bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coarse-Grained Models for Protein-Cell Membrane Interactions
Authors: Bradley Ryan , Radhakrishnan Ravi
Published: July 2013

The physiological properties of biological soft matter are the product of collective interactions, which span many time and length scales. Recent computational modeling efforts have helped illuminate experiments that characterize the ways in which proteins modulate membrane physics. Linking these models across time and length scales in a multiscale model explains how atomistic information propagates to larger scales. This paper reviews continuum modeling and coarse-grained molecular dynamics methods, which connect atomistic simulations and single-molecule experiments with the observed microscopic or mesoscale properties of soft-matter systems essential to our understanding of cells, particularly those involved in sculpting and remodeling cell membranes.
You Can’t Beat Relating with God for Spiritual Well-Being: Comparing a Generic Version with the Original Spiritual Well-Being Questionnaire Called SHALOM
Authors: Fisher John
Published: July 2013

The Spiritual Health And Life-Orientation Measure (SHALOM) is a 20-item instrument that assesses the quality of relationships of the respondent with self, others, the environment and/or a Transcendent Other. In the Transcendental domain, four of the five items had the words ‘God, ‘Divine’ and ‘Creator’ replaced by the word ‘Transcendent’ to make the survey more generic by removing any implied reference to any god or religion. Invitations to complete a web survey were sent to people who had published papers in spirituality, or belonged to associations for spirituality or religious studies, as well as the Australian Atheist Forum. 409 respondents from 14 geographic regions, completed the survey. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed that the modified, generic form of SHALOM showed acceptable model fit, comprising four clearly delineated domains of spiritual well-being. The paper analyses the results derived from using the modified, generic version and, in comparison with results of applications of the original survey instrument, concludes with discussion of the comparative utility of each of the versions of SHALOM. Further studies with more people are warranted, but, from evidence presented here, it looks like you can’t beat relating with God for spiritual well-being.
Active Pneumatic Vibration Control by Using Pressure and Velocity Measurements and Adaptive Fuzzy Sliding-Mode Controller
Authors: Chen Hung-Yi , Liang Jin-Wei , Wu Jia-Wei
Published: July 2013

This paper presents an intelligent control strategy to overcome nonlinear and time-varying characteristics of a diaphragm-type pneumatic vibration isolator (PVI) system. By combining an adaptive rule with fuzzy and sliding-mode control, the method has online learning ability when it faces the system’s nonlinear and time-varying behaviors during an active vibration control process. Since the proposed scheme has a simple structure, it is easy to implement. To validate the proposed scheme, a composite control which adopts both chamber pressure and payload velocity as feedback signal is implemented. During experimental investigations, sinusoidal excitation at resonance and random-like signal are input on a floor base to simulate ground vibration. Performances obtained from the proposed scheme are compared with those obtained from passive system and PID scheme to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed intelligent control.
Self-Assembled 3D ZnO Porous Structures with Exposed Reactive {0001} Facets and Their Enhanced Gas Sensitivity
Authors: Chang Jin , Ahmad Muhammad , Wlodarski Wojtek , Waclawik Eric
Published: July 2013

Complex three-dimensional structures comprised of porous ZnO plates were synthesized in a controlled fashion by hydrothermal methods. Through subtle changes to reaction conditions, the ZnO structures could be self-assembled from 20 nm thick nanosheets into grass-like and flower-like structures which led to the exposure of high proportions of ZnO {0001} crystal facets for both these materials. The measured surface area of the flower-like and the grass, or platelet-like ZnO samples were 72.8 and 52.4 m2∙g−1, respectively. Gas sensing results demonstrated that the porous, flower-like ZnO structures exhibited enhanced sensing performance towards NO2 gas compared with either grass-like ZnO or commercially sourced ZnO nanoparticle samples. The porous, flower-like ZnO structures provided a high surface area which enhanced the ZnO gas sensor response. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy characterization revealed that flower-like ZnO samples possessed a higher percentage of oxygen vacancies than the other ZnO sample-types, which also contributed to their excellent gas sensing performance.
Real-Time Forecast of Hydrologically Sensitive Areas in the Salmon Creek Watershed, New York State, Using an Online Prediction Tool
Authors: Dahlke Helen , Easton Zachary , Fuka Daniel , Walter M. , Steenhuis Tammo
Published: July 2013

In the northeastern United States (U.S.), watersheds and ecosystems are impacted by nonpoint source pollution (NPS) from agricultural activity. Where agricultural fields coincide with runoff-producing areas—so called hydrologically sensitive areas (HSA)—there is a potential risk of NPS contaminant transport to streams during rainfall events. Although improvements have been made, water management practices implemented to reduce NPS pollution generally do not account for the highly variable, spatiotemporal dynamics of HSAs and the associated dynamics in NPS pollution risks. This paper presents a prototype for a web-based HSA prediction tool developed for the Salmon Creek watershed in upstate New York to assist producers and planners in quickly identifying areas at high risk of generating storm runoff. These predictions can be used to prioritize potentially polluting activities to parts of the landscape with low risks of generating storm runoff. The tool uses real-time measured data and 24–48 h weather forecasts so that locations and the timing of storm runoff generation are accurately predicted based on present-day and future moisture conditions. Analysis of HSA predictions in Salmon Creek show that 71% of the largest storm events between 2006 and 2009 were correctly predicted based on 48 h forecasted weather data. Real-time forecast of HSAs represents an important paradigm shift for the management of NPS in the northeastern U.S.
Les analogies entre coquillages et vases : Chéramys et Skaphis
Authors: Villard Laurence
Published: July 2013

À partir de deux questions précises posées par la Collection hippocratique, où l'on voit un coquillage (chéramys) servir de récipient à cuire et un nom habituel de vase (skaphis) désigner une «moule» selon Galien, l'A. étudie les analogies qui existent entre vases et coquillages, qu'il s'agisse de parentés de forme, d'usage ou de vocabulaire.
Les concours d'Épidaure
Authors: Sève Michel
Published: July 2013

Les concours d'Asclépios à Épidaure sont attestés de la fin du VIe s. av. J.-C. au milieu du IIIe s. ap. J.-C. ; mais leur notoriété semble avoir été assez faible. Elle reflète directement celle du sanctuaire, dont le meilleur moment se situe aux IVe et IIIe s. av. J.-C. Il est ensuite éclipsé par ceux de Cos, puis de Pergame, et ses concours avec lui. Ils comportaient des épreuves athlétiques (catégories hommes et enfants), hippiques et musicales. Le prix était une couronne, de laurier plutôt que d'olivier. En appendice, liste des vainqueurs connus.
Un monnayage d'Hadrien à Épidaure
Authors: Amandry Michel
Published: July 2013

Le monnayage local de bronze frappé à Épidaure à époque romaine est brièvement évoqué. La préparation du corpus de ces frappes permet pour la première fois d'attribuer à Hadrien un monnayage impérial (portant son effigie) ainsi qu'un monnayage civique (mentionnant les Asclépieia).
Le démiurge chez Hiéroclès d'Alexandrie. En réponse à l'article de Mme Hadot (R.E.G. 1990, p. 241- 262)
Authors: Aujoulat Noël
Published: July 2013

Le néoplatonisme n'est certainement pas aussi monolithique ni aussi systématique que Mme I. Hadot le voudrait. Certains auteurs, les plus féconds, ont, à l'exemple de Plotin, célébré l'Un transcendant ; d'autres, comme Origène et Hiéroclès, se sont détournés de l'Un, et Hiéroclès, qui s'élève jusqu'au nous, exalte la Tétractys. L'Alexandrin, s'il était bon écrivain, ne fut, selon Damaskios, qu'un philosophe peu exact, et ce n'est pas l'arithmologie de l'époque, fort imprécise, qui pouvait lui inspirer d'inébranlables certitudes. Le christianisme, d'autre part, si puissant à Alexandrie, a pu le faire pencher, sinon pour un Dieu créateur, du moins pour un démiurge suprême.
La résistible ascension du progrès humain chez Eschyle et Sophocle
Authors: Leclerc Marie-Christine
Published: July 2013

La conception du progrès que présente Eschyle dans le Prométhée enchaîné passe parfois pour plus archaïque et moins ferme que celle de Sophocle dans le premier stasimon d'Antigone. Mais, en resituant ces textes dans l'ensemble où ils s'inscrivent, on s'aperçoit que c'est l'inverse : la pièce d'Eschyle reste ouverte sur l'avenir, tandis que la présence obsédante de la mort dans Antigone annule toute autre perspective que celle-là même qu'elle promet.
Lettres d'Hadrien aux Épicuriens d'Athènes (14.2- 14.3.125) : SEG III 226 + IG II² 1097
Authors: Follet Simone
Published: July 2013

Les lettres d'Hadrien aux Épicuriens de février-mars 125, trouvées à Athènes, n'ont jamais encore été étudiées et interprétées, parce que J. H. Oliver, qui a eu le mérite de rapprocher les deux fragments SEG III 226 et IG II2 1097, ne les avait pas mis en place correctement. On trouve ici une nouvelle édition de ces textes d'après la pierre, avec lemme, apparat critique, commentaire et traduction française. L'empereur confirme ou accorde quelques dons aux Épicuriens, mais paraît refuser d'accéder à une demande de constructions supplémentaires faite par leur nouveau scholarque, son ami Hèliodoros.
Non-Candidal Fungal Peritonitis in Far North Queensland: A Case Series
Authors: Baer Richard A. , Killen John P. , Cho Yeoungjee , Mantha Murty
Published: July 2013

Background

Fungal peritonitis is a recognized complication in patients with end-stage renal failure treated with peritoneal dialysis (PD). Most infections are attributable to Candida species. In approximately one third of cases, the causative fungus is a non- Candida species. Recent reports in the literature show a rising incidence of non-candidal fungal peritonitis (NCFP). We report a case series of NCFP, together with two hitherto unreported species of fungi causing peritonitis, from a tropical geographic area (Far North Queensland).

Methods

This series of 10 cases of NCFP was identified from the PD peritonitis database in Far North Queensland between 1998 and 2010. All 10 patients were from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ethnic group, 8 of whom lived in remote locations. All but 1 patient had type 2 diabetes mellitus. Of the 10 cases, 7 occurred while the patients received continuous ambulatory PD. Only 1 patient avoided catheter removal, and 5 patients were permanently transferred to hemodialysis. No patient died as a result of the fungal infection. All 10 fungi represented different species. Most (6 of 10) were saprophytic; only 2 were normal skin flora. Two of the causative species ( Chaetomium and Beauveria) have rarely been associated with any form of human infection. In 7 patients, the infection occurred during the wet season (November – April). All cases met clinical criteria for peritonitis.

Discussion and Conclusions

The NCFP cases described in this series involved a variety of previously known fungal species and also two new species that have not been reported to cause disease in humans. Indigenous patients from Far North Queensland are particularly predisposed to infection with these exotic fungi as a result of environmental and social factors. Further understanding is desirable to help devise preventive strategies to avoid the consequences of catheter failure.
Correlation between Glycemic Control and the Incidence of Peritoneal and Catheter Tunnel and Exit-Site Infections in Diabetic Patients Undergoing Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Rodríguez–Carmona Ana , Pérez–Fontán Miguel , López–Muñiz Andrés , Ferreiro–Hermida Tamara , García–Falcón Teresa
Published: July 2013

Background

Diabetes mellitus, especially if complicated by poor glycemic control, portends an increased risk of infection. The significance of this association in the case of diabetic patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD) has not been assessed.

Methods

Using a retrospective observational design, we analyzed the association between glycemic control at the start of PD (estimated from glycosylated hemoglobin levels) and the risk of peritoneal and catheter tunnel and exit-site infections during follow-up in 183 incident patients on PD. We used the median value of glycosylated hemoglobin to classify patients into good (group A) or poor (group B) glycemic control groups. We applied multivariate strategies of analysis to control for other potential predictors of PD-related infection.

Results

Groups A and B differed significantly in age, dialysis vintage, use of insulin, and rate of Staphylococcus aureus carriage. Neither the incidence (0.60 episodes in group A vs 0.56 episodes in group B per patient–year) nor the time to a first peritoneal infection (median: 42 months vs 38 months) differed significantly between the study groups. In contrast, group B had a significantly higher incidence of catheter tunnel and exit-site infections (0.23 episodes vs 0.12 episodes per patient–year) and shorter time to a first infection episode (64 months vs 76 months, p = 0.004). The difference persisted in multivariate analysis (adjusted hazard ratio: 2.65; 95% confidence interval: 1.13 to 6.05; p = 0.013). We observed no differences between the study groups in the spectrum of causative organisms or in the outcomes of PD-related infections.

Conclusions

Poor glycemic control is a consistent predictor of subsequent risk of catheter tunnel and exit-site infection, but not of peritoneal infection, among diabetic patients starting PD therapy.
Metal-free aerobic oxidations mediated by N-hydroxyphthalimide. A concise review
Authors: Melone Lucio , Punta Carlo
Published: July 2013

Since the beginning of the century, N-hydroxyphthalimide and related compounds have been revealed to be efficient organocatalysts for free-radical processes and have found ample application in promoting the aerobic oxidation of a wide range of organic substrates. When combined with different co-catalysts, they are activated to the corresponding N-oxyl radical species and become able to promote radical chains, involving molecular oxygen, directly or indirectly. Most of the examples reported in the literature describe the use of these N-hydroxy derivatives in the presence of transition-metal complexes. However, eco-friendly standards, including the demand for highly selective transformations, impose the development of metal-free processes, especially for large-scale productions, as in the case of the oxygenation of hydrocarbons. For this reason, many efforts have been devoted in the past decade to the design of new protocols for the activation of N-hydroxy imides in the presence of nonmetal initiators. Herein we provide a concise overview of the most significant and successful examples in this field, with the final aim to furnish a useful instrument for all scientists actively involved in the O2-mediated selective oxidation of organic compounds and looking for environmentally safe alternatives to metal catalysis.
Clinical, Functional, and Radiographic Benefits of Longterm Adalimumab Plus Methotrexate: Final 10-year Data in Longstanding Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Keystone Edward C. , van der Heijde Désirée , Kavanaugh Arthur , Kupper Hartmut , Liu Shufang , Guérette Benoît , Mozaffarian Neelufar
Published: July 2013

Objective.

To examine the longterm effectiveness and safety of adalimumab in patients with longstanding rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and an inadequate response to methotrexate (MTX), and to assess the effect of a 1-year delay in initiation of combination therapy.

Methods.

DE019 was a 1-year randomized controlled trial (RCT) in which patients received adalimumab 20 mg weekly, adalimumab 40 mg every other week (eow), or placebo; all received concomitant MTX. Patients completing the RCT could receive open-label adalimumab 40 mg eow + MTX for an additional 9 years. Clinical, functional, and radiographic outcomes were assessed using composite measures of disease activity (e.g., American College of Rheumatology responses, 28-joint Disease Activity Score with C-reactive protein, Simplified Disease Activity Index), Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index, and the modified total Sharp score (mTSS), respectively.

Results.

Of the 619 patients randomized, 457 entered the open-label extension; 202 completed 10 years. At Year 10, patients demonstrated effective disease control and inhibition of radiographic progression. Differences in clinical and functional responses between adalimumab + MTX and placebo + MTX observed during the RCT became less apparent at Year 10. Still, patients who initially received adalimumab + MTX had significantly lower mean ΔmTSS at Year 10 compared with patients who initially received placebo + MTX. No new safety signals arose following up to 10 years of adalimumab + MTX exposure.

Conclusion.

During up to 10 years of treatment with adalimumab + MTX, patients with longstanding RA experienced effective disease control with no change to the expected safety profile. A 1-year delay in receipt of adalimumab + MTX was associated with reduced effectiveness, suggesting that a window of opportunity to prevent irreversible damage exists even in a population with established RA.
Decreased Cartilage Thickness in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Assessed by Ultrasonography
Authors: Pradsgaard Dan Østergaard , Spannow Anne Helene , Heuck Carsten , Herlin Troels
Published: July 2013

Objective.

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) may result in disability, which is caused primarily by degeneration of the osteocartilaginous structures, due to the synovial inflammatory process. It is essential to closely monitor structural damage during the disease course. We aimed to compare ultrasound (US) measurements of joint cartilage thickness in 5 joints in children with JIA to our findings in an age- and sex-related healthy cohort regarding disease duration, joint activity, JIA subtype, age, and sex.

Methods.

We clinically examined joint activity in 95 patients with JIA and collected parent and physician global assessments. Joint cartilage thickness was assessed by greyscale US in knee, ankle, wrist, metacarpophalangeal, and proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints. Measurements were compared to reference values of a healthy cohort from a previous study. Medical records were reviewed for JIA subtype, treatment, and disease duration.

Results.

Joint cartilage thickness was decreased in the knee, wrist, and second PIP joint in children with JIA compared with the healthy cohort (p < 0.001 for all). Patients with oligoarticular JIA had thicker cartilage than patients with polyarticular and systemic JIA. We also found decreased joint cartilage thickness in joints not previously affected by arthritis in children with JIA compared to the same joint in the healthy cohort. We found decreasing cartilage thickness with age and thicker cartilage in boys than in girls.

Conclusion.

Children with JIA have reduced cartilage thickness compared with children who do not have JIA, and children with polyarticular and systemic JIA have thinner cartilage than children with oligoarticular JIA.
Risk of Diabetes in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A 12-year Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Su Che-Chun , Chen Ie-Chiau , Young Fang-Ning , Lian Ie-Bin
Published: July 2013

Objective.

The incidence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) in adults with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) was investigated, and the results were compared with non-RA controls to confirm whether RA is a risk factor for diabetes mellitus (DM) in Taiwan.

Methods.

We used a databank of 1 million individuals randomly selected from 23 million Taiwanese citizens covered by the National Health Insurance plan in 2005. All persons older than age 20 years in 1998 and not diagnosed with either RA or T2D before 1998 were included. They were divided into 2 cohorts, 1 with RA and the other without. Those who had T2D before RA were excluded. Each patient in the RA cohort was followed from the RA diagnosis until the end of 2009, or until dropping out of the insurance coverage. RA was ascertained by at least 3 visits using ICD-9 code 714.0, plus at least 2 visits with prescription of antirheumatic drugs in a period of 12 months. T2D was ascertained by at least 3 visits with diabetes codes within 1 year, while hypertension (HTN) and disorders of lipid metabolism (DLM) were determined by at least 3 visits using corresponding ICD codes during the study period. Kaplan-Meier plots, log-rank tests, and Cox regression were used to study the effects of age, sex, glucocorticoid use, HTN, DLM, and RA on T2D risk.

Results.

The subjects include 600,695 adults. Of these, 4193 were diagnosed with RA, and among them 799 were diagnosed with T2D. The RA to non-RA risk ratio for T2D was 1.68 (95% CI 1.53–1.84) in men and 1.46 (95% CI 1.39–1.54) in women.

Conclusion.

RA appears to be associated with an increased risk for T2D in Taiwan.
Bedzed
Authors: Nghiem Thanh
Published: July 2013

Premier écoquartier britannique, Bedzed est l’œuvre d’un couple de pionniers qui a su réunir les entreprises et partenaires adéquats pour une réalisation exemplaire, dont il propose le modèle en open source sur Internet et au-delà. L’expérience a servi de prototype pour montrer la fiabilité d’une ville peu consommatrice d’énergie fossile, et est reprise un peu partout dans le monde.
Libres, durables et solidaires dans l'appropriation du numérique à Brest
Authors: Briand Michel
Published: July 2013

La municipalité de Brest mène une politique publique du numérique avec 108 Points d’Accès Public à Internet. Dans quelques sites les décrocheurs scolaires s’engagent pour réduire la fracture numérique générationnelle. L’apprentissage des techniques collaboratives permet la production partagée de récits du territoire et la mise en réseau d’innovations sociales ouvertes.
Mouans-Sartoux
Authors: Sempels Christophe , Andrianantenaina Holy , Adra Rola , De Georges Coline
Published: July 2013

Mouans-Sartoux (06) est une commune qui a manifesté son autonomie depuis le Moyen Âge. Depuis les années 1960, elle a su résister à l’étalement urbain tout en créant de nombreux projets et infrastructures favorisant le mieuxvivre ensemble au sein du territoire. Ces projets sont aujourd’hui documentés pour en favoriser la pollinisation par une approche originale fondée sur l’open source et les innovations numériques. Par ailleurs, Mouans-Sartoux entend expérimenter de nouveaux projets d’innovation sociétale dans cette approche ouverte.
Et la tendresse, bordel !
Authors: Molinier Pascale
Published: July 2013

L’implantation dans le domaine des soins de nouveaux intervenants, de type « éthiciens » dont la formation est théorique, pourrait être perçue de l’extérieur, comme un progrès, une garantie morale. Mais ce point de vue résiste mal à l’épreuve des faits. Sur le terrain, les éthiciens et autres formateurs aux « bonnes pratiques » doivent avant tout leur légitimité à une suspicion généralisée vis-àvis des capacités morales des soignantes peu qualifiées ; une suspicion qu’ils ont largement contribué à entretenir et renforcer ces quinze dernières années, précisément par leur candide combat contre la « maltraitance », un terme imposé par eux et qui vient légitimer leur part de marché dans la gestion des affects.
« Be happy ! »
Authors: Gaignard Lise
Published: July 2013

Se fondant sur le constat que la psychanalyse est une pratique de la société bourgeoise capitaliste occidentale, l’auteure propose d’instruire la place de l’argent dans la circulation pulsionnelle. Pour elle, la pratique de la psychanalyse est un rapport marchand dont l’argent est au centre des échanges et continuer à faire semblant de l’ignorer serait une erreur non seulement politique mais aussi technique. Dans une deuxième partie, elle rend compte de ce qu’elle entend dans les consultations « travail » qu’on lui adresse. Elle montre que leurs plaintes désespérées ou enragées masquent mal des malhonnêtetés, des mensonges, des arnaques en tous genres dont ils ne-réussissaient plus à être dupes. Elle prétend qu’une analyse économico-politique de leur trajet avec l’aide d’un clinicien est le meilleur moyen de transformer cette angoisse en embarras afin que leur vie redevienne vivable.
Macular Hard Exudates and Scar Formation After Laser Photocoagulation in Retinopathy of Prematurity
Authors: Epstein Ilan J. , Aziz Hassan A. , Young Ryan C. , Berrocal Audina M.
Published: July 2013

The authors report the formation of hard exudates and macular scarring after laser photocoagulation therapy in patients with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Two premature neonates, the first born at 24 weeks and the second at 25 weeks gestational age, were diagnosed as having ROP that necessitated laser photocoagulation treatment at 32 and 36 weeks, respectively. Subretinal fluid and macular hard exudation developed in both patients that eventually caused bilateral macular scarring. Subretinal macular fluid with hard exudation could lead to macular scar formation in neonates with ROP after laser photocoagulation that could significantly affect the visual prognosis in preterm infants.
[J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus 2013;50:e30–e32.]
Very High Fluence Collagen Cross-linking as a Refractive Enhancement of a Regressed Previous Astigmatic Keratotomy
Authors: Kanellopoulos Anastasios John
Published: July 2013

PURPOSE:

To report a novel application of collagen cross-linking (CXL) in refractive astigmatic enhancement of previously performed astigmatic keratotomy.

METHODS:

A 28-year-old woman with prior history of bioptics correction of high myopic astigmatism with femtosecond laser-assisted astigmatic keratotomy followed by topography-guided LASIK showed long-term regression of the astigmatism 4 years later. A novel CXL application was employed in an attempt to reverse the regression of the astigmatic keratotomy.

RESULTS:

The high fluence CXL intervention resulted in correction of 2 diopters of topographic and refractive cylinder. Uncorrected distance visual acuity changed from 20/50 to 20/20 and refraction from −0.50 −2.00 @ 90 to +0.25 −0.25 @ 90 at the 7-month follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS:

A possible novel application of high fluence CXL with refractive cornea effect is introduced. It may offer rapid and simple rehabilitation and its effect may be tapered.

[
J Refract Surg.
2013;29(7):504–505.]
Dilute Brimonidine to Improve Patient Comfort and Subconjunctival Hemorrhage After LASIK
Authors: Pasquali Theodore A. , Aufderheide Adam , Brinton Jason P. , Avila Michele R. , Stahl Erin D. , Durrie Daniel S.
Published: July 2013

PURPOSE:

To investigate whether dilute brimonidine (0.025%) reduces patient discomfort, subconjunctival hemorrhage, and injection after LASIK without a significant increase in the rate of flap complications or surgical enhancements.

METHODS:

This randomized, double-blind, prospective study enrolled 180 patients (360 eyes) in a contralateral eye comparison of topical dilute brimonidine, naphazoline/pheniramine, or Systane Ultra (Alcon Laboratories, Inc., Fort Worth, TX) administered shortly before LASIK for any indication. Patients were evaluated for subconjunctival hemorrhage, injection, and flap dislocation 1 hour and 1 day postoperatively. Patient questionnaires measuring patient comfort and ocular symptoms were administered at these same follow-up visits. Patients were examined for 3 months to determine similar outcomes for standard indices of safety, predictability, efficacy, and enhancement rates.

RESULTS:

Scores of patient discomfort, subconjunctival hemorrhage, and injection were significantly lower in eyes treated with dilute brimonidine at the 1 hour and 1 day postoperative examinations. Refloats for mild-flap edge wrinkling were required in 3 brimonidine eyes (2.5%), 1 naphazoline/pheniramine eye (0.8%), and no control eyes, but this difference did not reach statistical significance (
P
= .18). There was no significant difference between eyes at 3 months in terms of visual acuity, refractive error, corrected distance visual acuity, or rate of enhancement.

CONCLUSIONS:

Use of dilute brimonidine before LASIK reduces subconjunctival hemorrhage and injection and improves patient comfort after surgery. Flap edge wrinkling requiring refloat may still be a complication with dilute brimonidine.

[
J Refract Surg
. 2013;29(7):469–475.]
Simón Rodríguez Laso, un clérigo ilustrado en el colegio de San Clemente de los españoles
Authors: Nieto Sánchez Carlos
Published: July 2013

Simón Rodríguez Laso (Montejo, Salamanca, 1751, Bolonia, 1821) Doctor en Cánones por la Universidad de Bolonia, dignidad de de maestrescuela de la S. I. catedral de Ciudad Rodrigo, caballero de la Orden de Carlos III y rector del Colegio de San Clemente de Bolonia desde 1788 hasta su muerte en 1821. En este artículo se pretende dar a conocer la etapa italiana de un ilustrado español, que luchó por la supervivencia de una institución característica del Antiguo Régimen, el Colegio de San Clemente de los españoles de Bolonia, que resistió a la ofensiva del liberalismo. En el artículo se quieren también destacar algunos rasgos de la personalidad de Laso, ilustrado y regalista, que vio mitigado su pensamiento reformista por las nuevas ideas que surgieron de la Revolución Francesa y que consagró su vida al Colegio hispánico de Bolonia.
La cultura teológica de las elites letradas. ¿Especulación teórica o pragmatismo en el Tucumán del siglo XVIII?.
Authors: Benito Moya Silvano G. A.
Published: July 2013

Los estudios teológicos de la principal formadora de las elites del Tucumán, la Universidad de Córdoba, le sirvieron en su proceso de dominio del campo simbólico y también en la legitimación que de sí mismos realizaron los grupos de poder. Contrariamente a lo sostenido por los historiadores tradicionales la universidad colonial no estuvo ajena a los problemas sociales y políticos a los cuales se buscó dar solución también desde la teología.
Se distinguen dos momentos bien definidos durante el siglo XVIII, una primera etapa hasta 1767 y, otra segunda, desde la expulsión de los jesuitas hasta 1810. En éstas se estudian las corrientes del probabilismo, probabiliorismo, regalismo, galicanismo y jansenismo, desde la perspectiva de cómo se contribuyó a solidificar un determinado orden social y una cultura legítima y a sujetar los lazos de los súbditos para con sus soberanos, ligando mejor a la sociedad con el aparato de dominación.
Comparison of Induced versus Natural Regulatory T Cells of the Same TCR Specificity for Induction of Tolerance to an Environmental Antigen
Authors: Huang Hui , Ma Yanna , Dawicki Wojciech , Zhang Xiaobei , Gordon John R.
Published: July 2013

Recent evidence shows that natural CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (nTreg) and induced CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (iTreg) both contribute to tolerance in mouse models of colitis and asthma, but there is little evidence regarding their relative contributions to this tolerance. We compared the abilities of nTreg and iTreg, both from OVA-TCR–transgenic OTII mice, to mediate tolerance in OVA-asthmatic C57BL/6 mice. The iTreg were differentiated from Th2 effector T cells by exposure to IL-10–differentiated dendritic cells (DC10) in vitro or in vivo, whereas we purified nTreg from allergen-naive mice and exposed them to DC10 before use. Each Treg population was subsequently repurified and tested for its therapeutic efficacy in vitro and in vivo. DC10 engaged the nTreg in a cognate fashion in Forster (or fluorescence) resonance energy transfer assays, and these nTreg reduced in vitro OVA-asthmatic Th2 effector T cell responses by 41–56%, whereas the comparator iTreg reduced these responses by 72–86%. Neutralization of IL-10, but not TGF-β, eliminated the suppressive activities of iTreg but not nTreg. Delivery of 5 × 105 purified nTreg reduced allergen challenge–induced airway IL-4 (p ≤ 0.03) and IL-5 (p ≤ 0.001) responses of asthmatic recipients by ≤23% but did not affect airway hyperresponsiveness or IgE levels, whereas equal numbers of iTreg of identical TCR specificity reduced all airway responses to allergen challenge by 82–96% (p ≤ 0.001) and fully normalized airway hyperresponsiveness. These data confirm that allergen-specific iTreg and nTreg have active roles in asthma tolerance and that iTreg are substantially more tolerogenic in this setting.
Active Caspase-3 Is Stored within Secretory Compartments of Viable Mast Cells
Authors: Garcia-Faroldi Gianni , Melo Fabio R. , Rönnberg Elin , Grujic Mirjana , Pejler Gunnar
Published: July 2013

Caspase-3 is a main executioner of apoptotic cell death. The general notion is that, in viable cells, caspase-3 is found as a cytosolic inactive proenzyme and that caspase-3 activation is largely confined to processes associated with cell death. In this study, we challenge this notion by showing that enzymatically active caspase-3 is stored in viable mast cells. The enzymatically active caspase-3 was undetectable in the cytosol of viable cells, but was recovered in subcellular fractions containing secretory granule-localized proteases. Moreover, active caspase-3 was rapidly released into the cytosolic compartment after permeabilization of the secretory granules. Using a cell-permeable substrate for caspase-3, the presence of active caspase-3–like activity in granule-like compartments close to the plasma membrane was demonstrated. Moreover, it was shown that mast cell activation caused release of the caspase-3 to the cell exterior. During the course of mast cell differentiation from bone marrow cells, procaspase-3 was present in cells of all stages of maturation. In contrast, active caspase-3 was undetectable in bone marrow precursor cells, but increased progressively during the process of mast cell maturation, its accumulation coinciding with that of a mast cell–specific secretory granule marker, mouse mast cell protease 6. Together, the current study suggests that active caspase-3 can be stored within secretory compartments of viable mast cells.
Cutting Edge: The NLRP3 Inflammasome Links Complement-Mediated Inflammation and IL-1β Release
Authors: Laudisi Federica , Spreafico Roberto , Evrard Maximilien , Hughes Timothy R. , Mandriani Barbara , Kandasamy Matheswaran , Morgan B. Paul , Sivasankar Baalasubramanian , Mortellaro Alessandra
Published: July 2013

The complement system is a potent component of the innate immune response, promoting inflammation and orchestrating defense against pathogens. However, dysregulation of complement is critical to several autoimmune and inflammatory syndromes. Elevated expression of the proinflammatory cytokine IL-1β is often linked to such diseases. In this study, we reveal the mechanistic link between complement and IL-1β secretion using murine dendritic cells. IL-1β secretion occurs following intracellular caspase-1 activation by inflammasomes. We show that complement elicits secretion of both IL-1β and IL-18 in vitro and in vivo via the NLRP3 inflammasome. This effect depends on the inflammasome components NLRP3 and ASC, as well as caspase-1 activity. Interestingly, sublethal complement membrane attack complex formation, but not the anaphylatoxins C3a and C5a, activated the NLRP3 inflammasome in vivo. These findings provide insight into the molecular processes underlying complement-mediated inflammation and highlight the possibility of targeting IL-1β to control complement-induced disease and pathological inflammation.
Y14 Positively Regulates TNF-α–Induced NF-κB Transcriptional Activity via Interacting RIP1 and TRADD Beyond an Exon Junction Complex Protein
Authors: Togi Sumihito , Shiga Kaname , Muromoto Ryuta , Kato Masaya , Souma Yuki , Sekine Yuichi , Kon Shigeyuki , Oritani Kenji , Matsuda Tadashi
Published: July 2013

Although Y14 is known to be a component of the exon junction complex, we previously reported that Y14 regulates IL-6–induced STAT3 activation. In this study, we showed that endogenous Y14 positively regulated TNF-α–induced IL-6 expression in HeLa cells. Small interfering RNA–mediated Y14-knockdown reduced TNF-α–induced and NF-κB–mediated transcriptional activity, phosphorylation/degradation of IκBα, and nuclear localization of NF-κB/p65. As in the case of IL-6 stimuli, Y14 enhanced TNF-α–induced STAT3 phosphorylation, which is important for its nuclear retention. However, our manipulation of Y14 expression indicated that it is involved in TNF-α–induced IL-6 expression via both STAT3-dependent and -independent mechanisms. We screened signaling molecules in the TNF-α–NF-κB pathway and found that Y14 endogenously associated with receptor-interacting protein 1 (RIP1) and TNFR-associated death domain (TRADD). Overexpression of RIP1, but not TRADD, restored TNF-α–induced NF-κB activation in Y14-knockdown cells, and Y14 overexpression restored TNF-α–induced NF-κB activation in TRADD-knockdown cells, but not in RIP1-knockdown cells, indicating that Y14 lies downstream of TRADD and upstream of RIP1. Of importance, Y14 significantly enhanced the binding between RIP1 and TRADD, and this is a possible new mechanism for Y14-mediated modification of TNF-α signals. Although Y14 associates with MAGOH in the exon junction complex, Y14’s actions in the TNF-α–NF-κB pathway are unlikely to require MAGOH. Therefore, Y14 positively regulates signals for TNF-α–induced IL-6 production at multiple steps beyond an exon junction complex protein.
Bioremediation of refinery wastewater using immobilised Burkholderia cepacia and Corynebacterium sp and their transconjugants
Authors: Ajao Abdullahi T. , Yakubu Sabo E. , Umoh Veronica J. , Ameh Joseph B.
Published: July 2013

When oil spill occurs, it poses serious toxic hazards to all forms of life. Mixed culture of Burkholderia cepacia and Corynebacterium sp isolated from refinery sludge using selective enrichment technique was used for bioremediation of refinery wastewater in a laboratoryscale bioreactor. Physicochemical parameters of both raw and treated water were as determined and compared with Federal Environ - mental Protection Agency (FEPA-limit, Abuja, Nigeria) to asses the efficiency of the bioremediation process. Each of the bacterium was screened for the presence of plasmid DNA and for the involvement or otherwise of plasmid in the bioremediation of wastewater. The immobilised cells showed percentage decrease in chemical oxygen demand (97%), biochemical oxygen demand (94%), phenol (98%), total petroleum hydrocarbon (79%), oil and grease (90%) of the refinery waste water after 20 days of treatment while their transconjugants showed the multiplicative effect by achieving the same percentage after 10 days of treatment. Therefore, the findings revealed that bioaugmentation of wastewater using transmissible catabolic plasmid will enhance efficiency of the bioremediation by spreading the plasmid among indigenous microbial community either through horizontal gene transfer or transformation.
Nurses’ experiences and understanding of workplace violence in a trauma and emergency department in South Africa
Authors: Kennedy Maureen , Julie Hester
Published: July 2013

Violence in South African society has reached epidemic levels and has permeated the walls of the workplace. The aim of the study was to gain a deeper understanding of how nurses experience and understand workplace violence perpetrated by patients, and to make recommendations to reduce this type of violence. A qualitative, exploratory and descriptive study was conducted to explore the experiences and coping mechanisms of nurses regarding workplace violence. The purposive sample comprised eight nurses working in the Trauma and Emergency Department in the Western Cape, South Africa. Thematic analysis was done of the semi-structured interviews. Four main themes and 10 categories were identified. Nurses are experiencing physical threats, verbal abuse and psychological and imminent violence on a regular basis. They tend to ‘normalise’ abusive patient behaviour because of the perception that workplace abuse ‘comes with the territory’, which resulted in under-reporting. However, perpetrators received compromised care by being avoided, ignored or given only minimal nursing care. Coping mechanisms ranged from using colleagues as sounding boards, helping out with duties, taking a smoke break and using friends and family to get it ‘off their chest’. The tolerance of non-physical violence and the absence of policies to deal with the violence, contribute to under-reporting.Geweld in die Suid-Afrikaanse samelewing het epidemiese vlakke bereik en selfs werksplekke binnegedring. Die doel van die studie was om ‘n dieper begrip te verkry van hoe verpleegsters geweld deur pasiënte by die ​​werksplek ervaar en verstaan, en aanbevelings te maak om hierdie tipe van geweld te verminder. ‘n Kwalititatiewe, eksploratiewe en beskrywende ontwerp is gebruik om die ervaringe en hanteringsmeganismes te verken van verpleegkundiges wat aan werkpleksgeweld blootgestel was. ‘n Doelgerigte steekproef is gedoen bestaande uit agt verpleegkundiges werksaam in die Trauma en Nooddienste Departement in die Weskaap, Suid Afrika. Die semi-gestruktureerde onderhoude is kwalitatief ontleed vir temas. Vier hooftemas en 10 kategorieë is geïdentifiseer. Verpleegkundiges ervaar dreigemente van fisiese geweld, verbale misbruik en psigiese en dreigende geweld gereeld. Hulle is geneig om pasiënte se misbruikende gedrag te ‘normaliseer’ omdat hulle die persepsie het dat geweld of misbruik ‘deel van die werksomgewing’ is. Hierdie persepsie gee aanleiding tot onder-rapportering van nie-fisiese geweld en gekompromitteerde sorg deurdat skuldige pasiënte of vermy, geïgnoreer of minimale sorg gegee word. Hanterings meganismes sluit in reflektering teenoor kollegas, uithelp met take, die gebruikmaking van ’n rook breek, en ontlaaing teenoor familielede en vriende. Die toleransie van nie-fisiese geweld en die gebrek van beleidsriglyne dra by tot die onder-rapportering van werksplek geweld.
An investigation into the ancient Egyptian cultural influences on the Yorubas of Nigeria
Authors: Agai Jock M.
Published: July 2013

There are many cultural practices that connect ancient Egyptians to the Yorubas and the new interpretation of the Oduduwa legend suggests that the Yorubas have originated or are influenced mainly by the Egyptians. The attestation of Egypt as the main influencer of the Yoruba culture made Egypt significant in the study of the history of the Yoruba people. Some writers are beginning to think that the ancient Egyptians were responsible for introducing and spreading many cultures amongst the Yorubas. As more Yorubas are tracing their origins and the origins of their culture to ancient Egypt, this research investigates whether the Egyptians were the originators and the main spreaders of the afterlife culture in Yorubaland.
Legendrian contact homology in Seifert fibered spaces
Authors: Licata Joan E. , Sabloff Joshua M.
Published: July 2013

We define a differential graded algebra associated to a Legendrian knot in a Seifert fibered space with a transverse contact structure. The new feature of this construction is the existence of orbifold points in the Reeb orbit space of the contact manifold. These orbifold points are images of the exceptional fibers of the Seifert fibered manifold, and they play a key role in the definitions of the differential and the grading, as well as in the proof of invariance. We apply the invariant to distinguish Legendrian knots whose homology is torsion and whose underlying topological knot types are isotopic; such examples exist in any sufficiently complicated contact Seifert fibered space.
Clinical and Immunological Aspects of Post–Kala-Azar Dermal Leishmaniasis in Bangladesh
Authors: Islam Shamim , Kenah Eben , Bhuiyan Mohammed Ashraful Alam , Rahman Kazi Mizanur , Goodhew Brook , Ghalib Chowdhury Mohammad , Zahid M. M. , Ozaki Masayo , Rahman M. W. , Haque Rashidul , Luby Stephen P. , Maguire James H. , Martin Diana , Bern Caryn
Published: July 2013

We conducted active surveillance for kala-azar and post–kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL) in a population of 24,814 individuals. Between 2002 and 2010, 1,002 kala-azar and 185 PKDL cases occurred. Median PKDL patient age was 12 years; 9% had no antecedent kala-azar. Cases per 10,000 person-years peaked at 90 for kala-azar (2005) and 28 for PKDL (2007). Cumulative PKDL incidence among kala-azar patients was 17% by 5 years. Kala-azar patients younger than 15 years were more likely than older patients to develop PKDL; no other risk factors were identified. The most common lesions were hypopigmented macules. Of 98 untreated PKDL patients, 48 (49%) patients had resolution, with median time of 19 months. Kala-azar patients showed elevated interferon-γ (IFNγ), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα), and interleukin 10 (IL-10). Matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) and MMP9/tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP1) ratio were significantly higher in PKDL patients than in other groups. PKDL is frequent in Bangladesh and poses a challenge to the current visceral leishmaniasis elimination initiative in the Indian subcontinent.
Severity of Diarrhea and Malnutrition among Under Five-Year-Old Children in Rural Bangladesh
Authors: Ferdous Farzana , Das Sumon K. , Ahmed Shahnawaz , Farzana Fahmida D. , Latham Jonathan R. , Chisti Mohammod J. , Ud-Din Abu I. M. S. , Azmi Ishrat J. , Talukder Kaisar A. , Faruque Abu S. G.
Published: July 2013

Enteric pathogens are commonly associated with diarrhea among malnourished children. This study aimed to determine the association between the severity of diarrheal illnesses and malnutrition among under 5-year-old children. During 2010 and 2011, we studied 2,324 under 5-year-old diarrheal children with mild disease (MD) and moderate-to-severe disease (MSD) attending a hospital in Bangladesh. Children with MSD were more likely to be malnourished compared with children with MD (35% versus 24%, P < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, malnutrition (odds ratio [95% confidence interval] = 1.53 [1.22, 1.92]), age of the child (24–59 months; 1.67 [1.28, 2.19]), fever (1.65 [1.28, 2.12]), abdominal pain (1.87 [1.48, 2.37]), straining (5.93 [4.80, 7.33]), and infection with Shigella (3.26 [2.38, 4.46]) and Vibrio cholerae (2.21 [1.07, 4.58]) were shown to be significantly associated with MSD. Factors significantly associated with malnutrition were disease severity (1.56 [1.24, 1.95]), age (24–59 months; 1.75 [1.38, 2.22]), mother's schooling (1.54 [1.16, 2.04]), and monthly household income (1.71 [1.42, 2.07]). Childhood malnutrition was associated with dysentery and dehydrating diarrhea.