bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Experiences of long term ongoing structured support in early stage of dementia – a case study
Authors: Kjallman Alm Annika , Hellzen Ove , Norbergh Karl‐Gustaf 
Published: June 2013

BackgroundThe prevalence of dementia diseases is increasing worldwide with advancing age and growing populations. In Sweden alone, which currently has a population of approximately 9 million people, there are about 25 000 persons diagnosed each year with a dementia. Consequently, after such a diagnosis, there is a need for support. The recipients of that support include next of kin who seek a variety of information, including potential lifestyle changes and ways of dealing with personality changes in their loved one who has a dementia.Aims and objectivesThe aim was to explore four couples experiences in long‐term ongoing structured support groups.DesignA single‐case study using semi‐structured interviews supported by ‘diary notes’ maintained by each participating couple were used. Method: Semi‐structured interviews were analysed using content analysis.ResultThree categories represent the findings across the four cases: Knowledge about the disease, Sense of comfort and support, and, Kinship through shared experiences. One category, Longing for kinship was created exclusively for one of the couples. Viewing the emerging categories from a healthy ageing perspective, both comfort and support and kinship through shared experiences can be considered as components of larger themes of support and social interaction.ConclusionsFindings suggest that structured support groups are a good way to encourage discussions, allow persons with dementia to express themselves and support healthy ageing among partners.Implications for practiceFacilitators, regardless of whether they are social workers or Registered Nurses, should be trained in group processes to enable individuals in a group to communicate and find meaning in their experiences.
Functional relationships between plant feeding and prey feeding for a zoophytophagous bug
Authors: HAMDI FATEN , CHADOEUF JOEL , BONATO OLIVIER 
Published: June 2013

AbstractThe consumption of plants by the zoophytophagous bug Macrolophus pygmaeus Rambur (Heteroptera : Miridae) in relation to the presence or absence of prey is monitored for 7 days. Tobacco plants enriched with 15N, a stable, nonradioactive isotope of nitrogen, are used for characterization. In the absence of prey, the relationship between time and 15N content (which equates to plant feeding) is linear, with a constant daily accumulation of 15N; however, if prey are available, the mathematical relationship becomes curvilinear. From day 1 to day 5, feeding on plants is independent of the consumption of prey. The rate of 15N accumulation decreases in the presence of prey after day 5, whereas the number of prey eaten remains unchanged.
Symbiosis Between Photoactive Nanoparticles and their Organic Ligands
Authors: Pérez‐Prieto Julia 
Published: June 2013

AbstractPhotoactive spherical metal and semiconductor nanoparticles (NPs) are smart systems that exhibit unique properties, such as a high surface‐to‐volume ratio, a broad absorption spectrum and size‐dependent properties. They are capped with a considerable number of ligands required to give rise to stable organic and aqueous NP colloidal solutions. In addition, the ligands can also be used to introduce functionality at the NP periphery. In this case, the NP could act as a 3D‐scaffold, which would make a high local concentration of a functional moiety at the NP periphery possible, moreover, the photophysical properties of the NP could be tuned. The combined action of the organic capping and the inorganic core can exert an encapsulating effect, i.e. the organic capping could establish specific interactions with nearby molecules and this would enable the molecules to approach or interact with the NP surface. Therefore, the NP core and the ligand can work together providing the overall hybrid system with new properties or capacities. The relevance of the cooperative action between the spherical photoactive core and the capping are shown in this report with several recent examples developed by my research group, some of them in collaboration with other groups.
Adding Sentence Types to a Model of Syntactic Category Acquisition
Authors: Frank Stella , Goldwater Sharon , Keller Frank 
Published: June 2013

AbstractThe acquisition of syntactic categories is a crucial step in the process of acquiring syntax. At this stage, before a full grammar is available, only surface cues are available to the learner. Previous computational models have demonstrated that local contexts are informative for syntactic categorization. However, local contexts are affected by sentence‐level structure. In this paper, we add sentence type as an observed feature to a model of syntactic category acquisition, based on experimental evidence showing that pre‐syntactic children are able to distinguish sentence type using prosody and other cues. The model, a Bayesian Hidden Markov Model, allows for adding sentence type in a few different ways; we find that sentence type can aid syntactic category acquisition if it is used to characterize the differences in word order between sentence types. In these models, knowledge of sentence type permits similar gains to those found by extending the local context.
Translational models of ocular disease
Authors: Zeiss Caroline J. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractAnimals provide indispensable models to translate basic mechanistic discoveries and realize their therapeutic potential in humans. Conversely, advances in human medicine often inform management of similar conditions in clinical veterinary medicine. In this paper, key experimental model species are introduced, with emphasis on genetic contributions of the mouse. Its role and those of larger animal models are described in common ocular research areas including intraocular neoplasia, corneal epithelial and stromal disease, cataract, uveitis, glaucoma, and retinal dystrophies. Emphasis is placed on those conditions shared by humans and domestic animals, with the intent of exploring how the study of comparable conditions in humans, domestic animals, and laboratory animals informs one another.
Wound healing potential of topical bacteriophage therapy on diabetic cutaneous wounds
Authors: Mendes João J. , Leandro Clara , Corte‐Real Sofia , Barbosa Raquel , Cavaco‐Silva Patrícia , Melo‐Cristino José , Górski Andrzej , Garcia Miguel 
Published: June 2013

AbstractChronic wounds that fail to heal are a common complication of diabetes mellitus and the most common precipitating reason for nontraumatic lower limb amputation. Unfortunately, the bacterial species that cause these infections are becoming more resistant to antibiotics, making them increasingly difficult to treat. We assessed the feasibility of combating chronic bacterial infections with a topically delivered bacteriophage cocktail in two animal models of diabetes mellitus. Microbiological, planimetric, and histological parameters were compared in debrided infected wounds with or without topical bacteriophage treatment. We determined that bacteriophage treatment effectively decreased bacterial colony counts and improved wound healing, as indicated by smaller epithelial and dermal gaps, in Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections but was not as effective against Acinetobacter baumannii. Although the improvements were more significant in the rodent model than in the porcine model, our results suggest that topically administered bacteriophage treatment may be effective in resolving chronic infections, especially when applied in conjunction with wound debridement. These findings have important implications for the feasibility of using topical antimicrobial therapies to safely treat chronic infections in diabetes mellitus patients.
Correlation between Plasmodium yoelii nigeriensis Susceptibility to Artemisinin and Alkylation of Heme by the Drug
Authors: Robert Anne , Claparols Catherine , Witkowski Benoit , Benoit-Vical Françoise 
Published: June 2013

ABSTRACT

Evidence of artemisinin (ART) resistance in all of the Greater Mekong Region is currently of major concern. Understanding of the mechanisms of resistance developed by
Plasmodium
against artemisinin and its derivatives is urgently needed. We here demonstrated that ART was able to alkylate heme in mice infected by the ART-susceptible strain of
Plasmodium yoelii nigeriensis
, Y-control. After long-term drug pressure, the parasite strain (Y-ART3) was 5-fold less susceptible to ART than Y-control. In the blood of mice infected by Y-ART3, no heme-artemisinin adducts could be detected. After release of ART drug pressure, the parasite strain obtained (Y-REL) regained both drug susceptibility to ART and increased ability to produce covalent heme-artemisinin adducts. The correlation between parasite ART susceptibility and alkylation of heme by the drug confirms that heme or hemozoin metabolism is a key target for efficacy of ART as an antimalarial.
Contribution of Interleukin-12 p35 (IL-12p35) and IL-12p40 to Protective Immunity and Pathology in Mice Infected with Chlamydia muridarum
Authors: Chen Lili , Lei Lei , Zhou Zhou , He Jie , Xu Sha , Lu Chunxue , Chen Jianlin , Yang Zhangsheng , Wu Gangqiu , Yeh I-Tien , Zhong Guangming , Wu Yimou 
Published: June 2013

ABSTRACTThe p35 molecule is unique to interleukin-12 (IL-12), while p40 is shared by both IL-12 and IL-23. IL-12 promotes Th1 T cell responses, while IL-23 promotes Th17 T cell responses. The roles of IL-12p35- and IL-12p40-mediated responses in chlamydial infection were compared in mice following an intravaginal infection withChlamydia muridarum. Mice deficient in either IL-12p35 or p40 both developed similar but prolonged infection time courses, confirming the roles of IL-12-mediated immune responses in clearing primary infection. However, all mice, regardless of genotype, cleared reinfection within 2 weeks, suggesting that an IL-12- or IL-23-independent adaptive immunity is protective against chlamydial infection. All infected mice developed severe oviduct hydrosalpinx despite the increased Th2 responses in IL-12p35- or IL-12p40-deficient mice, suggesting that Th2-dominant responses can contribute toChlamydia-induced inflammatory pathology. Compared to IL-12p35 knockout mice, the IL-12p40-deficient mice exhibited more extensive spreading of chlamydial organisms into kidney tissues, leading to significantly increased incidence of pyelonephritis, which both confirms the role of IL-12 or IL-23-independent host responses inChlamydia-induced pathologies and suggests that in the absence of IL-12/IFN-γ-mediated Th1 immunity, an IL-23-mediated response may play an important role in restricting chlamydial organisms from spreading into distal organs. These observations together provide important information for both understanding chlamydial pathogenesis and developing anti-Chlamydiavaccines.
Haemophilus ducreyi Infection Induces Activation of the NLRP3 Inflammasome in Nonpolarized but Not in Polarized Human Macrophages
Authors: Li Wei , Katz Barry P. , Bauer Margaret E. , Spinola Stanley M. 
Published: June 2013

ABSTRACT

Recognition of microbial infection by certain intracellular pattern recognition receptors leads to the formation of a multiprotein complex termed the inflammasome. Inflammasome assembly activates caspase-1 and leads to cleavage and secretion of the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and IL-18, which help control many bacterial pathogens. However, excessive inflammation mediated by inflammasome activation can also contribute to immunopathology. Here, we investigated whether
Haemophilus ducreyi
, a Gram-negative bacterium that causes the genital ulcer disease chancroid, activates inflammasomes in experimentally infected human skin and in monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM). Although
H. ducreyi
is predominantly extracellular during human infection, several inflammasome-related components were transcriptionally upregulated in
H. ducreyi
-infected skin. Infection of MDM with live, but not heat-killed,
H. ducreyi
induced caspase-1- and caspase-5-dependent processing and secretion of IL-1β. Blockage of
H. ducreyi
uptake by cytochalasin D significantly reduced the amount of secreted IL-1β. Knocking down the expression of the inflammasome components NLRP3 and ASC abolished IL-1β production. Consistent with NLRP3-dependent inflammasome activation, blocking ATP signaling, K
+
efflux, cathepsin B activity, and lysosomal acidification all inhibited IL-1β secretion. However, inhibition of the production and function of reactive oxygen species did not decrease IL-1β production. Polarization of macrophages to classically activated M1 or alternatively activated M2 cells abrogated IL-1β secretion elicited by
H. ducreyi
. Our study data indicate that
H. ducreyi
induces NLRP3 inflammasome activation via multiple mechanisms and suggest that the heterogeneity of macrophages within human lesions may modulate inflammasome activation during human infection.
Perforin-2 Restricts Growth of Chlamydia trachomatis in Macrophages
Authors: Fields K. A. , McCormack R. , de Armas L. R. , Podack E. R. 
Published: June 2013

ABSTRACTChlamydia trachomatisis a Gram-negative obligate intracellular bacterium that preferentially infects epithelial cells. Professional phagocytes provideC. trachomatisonly a limited ability to survive and are proficient killers of chlamydiae. We present evidence herein that identifies a novel host defense protein, perforin-2, that plays a significant role in the eradication ofC. trachomatisduring the infection of macrophages. Knockdown of perforin-2 in macrophages did not alter the invasion of host cells but did result in chlamydial growth that closely mirrored that detected in HeLa cells.C trachomatisL2, serovar B, and serovar D andC. muridarumwere all equally susceptible to perforin-2-mediated killing. Interestingly, induction of perforin-2 expression in epithelial cells is blocked during productive chlamydial growth, thereby protecting chlamydiae from bactericidal attack. Ectopic expression of perforin-2 in HeLa cells, however, does result in killing. Overall, our data implicate a new innate resistance protein in the control of chlamydial infection and may help explain why the macrophage environment is hostile to chlamydial growth.
HIGH-ENERGY FEMORAL SHAFT FRACTURES IN CABLE WAKEBOARDING AND REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE. CASE REPORT
Authors: Bäcker Henrik , Vásárhelyi Gábor , Pánics Gergely 
Published: June 2013

Wakeboarding is a common water sport which may cause serious injuries. Especially joints are affected like anterior cruciate ligament tears, shoulder dislocations or sprained ankles and have frequently been described. In contrast, because of the largeness, length and strength of the femur, femoral shaft fractures are mainly caused by high-energy trauma in young people1in an ordinary population.Among athletic population numerous studies evaluated stress fractures of the femur. According to their results this type of injury is relatively uncommon, and data from the literature suggest that they constitute only 2.8–7% of all sport related stress fractures.2There are only few data about high-energy trauma of the femoral shaft in sport although the incidence of acute femoral fractures is quite high in certain sports' like motocross (10%),3and alpine skiing among inpatient athletes.Despite multiple reports in various sports of stress fracture of the femur and few publications of direct trauma, to our knowledge there is only one retrospective epidemiological study in wakeboarding, which reports femur fractures without differentiating between vehicle towed and cable wakeboarding. Our purpose is to illustrate two cases of high-energy related femoral shaft fractures in a male recreational cable wakeboarder and to review the pertinent literature.
SURGICAL TREATMENT FOR MIDPORTION ACHILLES TENDINOPATHY- A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
Authors: David Sina , Nauk Tanja , Lohrer Heinz 
Published: June 2013

BackgroundPurpose of this systematic review was (i) to provide means of judgement to assess the benefits and tradeoffs related with different surgical treatments for midportion Achilles tendinopathy and (ii) to highlight possible alternative treatments for Achilles tendinopathy in cases when conservative treatments fail to reach patient satisfaction.MethodsTo identify studies about surgical treatment of patients with mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy, MEDLINE, Cochrane Database and Google databases (1945 till November 2012) were searched. After excluding several articles due to our selection criteria, the remaining articles were analyzed and evaluated using the Coleman Methodology Score. Additionally, success rate and the complication rate were determined.ResultsSeven studies met our inclusion criteria. These reports evaluated five different operative techniques. A total of 353 tendons were treated in 347 patients with open or minimally invasive techniques. The mean patient satisfaction was 71.4% (range 48% to 100%). The mean rate of minor complications was 4.6% (range 0% to 9.5%). The average of major complications was 3.3% (rang 0% to 14%). The studies assessing minimally invasive techniques reported an average success rate of 62% (range 49% to 75%), 2.7%, minor complications (range 0% to 8%), and no major complications. The open invasive procedures show an average success rate of 78% (range 52% to 86%), a minor complication rate of 6% (range 0% to 9.5%), and a major complication rate of 5.8% (range 0% to 12%).ConclusionsAll investigated operative methods were demonstrated to improve patients's conditions, though success rates varied between operative techniques. The complication rate differs between used techniques. Minimal invasive operative techniques seem to be related with fewer complications but open techniques report on higher success rates. Results vary between subjects according to sex and activity level.
THE HIDDEN DANGER OF ENDURANCE RACES: ANALGESIC USE AMONG ULTRAMARATHON RUNNERS
Authors: Scheer Bernd Volker , Valero Burgos Encarna 
Published: June 2013

BackgroundUltramarathon races have gained popularity in recent years and test the limits of human endurance. Runners often take analgesic medication during endurance foot races which may lead to gastrointestinal complications, altered renal function, and is associated with the development of hyponatremia and rhabdomyolysis.MethodsWe conducted a prospective survey study to gather data on prevalence, awareness, and reasons for consumption of analgesic medication used among ultramarathon runners during the Al Andalus Ultimate Trail 2012. Data were obtained post race using a direct-interview technique on standardized questionnaires.ResultsThirty-two ultramarathon runners (26 male, 6 female, mean age 39.5±7.9, previous ultramarathon experience 7.7±9) participated in the study. The majority of runners (53%) did not take any form of analgesic; 44% said they had used them sometime during the race and training; and 3% had used them regularly. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) were most commonly used (60%) followed by Paracetamol (40%). The reasons for use were to reduce musculoskeletal pain (65%) or to combat fatigue (24%). All runners felt that taking an analgesic provided effective relief. Only 6 % of athletes obtained them through a prescription from their doctor. The main sources of recommendation were fellow runners and friends (56%), self initiative (22%) or coaches (6%). They were mainly obtained in shops (47%) and chemists (47%) and rarely on the Internet (6%). Two thirds of runners said they were aware of adverse effects, naming mainly renal failure (27%), gastrointestinal problems (18%) and liver failure (9%).ConclusionWe found a high prevalence of analgesic medication use among ultramarathon runners. A third of runners were not aware of any adverse effects or dangers associated with analgesic consumption. Analgesic medication may have deleterious effects on the body and its performance. Pre-race education programmes may help increase awareness of effects, risks and appropriate use, and consumption.
THE LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF AEROBIC TRAINING VERSUS COMBINED TRAINING ON PHYSICAL FITNESS AND CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES RISK FACTORS IN OVERWEIGH ELDERLY MEN WITH HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
Authors: Sousa Nelson , Mendes Romeu , Abrantes Catarina , Sampaio Jaime , Oliveira José 
Published: June 2013

BackgroundRisk factors of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) tend to aggregate with aging. Several studies showed the effectiveness of exercise on physical fitness and cardiovascular health; however, research on the long-term effects of different modes of exercise in subjects at risk is still lacking. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare different modes of exercise on physical fitness and CVD risk factors in overweigh elderly men with high blood pressure.MethodsForty-eight overweigh elderly men (BMI≥25 kg/m2) with high blood pressure (SBP≥130 and/or DBP≥85 mmHg) were randomly assigned to an aerobic training group (ATG, n=15, 71.7±4.7 years), a combined aerobic and resistance training group (CTG, n=16, 68.5±3.5 years), and a control group (n=17, 67.0±5.8 years). Both training programs were of moderate-to-vigorous intensity, three days per week for nine months. Six independent physical fitness tests (back scratch, chair sit-and-reach, 30-s chair stand, arm curl, 8-foot up-and-go, 6-min walk), body fat mass, fat-free mass, systolic and diastolic blood pressure were measured on five different occasions. The data were analyzed using a mixed-model analysis of variance.ResultsANOVA indicated a significant main effect of group (p≤0.001) for all physical fitness tests, with significant differences between both training groups and control. However the ATG only improved flexibility (back scratch and chair sit-and-reach), whereas CTG improved all physical fitness components. ANOVA also identified a significant main effect of time for 8-foot up-and-go (p=0.031) in the CTG. A significant main effect of group (p=0.000) and time (p=0.029) was observed in body fat mass percentage, with a 2.3% decrease in CTG. A significant main effect of time was observed in SBP (p=0.005) with reductions of 15 mmHg and 24 mmHg (in ATG and CTG, respectively) and in DBP (p=0.011) with reductions of 6 mmHg and 12 mm Hg (in ATG and CTG, respectively).ConclusionsBoth training programs increased physical fitness, however the effects are more extensive with the combination of aerobic and resistance training. exercise training is a non-pharmacological safe and effective tool in reducing blood pressure, but larger changes are observed in the presence of body fat loss. Therefore, the combination of aerobic training with resistance training in the same program is more effective in the promotion of physical fitness and in the prevention of CVD risk factors than aerobic training alone.