bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The PARP1/ARTD1-Mediated Poly-ADP-Ribosylation and DNA Damage Repair in B Cell Diversification
Authors: Lasola Jackline , Hodgson Andrea , Sun Xin , Wan Fengyi
Published: January 2014

ADP-ribosylation is an essential post-translational modification, mediated by a family of proteins named poly-ADP-ribose polymerases/Diphtheria toxin-like ADP-ribosyltransferases (PARPs/ARTDs), that functions to assist in cellular homeostasis through an array of mechanisms. Although the function of PARP1/ARTD1-mediated poly-ADP-ribosylation (PARylation) in response to environmental genotoxic stressors has been extensively studied, its role in the regulation and maintenance of cellular events under times of programmed DNA damage and repair remains to be elucidated. In the case of B cell maturation and differentiation, processes such as V(D)J recombination, somatic hypermutation, and class switch recombination, require the induction of DNA strand breaks for the generation of a varied immunoglobulin repertoire and, thus, serve as a model system to explore the function of PARylation in immunological processes. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of ADP-ribosylation and the PARPs/ARTDs family proteins, in particular PARP1/ARTD1-conferred PARylation, in B cells. Following an overview of PARylation in cellular responses to environmental and spontaneous DNA damage, we discuss the emerging function of PARP1/ARTD1 and PARylation in DNA damage-induced nuclear factor kappaB (NF-κB) signaling and B cell maturation and differentiation. Finally, we conclude by underlining further efforts that are needed to understand how the PARPs/ARTDs family proteins and ADP-ribosylation control the development and function of B cells.
Entropy and the Predictability of Online Life
Authors: Sinatra Roberta , Szell Michael
Published: January 2014

Using mobile phone records and information theory measures, our daily lives have been recently shown to follow strict statistical regularities, and our movement patterns are, to a large extent, predictable. Here, we apply entropy and predictability measures to two datasets of the behavioral actions and the mobility of a large number of players in the virtual universe of a massive multiplayer online game. We find that movements in virtual human lives follow the same high levels of predictability as offline mobility, where future movements can, to some extent, be predicted well if the temporal correlations of visited places are accounted for. Time series of behavioral actions show similar high levels of predictability, even when temporal correlations are neglected. Entropy conditional on specific behavioral actions reveals that in terms of predictability, negative behavior has a wider variety than positive actions. The actions that contain the information to best predict an individual’s subsequent action are negative, such as attacks or enemy markings, while the positive actions of friendship marking, trade and communication contain the least amount of predictive information. These observations show that predicting behavioral actions requires less information than predicting the mobility patterns of humans for which the additional knowledge of past visited locations is crucial and that the type and sign of a social relation has an essential impact on the ability to determine future behavior.
Multiscale Model Selection for High-Frequency Financial Data of a Large Tick Stock by Means of the Jensen–Shannon Metric
Authors: Curato Gianbiagio , Lillo Fabrizio
Published: January 2014

Modeling financial time series at different time scales is still an open challenge. The choice of a suitable indicator quantifying the distance between the model and the data is therefore of fundamental importance for selecting models. In this paper, we propose a multiscale model selection method based on the Jensen–Shannon distance in order to select the model that is able to better reproduce the distribution of price changes at different time scales. Specifically, we consider the problem of modeling the ultra high frequency dynamics of an asset with a large tick-to-price ratio. We study the price process at different time scales and compute the Jensen–Shannon distance between the original dataset and different models, showing that the coupling between spread and returns is important to model return distribution at different time scales of observation, ranging from the scale of single transactions to the daily time scale.
Does Participation in Physical Education Reduce Sedentary Behaviour in School and throughout the Day among Normal-Weight and Overweight-to-Obese Czech Children Aged 9–11 Years?
Authors: Sigmund Erik , Sigmundová Dagmar , Hamrik Zdenek , Gecková Andrea
Published: January 2014

Participation of 9 to 11-year-old children in physical education lessons (PEL) contributes to a significantly higher duration of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) during the school day and, in overweight/obese girls and normal-weight boys, to an increase in overall daily MVPA as shown by previous research. However, it is not known whether this increase in MVPA is at the expense of light physical activity (LPA) or sedentary behaviour (SED). SED, LPA, and MVPA were assessed in 338 schoolchildren aged 9–11 years (50.3% girls; 29.6% overweight/obese) over two school days (with and without a PEL) using a triaxial accelerometer during various segments of the school day. SED, LPA, and MVPA were quantified based on the duration of the activity (minutes). Participation in PEL led to significantly higher school MVPA in the overweight/obese and normal-weight girls and boys (p < 0.005) compared to MVPA of those children on the school day without PEL. Participation in PEL led to a significantly higher overall daily MVPA duration compared to that during the day without PEL for the overweight/obese girls (p < 0.05), normal-weight girls (p < 0.05) and boys (p < 0.005). Participation in PEL contributed not only to significantly higher LPA in the normal-weight girls and boys (p < 0.01) during the school day but also reduced school-time SED in the overweight/obese children (p < 0.01) and normal-weight girls (p < 0.005). Moreover, participation in PEL significantly reduced the overall daily SED in the normal-weight children and overweight/obese boys (p < 0.05). Adding one PEL to the daily school routine appears to be a promising strategy for effectively reducing SED in children.
Artesunate Reduces Serum Lipopolysaccharide in Cecal Ligation/Puncture Mice via Enhanced LPS Internalization by Macrophages through Increased mRNA Expression of Scavenger Receptors
Authors: Li Bin , Yu Mengchen , Pan Xichun , Ren Chuanliang , Peng Wei , Li Xiaoli , Jiang Weiwei , Zheng Jiang , Zhou Hong
Published: January 2014

Innate immunity is the first line of defense in human beings against pathogen infection; monocytes/macrophages are the primary cells of the innate immune system. Recently, macrophages/monocytes have been discovered to participate in LPS clearance, and the clearance efficiency determines the magnitude of the inflammatory response and subsequent organ injury. Previously, we reported that artesunate (AS) protected sepsis mice against heat-killed E. coli challenge. Herein, we further confirmed that AS protected cecal ligation/puncture (CLP) sepsis mice. Its protection on sepsis mice was related to not only reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines and serum LPS levels but also improvement of liver function. Based on the fact that AS did not directly bind and neutralize LPS, we hypothesized that the reduction of serum LPS level might be related to enhancement of LPS internalization and subsequent detoxification. Our results showed that AS increased FITC-LPS internalization by peritoneal macrophage and liver Kupffer cell, but enhancement of LPS internalization by AS was not related to the clathrin-dependent pathway. However, AS induced mRNA expression of important scavenger receptors (SRs); SR-A and MARCO mRNA expression was upregulated, suggesting that AS enhancement of LPS internalization and inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines was related to changes in mRNA expression of SRs.
Leptin Activates RhoA/ROCK Pathway to Induce Cytoskeleton Remodeling in Nucleus Pulposus Cells
Authors: Li Zheng , Liang Jinqian , Wu William , Yu Xin , Yu Jun , Weng Xisheng , Shen Jianxiong
Published: January 2014

Hyperleptinemia is implicated in obesity-associated lumbar disc degeneration. Nevertheless, the effect of leptin on the intracellular signaling of nucleus pulposus cells is not clear. The current study sought to delineate the possible involvement of the RhoA/ROCK pathway in leptin-mediated cytoskeleton reorganization in nucleus pulposus cells. Nucleus pulposus cells isolated from scoliosis patients were treated with 10 ng/mL of leptin. Fluorescent resonance energy transfer analysis was used to determine the activation of RhoA signaling in nucleus pulposus cells. The protein expression of LIMK1 and cofilin-2 were analyzed by western blot analysis. F-actin cytoskeletal reorganization was assessed by rhodamine-conjugated phalloidin immunoprecipitation. Leptin induced F-actin reorganization and stress fiber formation in nucleus pulposus cells, accompanied by localized RhoA activation and phosphorylation of LIMK1 and cofilin. The RhoA inhibitor C3 exoenzyme or the ROCK inhibitor Y-27632 potently attenuated the effects of leptin on F-actin reorganization and stress fiber formation. Both inhibitors also prevented leptin-induced phosphorylation of LIMK1 and cofilin-2. Our study demonstrated that leptin activated the RhoA/ROCK/LIMK/cofilin-2 cascade to induce cytoskeleton reorganization in nucleus pulposus cells. These findings may provide novel insights into the pathogenic mechanism of obesity-associated lumbar disc degeneration.
Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier Transform Spectroscopy for the Determination of Asbestos Species in Bulk Building Materials
Authors: Accardo Grazia , Cioffi Raffaeke , Colangelo Francesco , D'Angelo Raffaele , De Stefano Luca , Paglietti Fderica
Published: January 2014

Diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform (DRIFT) spectroscopy is a well-known technique for thin film characterization. Since all asbestos species exhibit intense adsorptions peaks in the 4000–400 cm−1 region of the infrared spectrum, a quantitative analysis of asbestos in bulk samples by DRIFT is possible. In this work, different quantitative analytical procedures have been used to quantify chrysotile content in bulk materials produced by building requalification: partial least squares (PLS) chemometrics, the Linear Calibration Curve Method (LCM) and the Method of Additions (MoA). Each method has its own pros and cons, but all give affordable results for material characterization: the amount of asbestos (around 10%, weight by weight) can be determined with precision and accuracy (errors less than 0.1).
The Natural Antimicrobial Enzyme Lysozyme is Up-Regulated in Gastrointestinal Inflammatory Conditions
Authors: Rubio Carlos
Published: January 2014

The cells that line the mucosa of the human gastrointestinal tract (GI, that is, oral cavity, oesophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, and rectum) are constantly challenged by adverse micro-environmental factors, such as different pH, enzymes, and bacterial flora. With exception of the oral cavity, these microenvironments also contain remnant cocktails of secreted enzymes and bacteria from upper organs along the tract. The density of the GI bacteria varies, from 103/mL near the gastric outlet, to 1010/mL at the ileocecal valve, to 1011 to 1012/mL in the colon. The total microbial population (ca. 1014) exceeds the total number of cells in the tract. It is, therefore, remarkable that despite the prima facie inauspicious mixture of harmful secretions and bacteria, the normal GI mucosa retains a healthy state of cell renewal. To counteract the hostile microenvironment, the GI epithelia react by speeding cell exfoliation (the GI mucosa has a turnover time of two to three days), by increasing peristalsis, by eliminating bacteria through secretion of plasma cell-immunoglobulins and by increasing production of natural antibacterial compounds, such as defensin-5 and lysozyme. Only recently, lysozyme was found up-regulated in Barrett’s oesophagitis, chronic gastritis, gluten-induced atrophic duodenitis (coeliac disease), collagenous colitis, lymphocytic colitis, and Crohn’s colitis. This up-regulation is a response directed to the special types of bacteria recently detected in these diseases. The aim of lysozyme up-regulation is to protect individual mucosal segments to chronic inflammation. The molecular mechanisms connected to the crosstalk between the intraluminal bacterial flora and the production of lysozyme released by the GI mucosae, are discussed. Bacterial resistance continues to exhaust our supply of commercial antibiotics. The potential use of lysozyme to treat infectious diseases is receiving much attention.
Polyester Dendrimers: Smart Carriers for Drug Delivery
Authors: Twibanire Jean–d’Amour , Grindley T. Bruce
Published: January 2014

Polyester dendrimers have been shown to be outstanding candidates for biomedical applications. Compared to traditional polymeric drug vehicles, these biodegradable dendrimers show excellent advantages especially as drug delivery systems because they are non-toxic. Here, advances on polyester dendrimers as smart carriers for drug delivery applications have been surveyed. Both covalent and non-covalent incorporation of drugs are discussed.
An Energy Efficient Compressed Sensing Framework for the Compression of Electroencephalogram Signals
Authors: Fauvel Simon , Ward Rabab
Published: January 2014

The use of wireless body sensor networks is gaining popularity in monitoring and communicating information about a person’s health. In such applications, the amount of data transmitted by the sensor node should be minimized. This is because the energy available in these battery powered sensors is limited. In this paper, we study the wireless transmission of electroencephalogram (EEG) signals. We propose the use of a compressed sensing (CS) framework to efficiently compress these signals at the sensor node. Our framework exploits both the temporal correlation within EEG signals and the spatial correlations amongst the EEG channels. We show that our framework is up to eight times more energy efficient than the typical wavelet compression method in terms of compression and encoding computations and wireless transmission. We also show that for a fixed compression ratio, our method achieves a better reconstruction quality than the CS-based state-of-the art method. We finally demonstrate that our method is robust to measurement noise and to packet loss and that it is applicable to a wide range of EEG signal types.
A Strapdown Interial Navigation System/Beidou/Doppler Velocity Log Integrated Navigation Algorithm Based on a Cubature Kalman Filter
Authors: Gao Wei , Zhang Ya , Wang Jianguo
Published: January 2014

The integrated navigation system with strapdown inertial navigation system (SINS), Beidou (BD) receiver and Doppler velocity log (DVL) can be used in marine applications owing to the fact that the redundant and complementary information from different sensors can markedly improve the system accuracy. However, the existence of multisensor asynchrony will introduce errors into the system. In order to deal with the problem, conventionally the sampling interval is subdivided, which increases the computational complexity. In this paper, an innovative integrated navigation algorithm based on a Cubature Kalman filter (CKF) is proposed correspondingly. A nonlinear system model and observation model for the SINS/BD/DVL integrated system are established to more accurately describe the system. By taking multi-sensor asynchronization into account, a new sampling principle is proposed to make the best use of each sensor’s information. Further, CKF is introduced in this new algorithm to enable the improvement of the filtering accuracy. The performance of this new algorithm has been examined through numerical simulations. The results have shown that the positional error can be effectively reduced with the new integrated navigation algorithm. Compared with the traditional algorithm based on EKF, the accuracy of the SINS/BD/DVL integrated navigation system is improved, making the proposed nonlinear integrated navigation algorithm feasible and efficient.
In-Line Measurement of Water Content in Ethanol Using a PVA-Coated Quartz Crystal Microbalance
Authors: Kim Byoung , Yamamoto Takuji , Kim Young
Published: January 2014

An in-line device for measuring the water content in ethanol was developed using a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-coated quartz crystal microbalance. Bio-ethanol is widely used as the replacement of gasoline, and its water content is a key component of its specifications. When the PVA-coated quartz crystal microbalance is contacted with ethanol containing a small amount of water, the water is absorbed into the PVA increasing the load on the microbalance surface to cause a frequency drop. The determination performance of the PVA-coated microbalance is examined by measuring the frequency decreases in ethanol containing 2% to 10% water while the ethanol flows through the measurement device. The measurements indicates that the higher water content is the more the frequency reduction is, though some deviation in the measurements is observed. This indicates that the frequency measurement of an unknown concentration of water in ethanol can be used to determine the water content in ethanol. The PVA coating is examined by microscopy and FTIR (Fourier transform infrared) spectroscopy.
Hyperpolarized NMR Probes for Biological Assays
Authors: Meier Sebastian , Jensen Pernille , Karlsson Magnus , Lerche Mathilde
Published: January 2014

During the last decade, the development of nuclear spin polarization enhanced (hyperpolarized) molecular probes has opened up new opportunities for studying the inner workings of living cells in real time. The hyperpolarized probes are produced ex situ, introduced into biological systems and detected with high sensitivity and contrast against background signals using high resolution NMR spectroscopy. A variety of natural, derivatized and designed hyperpolarized probes has emerged for diverse biological studies including assays of intracellular reaction progression, pathway kinetics, probe uptake and export, pH, redox state, reactive oxygen species, ion concentrations, drug efficacy or oncogenic signaling. These probes are readily used directly under natural conditions in biofluids and are often directly developed and optimized for cellular assays, thus leaving little doubt about their specificity and utility under biologically relevant conditions. Hyperpolarized molecular probes for biological NMR spectroscopy enable the unbiased detection of complex processes by virtue of the high spectral resolution, structural specificity and quantifiability of NMR signals. Here, we provide a survey of strategies used for the selection, design and use of hyperpolarized NMR probes in biological assays, and describe current limitations and developments.
Bon mangeur, mauvais mangeur. Pratiques alimentaires et critique sociale dans l’oeuvre de Sidoine Apollinaire et de ses contemporains
Authors: Raga Emmanuelle
Published: January 2014

Food habits represented a very effective way of expressing one’s identity and were often used by the élite of the Late Roman world. As a witness of the transformation of the Roman world, Sidonius Apollinaris suggested a number of models of good and bad eaters that he applied to his contemporaries, Roman or “ Barbarian”. The study of these different patterns yields two signifi cant pieces of information. Firstly, by identifying these patterns, one understands the growing infl uence of Christianity on food habits, mostly by introducing fasts alternatively with feasts in the classical alternance between rich banquets and humble meals. Secondly, the study of Sidonius’s close relations who are criticized or praised because of their eating habits, shows that the fundamental distinction between “ us” and “ them” was between educated and uneducated man, whether the latter were louts or simply ignorant of Roman culture, rather than between “ Romans” and “ Barbarians” on an ethnical basis.
Design criteria for stable Pt/C fuel cell catalysts
Authors: Meier Josef C , Galeano Carolina , Katsounaros Ioannis , Witte Jonathon , Bongard Hans J , Topalov Angel A , Baldizzone Claudio , Mezzavilla Stefano , Schüth Ferdi , Mayrhofer Karl J J
Published: January 2014

Platinum and Pt alloy nanoparticles supported on carbon are the state of the art electrocatalysts in proton exchange membrane fuel cells. To develop a better understanding on how material design can influence the degradation processes on the nanoscale, three specific Pt/C catalysts with different structural characteristics were investigated in depth: a conventional Pt/Vulcan catalyst with a particle size of 3–4 nm and two Pt@HGS catalysts with different particle size, 1–2 nm and 3–4 nm. Specifically, Pt@HGS corresponds to platinum nanoparticles incorporated and confined within the pore structure of the nanostructured carbon support, i.e., hollow graphitic spheres (HGS). All three materials are characterized by the same platinum loading, so that the differences in their performance can be correlated to the structural characteristics of each material. The comparison of the activity and stability behavior of the three catalysts, as obtained from thin film rotating disk electrode measurements and identical location electron microscopy, is also extended to commercial materials and used as a basis for a discussion of general fuel cell catalyst design principles. Namely, the effects of particle size, inter-particle distance, certain support characteristics and thermal treatment on the catalyst performance and in particular the catalyst stability are evaluated. Based on our results, a set of design criteria for more stable and active Pt/C and Pt-alloy/C materials is suggested.
Recent applications of the divinylcyclopropane–cycloheptadiene rearrangement in organic synthesis
Authors: Krüger Sebastian , Gaich Tanja
Published: January 2014

This review summarizes the application of the divinylcyclopropane–cycloheptadiene rearrangement in synthetic organic chemistry. A brief overview of the new mechanistic insights concerning the title reaction is provided as well as a condensed account on the biological relevance of the topic. Heteroatom variants of this rearrangement are covered briefly.
Change in Vitamin D Levels and Risk of Severe Vitamin D Deficiency over 48 Weeks among HIV-1-Infected, Treatment-Naive Adults Receiving Rilpivirine or Efavirenz in a Phase III Trial (Echo)
Authors: Wohl David A , Orkin Chloe , Doroana Manuela , Pilotto José H , Sungkanuparph Somnuek , Yeni Patrick , Vanveggel Simon , Deckx Henri , Boven Katia
Published: January 2014

Background

This analysis assessed changes in serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D; the precursor form of active vitamin D) in antiretroviral-naive adults receiving rilpivirine or efavirenz over 48 weeks in a randomized, double-blind, Phase III trial (ECHO).

Methods

ECHO included 690 patients randomized 1:1 to receive rilpivirine 25 mg once daily ( n=346) or efavirenz 600 mg once daily ( n=344), plus tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/emtricitabine. 25(OH)D was measured in stored serum samples collected at baseline, and weeks 24 and 48. Proportions of patients with optimal/sufficient (≥30 ng/ml), insufficient (21–29 ng/ml), deficient (10–20 ng/ml) and severely deficient (<10 ng/ml) 25(OH) D levels were determined. Data are presented for patients with paired baseline and week 48 25(OH)D data (rilpivirine, n=292; efavirenz, n=290).

Results

After 48 weeks, mean 25(OH)D levels remained largely unchanged from baseline with rilpivirine (-0.2 ng/ml; P=0.57 versus no change), but were significantly reduced with efavirenz (-2.5 ng/ml; P<0.0001 versus no change). When adjusting for season of randomization and the combined variable of race (Black/African American, White/Caucasian, Asian, other race) and ethnicity (Hispanic or Latino and not Hispanic or not Latino), the conclusion about the treatment difference between the rilpivirine and efavirenz treatment groups remained valid. At baseline the proportion of patients with severe 25(OH)D deficiency was similar in both groups (5%) but was significantly lower with rilpivirine than efavirenz at week 48 (5% versus 9%, respectively; P=0.032). Furthermore, of the patients with 25(OH)D insufficiency/deficiency at baseline, the proportion who developed severe 25(OH)D deficiency at week 48 was significantly lower with rilpivirine than efavirenz (2% versus 8%, respectively; P=0.0079).

Conclusions

Rilpivirine had little effect on 25(OH)D, whereas efavirenz resulted in a significant reduction in 25(OH)D levels and an increase in the risk of severe 25(OH)D deficiency.
Performance Characteristics of the Cobas Ampliprep/Cobas Taqman V2.0 and the Abbott Realtime Hepatitis C Assays - Implications for Response-Guided Therapy in Genotype 1 Infections
Authors: Taylor Ninon , Haschke-Becher Elisabeth , Greil Richard , Strasser Michael , Oberkofer Hannes
Published: January 2014

Background

With the advent of the protease inhibitors boceprevir and telaprevir a novel therapy approach for HCV genotype 1 infected subjects has become standard of care. Quantification of HCV viral load (VL) represents an important predictor of treatment response.

Methods

Two different real-time PCR platforms, the COBAS Ampliprep/COBAS TaqMan v2.0 (CAP-CTM v2.0) and the Abbott RealTime (ART) HCV assay are most widely used. We performed a comparative evaluation of both systems focusing on genotype 1 HCV quantification using clinical specimens, the fourth WHO International Standard for HCV and the Paul Ehrlich National Standard, respectively.

Results

The HCV VL assays showed an excellent overall agreement in the clinical specimens studied (R2=0.912). Discrepant results were obtained at the low VL end. Four samples tested negative with CAP-CTM v2.0 but were detectable with ART and two samples were undetectable with ART but tested positive with CAP-CTM v2.0. The coefficient of variation in replicate measurements of both reference materials was higher for CAP-CTM v2.0 as compared with ART at the clinical decision point for boceprevir (≥100 IU/ml), but was similar for the two assays at the clinical decision point for telaprevir (≥1,000 IU/ml). The tendency for underestimation of the diluted standards was higher for ART than for CAP-CTM v2.0.

Conclusions

Although both assays allowed accurate determination of VL levels in clinical samples, careful interpretation of results at the low VL end is essential. Furthermore, discontinuation of therapy based on single HCV RNA measurement should be carefully reconciled, unless the issue of assay variability has been addressed adequately.
A Systematic Review of a Single-Class Maintenance Strategy with Nucleoside/Nucleotide Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors in Hiv/Aids
Authors: Sprenger Herman G , Bierman Wouter FW , van der Werf Tjip S , Gisolf Elisabeth H , Richter Clemens
Published: January 2014

Background

Single-drug class regimens with nucleoside/ nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) are generally not recommended as initial therapy because they are inferior compared with therapy with two NRTIs plus efavirenz. However, triple-NRTI combinations can be useful in specific circumstances such as in tuberculosis coinfection, pregnancy or dyslipidaemia. Here, we review the potential of such combinations to maintain viral suppression after induction of suppression by standard combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) and to evaluate the trade-off of NRTI-only regimens for metabolic control.

Methods

We conducted a systematic search of the literature in two databases from 1 January 1998 up to 1 March 2013: Medline, through the search engine Pub-Med, and Embase.

Results

A total of 11 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with 2,105 patients and 3 observational studies with 2,639 patients were included. Studies including patients with mono- or dual-NRTI treatment before start of effective cART showed a tendency to higher failure rate because of resistance based on archived viral mutations. In studies with ART-naive subjects before start of cART, triple-NRTI combination showed virological activity comparable to two NRTIs plus a protease inhibitor or a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor in all RCTs, but not in one cohort study. Switching improved serum lipids significantly.

Conclusions

Of the studied triple-NRTI combinations only abacavir/lamivudine/zidovudine was sufficiently potent. Triple-NRTI maintenance after successful induction with two-class cART appeared successful in treatment-naive subjects and remains a useful option in specific circumstances, especially when other drugs are not available or drug interactions are an issue.
Infant botulism in Costa Rica: first report from Central America
Authors: Hernandez-de Mezerville Marcela , Rojas-Solano Mariela , Gutierrez-Mata Alfonso , Hernandez-Con Laura , Ulloa-Gutierrez Rolando
Published: January 2014

Introduction: Clostridium botulinum is known to cause descending paralysis in infants throughout the world. Methodology: The subject of this study was a three-month-old Costa Rican boy who was hospitalized because of poor suction and feeding, hypotonia, and constipation. Clinical history and physical examination findings suggested infant botulism. Samples were sent to the Winnipeg Public Health Laboratory, where Clostridium botulinum toxin A was identified by PCR and culture from the stools, making this the first report of infant botulism in Central America. Conclusions: Although infant botulism is a known disease, the limitations in identifying it in Central America contributes to the misdiagnosis and under-reporting of this disease.
First study of Salmonella in meat in Romania
Authors: Mihaiu Liora , Lapusan Alexandra , Tanasuica Rodica , Sobolu Rodica , Mihaiu Romolica , Oniga Ovidiu , Mihaiu Marian
Published: January 2014

Introduction: The increasing antimicrobial resistance of Salmonella isolates is of major public health concern, but information regarding these aspects is still lacking in Romania. This study focused on a detailed and accurate investigation concerning prevalence, serotypes, and antimicrobial resistance patterns of Salmonella strains, isolated from pork and chicken meat, collected from all regions of Romania in 2011. Methodology: The research was conducted on 650 samples of chicken and pork meat collected from production units and retail markets located in various regions of Romania. A total of 149 Salmonella isolates were recovered (22.92%), serotyped, confirmed by PCR, and further tested for antimicrobial susceptibility. Results: Thirteen Salmonella serovars were identified; predominant serovars included Infantis, Typhimurium, Derby and Colindale. Multiple resistance was found in 83.22% (n = 124) of the isolates. The isolates were frequently resistant to tetracycline (80.53%), streptomycin (81.21%), sulfamethoxazole (87.25%), nalidixic acid (65.10%), and ciprofloxacin (42.95%). Additionally, a markedly lower resistance rate was observed for ampicillin (20.81%), chloramphenicol (16.78%), and ceftazidime (11.41%). Among 137 resistant Salmonella isolates, 35 different resistance patterns were found. Conclusion: A high prevalence of Salmonella spp. and a relatively high resistance rate to multiple antimicrobials was found. This data indicates that chicken and pork meat could constitute a source of human exposure to multidrug-resistant Salmonella and therefore could be considered a potential vehicle of resistant Salmonella foodborne diseases. Further actions are needed to succesfully implement a national surveillance program for better monitoring of these resistant pathogens.
Time to Recovery from Proteinuria in Patients with Lupus Nephritis Receiving Standard Treatment
Authors: Touma Zahi , Urowitz Murray B. , Ibañez Dominique , Gladman Dafna D.
Published: January 2014

Objective.

The recovery time from abnormal levels of proteinuria with standard treatment in longitudinal studies of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus has not been well described. We aimed (1) to determine the recovery time from proteinuria in patients with lupus nephritis (LN) receiving standard treatment, and (2) to determine whether the initial level of proteinuria predicts time to improvement.

Methods.

We studied all patients with LN recorded in the database from 1970 until 2011. Proteinuria was defined as ≥ 0.5 g/24 h. Patients were grouped as follows: group 1 having 0.5–0.9 g/day, group 2 having 1–1.9 g/day, and group 3 having ≥ 2 g/day. Recovery from proteinuria was defined as proteinuria < 0.5 g/24 h. Time to recovery from proteinuria was studied with the Kaplan-Meier curves. Factors associated with proteinuria recovery were evaluated using proportional hazard models.

Results.

Among the 212 patients studied, 52% recovered from proteinuria within 2 years and an additional 22% recovered within 5 years, for a total of 74%. The level of proteinuria at baseline visit predicted the time to improvement. Patients with a higher level of proteinuria at baseline needed a longer time to normalize their proteinuria. Male sex, hypocomplementemia, high level of proteinuria at diagnosis of LN, and disease duration > 5 years at onset of LN each independently predicted late recovery of proteinuria and had an effect on the percentage of patients who recovered.

Conclusion.

The tempo of recovery from proteinuria in LN is slow and the level of proteinuria at baseline visit predicts the time to complete recovery.
Safety of Etanercept and Methotrexate in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Hepatitis C Virus Infection: A Multicenter Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Iannone Florenzo , La Montagna Giovanni , Bagnato Gianfilippo , Gremese Elisa , Giardina AnnaRita , Lapadula Giovanni
Published: January 2014

Objective.

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of therapy with etanercept and methotrexate (MTX) in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and mild hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.

Methods.

In this prospective open study, 29 patients with active RA were randomly assigned to receive therapy with MTX alone, etanercept alone, or a combination of MTX and etanercept, and monitored up to 54 weeks. The primary endpoint was safety; secondary aims were efficacy as defined by the 44-joint Disease Activity Score (DAS44) and health assessment questionnaire (HAQ). Serum liver enzymes and HCV viral load were serially measured.

Results.

In the whole cohort, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) serum levels were (mean ± SD) 35 ± 3 at entry, 39 ± 5, 41 ± 7, and 38 ± 4 at 14, 30, and 54 weeks, respectively; alanine aminotransferase (ALT) serum levels were 43 ± 5 at entry, 47 ± 5, 53 ± 9, and 50 ± 6 at 14, 30, and 54 weeks, respectively. HCV viral load was 5.6 ± 0.5 at entry, 5.9 ± 0.6, 5.7 ± 0.3, and 5.6 ± 0.6 at 14, 30, and 54 weeks, respectively. AST and ALT did not significantly change in all 3 arms of treatment, nor did HCV viral load. A significant reduction of DAS44 (p < 0.01) and HAQ (p < 0.04) was detected at 54 weeks compared to baseline. No patient discontinued the therapy because of worsening of liver disease.

Conclusion.

This study showed that patients with RA and chronic HCV and mild hepatitis may be successfully treated with etanercept and MTX without increasing the risk of hepatotoxicity and HCV replication.ClinicalTrials.govIdentifierNCT01543594.
Number of Ruptured Tendons and Surgical Delay as Prognostic Factors for the Surgical Repair of Extensor Tendon Ruptures in the Rheumatoid Wrist
Authors: Sakuma Yu , Ochi Kensuke , Iwamoto Takuji , Saito Asami , Yano Koichiro , Naito Yurino , Yoshida Shinji , Ikari Katsunori , Momohara Shigeki
Published: January 2014

Objective.

Extensor tendon ruptures in the rheumatoid wrist are usually restored by extensor tendon reconstruction surgery. However, the factors significantly correlated with the outcomes of extensor tendon reconstruction have not been defined. We examined factors showing a statistically significant correlation with postoperative active motion after tendon reconstruction.

Methods.

Spontaneous extensor tendon ruptures of 66 wrists in patients (mean age, 52.6 yrs) with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) were evaluated. All patients underwent tendon reconstruction surgery with wrist arthroplasty or arthrodesis. Active ranges of motion of the affected fingers were evaluated at 12 weeks postsurgery. Statistical significance was determined using multiple and single regression analyses.

Results.

Forty-six (69.6%) wrists had “good” results, while 13 (19.7%) and 7 (10.6%) wrists had “fair” and “poor” results, respectively. In multiple regression analysis, an increased number of ruptured tendons and the age at operation were independent variables significantly correlated with the postoperative active motion of reconstructed tendons (p = 0.009). Single regression analysis also showed a significant association between the number of ruptured tendons and surgical delay (p = 0.02).

Conclusion.

The number of ruptured extensor tendons was significantly correlated with the results of tendon reconstruction, and the number of ruptured tendons was significantly correlated with preoperative surgical delay. Our results indicate that, in patients presenting with possible finger extensor tendon rupture, rheumatologists should consult with hand surgeons promptly to preserve hand function.
Hidradenitis Suppurativa Associated with Spondyloarthritis — Results from a Multicenter National Prospective Study
Authors: Richette Pascal , Molto Anna , Viguier Manuel , Dawidowicz Karen , Hayem Gilles , Nassif Aude , Wendling Daniel , Aubin François , Lioté Frédéric , Bachelez Hervé
Published: January 2014

Objective.

To determine the prevalence and characterize the inflammatory musculoskeletal symptoms of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), a chronic inflammatory disease of skin appendages.

Methods.

Patients with HS referred to 3 dermatology university hospital centers were systematically screened for peripheral arthritis, dactylitis, inflammatory back pain, or enthesitis. After careful clinical examination, patients were further classified according to clinical and imaging criteria for spondyloarthritis (SpA) using the Amor, European Spondyloarthropathy Study Group (ESSG), and ASsessment in ankylosing spondylitis (ASAS).

Results.

We screened 640 patients with HS; 184 had musculoskeletal symptoms. In all, 43 (mean age 39.4 yrs, ± 8.3; 80% women) had arthritis, inflammatory back pain, or enthesitis and were investigated further. Signs of HS preceded the onset of articular symptoms in 39 patients (90%), at a mean interval of 3.6 years. A total of 18 (41%), 24 (55%), and 15 (34%) patients fulfilled the Amor, ESSG, and ASAS criteria, respectively, while synovitis, acne, pustolosis, hyperostosis, and osteitis (SAPHO) syndrome was established in 4 patients. The crude prevalence of SpA in all 640 patients with HS was 3.7% by the ESSG criteria.

Conclusion.

SpA may occur in patients with HS, with the prevalence in this group exceeding that in the general population. The very short time between skin and joint symptom onset in some cases suggests common pathogenic mechanisms underlying HS and SpA.
Application of the OMERACT Filter to Measures of Core Outcome Domains in Recent Clinical Studies of Acute Gout
Authors: Taylor William J. , Redden David , Dalbeth Nicola , Schumacher H. Ralph , Edwards N. Lawrence , Simon Lee S. , John Markus R. , Essex Margaret N. , Watson Douglas J. , Evans Robert , Rome Keith , Singh Jasvinder A.
Published: January 2014

Objective.

To determine the extent to which instruments that measure core outcome domains in acute gout fulfill the Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) filter requirements of truth, discrimination, and feasibility.

Methods.

Patient-level data from 4 randomized controlled trials of agents designed to treat acute gout and 1 observational study of acute gout were analyzed. For each available measure, construct validity, test-retest reliability, within-group change using effect size, between-group change using the Kruskall-Wallis statistic, and repeated measures generalized estimating equations were assessed. Floor and ceiling effects were also assessed and minimal clinically important difference was estimated. These analyses were presented to participants at OMERACT 11 to help inform voting for possible endorsement.

Results.

There was evidence for construct validity and discriminative ability for 3 measures of pain [0 to 4 Likert, 0 to 10 numeric rating scale (NRS), 0 to 100 mm visual analog scale (VAS)]. Likewise, there appears to be sufficient evidence for a 4-point Likert scale to possess construct validity and discriminative ability for physician assessment of joint swelling and joint tenderness. There was some evidence for construct validity and within-group discriminative ability for the Health Assessment Questionnaire as a measure of activity limitations, but not for discrimination between groups allocated to different treatment.

Conclusion.

There is sufficient evidence to support measures of pain (using Likert, NRS, or VAS), joint tenderness, and swelling (using Likert scale) as fulfilling the requirements of the OMERACT filter. Further research on a measure of activity limitations in acute gout clinical trials is required.
Current Status of Outcome Measure Development in Vasculitis
Authors: Merkel Peter A. , Aydin Sibel Z. , Boers Maarten , Cornell Christina , Direskeneli Haner , Gebhart Don , Hatemi Gulen , Luqmani Raashid , Matteson Eric L. , Milman Nataliya , Robson Joanna , Seo Philip , Tomasson Gunnar
Published: January 2014

The conduct of randomized controlled trials for vasculitis, especially for the antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitides [AAV, granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener’s) and microscopic polyangiitis], has been greatly advanced by the development, use, and acceptance of validated outcome measures. Trials have subsequently provided the opportunity to validate and refine reliable, valid outcome measures for these multisystemic and relapsing rare diseases. The Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) Vasculitis Working Group was formed in 2004 to foster development of validated and widely accepted outcomes in vasculitis using data-driven analyses, a dedication to building consensus, and adherence to, and guidance by, the principles of the OMERACT approach. This work led to the endorsement by OMERACT of the core set of domains and associated outcome measures for AAV. Next steps for the study of existing outcome tools in AAV include better definition of response criteria through development of more data-driven weighting of the elements of activity and damage assessment. The Working Group is now also embarking on a series of linked projects to develop validated patient-reported outcomes for use in clinical research in vasculitis. Additionally, the Working Group is studying how current methods of disease assessment and plans for new outcomes can be informed by the conceptual framework of the International Classification of Function of the World Health Organization. The success of the Group’s work in AAV has also led to a formal process for developing outcomes for the large vessel vasculitides (Takayasu arteritis and giant cell arteritis) and Behçet disease.
Report from the OMERACT Hand Osteoarthritis Special Interest Group: Advances and Future Research Priorities
Authors: Kloppenburg Margreet , Bøyesen Pernille , Smeets Wilma , Haugen Ida , Liu Rani , Visser Willemien , van der Heijde Désirée M.
Published: January 2014

Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders, frequently affecting the hands. In the last decade there has been increased awareness concerning this disorder because of its clinical burden. Unfortunately, only limited treatments for symptom alleviation are available, and no effective treatment for disease modification exists. The lack of treatment is due not only to a lack of understanding of the disease process, but also to poor outcome measures to assess the condition. The OMERACT Hand OA Special Interest Group (SIG) has started to develop a core set of outcome measures for hand OA clinical trials, observational studies, and clinical record keeping. At OMERACT 11, results from a Delphi exercise were presented, and a preliminary set of core domains was discussed. The group attempted to adopt the new OMERACT Filter 2.0 in the process, and literature overviews of conventional radiographs, ultrasonography, and magnetic resonance imaging as outcome measures in hand OA were presented. Discussions that followed highlighted further suggestions for core domains, the heterogeneity of hand OA, and future research priorities.
Technip ou l'émergence d'un champion national de l'ingénierie pétrolière
Authors: Brault Julien
Published: January 2014

L’apport théorique de l’étude de l’histoire de Technip réside dans la confrontation entre les héritages et les mutations qui ont contribué à former une entité économique indépendante au chemin de croissance original. L’achèvement de l’intégration multidivisionnelle de Technip au sens d’Alfred Chandler apparaît bien lié à un moment de rupture des cycles d’innovation schumpétériens et à l’internalisation du facteur de production formé par le progrès technique au sens d’Oliver Williamson. Le passage à un nouveau modèle de croissance résulte d’une nouvelle relation de l’entreprise au progrès technique, d’une indépendance toujours plus marquée par rapport à l’État et de l’émergence d’une entreprise privée réellement multinationale.
L'émergence des bureaux d'études techniques en France autour de 1950
Authors: Palant-Frapier Christel
Published: January 2014

Face à l’impératif de renforcer la productivité dans tous les domaines que le Plan Marshall fixe aux Européens, la France, en créant un nouvel acteur dans le champ de la construction – le bureau d’études techniques –, expérimente une solution novatrice qui conduit à la réorganisation des chantiers français par une redéfinition des métiers de la construction et des relations professionnelles des architectes, ingénieurs et entrepreneurs. Nécessaire aux yeux d’un certain nombre de professionnels de l’architecture, cette reconfiguration est le signe de l’évolution sociétale de la France gaullienne, inscrite dans d’importantes dynamiques internationales.
Ingénierie, banque et État en France : l'O.T.H. face à la crise des années 1970-1980
Authors: Jambard Pierre
Published: January 2014

L’Omnium Technique de l’Habitat (OTH), fondé en 1948 par la Banque de Paris et des Pays-Bas, constitua durant les années 1950 et 1960 le premier groupe d’ingénierie français spécialisé dans la construction de logements. Des difficultés de gestion, l’effondrement du marché immobilier et la crise des débouchés industriels le touchèrent gravement et amenèrent une nouvelle direction à repenser la stratégie de l’entreprise à partir de 1973. La période qui suivit jusqu’au désengagement de Paribas en 1987 apporte un éclairage intéressant sur les processus d’innovation d’une entreprise d’ingénierie, domaine encore peu étudié par les historiens. L’histoire d’OTH illustre aussi les relations entretenues avec les actionnaires, la banque, puis l’État français lui-même, après la nationalisation de 1982.