bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Grounding Adult Education Research in Rural Areas
Authors: Zeelen Jacques , Rampedi Makgwana , van der Linden Josje
Published: July 2013

Mission statements of universities in developing countries usually include serving the surrounding communities. Often this service does not reach beyond lip service. This article puts into context the experience of developing an adult education research program responding to the needs of the surrounding community in a historically disadvantaged rural area. The areas of research were adult education needs assessment and community development, young adults at risk, adult health education, and policy and implementation issues. Globalization, social exclusion, and lifelong learning were key concepts tailored to the specific context of the rural areas in South Africa. The first two authors of the article were personally involved in the program, as a visiting professor from the Netherlands and his South African successor, respectively. The third author worked in a similar program at the Eduardo Mondlane University in Maputo, Mozambique.
Natural convection flow in a vertical microchannel with suction/injection
Authors: Jha Basant K , Aina Babatunde , Joseph Sylvester B
Published: July 2013

This study analyses the hydrodynamic and thermal behaviours of a fully developed natural convection flow in a vertical parallel-plate microchannel with suction/injection. The velocity slip and temperature jump at the walls are taken into account. The fully developed solutions of the velocity, temperature, volume flow rate, rate of heat transfer which is expressed as the Nusselt number and skin friction are derived analytically. The influence of each governing parameter on the microchannel hydrodynamic and thermal behaviours is discussed with the aid of graphs. Results show that as suction/injection on the channel surfaces increases, the volume flow rate increases and the rate of heat transfer decreases. In addition, it is observed that increase in the effects of rarefaction and fluid–wall interaction results in the increase in the volume flow rate and decrease in the heat transfer rate.
Low adhesion due to oxide formation in the presence of salt
Authors: Hardwick Christopher , Lewis Roger , Olofsson Ulf
Published: July 2013

This paper outlines work carried out to assess how, during winter months, adhesion may be influenced by contamination of the rail head by the salt/grit that is applied to road surfaces as a preventative method to stop ice formation. Twin-disc testing was carried out in which a mechanically formed oxide layer was produced on the disc specimens prior to assessing adhesion levels under realistic contact pressures and slips in the following conditions: dry, wet, dry salt and two salt/water solutions. Under dry conditions adhesion levels differ little from reference tests without an oxide layer, however, the presence of an oxide layer under wet conditions can be seen to further reduce adhesion from a reference level (0.2) to below 0.1. When salt is entrained into the contact it increases adhesion levels above that seen under wet conditions in the presence of an oxide layer, however, the presence of salt is most likely to affect the generation of rail head oxides in the first place and in turn influence adhesion.
Ankle Joint Pressure Changes in a Pes Cavovarus Model
Authors: Schmid Timo , Zurbriggen Sebastian , Zderic Ivan , Gueorguiev Boyko , Weber Martin , Krause Fabian G.
Published: July 2013

Background:

A fixed cavovarus foot deformity can be associated with anteromedial ankle arthrosis due to elevated medial joint contact stresses. Supramalleolar valgus osteotomies (SMOT) and lateralizing calcaneal osteotomies (LCOT) are commonly used to treat symptoms by redistributing joint contact forces. In a cavovarus model, the effects of SMOT and LCOT on the lateralization of the center of force (COF) and reduction of the peak pressure in the ankle joint were compared.

Methods:

A previously published cavovarus model with fixed hindfoot varus was simulated in 10 cadaver specimens. Closing wedge supramalleolar valgus osteotomies 3 cm above the ankle joint level (6 and 11 degrees) and lateral sliding calcaneal osteotomies (5 and 10 mm displacement) were analyzed at 300 N axial static load (half body weight). The COF migration and peak pressure decrease in the ankle were recorded using high-resolution TekScan pressure sensors.

Results:

A significant lateral COF shift was observed for each osteotomy: 2.1 mm for the 6 degrees ( P = .014) and 2.3 mm for the 11 degrees SMOT ( P = .010). The 5 mm LCOT led to a lateral shift of 2.0 mm ( P = .042) and the 10 mm LCOT to a shift of 3.0 mm ( P = .006). Comparing the different osteotomies among themselves no significant differences were recorded. No significant anteroposterior COF shift was seen. A significant peak pressure reduction was recorded for each osteotomy: The SMOT led to a reduction of 29% ( P = .033) for the 6 degrees and 47% ( P = .003) for the 11 degrees osteotomy, and the LCOT to a reduction of 41% ( P = .003) for the 5 mm and 49% ( P = .002) for the 10 mm osteotomy. Similar to the COF lateralization no significant differences between the osteotomies were seen.

Conclusion:

LCOT and SMOT significantly reduced anteromedial ankle joint contact stresses in this cavovarus model. The unloading effects of both osteotomies were equivalent. More correction did not lead to significantly more lateralization of the COF or more reduction of peak pressure but a trend was seen.

Clinical Relevance:

In patients with fixed cavovarus feet, both SMOT and LCOT provided equally good redistribution of elevated ankle joint contact forces. Increasing the amount of displacement did not seem to equally improve the joint pressures. The site of osteotomy could therefore be chosen on the basis of surgeon’s preference, simplicity, or local factors in case of more complex reconstructions.
Propagation of torsional surface waves in an inhomogeneous layer over an initially stressed inhomogeneous half-space
Authors: Gupta Shishir , Kundu Samapti , Vishwakarma Sumit Kumar
Published: July 2013

This paper has been framed to study the propagation of torsional surface waves in an inhomogeneous layer of finite thickness over an initially stressed inhomogeneous half-space. Rigidity, density and initial stress of the half-space are assumed to have linear variation, and in layers linear variation in rigidity and density are also considered. It has been observed that the inhomogeneity parameter and the initial stress play an important role for the propagation of the torsional surface wave. The method of separation of variables is applied to find the displacement field. The dispersion equation of phase velocity is derived. The velocities of torsional waves are calculated numerically as a function of kH and presented in a number of graphs, where k is the wave number, and H is the thickness of the layer. Graphical user interface has been developed using MATLAB to generalize the effect of the various parameters discussed. As a particular case it has been seen that the dispersion equation is in agreement with the classical result of the Love wave when the initial stresses and inhomogeneity parameters are neglected.
“Because She’s One Who Listens”
Authors: Malloy Lindsay C. , Brubacher Sonja P. , Lamb Michael E.
Published: July 2013

The current study examined investigative interviews using the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) Investigative Interview Protocol with 204, five- to thirteen-year-old suspected victims of child sexual abuse. The analyses focused on who children told, who they wanted (or did not want) to tell and why, their expectations about being believed, and other general motivations for disclosure. Children’s spontaneous reports as well as their responses to interviewer questions about disclosure were explored. Results demonstrated that the majority of children discussed disclosure recipients in their interviews, with 78 children (38%) explaining their disclosures. Only 15 children (7%) mentioned expectations about whether recipients would believe their disclosures. There were no differences between the types of information elicited by interviewers and those provided spontaneously, suggesting that, when interviewed in an open-ended, facilitative manner, children themselves produce informative details about their disclosure histories. Results have practical implications for professionals who interview children about sexual abuse.
Designs on the desert: camouflage, deception and the militarization of space
Authors: Forsyth Isla
Published: July 2013

Throughout the Second World War camouflage was employed to conceal and counterfeit the military’s presence in diverse landscape habitats; a technology designed to wipe out revealing patterns and inscribe false forms, all in order to make of enemy reconnaissance a glass eye. It was on the plains of the North African desert that the technology proved its effectiveness for military strategy. The desert was an expansive, shifting environment, demanding a new relationship between modern militarism and knowledge of the earth’s surface. Where aerial reconnaissance could threaten to expose military desert designs, other forms of visual literacy were developed to engage with the vertical, as well as the horizontal, plane, all in order to camouflage military movements. This paper critically considers the triangulation of the technology of the aeroplane, and the camera, alongside the granular surface of sand. It explores the working practices of British desert camoufleurs, a diverse group of practitioners, including artists, scientists, filmmakers and, less expectedly, a magician, who were handpicked by the military due to their skills in visual literacy. Their innovations in camouflage form a narrative focusing on the development of desert-based design practices that subsequently arose from military engagements with this environment. The paper seeks to show both the aesthetic and the political implications of these military incursions into the desert, telling how the militarization of the desert exploited a land of mirages to deadly effect.
Turning-Based Treadmill Training Improves Turning Performance and Gait Symmetry After Stroke
Authors: Chen I-Hsuan , Yang Yea-Ru , Chan Rai-Chi , Wang Ray-Yau
Published: July 2013

Background. Turning is a challenging task for stroke patients. Programs that effectively target turning, however, have not been established. Objective. This study examined the effects of a novel turning-based treadmill training on turning performance, gait symmetry, balance, and muscle strength in patients with chronic stroke. Methods. Thirty participants were randomly assigned to the experimental group that received 30 minutes of turning-based treadmill training or to the control group that received 30 minutes of regular treadmill training, followed by a 10-minute general exercise program for 12 sessions over 4 weeks. Primary outcomes (overground turning speed and temporal–spatial characteristics of straight walking) and secondary outcomes (balance and muscle strength) were assessed at baseline, after training, and at 1-month follow-up. Results. Fifteen participants per group were 54.2 ± 9.6 years old, poststroke 2.6 ± 1.9 years, and walked overground at 0.59 ± 0.28 m/s. Sixteen had an ischemic and 14 a hemorrhagic stroke. There were significant interaction effects between groups and time on turning speed regardless of turning direction, straight-walking performance (speed and temporal symmetry), strength of hip muscles and ankle dorsiflexors, and balance control (Berg Balance Scale, weight shifting in the forward direction and vestibular function). Compared with the control group, the experimental group showed greater improvements in these measures following training. These improvements persisted at the 1-month follow-up evaluation. Conclusions. Turning-based treadmill training may be a feasible and effective strategy to improve turning ability, gait symmetry, muscle strength, and balance control for individuals with chronic stroke.
Simulations of the anisotropy of friction force between a silicon tip and a substrate at nanoscale
Authors: Chen Lihuan , Wang Yufeng , Bu Hao , Chen Yunfei
Published: July 2013

In this article, the anisotropy of the friction force with a variety of rotation angles between a silicon tip and a substrate was investigated using molecular dynamics simulations. When the silicon tip slides over the silicon substrate under incommensurate contacting surfaces, the results of the simulations illustrate that the sliding friction forces decrease with the increase of the rotation angle from 0° to 45° and increase with the increase of the rotation angle from 45° to 90°. Furthermore, an approximate symmetrical curve of the friction force for the 45° angle can be obtained, and the friction force is minimum and close to superlubricity at the 45° angle. However, at the same angle, the friction force stops decreasing with the increase of the temperature and its magnitude depends mainly on the degree of the commensurability of the contacting surfaces rather than the temperature.
Improving uniformity of CdS nanoparticle deposition on TiO2 nanotubes by enlarging the intertube space
Authors: Liu Lingjuan , Wang Yan , Xu Guangqing , Su Lili , Lv Jun , Wu Yucheng
Published: July 2013

Highly ordered TiO2 nanotube arrays were fabricated via electrochemical anodization, and CdS nanoparticles were deposited on TiO2 nanotube arrays through sequential chemical bath deposition technique. The influence of water content on the intertube space and length and pore size of TiO2 nanotubes were studied systematically. The uniformity of CdS nanoparticles deposited on the TiO2 nanotube arrays with different intertube spaces was also investigated. The results show that when the water content increased from 2 to 10 vol.%, the shape of TiO2 nanotubes changed from hexagon to round with the increasing intertube space, and CdS nanoparticles could be deposited uniformly both inside and outside of TiO2 nanotubes when the water content was 10 vol.%.
Quantification and compensation of the impact of faults in system throughput
Authors: Rodríguez Ricardo J , Júlvez Jorge , Merseguer José
Published: July 2013

Performability relates the performance (throughput) and reliability of software systems whose normal behaviour may degrade owing to the existence of faults. These systems, naturally modelled as discrete event systems using shared resources, can incorporate fault-tolerant techniques to mitigate such a degradation. In this article, compositional fault-tolerant models based on Petri nets, which make its sensitive performability analysis easier, are proposed. Besides, two methods to compensate existence of faults are provided: an iterative algorithm to compute the number of extra resources needed, and an integer-linear programming problem that minimises the cost of incrementing resources and/or decrementing fault-tolerant activities. The applicability of the developed methods is shown on a Petri net that models a secure database system.
A novel type of light-harvesting antenna protein of red algal origin in algae with secondary plastids
Authors: Sturm Sabine , Engelken Johannes , Gruber Ansgar , Vugrinec Sascha , G Kroth Peter , Adamska Iwona , Lavaud Johann
Published: July 2013

Background

Light, the driving force of photosynthesis, can be harmful when present in excess; therefore, any light harvesting system requires photoprotection. Members of the extended light-harvesting complex (LHC) protein superfamily are involved in light harvesting as well as in photoprotection and are found in the red and green plant lineages, with a complex distribution pattern of subfamilies in the different algal lineages.

Results

Here, we demonstrate that the recently discovered “red lineage chlorophyll a/b-binding-like proteins” (RedCAPs) form a monophyletic family within this protein superfamily. The occurrence of RedCAPs was found to be restricted to the red algal lineage, including red algae (with primary plastids) as well as cryptophytes, haptophytes and heterokontophytes (with secondary plastids of red algal origin). Expression of a full-length RedCAP:GFP fusion construct in the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum confirmed the predicted plastid localisation of RedCAPs. Furthermore, we observed that similarly to the fucoxanthin chlorophyll a/c-binding light-harvesting antenna proteins also RedCAP transcripts in diatoms were regulated in a diurnal way at standard light conditions and strongly repressed at high light intensities.

Conclusions

The absence of RedCAPs from the green lineage implies that RedCAPs evolved in the red lineage after separation from the the green lineage. During the evolution of secondary plastids, RedCAP genes therefore must have been transferred from the nucleus of the endocytobiotic alga to the nucleus of the host cell, a process that involved complementation with pre-sequences allowing import of the gene product into the secondary plastid bound by four membranes. Based on light-dependent transcription and on localisation data, we propose that RedCAPs might participate in the light (intensity and quality)-dependent structural or functional reorganisation of the light-harvesting antennae of the photosystems upon dark to light shifts as regularly experienced by diatoms in nature. Remarkably, in plastids of the red lineage as well as in green lineage plastids, the phycobilisome based cyanobacterial light harvesting system has been replaced by light harvesting systems that are based on members of the extended LHC protein superfamily, either for one of the photosystems (PS I of red algae) or for both (diatoms). In their proposed function, the RedCAP protein family may thus have played a role in the evolutionary structural remodelling of light-harvesting antennae in the red lineage.
Whole-genome resequencing of Hanwoo (Korean cattle) and insight into regions of homozygosity
Authors: Lee Kyung-Tai , Chung Won-Hyong , Lee Sung-Yeoun , Choi Jung-Woo , Kim Jiwoong , Lim Dajeong , Lee Seunghwan , Jang Gul-Won , Kim Bumsoo , Choy Yun Ho , Liao Xiaoping , Stothard Paul , Moore Stephen S , Lee Sang-Heon , Ahn Sungmin , Kim Namshin , Kim Tae-Hun
Published: July 2013

Background

Hanwoo (Korean cattle), which originated from natural crossbreeding between taurine and zebu cattle, migrated to the Korean peninsula through North China. Hanwoo were raised as draft animals until the 1970s without the introduction of foreign germplasm. Since 1979, Hanwoo has been bred as beef cattle. Genetic variation was analyzed by whole-genome deep resequencing of a Hanwoo bull. The Hanwoo genome was compared to that of two other breeds, Black Angus and Holstein, and genes within regions of homozygosity were investigated to elucidate the genetic and genomic characteristics of Hanwoo.

Results

The Hanwoo bull genome was sequenced to 45.6-fold coverage using the ABI SOLiD system. In total, 4.7 million single-nucleotide polymorphisms and 0.4 million small indels were identified by comparison with the Btau4.0 reference assembly. Of the total number of SNPs and indels, 58% and 87%, respectively, were novel. The overall genotype concordance between the SNPs and BovineSNP50 BeadChip data was 96.4%. Of 1.6 million genetic differences in Hanwoo, approximately 25,000 non-synonymous SNPs, splice-site variants, and coding indels (NS/SS/Is) were detected in 8,360 genes. Among 1,045 genes containing reliable specific NS/SS/Is in Hanwoo, 109 genes contained more than one novel damaging NS/SS/I. Of the genes containing NS/SS/Is, 610 genes were assigned as trait-associated genes. Moreover, 16, 78, and 51 regions of homozygosity (ROHs) were detected in Hanwoo, Black Angus, and Holstein, respectively. ‘Regulation of actin filament length’ was revealed as a significant gene ontology term and 25 trait-associated genes for meat quality and disease resistance were found in 753 genes that resided in the ROHs of Hanwoo. In Hanwoo, 43 genes were located in common ROHs between whole-genome resequencing and SNP chips in BTA2, 10, and 13 coincided with quantitative trait loci for meat fat traits. In addition, the common ROHs in BTA2 and 16 were in agreement between Hanwoo and Black Angus.

Conclusions

We identified 4.7 million SNPs and 0.4 million small indels by whole-genome resequencing of a Hanwoo bull. Approximately 25,000 non-synonymous SNPs, splice-site variants, and coding indels (NS/SS/Is) were detected in 8,360 genes. Additionally, we found 25 trait-associated genes for meat quality and disease resistance among 753 genes that resided in the ROHs of Hanwoo. These findings will provide useful genomic information for identifying genes or casual mutations associated with economically important traits in cattle.
Stabilized homoserine o-succinyltransferases (MetA) or L-methionine partially recovers the growth defect in Escherichia coli lacking ATP-dependent proteases or the DnaK chaperone
Authors: Mordukhova Elena A , Kim Dooil , Pan Jae-Gu
Published: July 2013

Background

The growth of Escherichia coli at elevated temperatures is limited due to the inherent instability of homoserine o-succinyltransferase, MetA, which is the first enzyme in the methionine biosynthesis pathway. MetA is also unstable under other stressful conditions, such as weak organic acids and oxidative stress. The MetA protein unfolds, even at 25°C, forms considerable aggregates at 37°C and completely aggregates at 44°C.

Results

We extended the MetA mutation studies using a consensus concept based on statistics and sequence database analysis to predict the point mutations resulting in increased MetA stability. In this study, four single amino acid substitutions (Q96K, I124L, I229Y and F247Y) in MetA designed according to the consensus concept and using the I-mutant2.0 modeling tool conferred accelerated growth on the E. coli strain WE at 44°C. MetA mutants that enabled E. coli growth at higher temperatures did not display increased melting temperatures (T
m
) or enhanced catalytic activity but did show improved in vivo stability at mild (37°C) and elevated (44°C) temperatures. Notably, we observed that the stabilized MetA mutants partially recovered the growth defects of E. coli mutants in which ATP-dependent proteases or the DnaK chaperone was deleted. These results suggest that the impaired growth of these E. coli mutants primarily reflect the inherent instability of MetA and, thus, the methionine supply. As further evidence, the addition of methionine recovered most of the growth defects in mutants lacking either ATP-dependent proteases or the DnaK chaperone.

Conclusions

A collection of stable single-residue mutated MetA enzymes were constructed and investigated as background for engineering the stabilized mutants. In summary, the mutations in a single gene, metA, reframe the window of growth temperature in both normal and mutant E. coli strains.
Different culture media affect growth characteristics, surface marker distribution and chondrogenic differentiation of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells
Authors: Hagmann Sebastien , Moradi Babak , Frank Sebastian , Dreher Thomas , Kämmerer Peer Wolfgang , Richter Wiltrud , Gotterbarm Tobias
Published: July 2013

Background

Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (BM-MSCs) play an important role in modern tissue engineering, while distinct variations of culture media compositions and supplements have been reported. Because MSCs are heterogeneous regarding their regenerative potential and their surface markers, these parameters were compared in four widely used culture media compositions.

Methods

MSCs were isolated from bone marrow and expanded in four established cell culture media. MSC yield/1000 MNCs, passage time and growth index were observed. In P4, typical MSC surface markers were analysed by fluorescence cytometry. Additionally, chondrogenic, adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation potential were evaluated.

Results

Growth index and P0 cell yield varied importantly between the media. The different expansion media had a significant influence on the expression of CD10, CD90, CD105, CD140b CD146 and STRO-1. While no significant differences were observed regarding osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation, chondrogenic differentiation was superior in medium A as reflected by GAG/DNA content.

Conclusions

The choice of expansion medium can have a significant influence on growth, differentiation potential and surface marker expression of mesenchymal stromal cells, which is of fundamental importance for tissue engineering procedures.
A randomized controlled trial to assess the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of urinary catheters with silver alloy coating in spinal cord injured patients: trial protocol
Authors: Bonfill Xavier , Rigau David , Jáuregui-Abrisqueta María Luisa , Barrera Chacón Juana María , Salvador de la Barrera Sebastián , Alemán-Sánchez Carolina María , Bea-Muñoz Manuel , Moraleda Pérez Susana , Borau Duran Albert , Espinosa Quirós Juan Ramón , Ledesma Romano Luís , Esteban Fuertes Manuel , Araya Ignacio , Martínez-Zapata Ma José
Published: July 2013

Background

Patients with non-acute spinal cord injury that carry indwelling urinary catheters have an increased risk of urinary tract infection (UTIs). Antiseptic Silver Alloy-Coated Silicone Urinary Catheters seems to be a promising intervention to reduce UTIs; however, actual evidence cannot be extrapolated to spinal cord injured patients. The aim of this trial is to make a comparison between the use of antiseptic silver alloy-coated silicone urinary catheters and the use of standard urinary catheters in spinal cord injured patients to prevent UTIs.

Methods/Design

The study will consist in an open, randomized, multicentre, and parallel clinical trial with blinded assessment. The study will include 742 spinal cord injured patients who require at least seven days of urethral catheterization as a method of bladder voiding. Participants will be online centrally randomized and allocated to one of the two study arms (silver alloy-coated or standard catheters). Catheters will be used for a maximum period of 30 days or removed earlier if the clinician considers it necessary. The main outcome will be the incidence of UTIs by the time of catheter removal or at day 30 after catheterization, the event that occurs first. Intention-to-treat analysis will be performed, as well as a primary analysis of all patients.

Discussion

The aim of this study is to assess whether silver alloy-coated silicone urinary catheters improve ITUs in spinal cord injured patients. ESCALE is intended to be the first study to evaluate the efficacy of the silver alloy-coated catheters in spinal cord injured patients.

Trial registration

NCT01803919
Compound 49b protects against blast-induced retinal injury
Authors: Jiang Youde , Liu Li , Pagadala Jayaprakash , Miller Duane D , Steinle Jena J
Published: July 2013

Aim

To determine whether Compound 49b, a novel beta-adrenergic receptor agonist, can prevent increased inflammation and apoptosis in mice after exposure to ocular blast.

Methods

Eyes of C57/BL6 mice were exposed to a blast of air from a paintball gun at 26 psi (≈0.18 MPa). Eyes were collected 4 hours, 24 hours, and 72 hours after blast exposure. In a subset of mice, Compound 49b eyedrops (1 mM) were applied within 4 hours, 24 hours, or 72 hours of the blast. Three days after blast exposure, all mice were sacrificed. One eye was used to measure levels of retinal proteins (TNFα, IL-1β, Bax, BcL-xL, caspase 3, and cytochrome C). The other eye was used for TUNEL labeling of apoptotic cells, which were co-labeled with NeuN to stain for retinal ganglion cells.

Results

We found that ocular exposure to 26 psi air pressure led to a significant increase in levels of apoptotic and inflammatory mediators within 4 hours, which lasted throughout the period investigated. When Compound 49b was applied within 4 hours or 24 hours of blast injury, levels of apoptotic and inflammatory mediators were significantly reduced. Application of Compound 49b within 72 hours of blast injury reduced levels of inflammatory mediators, but not to untreated levels.

Conclusions

Ocular blast injury produces a significant increase in levels of key inflammatory and apoptotic markers in the retina as early as 4 hours after blast exposure. These levels are significantly reduced if a beta-adrenergic receptor agonist is applied within 24 hours of blast exposure. Data suggest that local application of beta-adrenergic receptor agonists may be beneficial to reduce inflammation and apoptosis.
Possible association between common variants of the phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) gene and memory performance in healthy adults
Authors: Teraishi Toshiya , Sasayama Daimei , Hori Hiroaki , Yamamoto Noriko , Fujii Takashi , Matsuo Junko , Nagashima Anna , Kinoshita Yukiko , Hattori Kotaro , Ota Miho , Fujii Sayaka , Kunugi Hiroshi
Published: July 2013

Background

Phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) is the enzyme that metabolizes phenylalanine, an essential amino acid required for catecholamine synthesis. Rare mutations in PAH are causal to phenylketonuria (PKU), an autosomal recessive disease characterized by neuropsychiatric symptoms including intellectual disability. We examined whether there is an association between common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of PAH and memory performance in the Japanese population.

Methods

Subjects were 599 healthy adults (166 males and 433 females; mean age 43.8 ± 15.5 years). The Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised (WMS-R) was administered to all participants to assess memory performance. Genotyping was performed for 6 selected tagging SNPs of PAH (rs1722387, rs3817446, rs1718301, rs2037639, rs10860936 and rs11111419).

Results

Analyses of covariance controlling for sex and education years, indicated a significant association between a SNP (rs2037639) and age-corrected verbal memory index of WMS-R (nominal p = 0.0013) which remained significant after correction for multiple testing ( p = 0.0013 < 0.0017 = 0.05/30tests). Individuals with the GG genotype showed a significantly lower mean verbal memory score, compared with those individuals carrying the AA/AG genotype (106.0 ± 16.0 vs. 111.7 ± 13.4; p = 0.00099). A haplotype block containing two markers of rs2037639 and rs10860936 was associated with verbal memory index (permutation global p = 0.0091).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that common genetic variations in PAH are associated with verbal memory in healthy adults. Unknown functional polymorphisms in PAH or those in other genes nearby might affect memory performance.
Traditional botanical knowledge of artisanal fishers in southern Brazil
Authors: Baptista Marcela Meneghetti , Ramos Marcelo Alves , de Albuquerque Ulysses Paulino , Coelho-de-Souza Gabriela , Ritter Mara Rejane
Published: July 2013

Background

This study characterized the botanical knowledge of artisanal fishers of the Lami community, Porto Alegre, southern Brazil based on answers to the following question: Is the local botanical knowledge of the artisanal fishers of the rural-urban district of Lami still active, even since the district’s insertion into the metropolitan region of Porto Alegre?

Methods

This region, which contains a mosaic of urban and rural areas, hosts the Lami Biological Reserve (LBR) and a community of 13 artisanal fisher families. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 fishers, complemented by participatory observation techniques and free-lists; in these interviews, the species of plants used by the community and their indicated uses were identified.

Results

A total of 111 species belonging to 50 families were identified. No significant differences between the diversities of native and exotic species were found. Seven use categories were reported: medicinal (49%), human food (23.2%), fishing (12.3%), condiments (8%), firewood (5%), mystical purposes (1.45%), and animal food (0.72%). The medicinal species with the highest level of agreement regarding their main uses (AMUs) wereAloe arborescensMill., Plectranthus barbatusAndrews, Dodonaea viscosaJacq., Plectranthus ornatusCodd, Eugenia unifloraL., andFoeniculum vulgareMill. For illness and diseases, most plants were used for problems with the digestive system (20 species), followed by the respiratory system (16 species). This community possesses a wide botanical knowledge, especially of medicinal plants, comparable to observations made in other studies with fishing communities in coastal areas of the Atlantic Forest of Brazil.

Conclusions

Ethnobotanical studies in rural-urban areas contribute to preserving local knowledge and provide information that aids in conserving the remaining ecosystems in the region.
Analyses of chondrogenic induction of adipose mesenchymal stem cells by combined co-stimulation mediated by adenoviral gene transfer
Authors: Garza-Veloz Idalia , Romero-Diaz Viktor J , Martinez-Fierro Margarita L , Marino-Martinez Ivan A , Gonzalez-Rodriguez Manuel , Martinez-Rodriguez Herminia G , Espinoza-Juarez Marcela A , Bernal-Garza Dante A , Ortiz-Lopez Rocio , Rojas-Martinez Augusto
Published: July 2013

Introduction

Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) have the potential to differentiate into cartilage under stimulation with some reported growth and transcriptional factors, which may constitute an alternative for cartilage replacement approaches. In this study, we analyzed the in vitro chondrogenesis of ASCs transduced with adenoviral vectors encoding insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-β1), fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2), and sex-determining region Y-box 9 (SOX9) either alone or in combinations.

Methods

Aggregate cultures of characterized ovine ASCs were transduced with 100 multiplicity of infections of Ad.IGF-1, Ad.TGF-β1, Ad.FGF-2, and Ad.SOX9 alone or in combination. These were harvested at various time points for detection of cartilage-specific genes expression by quantitative real-time PCR or after 14 and 28 days for histologic and biochemical analyses detecting proteoglycans, collagens (II, I and X), and total sulfated glycosaminoglycan and collagen content, respectively.

Results

Expression analyses showed that co-expression of IGF-1 and FGF-2 resulted in higher significant expression levels of aggrecan, biglycan, cartilage matrix, proteoglycan, and collagen II (all P ≤0.001 at 28 days). Aggregates co-transduced with Ad.IGF-1/Ad.FGF-2 showed a selective expression of proteoglycans and collagen II, with limited expression of collagens I and × demonstrated by histological analyses, and had significantly greater glycosaminoglycan and collagen production than the positive control (P ≤0.001). Western blot analyses for this combination also demonstrated increased expression of collagen II, while expression of collagens I and × was undetectable and limited, respectively.

Conclusion

Combined overexpression of IGF-1/FGF-2 within ASCs enhances their chondrogenic differentiation inducing the expression of chondrogenic markers, suggesting that this combination is more beneficial than the other factors tested for the development of cell-based therapies for cartilage repair.
Migratory conventional dendritic cells in the induction of peripheral T cell tolerance
Authors: Broggi Achille , Zanoni Ivan , Granucci Francesca
Published: July 2013

Conventional DCs are an extremely heterogeneous cell population that comprises several different subsets. A major distinction can be made between lymphoid-resident DCs that are present in the lymphoid tissues and the blood and migratory DCs that reside in the nonlymphoid tissues and migrate to the lymph nodes, both in homeostatic conditions and during the course of an infection. Migratory DCs differ from tissue to tissue but share the unique ability to transport antigens to the draining lymph nodes—in particular, tissue-restricted antigens in homeostatic conditions and microbial antigens after an infection. Recently, steady-state migratory DCs have gained much attention after the discovery of their high tolerogenic potential. The purpose of this review is to give a picture of the recent finding regarding steady-state migratory DCs with particular interest in their role in inducing T cell tolerance.
Rates and Outcomes of Follicular Lymphoma Transformation in the Immunochemotherapy Era: A Report From the University of Iowa/Mayo Clinic Specialized Program of Research Excellence Molecular Epidemiology Resource
Authors: Link Brian K. , Maurer Matthew J. , Nowakowski Grzegorz S. , Ansell Stephen M. , Macon William R. , Syrbu Sergei I. , Slager Susan L. , Thompson Carrie A. , Inwards David J. , Johnston Patrick B. , Colgan Joseph P. , Witzig Thomas E. , Habermann Thomas M. , Cerhan James R.
Published: July 2013

Purpose

This study sought to characterize transformation incidence and outcome for patients with follicular lymphoma (FL) in a prospective observational series begun after diffusion of rituximab use.

Patients and Methods

Patients with newly diagnosed FL were prospectively enrolled onto the University of Iowa/Mayo Clinic Specialized Program of Research Excellence Molecular Epidemiology Resource from 2002 to 2009. Patients were actively followed for re-treatment, clinical or pathologic transformation, and death. Risk of transformation was analyzed via time to transformation by using death as a competing risk.

Results

In all, there were 631 patients with newly diagnosed grade 1 to 3a FL who had a median age at enrollment of 60 years. At a median follow-up of 60 months (range, 11 to 110 months), 79 patients had died, and 60 patients developed transformed lymphoma, of which 51 were biopsy proven. The overall transformation rate at 5 years was 10.7%, with an estimated rate of 2% per year. Increased lactate dehydrogenase was associated with increased risk of transformation. Transformation rate at 5 years was highest in patients who were initially observed and lowest in patients who initially received rituximab monotherapy (14.4% v 3.2%; P = .021). Median overall survival following transformation was 50 months and was superior in patients with transformation greater than 18 months after FL diagnosis compared with patients with earlier transformation (5-year overall survival, 66% v 22%; P < .001).

Conclusion

Follicular transformation rates in the immunochemotherapy era are similar to risk of death without transformation and may be lower than reported in older series. Post-transformation prognosis is substantially better than described in older series. Initial management strategies may influence the risk of transformation.
High Procedure Volume Is Strongly Associated With Improved Survival After Lung Cancer Surgery
Authors: Lüchtenborg Margreet , Riaz Sharma P. , Coupland Victoria H. , Lim Eric , Jakobsen Erik , Krasnik Mark , Page Richard , Lind Michael J. , Peake Michael D. , Møller Henrik
Published: July 2013

Purpose

Studies have reported an association between hospital volume and survival for non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We explored this association in England, accounting for case mix and propensity to resect.

Methods

We analyzed data on 134,293 patients with NSCLC diagnosed in England between 2004 and 2008, of whom 12,862 (9.6%) underwent surgical resection. Hospital volume was defined according to number of patients with resected lung cancer in each hospital in each year of diagnosis. We calculated hazard ratios (HRs) for death in three predefined periods according to hospital volume, sex, age, socioeconomic deprivation, comorbidity, and propensity to resect.

Results

There was increased survival in hospitals performing > 150 surgical resections compared with those carrying out < 70 (HR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.67 to 0.90; Ptrend < .01). The association between hospital volume and survival was present in all three periods of follow-up, but the magnitude of association was greatest in the early postoperative period.

Conclusion

High-volume hospitals have higher resection rates and perform surgery among patients who are older, have lower socioeconomic status, and have more comorbidities; despite this, they achieve better survival, most notably in the early postoperative period.
Association of different cognitive domains with the lifetime history of psychosis and reported antipsychotic- treatment adverse events in bipolar disorders.
Authors: Kałwa Agnieszka , Piróg- Balcerzak Agnieszka , Święcicki Łukasz
Published: July 2013

Aim of the study

The present work aimed to assess the association between cognitive functions, the lifetime occurrence of psychotic symptoms, and reported adverse effects of antipsychotic treatments in patients with bipolar disorders.

Subject or material and methods

In the present work, 44 bipolar disorder inpatients hospitalized in the Affective Disorders Unit of the Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology in Warsaw, were investigated. All of them met the criteria of remission and were prepared for release from the hospital unit. Twenty-two patients were hospitalized in the manic stage of the illness, and 22 were in the depressive stage of illness. Both groups were assessed using adequate psychiatric rating scales (HDRS or YMRS and CAMRS) and neuropsychological tests (WCST, TMT, Stroop Test and Verbal Fluency Test).

Results

Patients who had a prior history of psychotic symptoms had poorer verbal functioning in comparison to subjects without such a history. However, individuals hospitalized in the manic state of disease, and who reported more adverse events after antipsychotic medication during the whole course of illness, had worse results in some parameters of executive function measurements in the WCST test, namely occurring in a greater percentage of nonperseverative errors and a lower number of completed categories.

Discussion

Generally the results confirm findings according to which, patients with the history of psychosis performe worse on neurocognitive tasks. However, the nature of dysfunctions found, generates questions about its relations with the experience of psychosis and antipsychotic treatment.

Conclusions

Different aspects of cognitive dysfunctions may be related to the experience of psychosis and antipsychotic treatment in patients with bipolar disorders.
Risk of metabolic syndrome in patients with schizophrenia:
Comparative study with population of bank employees in Russia
Authors: Martynikhin Ivan , Tanyanskiy Dmitry , Rotar Oxana , Solntsev Vladislav , Sokolian Nina , Neznanov Nikolay , Konradi Alexandra , Shlyakhto Eugene , Denisenko Alexander
Published: July 2013

Aim of the study

This study is dedicated to evaluation of the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its components in patients with schizophrenia in Russia.

Subject or material and methods

138 patients with schizophrenia who received antipsychotic medication and 138 mental healthy subjects from 1,561 bank employees cohort matched to schizophrenic patients by sex, age and body mass index were enrolled to the study. Fasting blood plasma levels of glucose, lipids, insulin, cortisol, prolactin concentrations were determined.

Results

In comparison with control group patients had significantly higher frequency of metabolic syndrome and abdominal type of obesity (according to NCEP ATP III and IDF criteria). In spite of lesser level of plasma glucose and total cholesterol, plasma insulin and triglycerides concentrations were higher in patients with schizophrenia. High density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration was lower in patients while arterial blood pressure level didn’t differ between groups. Cortisol and prolactin levels were elevated in the patient group, but these hormones correlated neither with metabolic syndrome nor with any metabolic parameters studied.

Discussion

The study conducted in Russia revealed the increased frequency of metabolic syndrome in schizophrenic patients in comparison with mental healthy cohort. The main disorders found in the patient group were abdominal obesity, insulin resistance and dyslipidemia.

Conclusions

Results obtained in this study should be taken into account when developing of medical treatment of patients with schizophrenia.
When the Foundations of Life have been Upset….
An Integrated Clinical and Experimental Study with Refugees and Asylum Seekers
Authors: Schiltz Lony , Schiltz Jang
Published: July 2013

Aim of the study

Recent research results in clinical psychology, health psychology and neurobiology underline the relationship between dissociative states, complex posttraumatic syndromes and borderline functioning . Our study is meant to investigate the traumatic hypothesis of borderline functioning and to develop appropriate psychotherapeutic measures based on artistic mediations.

Subject or material and methods

We undertook an integrated clinical and experimental study with a sample of 73 refugees and asylum seekers. In a second stage, those who suffered from PTSD or complex post-traumatic states were offered to attend arts psychotherapeutic sessions..
We combined a semi-structured biographical interview, a projective test, i.e. the Sentences Completion Test , for which we developed a new manner of interpretation , and psychometric scales, i.e. the HADS and the Index of Wellbeing . Furthermore, we analysed the artistic production with the help of original rating scales .

Results

With the help of non parametric multidimensional statistics, we extracted two profiles of personality functioning, linked either to repeated breaks, negligence and maltreatment from the beginning of life, or either to a recent external catastrophe, interrupting a continuous life course. Through the evaluation of the arts therapeutic sessions, we could note the first signs of resumption of the blocked process of subjectivation.

Discussion

The results of the study support the traumatogenic hypothesis of borderline functioning, as well as current clinical considerations concerning the defensive role of dissociation in complex posttraumatic states.

Conclusions

The study opens tracks for future research concerning an in depth investigation of the arts therapeutic process with traumatized people.
Variations in Both TG1 and TG2 Isozyme-specific In Situ Activities and Protein Expressions during Mouse Embryonic Development
Authors: Itoh Miho , Tatsukawa Hideki , Eun-Seo Lee , Yamanishi Kiyofumi , Kojima Soichi , Hitomi Kiyotaka
Published: July 2013

Transglutaminase (TG) is a family of enzymes that catalyzes cross-linking reactions among proteins. Using fluorescent-labeled highly reactive substrate peptides, we recently developed a system to visualize isozyme-specific in situ enzymatic activity. In the present study, we investigated the in situ activities of TG1 (skin-type) and TG2 (tissue-type) using whole mouse sections of various embryonic developmental stages and neonates. In each case, we also successfully used immunostaining of identical whole mouse sections for protein expression after detection of enzymatic activities. In general, the enzymatic activity was correlated with TG protein expression. However, in some tissues, TG protein expression patterns, which were inconsistent with the enzymatic activities, suggested that inactive TGs were produced possibly by self cross-linking or other modifications. Our method allowed us to simultaneously observe developmental variations in both TG isozyme-specific activities and protein levels in mouse embryonic and neonate tissues.
Precarious Subjects: Ethics of Witnessing and Responsibility in the Plays of debbie tucker green
Authors: Fragkou Marissia
Published: July 2013

This article considers the complex ethics articulated in the work of black British playwright debbie tucker green. Drawing on Judith Butler, Hans-Thies Lehmann and Kelly Oliver as its key theoretical lenses, the article examines the interface of witnessing, precariousness and responsibility in dirty butterfly (2003), born bad (2003), stoning mary (2005) and random (2008) by paying close attention to the plays’ affective registers. The piece proposes that tucker green’s interrogation of the address-response frame through a double negation of ‘the human’, exposes the limitations of witnessing and responsibility and promotes a politics of affect. The article also makes a case that the positioning of the audience as witnesses to dehumanization and grief operates as an ethical and political trope that opens up the space for mobilizing a collective response-ability vis-à-vis the value of human life.