bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Serum miRNA expression profiles change in autoimmune vitiligo in mice
Authors: Shi Yu‐Ling , Weiland Matthew , Lim Henry W. , Mi Qing‐Sheng , Zhou Li 
Published: January 2014

AbstractIt is widely believed that non‐segmental vitiligo results from the autoimmune destruction of melanocytes. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a class of small non‐coding RNAs that negatively regulate gene expression, are involved in the immune cell development and function and regulate the development of autoimmune diseases. Recent studies demonstrate that functional miRNAs can be detected in the serum and serve as biomarkers of various diseases. In the present study, we used a mouse autoimmune vitiligo model, in which melanocyte autoreactive CD4+ T cells were adoptively transferred into Rag1−/− host mice. Serum miRNA expression was profiled in vitiligo developed mice and control mice using TaqMan RT‐PCR arrays. We have found that the expressions of 20 serum miRNAs were changed in vitiligo mice compared to control mice. Three increased miRNAs, miR‐146a, miR‐191, and miR‐342‐3p, were further confirmed by a single TaqMan RT‐PCR. Our findings suggest that miRNAs may be involved in vitiligo development and serum miRNAs could serve as serum biomarkers for vitiligo in mice.
Selenium induces a multi‐targeted cell death process in addition to ROS formation
Authors: Wallenberg Marita , Misra Sougat , Wasik Agata M. , Marzano Cristina , Björnstedt Mikael , Gandin Valentina , Fernandes Aristi P 
Published: January 2014

AbstractSelenium compounds inhibit neoplastic growth. Redox active selenium compounds are evolving as promising chemotherapeutic agents through tumour selectivity and multi‐target response, which are of great benefit in preventing development of drug resistance. Generation of reactive oxygen species is implicated in selenium‐mediated cytotoxic effects on cancer cells. Recent findings indicate that activation of diverse intracellular signalling leading to cell death depends on the chemical form of selenium applied and/or cell line investigated. In the present study, we aimed at deciphering different modes of cell death in a single cell line (HeLa) upon treatment with three redox active selenium compounds (selenite, selenodiglutathione and seleno‐DL‐cystine). Both selenite and selenodiglutathione exhibited equipotent toxicity (IC50 5 μM) in these cells with striking differences in toxicity mechanisms. Morphological and molecular alterations provided evidence of necroptosis‐like cell death in selenite treatment, whereas selenodiglutathione induced apoptosis‐like cell death. We demonstrate that selenodiglutathione efficiently glutathionylated free protein thiols, which might explain the early differences in cytotoxic effects induced by selenite and selenodiglutathione. In contrast, seleno‐DL‐cystine treatment at an IC50 concentration of 100 μM induced morphologically two distinct different types of cell death, one with apoptosis‐like phenotype, while the other was reminiscent of paraptosis‐like cell death, characterized by induction of unfolded protein response, ER‐stress and occurrence of large cytoplasmic vacuoles. Collectively, the current results underline the diverse cytotoxic effects and variable potential of redox active selenium compounds on the survival of HeLa cells and thereby substantiate the potential of chemical species‐specific usage of selenium in the treatment of cancers.
Vitamin K Antagonists: Beyond Bleeding
Authors: Krüger Thilo , Floege Jürgen 
Published: January 2014

AbstractWarfarin is the most widely used oral anticoagulant in clinical use today. Indications range from prosthetic valve replacement to recurrent thromboembolic events due to antiphospholipid syndrome. In hemodialysis (HD) patients, warfarin use is even more frequent than in the nonrenal population due to increased cardiovascular comorbidities. The use of warfarin in dialysis patients with atrial fibrillation requires particular caution because side effects may outweigh the assumed benefit of reduced stroke rates. Besides increased bleeding risk, coumarins exert side effects which are not in the focus of clinical routine, yet they deserve special consideration in dialysis patients and should influence the decision of whether or not to prescribe vitamin K antagonists in cases lacking clear guidelines. Issues to be taken into consideration in HD patients are the induction or acceleration of cardiovascular calcifications, a 10‐fold increased risk of calciphylaxis and problems related to maintaining a target INR range. New anticoagulants like direct thrombin inhibitors are promising but have not yet been approved for ESRD patients. Here, we summarize the nontraditional side effects of coumarins and give recommendations about the use of vitamin K antagonists in ESRD patients.
Improving Strength and Power in Trained Athletes With 3 Weeks of Occlusion Training
Authors: Cook Christian J. , Kilduff Liam P. , Beaven C. Martyn 
Published: January 2014

Purpose:To examine the effects of moderate-load exercise with and without blood-flow restriction (BFR) on strength, power, and repeated-sprint ability, along with acute and chronic salivary hormonal parameters.Methods:Twenty male semiprofessional rugby union athletes were randomized to a lower-body BFR intervention (an occlusion cuff inflated to 180 mmHg worn intermittently on the proximal thighs) or a control intervention that trained without occlusion in a crossover design. Experimental sessions were performed 3 times a week for 3 wk with 5 sets of 5 repetitions of bench press, leg squat, and pull-ups performed at 70% of 1-repetition maximum.Results:Greater improvements were observed (occlusion training vs control) in bench press (5.4 ± 2.6 vs 3.3 ± 1.4 kg), squat (7.8 ± 2.1 vs 4.3 ± 1.4 kg), maximum sprint time (−0.03 ± 0.03 vs –0.01 ± 0.02 s), and leg power (168 ± 105 vs 68 ± 50 W). Greater exercise-induced salivary testosterone (ES 0.84–0.61) and cortisol responses (ES 0.65–0.20) were observed after the occlusion intervention sessions compared with the nonoccluded controls; however, the acute cortisol increases were attenuated across the training block.Conclusions:Occlusion training can potentially improve the rate of strength-training gains and fatigue resistance in trained athletes, possibly allowing greater gains from lower loading that could be of benefit during high training loads, in competitive seasons, or in a rehabilitative setting. The clear improvement in bench-press strength resulting from lower-body occlusion suggests a systemic effect of BFR training.
Evaluation of Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization–Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry for Rapid Detection of β-Lactam Resistance in Enterobacteriaceae Derived from Blood Cultures
Authors: Jung Jette Sophia , Popp Christina , Sparbier Katrin , Lange Christoph , Kostrzewa Markus , Schubert Soeren 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACT

The identification of pathogens directly from blood cultures by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) can be a valuable tool for improving the treatment of patients with sepsis and bacteremia. However, the increasing incidence of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria makes it difficult to predict resistance patterns based only on pathogen identification. Most therapy regimens for sepsis caused by Gram-negative rods consist of at least one β-lactam antibiotic. Thus, it would be of great benefit to have an early marker of resistance against these drugs. In the current study, we tested 100 consecutive blood cultures containing
Enterobacteriaceae
for resistance against 3rd-generation cephalosporins in a MALDI-TOF MS β-lactamase assay.
Escherichia coli
was also tested for resistance against aminopenicillins. The results of the β-lactamase assay were compared with those of conventional methods. The assay permitted discrimination between
E. coli
strains that were resistant or susceptible to aminopenicillins with a sensitivity and a specificity of 100%. The same was true for resistance to 3rd-generation cephalosporins in
Enterobacteriaceae
that constitutively produced class C β-lactamases. Discrimination was more difficult in species expressing class A β-lactamases, as these enzymes can generate false-positive results. Thus, the sensitivity and specificity for this group were 100% and 91.5%, respectively. The test permitted the prediction of resistance within 2.5 h after the blood culture was flagged as positive.
Identification, Genotypic Relation, and Clinical Features of Colistin-Resistant Isolates of Acinetobacter Genomic Species 13BJ/14TU from Bloodstreams of Patients in a University Hospital
Authors: Lee Seung Yeob , Shin Jong Hee , Park Kyung Hwa , Kim Ju Hee , Shin Myung Geun , Suh Soon Pal , Ryang Dong Wook , Kim Soo Hyun 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACT

Colistin resistance remains rare among clinical isolates of
Acinetobacter
species. We noted the emergence of colistin-resistant bloodstream isolates of the
Acinetobacter
genomic species (GS) 13BJ/14TU from patients at a university hospital between 2003 and 2011. We report here, for the first time, the microbiological and molecular characteristics of these isolates, with clinical features of
Acinetobacter
GS 13BJ/14TU bacteremia. All 11 available patient isolates were correctly identified as
Acinetobacter
GS 13BJ/14TU using partial
rpoB
gene sequencing but were misidentified using the phenotypic methods Vitek 2 (mostly as
Acinetobacter baumannii
), MicroScan (mostly as
A. baumannii/Acinetobacter haemolyticus
), and the API 20 NE system (all as
A. haemolyticus
). Most isolates were susceptible to commonly used antibiotics, including carbapenems, but all were resistant to colistin, for which it is unknown whether the resistance is acquired or intrinsic. However, the fact that none of the patients had a history of colistin therapy strongly suggests that
Acinetobacter
GS 13BJ/14TU is innately resistant to colistin. The phylogenetic tree of multilocus sequence typing (MLST) showed that all 11 isolates formed a separate cluster from other
Acinetobacter
species and yielded five sequence types. However, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) revealed 11 distinct patterns, suggesting that the bacteremia had occurred sporadically. Four patients showed persistent bacteremia (6 to 17 days), and all 11 patients had excellent outcomes with cleared bacteremia, suggesting that patients with
Acinetobacter
GS 13BJ/14TU-associated bacteremia show a favorable outcome. These results emphasize the importance of precise species identification, especially regarding colistin resistance in
Acinetobacter
species. In addition, MLST offers another approach to the identification of
Acinetobacter
GS 13BJ/14TU, whereas PFGE is useful for genotyping for this species.
The Value of Postmortem Microbiology Cultures
Authors: Riedel Stefan 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACTSince the inception of evidence-based scientific concepts in medicine in the 19th century, the utility of postmortem microbiologic examinations has been a topic of controversy. For every study describing a lack of correlation between antemortem clinical and laboratory findings and postmortem culture results, there is equal evidence from other studies that indicates at least some limited utility in select cases. While the contributions of autopsies and postmortem microbiologic examinations in the discovery of novel infectious microorganisms are generally appreciated by the medical and scientific societies, the problems of implementing routine procedures in daily autopsy practice clearly relate to the lack of consensus on their broader utility as well as to a lack of regulatory guidelines. This review provides an overview of the literature-based evidence regarding the utility of postmortem microbiologic examinations together with some practical aspects and guidelines for those confronted with the issue of whether to allow or discourage the use of bacteriologic cultures obtained during autopsies.
Clopidogrel metaboliser status based on point-of-care CYP2C19 genetic testing in patients with coronary artery disease
Authors: James Stefan , Duvvuru Suman , Jakubowski Joseph A. , Wagner Henrik , Varenhorst Christoph , Tantry Udaya S. , Brown Patricia B. , Small David , Moser Brian A. , Sundseth Scott S. , Walker Joseph R. , Winters Kenneth J. , Gurbel Paul A. , Erlinge David 
Published: January 2014

SummaryWe compared results obtained with the Nanosphere Verigene® System, a novel point-of-care (POC) genetic test capable of analysing 11 CYP2C19 variants within 3 hours, to an established, validated genotyping method (Affymetrix™ DMET+; reference assay) for identifying extensive and reduced metabolisers of clopidogrel. Based on genotyping, patients (N=82) with stable coronary artery disease on clopidogrel 75 mg daily were defined as extensive metabolisers (*1/*1, *1/*17, *17/*17), reduced metabolisers (*1/*2, *1/*8, *2/*2, *2/*3), or of indeterminate metaboliser status (*2/*17). Pharmacokinetic exposure to clopidogrel’s active metabolite and pharmacodynamic measures with P2Y12 reaction units (PRU) (VerifyNow® P2Y12 assay) and VASP PRI (PRI) were also assessed. There was a 99.9% overall concordance of marker-level data between the Nanosphere Verigene and DMET+ systems in identifying the CYP2C19 variants and 100% agreement in classifying the patients as extensive (n=59) or reduced metabolisers (n=15). Extensive metabolisers had significantly higher active metabolite exposure than reduced metabolisers (LS means 12.6 ng*h/ml vs 7.7 ng*h/ml; p<0.001). Extensive metabolisers also had lower PRU (LS means 158 vs 212; p=0.003) and VASP PRI (LS means 48% vs 63%, p=0.01) compared to reduced metabolisers. Rates of high on-treatment platelet reactivity were higher in reduced metabolisers compared to extensive metabolisers (VASP PRI ≥50%: 79% vs 47%; PRU >235: 33% vs 16%). The Nanosphere Verigene CBS system identified 11 CYP2C19 alleles in less than 3 hours with a high degree of accuracy when compared to a conventional method, and was further validated against pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic phenotypes.
Contributions of the Hadley and Ferrel Circulations to the Energetics of the Atmosphere over the Past 32 Years*
Authors: Huang Junling , McElroy Michael B. 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
The Hadley system provides an example of a thermally direct circulation; the Ferrel system in contrast provides an example of a thermally indirect circulation. In this study, the authors develop an approach to investigate the key thermodynamic properties of the Hadley and Ferrel systems, quantifying them using assimilated meteorological data covering the period January 1979–December 2010. This analysis offers a fresh perspective on the conversion of energy in the atmosphere from diabatic heating to the production of atmospheric kinetic energy. The results indicate that the thermodynamic efficiency of the Hadley system, considered as a heat engine, has been relatively constant over the 32-yr period covered by the analysis, averaging 2.6%. Over the same interval, the power generated by the Hadley regime has risen at an average rate of about 0.54 TW yr−1; this reflects an increase in energy input to the system consistent with the observed trend in the tropical sea surface temperatures. The Ferrel system acts as a heat pump with a coefficient of performance of 12.1, consuming kinetic energy at an approximate rate of 275 TW and exceeding the power production rate of the Hadley system by 77 TW.
Survivorship of Bipolar Fresh Total Osteochondral Ankle Allograft
Authors: Giannini Sandro , Buda Roberto , Pagliazzi Gherardo , Ruffilli Alberto , Cavallo Marco , Baldassarri Matteo , Vannini Francesca 
Published: January 2014

Background: Severe posttraumatic ankle arthritis poses a reconstructive challenge in the young and active patient. Bipolar fresh total osteochondral allograft (BFTOA) may represent an intriguing alternative to arthrodesis and prosthetic replacement. The purpose of this article was to evaluate the outcomes of BFTOA performed through an anterior approach to the ankle and to investigate the parameters influencing the results. Methods: A total of 26 patients (18 males and 8 females with a mean age of 34.9 ± 7.7 years) underwent BFTOA. The allograft was prepared with the help of specifically designed jigs and the surgery was performed using a direct anterior approach. Patients were evaluated clinically and radiographically at 2, 4, 6, and 12 months after the operation, and at a mean 40.9 ± 14.1 months of follow-up. Radiographic evaluation included the measurement of allograft size matching and alignment. Results: The AOFAS score improved from 26.6 ± 6 preoperatively to 77.8 ± 8.7 after a mean follow-up of 40.9 ± 14.1 months ( P < .0005). Six failures occurred. Joint degeneration was classified as 2 in 12 and as 3 in 14 patients. A statistically significant correlation between low degrees of distal tibial slope and better clinical outcomes was observed ( P = .049). Conclusion: BFTOA appears to be a viable option to arthrodesis or arthroplasty. Precise allograft sizing, stable fitting, and fixation and delayed weight-bearing were key factors for a successful outcome. In this series the correct alignment of the tibial graft, in terms of slope, was found to play a crucial role in the allograft survivorship. Level of Evidence: Level IV, case series.
Family care for immigrants with dementia: The perspectives of female family carers living in the Netherlands
Authors: van Wezel Nienke , Francke Anneke L , Kayan-Acun Emine , LJM Devillé Walter , van Grondelle Nies J , Blom Marco M 
Published: January 2014

Abstracts Background The prevalence of dementia is increasing among non-western immigrants. It is known that family care is provided relatively often among immigrant groups. Until now, however, relatively little was known about how relatives of people with dementia in the immigrant communities perceive family care. This study therefore focuses on describing the perspectives of female Turkish, Moroccan and Surinamese Creole family carers in the Netherlands about providing family care to a close relative with dementia. Methods Forty-one individual interviews and six focus group interviews ( n=28) were held with female Turkish, Moroccan and Surinamese Creole family carers who are looking after a close relative with dementia. A qualitative analysis of the interviews has been carried out, supported by the software MaxQda. Results Related to their cultural and religious backgrounds, female family carers with Turkish, Moroccan or Surinamese Creole origins see family care as a task that they should carry out with respect and love. They feel that family care is superior to professional care and that it is principally a task for women. If men do have a role in family care, then it generally covers non-physical aspects. Despite the fact that the family carers interviewed listed aspects that make caring for a close relative with dementia difficult, they do say that they get a great deal of satisfaction from providing this care. In Turkish and Moroccan families in particular this type of care leads to more recognition and appreciation of the daughter or daughter-in-law who is giving it. Conclusion Family carers of Turkish, Moroccan or Surinamese Creole origin derive a great deal of satisfaction from giving family care to a relative with dementia. This fulfilment largely outweighs the burden of care. Professional support or information for these family carers can be improved by also focusing on the positive aspects of providing family care instead of an exclusive focus on reducing the burden.
‘Be Amorous, But Be Chaste…’: Sexual morality in Byzantine learned and vernacular romance
Authors: Garland Lynda 
Published: January 2014

Tales of love and romance, although love stories were regarded of less account than other literary themes, had always been a part of the literature of ancient Greece:
‘There never was a time in the history of Greek Literature when a good story of personal adventure of any kind, erotic or non-erotic, tragic, comic or scandalous, wonder-seeking or realistic, was not welcome to readers or listeners, so long as it was presented within the context of an approved literary form, or on a suitable oral occasion. The Greeks from the earliest times were familier with all kinds of stories and enjoyed them.’
Household and small-scale rural enterprises in the southern European periphery: a case-study from Peonia, Greece
Authors: Simmons C. , Kalantaridis C. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractSince the mid-1970s a number of rural areas on the periphery of Southern Europe have undergone rapid economic growth and structural transformation. They appeared to be following the earlier and much celebrated experience of the Third Italy. The major form of industrial organisation which emerged in these regions was the small ‘flexible’ firm, and this was widely regarded as an alternative to the Taylor-Fordist paradigm which lay at the heart of the industrialisation process of the more favoured regions, both within Southern Europe and beyond. However, almost from the outset, the idea that Flexible Specialisation presents an all-embracing, coherent robust organisational model was controversial. Several important disputes concerning the precise meaning of the term and the causes, processes and its prospects arose. Most attention was directed to Iberia, and Greece has only attracted a very limited degree of scholarly interest — despite its earlier accession to the EC.Our study, which is based upon primary data obtained through extensive fieldwork investigation, focuses upon a particular county (eparkhia) — that of Peonia (located in Macedonia) which, we argue, exemplifies rural industrialisation. The recent history of the county illustrates a complex articulation of exogenous and local factors in generating growth. Driven by the remarkable expansion of garment manufacturing since 1978, Peonia was characterised by what we call a cost paring and cost evading regime; a feature depressingly common to sweatshop garment producers the world over. Rather than suggesting the emergence of a brave new era of Flexible Specialisation, the case of Peonia is more akin to that of an ‘informal’ or ‘underground’ economy facing a highly uncertain future.
Physical evidence revealed during the cleaning and the excavations of the outer wall of the land walls of Constantinople at the Porta Romanus
Authors: Ersen Ahmet 
Published: January 2014

AbstractDuring the clearance, excavations and conservation of the Land walls of Constantinople in 1992-93 at the Porta Romanus (Topkapi) some original details of the Theodosian construction techniques and the subsequent repairs were found. It was seen that the structural system of the outer wall which supports the parapet walk and the battlement had been altered during the Late Byzantine era. It was also affirmed that the inner and the outer terrace had been used as a burial ground and ceramic pipes for the water supply system of the moat and stone culverts for the disposal of the ground water of the inner terrace were found.
On St. Artemius as ‘Deacon’
Authors: Woods David 
Published: January 2014

The publication of an English translation of the 7th-century Miracles of St. Artemios, with facing Greek text and accompanying commentary, is most welcome, and will undoubtedly invite further discussion of the various points of interest raised by this text. Here I wish to focus on the physical appearance of St. Artemios, in particular his alleged appearance as a deacon in miracle 32. In this miracle, a friend tells a certain Menas how St. Artemius had appeared to him as he slept in the Church of St. John the Baptist and had cured his hernia. The text, and recent translation, run:
καἱ τῆ τρίτη ήμέρᾳ όρῶ καθ’ ὕπνους τινά χλαινηφόρον στιχάριν φοροῦντα καἱ βαλτίδιον...“and on the third day” I saw in my sleep someone wearing a cloak, also a deacon’s alb and a belt ...