayak Jayakar V
Published: January 2014

Introduction

The identification of new progenitor cell sources is important for cell-based tissue engineering strategies, understanding regional tissue regeneration, and modulating local microenvironments and immune response. However, there are no reports that describe the identification and isolation of mesenchymal progenitor cells (MPCs) from paranasal sinus mucosa, and compare the properties of MPCs between tissue sources within the sinonasal cavity. We report here the identification of MPCs in the maxillary sinus (MS) and ethmoid sinus (ES). Furthermore, we contrast these MPCs in the same individuals with MPCs from two additional head and neck tissue sources of the inferior turbinate (IT) and tonsil (T).

Methods

These four MPC sources were exhaustively compared for morphology, colony-forming potential, proliferation capability, immunophenotype, multilineage differentiation potential, and ability to produce soluble factors.

Results

MS-, ES, IT-, and T-MPCs showed similar morphologies and surface phenotypes, as well as adipogenic, osteogenic, and chondrogenic differentiation capacity by immunohistochemistry and qRT-PCR for defined lineage-specific genes. However, we noted that the colony-forming potential and proliferation capability of ES-MPCs were distinctly higher than other MPCs. All MPCs constitutively, or upon stimulation, secrete large amounts of IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IFN-γ, and TGF-β. After stimulation with TNF-α and IFN-γ, ES-MPCs notably demonstrated significantly higher secretion of IL-6 and IL-10 than other MPCs.

Conclusions

ES-MPCs may be a uniquely promising source of MPCs due to their high proliferation ability and superior capacity toward secretion of immunomodulatory cytokines.
Anion-conducting Pore-filling Membranes with Optimization of Transport Number and Resistance for Reverse Electrodialysis
Authors: Lee Seoyoon , Shin Mun-Sik , Park Jin-Soo
Published: January 2014

Pore-filling membranes filled with quaternized poly(styrene-co-ethylene glycol dimethacrylate) were prepared with the degree of crosslinking (DC) for reverse electrodialysis (RED). It was shown in power density performance that the pore-filling membranes with low DC had lower open circuit voltage (Voc) and resistance, but those with high DC had higher Voc and resistance than the commercial AMX membrane. Thus, the compromise between their transport number and resistance is necessary for the application of pore-filling membranes in RED.
Συγκριτική αξιολόγηση χορήγησης ετιδρονάτης ως μεθόδου πρόληψης της έκτοπης οστεοποίησης στην ολική αρθροπλαστική του ισχίου
Authors: Βασιλειάδης Γεώργιος
Published: January 2014

Σε ασθενείς που πάσχουν από υπερτροφική οστεοαρθρίτιδα, η έκτοπη οστεοποίηση (Ε.Ο.) είναι μια από τις πιθανές όψιμες μετεγχειρητικές επιπλοκές μετά από εγχείρηση ολικής αρθροπλαστικής του ισχίου (Ο.Α.Ι.). Το προεξάρχον σύμπτωμα της μεγάλης Ε.Ο. (Βrooker III, IV) είναι ο περιορισμός του εύρους κίνησης της άρθρωσης που έχει αναπτυχθεί, περιορισμός που φτάνει μέχρι το σημείο της αγκυλώσεως. Σκοπός της μελέτης ήταν η τυχαιοποιημένη προοπτκή σύγκριση προφυλακτικής χορήγησης ινδομεθακίνης και ετιδρονάτης. Η τελική αξιολόγηση έγινε μεταξύ των ασθενών που εμφάνησαν Brooker III και IV και των υπολοίπων με Brooker 0, Ι, II. Η ινδομεθακίνη χορηγήθηκε στο δοσολογικό σχήμα 50mg Χ 2 φορές ημερησίως Χ 14 μέρες. Η χορήγηση ξεκίνησε την 1η μετεγχειρητική ημέρα. Η ετιδρονάτη χορηγήθηκε στο δοσολογικό σχήμα των 20mg/kg β.σ. με έναρξη λήψης μέσα στις 2 προεγχειρητικές εβδομάδες και συνέχιση για 12 εβδομάδες μετεγχειρητικά. Η μελέτη στελεχώθηκε από 52 ασθενείς (26 ανά ομάδα με ίσο καταμερισμό ανδρών-γυναικών). Ο ακτινολογικός έλεγχος έγινε στους 3 και 12 μετεγχειρητικούς μήνες. Στους 12 μετεγχειρητικούς μήνες αξιολογήθηκε και η λειτουργικότητα του ισχίου (τροποποιημένη κλίμακα Harris). Οι ασθενείς που δεν ολοκλήρωσαν την προφυλακτική αγωγή δεν αντικαταστήθηκαν. Δεν παρατηρήθηκε καμία στατιστικά σημαντική διαφορά ανάμεσα στις 2 ομάδες στον ακτινολογικό σχηματισμό Ε.Ο., στη λειτουργικότητα του ισχίου και στις παρενέργειες από τη προφυλακτική λήψη των φαρμακευτικών ουσιών. Σύμφωνα με τα αποτελέσματα της μελέτης, η ετιδρονάτη είναι ισοδύναμη με την ινδομεθακίνη στη προφύλαξη της Ε.Ο. μετά από Ο.Α.Ι.
Lentigo maligna mimicking invasive melanoma in Mohs surgery: a case report
Authors: Tsakok Teresa , Sheth Nisith , Robson Alistair , Gleeson Catherine , Mallipeddi Raj
Published: January 2014

Lentigo maligna is a lentiginous proliferation of atypical melanocytes confined to the epidermis, typically on chronically sun-damaged skin. Following biopsy and exclusion of invasive disease, therapy may involve Mohs surgery, topical treatment or radiotherapy. However, lentigo maligna often involves adnexal structures, creating histological difficulty in distinguishing these foci from invasive melanoma. We present a case in which, during Mohs excision, a nodule of severely atypical melanocytes appeared to lie within the dermis, potentially altering treatment and prognosis. The use of laminin-5 provided a means of resolving this diagnostic dilemma, facilitating continuation of Mohs surgery until tumour clearance was achieved.
Control problems as functions of administrative activity in the conditions of modernization of education
Authors: Ахриева  , Akhrieva Anna
Published: January 2014

In article the control problem from the point of view of management,

communication of control with administrative functions is considered, feedback

questions are taken up, advantages of biparadigmatic methodology of control are

reflected, the issues connected with monitoring as by technology of control are

touched.
Forms and directions of pedagogical support
Authors: Сильченкова  , Silchenkova Svetlana
Published: January 2014

Considered the earliest forms of modern concepts of «educational support»:

assistance provided to children, patronage, mentoring. The definitions of pedagogical

support from the standpoint of system activity and system-structural approaches, these

definitions are analyzed. The basic direction of educational support: psychologicaleducational,

social-pedagogical, and valeologo-pedagogical. As a result, isolated and

revealed a new direction pedagogical support — «information-educational support»,

identified its main stages: diagnosis, methodical, transformative, reflective.